Coach Tour – Iconic Ireland & Ashford Castle – 9N/10D

Iconic Ireland & Ashford Castle:
10days Tour ( Trafalgar)

The highlight of this crafted itinerary is a night in the breathtaking Ashford Castle – a luxurious and historic 13th century castle owned and operated by our sister company The Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
You’ll enjoy Insider moments like…gaining an insight into rural farm life in Ireland. Following a bagpiper over the drawbridge of the iconic 13th century Ashford Castle. And meeting our local expert, Linda, at Torc Waterfall, for a walk in Killarney National Park.

Day 1 :  ARRIVE DUBLIN (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to the Emerald Isle. This afternoon drive south to Powerscourt Gardens. These spectacular gardens first began to take shape in the 1740s. The superb blend of sweeping terraces, fine statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs are a delight to behold. Together they form one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. Returning to Dublin, raise a glass over a light meal at a Welcome Reception.
Meal(s)
Welcome Reception
Hotel : Clayton Ballsbridge

Day 2 : DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
This morning, a Local Specialist takes you on a city tour. You’ll visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where Jonathan Swift was once Dean. Then on to admire the colourful doorways in stately Georgian Squares and stroll along the cobbled courtyard of Trinity College to see the ornate Book of Kells. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore this welcoming city at your own pace.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast

Day 3 :  DUBLIN – CO. KILKENNY – KINSALE
Leave the city life behind as you travel to County Kilkenny. Visit Newtown Jerpoint, one of Ireland’s best surviving examples of a deserted, 12th century Medieval town and reputedly the final resting place of St. Nicholas. Then relish a Be My Guest lunch with Joe and Maeve O’Connell at their home, Belmore House. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this rural setting and be ready for a few surprises. Continue south to picturesque Kinsale, hailed as the “Gourmet Capital of Ireland”. Your evening is free and there’s no shortage of cafés, pubs, and restaurants to explore.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Be My Guest Dining
Hotel : Trident

Day 4 : KINSALE – BLARNEY – KILLARNEY (2 NIGHTS)
Meet a Local Specialist this morning for a walking tour of the historic town of Kinsale. On to Blarney Castle to kiss the fabled Stone that bestows the “gift of the gab”. Then head west to Killarney, the gateway to magnificent Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Dinner
Hotel : Killarney Towers

Day 5 :  RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Killarney or you can join a Local Specialist for a leisurely guided walk at Torc Waterfall. Later take in views of the famous “forty shades of green” as you travel around the Ring of Kerry. This unspoiled area has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Please Note: The walk travels over wooded paths. While there are no mountains to climb, walkers need to be reasonably fit and have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and raingear. Approx. 3 miles/2 hours.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast

Day 6 : KILLARNEY – CLIFFS OF MOHER – GALWAY – CONNEMARA (2 NIGHTS)
Traveling north, stop for a walk along the Cliffs of Moher. These iconic cliffs rise some 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic. The views of endless ocean are awe-inspiring. Continue on your drive, calling in for afternoon tea and freshly baked scones at a traditional farmhouse. Here, you’ll get a Cultural Insight into farm life in rural Ireland. Next up is Galway, for an orientation including impressive Galway Cathedral. End the day in Connemara.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Dinner
Hotel : Connemara Coast

Day 7 : CONNEMARA EXCURSION
Discover why some consider this rugged realm of mountains, lakes, rivers and little towns to be the real emerald of Ireland. Stop for a visit to Kylemore Abbey with its beautiful lakeside setting, then gain a Cultural Insight at the Connemara Marble Factory, crafters of Connemara marble for generations.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Dinner

Day 8 : CONNEMARA – ASHFORD CASTLE (CONG)
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 the peaceful waters. Disembarking, a lone piper will escort you over the drawbridge to Ashford Castle. Tonight gather in the castle’s sumptuous restaurant for an elegantly royal dining experience (gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket). The walk travels over wooded paths. While there are no mountains to climb, walkers need to be reasonably fit and have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and raingear. Approx. 3 miles/2 hours.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Dinner
Hotel : Ashford Castle Authentic Accommodation

Day 9 : CONG – DUBLIN
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a stroll on the estate before returning to Dublin. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping or sightseeing on your own. This evening celebrate a memorable trip as you relish a delicious Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Farewell Dinner
Hotel : Ballsbridge Towers

Day 10 :  DEPART DUBLIN
You will be transferred to Dublin Airport where your holiday must come to an end. Slán go fóill – goodbye until we meet again! Transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast

INCLUSIONS:

Sightseeing Highlights:
City tour in Dublin and Kinsale
Orientation of Killarney and Galway
Visit Powerscourt Gardens, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College in Dublin, Blarney Castle, Torc Waterfall, the Cliffs of Moher and Kylemore Abbey
View Galway Cathedral
See Dublin’s Georgian Squares and Phoenix Park
Scenic cruise on Lough Corrib
Scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry
Dining
9 full breakfasts.
1 lunch (Be My Guest).
6 dinners.

