10 Day Iconic Ireland & Ashford Castle

Itinerary

Trafalgar Guided Tour starting in Dublin and finishing in Dublin

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.

Day By Day

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. (WR) Stay: 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. (FB)

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. (FB/BMGL) Stay: 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. (FB/D) Stay: Killarney Towers

Day 5 Ring Of Kerry Excursion

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. At Torc Waterfall you can join a Local Specialist for a leisurely guided walk. If this countryside amble doesn't interest you, the motorcoach will return you to Killarney, where the rest of the day is free. (FB)

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. (FB/D) Stay: 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. (FB/D)

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. (FB/D) Stay: 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. (FB/FD) Stay: 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. (FB)