Castles and Manors
Castles and Manors
Castles and Manors
8 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting: Dublin, Galway, Westport, Connemara National Park, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Cashel
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BRCMZM19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 54
Age range:
0-0
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Ireland's majestic landscapes with the "Castles and Manors" tour. This enchanting adventure invites you to explore the heart of Ireland, from the bustling streets of Dublin to the serene beauty of Killarney National Park and the historic Rock of Cashel. With a local specialist, discover the charm of Killarney and Galway, visit iconic sites like Kylemore Abbey, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, and the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. View the picturesque Torc Waterfall and experience the scenic drives of the Ring of Kerry and through Connemara. This tour is not just about sightseeing; it's a deep dive into the culture, history, and natural beauty of Ireland, enhanced by luxury air-conditioned coach travel and cherry-picked hotels for a comfortable and memorable experience. From the Georgian Squares of Dublin to the Galway Cathedral, every day is filled with new discoveries and unforgettable moments.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome To Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge/Radisson Blu St Helens Dublin
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 a Welcome Reception celebrating traditional Irish flavours.
Day 2 : Journey To Galway And On To Ashford Castle
Location: Galway
Accommodation: Hotel, Lodge
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
Location: Westport
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Abbeyglen Castle Hotel Clifden
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 flavours 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: Connemara National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Abbeyglen Castle Hotel Clifden
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
Location: Cliffs of Moher
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Great Southern Killarney
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 we later stop to explore the charming seaport village of Kinvara. Next up is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® 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 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. Our home tonight is one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - Great Southern, a Victorian-styled hotel built over 160 years ago as Ireland's first purpose-built hotel. The hotel’s Victorian architecture ends the day still dreaming of life many years ago.
Day 6 : A Day On The Ring Of Kerry
Location: Ring of Kerry
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Great Southern Killarney
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
Location: Cashel
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport
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
Benefit from the knowledge and skills of a professional Travel Director and Driver throughout your journey.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Stay in carefully selected hotels that have been tested and approved for comfort and quality.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Enjoy hassle-free handling of your luggage and included gratuities at restaurants.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Avoid unexpected expenses with all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes taken care of.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Start your day with breakfast and enjoy up to half of your dinners included in the tour price.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience the must-see attractions of each destination along with some surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Explore sites at your own pace with the convenience of audio headsets for guided tours.
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Ferry across the Shannon estuary
Enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Shannon estuary as part of your journey.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Customize your trip with optional experiences and enjoy free time to explore on your own.
What's Not Included
Travel insurance is not included and needs to be arranged separately.
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
Check out our Q&As
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What countries does the Castles and Manors tour visit?
The Castles and Manors tour visits Ireland.
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What are some highlights of the Castles and Manors tour?
Some highlights of the Castles and Manors tour include exploring Dublin, Killarney National Park, and Cashel with a Local Specialist, visiting Kylemore Abbey, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Cliffs of Moher, Rock of Cashel, and the Irish National Stud, viewing Torc Waterfall, seeing Dublin's Georgian Squares and Galway Cathedral, and scenic drives of the Ring of Kerry and through Connemara.
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What type of transportation is used on the Castles and Manors tour?
The Castles and Manors tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
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What type of accommodation is provided on the Castles and Manors tour?
The Castles and Manors tour provides accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
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Are meals included in the Castles and Manors tour?
Yes, breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included in the Castles and Manors tour.
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What is the pick-up time for the Castles and Manors tour?
The pick-up times for the Castles and Manors tour are 08:30, 11:00, and 13:00.
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What is the drop-off time for the Castles and Manors tour?
The drop-off times for the Castles and Manors tour are 07:00, 09:00, and 11:00.
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Is travel insurance included in the Castles and Manors tour?
No, travel insurance is not included and needs to be arranged separately for the Castles and Manors tour.
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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