Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle
Dates & Prices
Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
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Sunday, Apr 09, 2023 | Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Sunday, Apr 23, 2023 | Tuesday, May 02, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Sunday, Apr 30, 2023 | Tuesday, May 09, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
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LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON TRAFALGAR TOURS
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Promotion Details
Receive $200 per person discount on worldwide guided vacations. Valid for new Trafalgar, Insight, Brendan Vacations, Luxury Gold, or Costsaver guided land bookings that are $1,500+. Offer must be booked and deposited between March 13, 2023 and March 31, 2023. Travel must depart by December 31, 2023. May be combined with 5% Past Guest discount only. Offer not combinable with group discounts, Future Travel Credit carry forward discount or any other discount or general market promotions. Other conditions may apply. Ask your AffordableTours.com travel consultant for details
Tour Itinerary
Explore iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle, the former famous home of earls, princes and the famous Guinness family. See Connemara’s wild and windswept beauty, let the wind whip you up at the Cliffs of Moher and admire 40 shades of green circling the Ring of Kerry.
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Day 1
Hello DublinThe '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. 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 Reception this evening to get to know your fellow travellers.Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge
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Day 2
Discover Diverse DublinLyrics 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 colourful 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.Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
Admire County Kilkenny and on to Cork Connect with Locals Stays With StoriesWe leave the hospitality of Dublin behind for County Kilkenny where we delve into the history of a 'lost' medieval town – Newtown Jerpoint. Take a step back in time to the 12th century and wander through its remains which are said to be the final resting place of St. Nicholas. Later, you'll join the O'Connells for lunch at their home, Belmore House. Embrace the peaceful rural setting – the perfect backdrop to Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience. Inspired by Irish food and the warmth of our hosts, we continue south to the lively city of Cork, enjoying a free evening to discover its sights, sounds and flavours. Our Stays With Stories accommodation is the historic Maldron Shandon Hotel. Originally Cork’s first general hospital opened in 1720, the building has a colourful history that has seen it survive wars, political upheaval, fire and demolition threats before it opened its doors as a grand hotel.Accommodation: Maldron Shandon
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
Journey to Blarney and on to KillarneyHead 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.Accommodation: Killarney Avenue
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 5
A Day on the Ring of KerrySpend a leisurely morning exploring Killarney or join a Local Specialist for a scenic guided walk at Torc Waterfall, strolling over wooded paths and lakeshore trails. 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.Accommodation: Killarney Avenue
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 6
Onwards to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway Make Travel MatterOur up-close encounter with Ireland's irresistible beauty is just beginning as we journey north to the towering Cliffs of Moher. Admire the dramatic cliffs that rise 200 metres above the pounding Atlantic and survey the endless ocean views in this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that will leave you with many stories to share when you return home. 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. 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.Accommodation: Maldron Sandy Road
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 7
Galway Your Way Dive Into CultureDive 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.Accommodation: Maldron Sandy Road
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
Explore Stunning Connemara and Continue to Ashford Castle Stays With StoriesA 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 immortalised 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).Accommodation: Ashford Castle
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 9
Return to Lively DublinIndulge in the sumptuous surrounds of Ashford Castle. Stroll around its exquisite estate and admire its lavish interiors before you return to Dublin. Spend the rest of the afternoon delving into the centuries-old history of the Irish capital. This evening, it's time to reminisce over shared memories at a delicious Farewell Dinner.Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 10
Journey HomeAs the curtain falls on a memorable journey with new friends, we say a fond slán go fóill to Dublin and the 'Emerald Isle'. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Meals: Breakfast
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Dining Summary
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Be My Guest
- Kilkenny: Travel to 12th-century Ireland and explore the remains of the Lost Town of Newtown Jerpoint followed by an Irish Be My Guest lunch with the O'Connells.
Dive Into Culture
- Connemara: Visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory and witness master craftsmen bring these intricate crystal designs to life.
Iconic Experience
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Blarney: 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.
- Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- 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.
- Sligo: Take in one of County Sligo's natural jewels on a cruise and learn about the isle's historic significance with Captain Patrick.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- 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.
