Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle
10 Day Ireland Tour of Dublin & Galway | Operated by Trafalgar
-
10 Days
-
1 Country
Ireland -
9 Cities
Dublin, Cork, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Connemara, Cong -
14 Meals
5 Dinners, 9 Breakfasts -
Pace: Active
Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
Trip Itinerary
The 'Emerald Isle' puts its best foot forward in this iconic exploration of its soul-stirring landscapes. We kick off our epic journey along the walled gardens and rambling walks of Powerscourt Gardens, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Its sweeping terraces, ornamental lakes and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs ensure it befits its status as one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening to get to know your fellow travelers.
Lyrics and legends await this morning as we join a Local Specialist on a city tour to visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, where Jonathan Swift was once installed as Dean. We admire the colorful doorways in the stately Georgian Squares and stroll along the cobbled courtyard of Trinity College and see the Book of Kells. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to soak up the charisma of this city. Wander along Grafton Street and see its lively performers, stop for a pint of the 'Black Stuff' in Temple Bar or relax in St. Stephen's Green.
We leave the hospitality of Dublin behind for County Kilkenny. After, we stop in Waterford where we have free time for lunch, or perhaps join a walking tour with a local specialist. We continue south to the lively city of Cork, enjoying a free evening to discover its sights, sounds and flavors.
Head to Blarney in pursuit of the 'gift of the gab'. Kiss the fabled Stone then head west to the lakeside setting of Killarney, our springboard to the enduring beauty of the Ring of Kerry.
Circle the scenic Ring of Kerry admiring its famous 'forty shades of green' and seeing first-hand the scenic landscapes that have inspired writers and poets for centuries. Perhaps join a Local Specialist for a scenic guided walk at Torc Waterfall, strolling over wooded paths and lakeshore trails.
Begin the day enchanted by the wild landscapes, you’ll continue along the Wild Atlantic Way to Connect With Locals and meet local horticulturalist, Oonagh, who’ll teach you how to forage before our Be My Guest visit to the Barrtra Seafood restaurant. Oonagh will reveal the importance of sustainable food experiences and you’ll learn how everything on your plate has been bought locally, perhaps inspired to buy local produce when you return home.
Our up-close encounter with Ireland's irresistible beauty continues, as we journey north to the towering Cliffs of Moher. Admire the dramatic cliffs that rise 200 meters above the pounding Atlantic and survey the endless ocean views that will leave you with many stories to share when you return home. Beyond the endless views, 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. Your next overnight stop is Galway where you can really get under the skin of this cultural capital and indulge your love for music, art and good times.
Dive Into Culture at the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, watching master craftsmen carve Connemara crystal. Then enjoy an orientation tour of Galway with plenty of free time afterwards to explore this vibrant city on your own.
A rugged realm of mountains, lakes, rivers and villages provides a stunning backdrop for our leisurely drive through Connemara – an unspoilt region of western Ireland that was immortalized in John Wayne's 'The Quiet Man'. We'll visit Kylemore Abbey and ramble through its exquisite Victorian walled garden. Later, board 'The Isle of Innisfree' for an exclusive cruise on shimmering Lough Corrib. Captain Patrick, Ashford Castle's Local Specialist, will share his local knowledge as you glide through its peaceful waters. Upon disembarking, a lone piper will escort you over the drawbridge to Ashford Castle, one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories, where tonight you will dine as lords and ladies at an elegant royal dining experience (gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket).
Indulge in the sumptuous surrounds of Ashford Castle. Stroll around its exquisite estate and admire its lavish interiors before you return to Dublin. This evening, it's time to reminisce over shared memories at a delicious Farewell Dinner.
As the curtain falls on a memorable journey with new friends, we say a fond slán go fóill to Dublin and the 'Emerald Isle'.
Price Includes
What's 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
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 5 Dinners (D)
- - 9 Breakfasts (B)
- Explore the walled gardens, rambling walks, ornamental lakes and rich varieties of trees and shrubs of one of Ireland’s most beautiful and sustainable gardens. This experience advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land.
- A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
- Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- Visit the Torc Waterfall with a Local Specialist.
- 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.
- Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral, or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
- Visit the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. This monastery was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Take in one of County Sligo's natural jewels on a cruise and learn about the isle's historic significance with Captain Patrick.
- Go foraging with Oonagh and enjoy a delightful Be My Guest lunch at the O'Brien's homely Barrtra Seafood restaurant overlooking beautiful Liscannor Bay.
- Visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory and witness master craftsmen bring these intricate crystal designs to life.
- Built by the de Burgo family in the early 13th century, Ashford Castle is set in 140 hectares, on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib.
Optional Experiences
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.
Dinner in Dublin City (Available on Day 2)Famous for its heritage buildings and authentic local culture, Dublin is a charm-filled city for travelers to explore – and what better way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Irish capital than with an evening in one of the most locally loved restaurant-pubs? You'll enjoy dinner and experience the charming hospitality for which this part of the world is known.
Adult Price: €65 Dublin Dinner and Cabaret (Available on Day 2)Enjoy an evening of fine food and fun as Ireland’s history unfolds with comedy, song and dance. You’ll be tapping your toes and joining in the show, all in the spirit of Irish humor. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner.
Adult Price: €89 Evening of Irish Entertainment with Pub Supper (Available on Day 3)Tonight, we'll travel by coach to a local pub for an evening of Irish entertainment with local musicians/singers including a good hearty Pub Supper.
Adult Price: €60 Explore Waterford's History (Available on Day 3)Join us in Waterford, where the history dates back as far as the Vikings. Your Local Specialist will bring the historic area to life through stories and anecdotes; one guest even described the trip as the "best history lesson ever".
Adult Price: €22 A Tour of Cork's Inner City (Available on Day 3)Ireland's second city - "Rebel Cork" is one of Irelands Hidden Gems and dates back to the 7th century. This walking tour will encompass the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding & settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes.
View Shandon Steeple rich in history and folklore, walk the narrow laneways towards the city center. Cross the North Channel of the river Lee. In the heart of the city surrounded by this braided river, hear the the tales and history of this port city and of it's place in the world. And enjoy hearing the lilt of the lovely Cork accent!
Adult Price: €23 Irish Ceilidh Evening (Available on Day 4)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: €81 Experience a Jaunting Cart Ride (Available on Day 4)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: €28 Gaelic Roots (Available on Day 5)A tour de force of traditional Irish song, music and dance, Gaelic Roots showcases Ireland at its best. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honored folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time.
Adult Price: €37 City of Tribes Walk and Dinner (Available on Day 7)Join us in the center of Galway for a stroll with our Local Specialist who will enthral us with stories of this bustling medieval port, as we meander through the streets while taking in the main historical sights. Later we'll enjoy a meal, with a choice of classic dishes and an included drink.
Adult Price: €74 Shannon River Cruise & Drink in a Historic Pub (Available on Day 9)Experience a relaxing cruise along the Shannon River while learning the history of the surrounding countryside. Then have a drink in Sean's Bar - reputed to be the oldest pub in Ireland and entered into the Guinness Books of Records!
Adult Price: €43