Travel Highlights:
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
VIP entry to many sights
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
Services of a professional Irish Travel Director.
Airport Transfers

Iconic Ireland & Ashford Castle:
10days Tour ( Trafalgar)

The highlight of this crafted itinerary is a night in the breathtaking Ashford Castle – a luxurious and historic 13th century castle owned and operated by our sister company The Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
You’ll enjoy Insider moments like…gaining an insight into rural farm life in Ireland. Following a bagpiper over the drawbridge of the iconic 13th century Ashford Castle. And meeting our local expert, Linda, at Torc Waterfall, for a walk in Killarney National Park.

Day 1 : ARRIVE DUBLIN (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to the Emerald Isle. This afternoon drive south to Powerscourt Gardens. These spectacular gardens first began to take shape in the 1740s. The superb blend of sweeping terraces, fine statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs are a delight to behold. Together they form one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. Returning to Dublin, raise a glass over a light meal at a Welcome Reception.
Meal(s)
Welcome Reception
Hotel : Clayton Ballsbridge

Day 2 : DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
This morning, a Local Specialist takes you on a city tour. You’ll visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where Jonathan Swift was once Dean. Then on to admire the colourful doorways in stately Georgian Squares and stroll along the cobbled courtyard of Trinity College to see the ornate Book of Kells. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore this welcoming city at your own pace.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast

Day 3 : DUBLIN – CO. KILKENNY – KINSALE
Leave the city life behind as you travel to County Kilkenny. Visit Newtown Jerpoint, one of Ireland’s best surviving examples of a deserted, 12th century Medieval town and reputedly the final resting place of St. Nicholas. Then relish a Be My Guest lunch with Joe and Maeve O’Connell at their home, Belmore House. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this rural setting and be ready for a few surprises. Continue south to picturesque Kinsale, hailed as the “Gourmet Capital of Ireland”. Your evening is free and there’s no shortage of cafés, pubs, and restaurants to explore.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Be My Guest Dining
Hotel : Trident

Day 4 : KINSALE – BLARNEY – KILLARNEY (2 NIGHTS)
Meet a Local Specialist this morning for a walking tour of the historic town of Kinsale. On to Blarney Castle to kiss the fabled Stone that bestows the “gift of the gab”. Then head west to Killarney, the gateway to magnificent Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Dinner
Hotel : Killarney Towers

Day 5 : RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Killarney or you can join a Local Specialist for a leisurely guided walk at Torc Waterfall. Later take in views of the famous “forty shades of green” as you travel around the Ring of Kerry. This unspoiled area has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Please Note: The walk travels over wooded paths. While there are no mountains to climb, walkers need to be reasonably fit and have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and raingear. Approx. 3 miles/2 hours.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast

Day 6 : KILLARNEY – CLIFFS OF MOHER – GALWAY – CONNEMARA (2 NIGHTS)
Traveling north, stop for a walk along the Cliffs of Moher. These iconic cliffs rise some 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic. The views of endless ocean are awe-inspiring. Continue on your drive, calling in for afternoon tea and freshly baked scones at a traditional farmhouse. Here, you’ll get a Cultural Insight into farm life in rural Ireland. Next up is Galway, for an orientation including impressive Galway Cathedral. End the day in Connemara.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Dinner
Hotel : Connemara Coast

Day 7 : CONNEMARA EXCURSION
Discover why some consider this rugged realm of mountains, lakes, rivers and little towns to be the real emerald of Ireland. Stop for a visit to Kylemore Abbey with its beautiful lakeside setting, then gain a Cultural Insight at the Connemara Marble Factory, crafters of Connemara marble for generations.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Dinner

Day 8 : CONNEMARA – ASHFORD CASTLE (CONG)
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 the peaceful waters. Disembarking, a lone piper will escort you over the drawbridge to Ashford Castle. Tonight gather in the castle’s sumptuous restaurant for an elegantly royal dining experience (gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket). The walk travels over wooded paths. While there are no mountains to climb, walkers need to be reasonably fit and have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and raingear. Approx. 3 miles/2 hours.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Dinner
Hotel : Ashford Castle Authentic Accommodation

Day 9 : CONG – DUBLIN
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a stroll on the estate before returning to Dublin. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping or sightseeing on your own. This evening celebrate a memorable trip as you relish a delicious Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast
Farewell Dinner
Hotel : Ballsbridge Towers

Day 10 : DEPART DUBLIN
You will be transferred to Dublin Airport where your holiday must come to an end. Slán go fóill – goodbye until we meet again! Transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Meal(s)
Full Breakfast

INCLUSIONS:

Sightseeing Highlights:
City tour in Dublin and Kinsale
Orientation of Killarney and Galway
Visit Powerscourt Gardens, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College in Dublin, Blarney Castle, Torc Waterfall, the Cliffs of Moher and Kylemore Abbey
View Galway Cathedral
See Dublin’s Georgian Squares and Phoenix Park
Scenic cruise on Lough Corrib
Scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry
Dining
9 full breakfasts.
1 lunch (Be My Guest).
6 dinners.

Travel Highlights:
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
VIP entry to many sights
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
Services of a professional Irish Travel Director.
Airport Transfers