Castles and Manors
Castles and Manors
Tour Overview
This grand Ireland trip is fit for royalty, including stays in the homes of Irish nobility. You’ll travel to Kildare and learn all about the racehorses of Ireland, visit the Ring of Kerry and watch how delicate crystal is carved in Connemara.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge
Accommodation Name: Clayton Ballsbridge
Meals Included: Dinner
Set your watch to the lively pace of Ireland's capital city – the springboard for your in-depth journey through the lush landscapes and enduring allure of Ireland. Our exploration of Dublin with a Local Specialist will see us view St. Patrick's Cathedral and Georgian Squares. Spend some time at leisure exploring Dublin's pretty streets before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for dinner celebrating traditional Irish flavors.
Day 2: Journey To Galway And On To Ashford Castle Stays With Stories
Location: Dublin, Galway, Cong
Accommodation: The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Accommodation Name: The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our first stop today is Europe's 'City of the Tribes', where you will have an opportunity to see Galway Cathedral and stroll through Eyre Square. We overnight at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories on the shores of Lough Corrib. Feel like lords and ladies as you relax in the elegant country quarters of The Lodge at Ashford Castle, celebrating the heritage and hospitality of Ireland.
Day 3: Admire The Elegant Westport House And Abbeyglen Castle Connect With Locals Stays With Stories
Location: Cong, Westport, Clifden
Accommodation: Abbeyglen Castle
Accommodation Name: Abbeyglen Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the elegant estate of Ashford Castle behind, our journey takes us to Westport House where we'll Connect With Locals and indulge in a memorable Be My Guest experience with tales of the Pirate Queen, and enjoy Banoffee and Baileys flavors in the Drawing Room of this stately 18th-century home. Our home for the next two nights is one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - the spectacular Abbeyglen Castle.
Day 4: A Day Exploring Stunning Connemara
Location: Clifden, Connemara, Clifden
Accommodation: Abbeyglen Castle
Accommodation Name: Abbeyglen Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive through the 'savage beauty' of Connemara, as described by Oscar Wilde who was inspired by the region's craggy mountains, shimmering lakes and endless shades of green. We visit Kylemore Abbey, a magnificent castellated structure built as a family home and now inhabited by a group of Benedictine nuns. Stop for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at an oyster farm. Venture into the secret nooks and crannies of its extensive walled Victorian garden before returning to your castle accommodation for a delicious dinner.
Day 5: Onwards To The Cliffs Of Moher And Killarney Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter Stays With Stories
Location: Clifden, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney
Accommodation: Great Southern
Accommodation Name: Randles
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, where you'll Dive Into Culture and witness first-hand how their famous crystal designs are made. Picture yourself living in 1520 alongside the Dunguaire Castle when you later pass through the charming seaport village of Kinvara. Next up is an experience you’ll remember for years to come as you watch the UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Moher plunge dramatically into the Atlantic waters below. 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. Our home for the next two nights is one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories experience.
Day 6: A Day On The Ring Of Kerry
Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney
Accommodation: Great Southern
Accommodation Name: Randles
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a slow start to your morning, joining a Local Specialist for a leisurely guided walk at Torc Waterfall, strolling over wooded paths and lakeshore trails. We embark on an epic drive next, exploring the enduring beauty of the Ring of Kerry whose enchanting coastal landscapes have inspired writers and poets for centuries.
Day 7: Discover Cashel And Return To Dublin Dive Into Culture
Location: Killarney, Cashel, Kildare, Dublin
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu St Helens Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover the legacy of St. Patrick when you visit the imposing Rock of Cashel, once the traditional seat of the kings of Munster. View its ecclesiastical ruins with a Local Specialist then traverse scenic landscapes to Kildare. Here you’ll Dive Into Culture and learn about Ireland's thoroughbred industry at the Irish National Stud. You'll have a rare opportunity to see the foaling unit, museum and of course the magnificent stallions that continue to make racing history. Later today, return to the Irish capital where you’ll inject a bit of the craic into your Farewell Dinner with new friends.
Day 8: Journey Home
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
We say a fond farewell to our newfound friends and Dublin today. You will be transferred to the airport, where your journey through the 'Emerald Isle' comes to an end. Transfers are available. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Ferry across the Shannon estuary
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Optional Experiences and free time
What's Not Included
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- Connemara: Visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory and witness master craftsmen bring these intricate crystal designs to life.
- Kildare: Admire Ireland's finest thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud Farm.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions