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Castles and Manors

Operated by: Brendan Vacations

8 Days from $2,614 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Tous of Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, Ireland

Countries Visited

Ireland ...more Ireland

Locations Visited

Dublin, Galway, Cong, Westport, Clifden, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cashel, Kildare ...more Dublin, Galway, Cong, Westport, Clifden, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cashel, Kildare
  1. Day 1 Welcome to Dublin

    Set your watch to the lively pace of Ireland's capital city – the springboard for your in-depth journey through the lush landscapes and enduring allure of Ireland. Our exploration of Dublin with a Local Specialist will see us view St. Patrick's Cathedral and Georgian Squares. Spend some time at leisure exploring Dublin's pretty streets before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception celebrating traditional Irish flavours.

    meals Welcome Reception
    hotel Clayton Ballsbridge
  2. Day 2 Journey to Galway and on to Ashford Castle Stays With Stories

    Our first stop today is Europe's 'City of the Tribes', where you will have an opportunity to see Galway Cathedral and stroll through Eyre Square. We overnight at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories on the shores of Lough Corrib. Feel like lords and ladies as you relax in the elegant country quarters of The Lodge at Ashford Castle, celebrating the heritage and hospitality of Ireland.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel The Lodge at Ashford Castle
  3. Day 3 Admire the Elegant Westport House and Abbeyglen Castle Connect with Locals Stays With Stories

    Leaving the elegant estate of Ashford Castle behind, our journey takes us to Westport House where we'll Connect With Locals and indulge in a memorable Be My Guest experience with tales of the Pirate Queen, and enjoy Banoffee and Baileys flavours in the Drawing Room of this stately 18th-century home. Our home for the next two nights is one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - the spectacular Abbeyglen Castle.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    hotel Abbeyglen Castle
  4. Day 4 A Day Exploring Stunning Connemara

    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 visit Kylemore Abbey, a magnificent castellated structure built as a family home and now inhabited by a group of Benedictine nuns. Stop for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at an oyster farm. Venture into the secret nooks and crannies of its extensive walled Victorian garden before returning to your castle accommodation for a delicious dinner.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Abbeyglen Castle
  5. Day 5 Onwards to the Cliffs of Moher and Killarney Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter Stays With Stories

    This morning, visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, where you'll Dive Into Culture and witness first-hand how their famous crystal designs are made. Picture yourself living in 1520 alongside the Dunguaire Castle when we later stop to explore the charming seaport village of Kinvara. Next up is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you’ll remember for years to come as you watch the UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Moher plunge dramatically into the Atlantic waters below. Beyond the endless views and the opportunity to capture on film the colonies of curious-looking puffins that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies, you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience which really brings this natural phenomenon to life in an interactive way, leaving you with a deep understanding of this special place. Our home tonight is one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - Great Southern, a Victorian-styled hotel built over 160 years ago as Ireland's first purpose-built hotel. The hotel’s Victorian architecture ends the day still dreaming of life many years ago.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Great Southern
  6. Day 6 A Day on the Ring of Kerry

    Enjoy a slow start to your morning, joining a Local Specialist for a leisurely guided walk at Torc Waterfall, strolling over wooded paths and lakeshore trails. We embark on an epic drive next, exploring the enduring beauty of the Ring of Kerry whose enchanting coastal landscapes have inspired writers and poets for centuries.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Great Southern
  7. Day 7 Discover Cashel and Return to Dublin Dive Into Culture

    Discover the legacy of St. Patrick when you visit the imposing Rock of Cashel, once the traditional seat of the kings of Munster. View its ecclesiastical ruins with a Local Specialist then traverse scenic landscapes to Kildare. Here you’ll Dive Into Culture and learn about Ireland's thoroughbred industry at the Irish National Stud. You'll have a rare opportunity to see the foaling unit, museum and of course the magnificent stallions that continue to make racing history. Later today, return to the Irish capital where you’ll inject a bit of the craic into your Farewell Dinner with new friends.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Clayton Ballsbridge
  8. Day 8 Journey Home

    We say a fond farewell to our newfound friends and Dublin today. You will be transferred to the airport, where your journey through the 'Emerald Isle' comes to an end. Transfers are available. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

    meals Breakfast
Castles Manors Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Whats Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Ferry across the Shannon estuary
  • Optional Experiences and free time

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 7 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 3 Dinner (D)

Be My Guest

  • Westport: Enjoy a traditional Be My Guest High Tea hosted in the Drawing Room of a stately 18th-century home near the charming town of Westport.

Dive Into Culture

  • Connemara: Visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory and witness master craftsmen bring these intricate crystal designs to life.
  • Kildare: Admire Ireland's finest thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud Farm.

Iconic Experience

  • Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
  • Galway: Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral, or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
  • Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden: Visit the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. This monastery was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
  • Lahinch: Help preserve the Cliffs of Moher for generations to come and learn about its extraordinary geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
  • Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
  • Torc Waterfall: Visit the Torc Waterfall with a Local Specialist.
  • Cashel: View the ruins of the Rock of Cashel with a Local Specialist.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

  • Clifden: Stop for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at an oyster farm.

