Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle (Winter)
Overview
Highlights
- Connemara: Visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory and witness master craftsmen bring these intricate crystal designs to life.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 amp; 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.
- Explore Dublin, Killarney National Park and Lough Corrib with a Local Specialist
- Discover Killarney and Galway
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- 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.
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. Its sweeping terraces, ornamental lakes and over 200 varieties of...
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...
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.
Vienna Woods Hotel
Breakfast
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.
Killarney Avenue
Breakfast
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.
Killarney Avenue
Breakfast, Dinner
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 revea...
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.
Maldron Sandy Road
Breakfast
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 ...
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.
Clayton Ballsbridge
Breakfast, 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'.
Breakfast
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Brendan Vacations.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Brendan Vacations Reviews & Ratings
Other Brendan Vacations Reviews
had a wonderful time
We just went on Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle and had a wonderful time. This was our first bus tour and we didn't know quite what to expect, however, we couldn't...
it was fabulous!
My husband and I recently went to Ireland on a Brendan Vacations tour...first tour we've even been on...and it was fabulous! From start to finish everything about th...
Find someone else
After waiting for 3 years we were finally scheduled to go to Ireland but 8 days before our trip we were informed that they had changed their vaccination policy and w...
Tour Operator
Brendan Vacations is the premier Ireland and Scotland destination expert, backed by more than 50 years of planning authentic Celtic travel experiences from its office in the heart of Dublin. Guided by its mantra ‘taking you personally,’ Brendan Vacations is passionate about delivering deeply immersive, tailor-made experiences across five travel styles: fully Guided Tour packages, independent Private Chauffeur, Lux Self-Drive, Self-Drive and Locally Hosted Rail vacations. Through the warmth of Brendan Vacations’ highly personalized service, guests will stay in hand-selected accommodations - including castles and B&Bs, explore the iconic landscapes of Scotland and Ireland, and meet local people passionate about sharing their stories. Brendan Vacations is a proud member of The Travel Corporation family of brands.
Associations
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
Accommodation
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations