Castles & Manors
9 Days from $2,779 per person
A complete circle of Ireland including fairytale castle and manor house stays. Visit the ancient city of Dublin, the wild Cliffs of Moher and the island's ‘emerald' countryside. See the wilderness of Connemara and stay in Galway's Ballynahinch Castle, built in the 1580s by Donal O'Flaherty, the first husband of Ireland's fearsome pirate queen, Grace O'Malley.
Overview
A complete circle of Ireland including fairytale castle and manor house stays. Visit the ancient city of Dublin, the wild Cliffs of Moher and the island's ‘emerald' countryside. See the wilderness of Connemara and stay in Galway's Ballynahinch Castle, built in the 1580s by Donal O'Flaherty, the first husband of Ireland's fearsome pirate queen, Grace O'Malley.
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive Dublin – Afternoon Sightseeing
Set your watch to the lively pace of Ireland's capital city – the springboard for our in-depth Hidden Journey through the lush landscapes and enduring charm of Ireland. On arrival at Dublin Airport transfers will operate at 8.30 am, 11 am and 1 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Our exploration of Dublin with a Local Specialist will see us view St. Patrick's Cathedral and the colorful Georgian Squares. Spend some time at leisure meandering through Dublin's pretty cobblestone streets before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception celebrating traditional Irish flavors.
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Day 3: Dublin – Kildare – Cashel – Killarney (2 Nights)
We traverse picturesque landscapes to Kildare, delving into Ireland's thoroughbred industry at the Irish National Stud during a Cultural Insight where we'll have a rare opportunity to see the foaling unit, museum and of course the magnificent stallions that continue to make racing history. Our journey south brings us to the haunt of St. Patrick and the spectacular Rock of Cashel where we will view its majestic ecclesiastical ruins with a Local Specialist. We continue to Killarney, with its beautiful lakeside setting and enjoy an evening at leisure to soak up the lively atmosphere of one of Ireland's friendliest towns. -
Day 4: Ring of Kerry Excursion
Enjoy a slow start to your morning by joining a Local Specialist for a leisurely guided walk at Torc Waterfall, meandering over wooded paths and lakeshore trails. We embark on an epic drive, exploring the enduring beauty of the Ring of Kerry whose enchanting coastal landscapes have inspired writers and poets for centuries. -
Day 5: Killarney – Cliffs of Moher – Galway – Connemara (2 Nights)
The beautiful views continue as we visit the Cliffs of Moher that rise imposingly up from the Atlantic, 700 feet above the waters below. Continue to County Galway and visit the Connemara Marble artisan workshop for a fascinating Cultural Insight where you will learn first-hand about the famous green jade-like marble for which the area is so famous. Your home for the next two nights is Ballynahinch, one of the finest luxury castles in the world. Admire the beautiful Twelve Bens Mountain range in the background as you relax in sumptuous surrounds. -
Day 6: Connemara Excursion
Drive through the “savage beauty” of Connemara, as described by Oscar Wilde who was inspired by the region's craggy mountains, shimmering lakes and endless shades of green. We stop in the picturesque town of Clifden before visiting Kylemore Abbey, a magnificent castellated structure built as a family home and now inhabited by a group of Benedictine nuns. Venture into the secret nooks and crannies of its extensive walled Victorian garden before returning to your castle accommodations for a delicious dinner. -
Day 7: Connemara – Sligo – Roscommon
Our Hidden Journey continues north to Sligo. Here, amid the hills and loughs that inspired the lyrical lines penned by William Butler Yeats, we join Damien and Paula Brennan for a hearty and heart-warming Be My Guest lunch, some Irish craic and the beautiful poetry of W.B. Yeats against the enchanting backdrop of Lough Gill. We journey to Roscommon, where our hotel this evening is the ancestral home of the Tenison family and legendary Colonel King Tenison. Wander through the grand halls and admire the luxurious furnishings of Kilronan Castle Hotel – an up-close encounter with royal heritage. A leisurely afternoon could see you take a luxurious relaxing cruise on the River Shannon. -
Day 8: Roscommon – Strokestown – Dublin
Our first stop is a visit to Strokestown Park House, a magnificent 18th century mansion with original furnishings and fabric. We delve into Ireland's tragic potato famine history, gaining a Cultural Insight into the plight of starving Irish tenants, many of whom died or emigrated to the New World in the 1840s. This evening we return to Dublin for a Farewell Dinner celebrating an intimate encounter with the natural beauty and fascinating heritage of Ireland. -
Day 9: Depart Dublin
We say a fond farewell to our newfound friends and Dublin today. You will be transferred to the airport, where your Hidden Journey through the Emerald Isle comes to an end. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Dublin Airport at 7 am, 9 am and 11 am. Conditions apply.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
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| 3 May 18 | 11 May 18 |
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$2,950pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | |||
| 10 May 18 | 18 May 18 |
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$2,950pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | |||
| 17 May 18 | 25 May 18 |
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$2,950pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 31 May 18 | 8 Jun 18 |
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$2,995pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 14 Jun 18 | 22 Jun 18 |
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$2,995pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 28 Jun 18 | 6 Jul 18 |
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$2,995pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 5 Jul 18 | 13 Jul 18 |
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$2,995pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 12 Jul 18 | 20 Jul 18 |
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$2,995$2,845pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 19 Jul 18 | 27 Jul 18 |
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$2,995pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 26 Jul 18 | 3 Aug 18 |
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$2,995$2,845pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 16 Aug 18 | 24 Aug 18 |
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$2,995pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 30 Aug 18 | 7 Sep 18 |
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$2,995pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 27 Sep 18 | 5 Oct 18 |
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$2,975$2,826pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 4 Oct 18 | 12 Oct 18 |
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$2,925$2,779pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $530 p.p.