Must-see Highlights
- : Explore Dublin, Killarney National Park and Lough Corrib with a Local Specialist
- : Discover Killarney and Galway
- : Visit Powerscourt Gardens, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College in Dublin, Blarney Castle, Torc Waterfall, the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory and Kylemore Abbey
- : See Dublin's Georgian Squares and Galway Cathedral
- : Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry
Trafalgar Difference
- Cork: Discover centuries of tumultuous history staying at the Maldron Shandon hotel, a building that has survived wars, fires and threats of demolition to become the grand hotel it is today.
- Cong: 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.
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
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
Health and Safety Protocols for Trafalgar Tours
Trafalgar has introduced these enhanced hygiene protocols – for you and team members.
You can travel with Trafalgar and be assured that their team has put numerous new measures in place to elevate their hygiene standards and protocols. The well-being of guests and team has always been, and always will be, their primary concern.
In this new, fast changing Covid-19 era, Trafalgar is doing all they can to adapt to new requirements and expectations. Here are some important new steps and procedures that they have implemented to enhance hygiene protocols, to comply with physical distancing requirements by relevant government authorities and to give you the peace of mind when you are traveling during these new times.
Expertly Trained Travel DirectorsTravel Director training equips them with enhanced hygiene and physical distancing procedures. During your trip, they will operate with a duty of care and monitor the hygiene etiquette of the guests, reacting and advising as needed, to ensure high standards are maintained. Before you travel, Trafalgar will also keep you well informed about new protocols required in these areas, and ask that you cooperate with and heed the advice and direction of Travel Directors while on your trip. The Travel Directors have preventative measures in place to try and ensure your well-being and in the event that any unexpected issues arise on trip, they will activate additional protocols.
Stringent On-the-Road ProtocolsThe customized luxury coaches are sanitised before the start of your trip and have always been kept to very high standards. Following the outbreak of COVID-19, Trafalgar have taken additional measures to elevate hygiene and sanitary practices in accordance with guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and as required, applicable government regulations. The Driver training provides them with the latest hygiene protocols. They will clean and disinfect all surfaces including handrails, door handles, tables, seats, air-conditioning filters and overhead lockers on a daily basis. All the guests are asked to follow hygiene practices recommended by the World Health Organisation including the thorough and regular washing of hands and sanitising when required. Hand sanitiser is freely available on board for your use throughout the day. Please bring your own washable face mask and gloves with you, and additional hand sanitiser to make you feel comfortable, as these will be required to be worn in public in some countries. Should an unexpected situation arise, additional face masks, rubber gloves, antiviral sprays and wipes will be available for guest distribution on all trips.
A Full Team of Support 24/7It’s not just your Travel Director and Driver who will be taking care of you. Behind the scenes, the operations and guest support teams are in contact with them and on call 24/7, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.
Physical DistancingAdapting to the right size groups, based on government distancing requirements, you can rest assured that you will travel with the comfort of your own personal space. Have peace of mind that all of the experiences, hotels and restaurants you’ll enjoy on your trip have been vetted to ensure they adhere to physical distancing and hygiene guidelines.
Trusted Partners, Exceptional StandardsTrafalgar is very selective in who they work with and choose to only use hotels, restaurants, ground handlers and venues that take the well-being of the guests as seriously as Trafalgar does and agrees to meet expected guidelines and specifications. Trafalgar only works with establishments that they are confident will consistently adhere to their high standards.
Always in the KnowAs part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) , Trafalgar is kept up to date with all government advisories and travel alerts on a daily basis and is continually in touch with all of the partners on the ground in each destination. Also, rest assured that during your trip, the teams work to ensure the supplier partners (hotels, restaurants, museums and other venues) are also applying the same standard to these new hygiene and distancing protocols, to the extent possible.
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Question: Is there at least 1 day in Kilkenny?
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Would highly recommend this itinerary.
We traveled with Carol as our Branden Tour guide and she was outstanding. Her knowledge of Ireland and its history made the couple of long travel days interesting, her hidden gems were very special and she made sure that everyone one the tour was made to feel equally important. The accomadations throughout were exceptional except at one place (forgot the hotel but Carol could tell you) where renovations were being done. That being known, those two nights should have been rebooked at a different hotel rather than to have our group eating in a make shift dining room and bar set up in a conference room! Also, several dinners were same choice... beef stew, fish or snicker & gravy dish, all with mashed potatoes. Some variety would have been welcomed.
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Excellent tour. Very good Tour Director.