Must-see Highlights

  • : Explore Dublin, Killarney National Park and Cashel with a Local Specialist
  • : Discover Killarney and Galway
  • : Visit Kylemore Abbey, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Cliffs of Moher, Rock of Cashel and the Irish National Stud
  • : View Torc Waterfall
  • : See Dublin's Georgian Squares and Galway Cathedral
  • : Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry and through Connemara

Trafalgar Difference

  • Cong: Overnight on the shores of Lough Corrib in the elegant country quarters of the Lodge at Ashford Castle.
  • Clifden: Romance and royalty are guaranteed on your overnight stay at historic Abbeyglen, along the famous Sky Road overlooking Clifden Bay and the spectacular Twelve Bens.
  • Killarney: Built over 160 years ago, the Great Southern hotel's prime central location next to the train station and marvellous Victorian features have ensured enduring popularity.

Whats Included

  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • : Ferry across the Shannon estuary
  • : Optional Experiences and free time

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

Onlinebookingprocesssteps
June 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jun 24 Sat
Jul 1 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,075 $2,614 Save $461
GETAWAY DEALS
July 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 8 Sat
Jul 15 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,075
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 22 Sat
Jul 29 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,075 $2,614 Save $461
GETAWAY DEALS
September 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 2 Sat
Sep 9 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,075 $2,614 Save $461
GETAWAY DEALS
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 30 Sat
Oct 7 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,925
Optional Add-Ons

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.

Clifden

Available on Day 4

Visit an Historic Connemara Farm

Dive back into 19th-century rural Connemara to hear its stories and traditions. You'll be able to see first hand the centuries-old custom of turf cutting at the hilltop bog. And in the cottage where he lived, hear stories of Dan O’Hara, who lived here before having to leave during the Famine. This is a not-to-be-missed insight into rural Ireland life.
Adult Price: € 30

Killarney

Available on Day 5

Irish Ceilidh Evening

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.
Adult Price: € 67

Available on Day 6

Celtic Steps

Enjoy a spectacular evening of Irish music, song and dance performed by champion dancers and musicians and showcasing the music of Kerry and beyond.
Adult Price: € 37

Available on Day 6

Experience a Jaunting Cart Ride

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.
Adult Price: € 23

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Debra Dombrowski
Review date: Monday, September 20, 2021
Service
The GET team was very helpful and courteous. They were particularly nimble considering we were one of the first groups to head to Europe post-COVID. I would absolutely use them to plan another trip in the future!
Vacation
Barbara Long, of Trafalgar/Brendan, was a miracle worker. Every day we watched her perform last-minute, on-the-fly, magic (thanks COVID) and benefitted greatly from her experience, industry connections, and organizational skills.
Debra Dombrowski
Review date: Monday, September 20, 2021
Service
The team at GET was very helpful and responsive. None of our ridiculous, agonized, "but what about COVID" questions went unanswered. We truly appreciated their patience.
Vacation
Our tour director, Barbara Long of Brendan Tours/Trafalgar, was nothing short of amazing. Not only was she incredibly organized and knowledgeable but, as the first tour group to return to Ireland post-COVID, she kept us one step ahead of unforeseen changes. For example, the River Dance-type show we were supposed to have an opportunity to see was cancelled. Not a problem for Barbara. Instead we were taken (at no additional charge) to a sheep farm for a herding dog demo, a cream tea, and live music by a well-known local musician. Then entire trip went along similar lines. No tour of a water-damaged Westport House? Not a problem - substitute a trip to Dan O'Hara's farm in Connemara. Barbara is a tour guiding super hero.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Friday, June 21, 2019
Service
Exceeded expectations
Response from Grand European Travel:
We love it when expectations are exceeded! Thank you for sharing.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Vacation
Elegance in the past shows gentility.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Friday, September 22, 2017
Service
Hotel, castles and manor were fabulous....food was even better. !!
Vacation
Best food on any of our Grand European trips....
Trusted Customer
Review date: Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Service
Excellent accommodations throughout the tour. The stops were well thought-out, with minimal bus rides between sights to be seen. The sights that we saw were truly well worth seeing, with enough free time to explore the local pubs and shops as we wanted.
Vacation
I'd recommend this trip for any and all - truly a wonderful experience.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Thursday, August 11, 2016
Service
All accommodations, tours, transportation were as described. No glitches.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you so much for your comments and recommendation! Grand European Travel
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Vacation
Very impressed with all accommodations. Tours and guides were excellent. For a shorter tour of Ireland, I would definitely recommend this tour.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Service
Easy to book and confidence in the quality of the experience.
Vacation
Excellent tour director, sights, meals and support for travellers.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Thursday, October 8, 2015
Service
Guide was great. Hotels were great.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for sharing Grand European Travel
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Vacation
Trusted Customer
Review date: Thursday, September 24, 2015
Service
The tour director (Evan) was fantastic.
Vacation
Trusted Customer
Review date: Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Service
The actual tour company was Brendan Vacations
Vacation
The name of the tour was Secrets of Ireland
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