Triple Room Discount: $10 p.p.
Shared Rooming: Room Share is not available on this trip.
Group Size: Itineraries have a maximum of 26 guests.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $78 per person.
Airport transfers: On arrival at Dublin Airport transfers will operate at 8:30 am, 11 am and 1 pm. Guests arriving later should make their
own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Dublin Airport at 7 am, 9 am and 11 am.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
Past Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the Land Only price of the vacation.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
Meal Summary
7 nights, 7 full breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners, On-trip transport, .Included Highlights
Be My Guest
- There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't yet met… Enjoy lunch and a few hours of pure poetry spent with Irish superhosts, Paula and Damien, against the beautiful backdrop of Yeats country
Authentic Accommodations
- The Malton in Killarney, Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara and Kilronan Castle in Co. Roscommon
Cultural Insight
- Admire Ireland's finest thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud Farm. Visit a Connemara Marble factory to see how this stone is crafted into jewelry and figurines, and visit the Irish National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park House, a stately 18th century mansion
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Dublin, Cashel, Killarney and Sligo
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in Dublin
- Orientation of Killarney, Galway, Sligo
- Visit Irish National Stud, Rock of Cashel, Cliffs of Moher, Clifden, Kylemore Abbey, Strokestown Park House
- View Torc Waterfall, the grave of W.B. Yeats in Drumcliff
- See Dublin's Georgian Squares
- Scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry, through Connemara
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro (€) and in Northern Ireland is the Pound (£). While it’s a good idea to bring some money with you, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate when you arrive at your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Ireland. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is sampling the local cuisine. Culinary experiences to try include a full Irish breakfast, a visit to a chip shop, and hearty lunch at a good local pub. And be sure to sample Irish national specialties including Irish stew, coddle, potato bread, corned beef and whiskey cake.
Ireland is famous for its stout and beer, the most famous being Guinness. Other popular brands include Murphy’s Irish Stout, Beamish, and Kilkenny beer. Whiskey is also renowned with the most famous distilleries being the Old Midleton Distillery in Cork, the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin, and the Bushmills Distillery in Antrim.
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Packing
The weather in Ireland is mild, moist, and quickly changeable. We suggest packing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Important items to bring include sturdy walking shoes and a waterproof jacket with a hood. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
Tipping in Ireland is less common than in the U.S. When dining in a restaurant, it’s appropriate, although not required, to leave a tip of up to 5-10 percent. Leave your gratuity on the table rather than adding it to your credit card receipt to ensure that your waiter receives it.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Killarney
Celtic Steps
Adult Price: €36.00
Enjoy a spectacular evening of Irish music, song and dance performed by champion dancers and musicians and showcasing the music of Kerry and beyond.
Killarney
Experience a Jaunting Cart Ride
Adult Price: €21.00
Enjoy a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland.
Killarney
Irish Ceilidh Evening
Adult Price: €65.00
The Irish Ceilidh epitomises how music and dance were enjoyed in rural Ireland, especially on festive occasions. The craic - welcoming, jolly, fun and informal - is accompanied with plenty of food and drink. There's no more enjoyable way to understand Irish culture.
Sligo
Luxurious River Shannon Cruise
Adult Price: €30.00
The longest river in the British Isles, the River Shannon is immortalised in songs and legends. Come with us for a cruise on this majestic river, through the beautiful rolling countryside of counties Leitrim and Roscommon. You’ll also enjoy refreshments on the luxurious Moon River Pleasure Cruiser.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
