Castles and Manors - Signature
From CAD $3761 Was CAD $4425
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
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
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Cong: Join Catherine and Jim at Glen Keen Farm, owned by the same family since 1600. Hear the story of their land, meet the working border collies and watch a live herding demonstration. Discover how they’ve embraced sustainable farming on the Wild Atlantic Way, then sit down to a farmhouse lunch and homemade cake with tea.
Brendan Experiences
- Kildare: Admire Ireland's finest thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud Farm.
Brendan Vacations Difference
- Cong: Overnight on the shores of Lough Corrib in the elegant country quarters of the Lodge at Ashford Castle.
- Clifden: Romance and royalty are guaranteed on your overnight stay at historic Abbeyglen, along the famous Sky Road overlooking Clifden Bay and the spectacular Twelve Bens.
Iconic Experience
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the Custom House.
- 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: Visit the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. This monastery was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Torc Waterfall: Visit the Torc Waterfall with a Local Specialist.
- Cashel: View the ruins of the Rock of Cashel with a Local Specialist.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Clifden: Oscar Wilde described Connemara as “wild mountainous country. . . in every way magnificent.” Experience this region for yourself on a visit to DK Connemara Oysters. This family run farm leads the way in sustainability, biodiversity and packaging for farming and advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production. The experience also promotes sustainable food experiences, small scale farmer interactions or responsible consumption.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Dublin, Killarney National Park and Cashel with a Local Specialist
- Discover Killarney and Galway
- Visit Kylemore Abbey, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Cliffs of Moher, Rock of Cashel and the Irish National Stud
- View Torc Waterfall
- See Dublin's Georgian Squares and Galway Cathedral
- Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry and through Connemara
Top Rated Highlights
- Lahinch: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
- Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
What's 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
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Trip Details
Product Code: 29562
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Tour Operator:
Brendan Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 8.25A
Starts: Dublin, Ireland
Finishes: Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3761 ($470 /day)
Itinerary
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. Your exploration of Dublin with a Local Specialist will see you 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.
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge, Dublin
Meals: Dinner
The 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. 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.
Accommodation: The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Meals: Breakfast
Leave the estate of Ashford Castle behind and travel through the rugged landscapes of County Mayo to Glen Keen Farm for your Be My Guest experience. Meet Catherine and Jim, whose family has farmed this land since the 1600s, and hear how tradition meets innovation on their award-winning sheep farm. Watch the border collies at work and enjoy a farmhouse lunch and homemade cake with tea in their home. Continue to Clifden, where you’ll stay for the next two nights at Abbeyglen Castle. This Stays with Stories experience combines historic charm with views of the Twelve Bens, offering warm hospitality and a strong connection to life in Connemara.
Accommodation: Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Clifden
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 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. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a magnificent castellated structure built as a family home and now inhabited by a group of Benedictine nuns. Venture into the secret nooks and crannies of its extensive walled Victorian garden. Later, stop for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at an oyster farm before returning to your castle accommodation for a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Clifden
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: International Hotel, Killarney
Meals: 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. 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.
Accommodation: International Hotel, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast
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 dinner with your new friends.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu St Helens Dublin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Say a fond farewell to your newfound friends and Dublin today. You will be transferred to the airport, where your journey through the 'Emerald Isle' comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Brendan Vacations (CA)
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Richard Ong - Traveled, July 2024
Great places to visit and stay. Very exotic. The tour director was fantastic. *Personal information removed by Feefo* took care of each and every one of us and made sure that we had the best experience possible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2024
Susan Breeding - Traveled, October 2024
Excellent service! Really enjoyed the tours. Very knowledgeable and gracious guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2024
Helen Ray - Traveled, September 2024
Wonderful experience! Loved the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2024
Darlene Joyce - Traveled, September 2024
Wonderful company to travel with. What a well planned itinerary. Plenty to do posh hotels and castles we stayed in. Hospitality and director Mhairi was just wonderful so knowledgeable and enthusiastic filled with knowledge and history for our group. So feel it was so worth the money and such a beautiful vacation. We will definitely travel with these guys again. Five star. Our trip to Ireland It was all around a five star the itinerary was wonderful. The houses and hotels were all so posh and beautiful. The food included was just delicious the planning and hospitality was just all around great. Our Director Mhairi was just fantastic and filled with enthusiasm and knowledge. We had such a great trip with you guys through Ireland. We will be back It was just so well done thank you so much.! I high' recommended it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2024
Isabel Gatto - Traveled, June 2024
Excellent service punctual on top of their game ready to go and give us the experience we're looking for comfortable and beautiful sceneries. It is the most spectacular view castle I have ever visited. I recommend it. People were very courteous, respectful, professional, and warm. I will most definitely make this trip again. Thank you for the services rendered. Read less
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2024
Richard Adasiak Jr - Traveled, June 2024
Trafalgar's itinerary was spot on with a few extra points of interest. It was a great way to see Ireland. Quite active getting around to the sights. The accommodations were top notch and the coach was immaculate..
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2024
Corey Piitz - Traveled, June 2024
Everything was extremely well organized and stress free, and I'm extremely glad I had someone else to do the driving for my first trip to Europe. I enjoyed every single part of this trip-- can't recommend it highly enough!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2024
Judith Andrews - Traveled, June 2025
Trafalgar provided on going communication from booking to start of trip. Travel tips were helpful. Ireland is beautiful. This itinerary took us through hours of beautiful country side each day. Well rounded with history of Ireland, from Vikings to modern times, met several locals who shared generations of stories, High Tea at a beautiful Manor House, gorgeous hotels, delicious meals every day, and *Personal information removed by Feefo* was the most wonderful Tour Director. Every detail was covered, special requests handled and every need met.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2025
Thomas Hewett - Traveled, August 2024
*Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* are a great team and did an amazing job!!! This was a WONDERFUL experience! The tour was laid out very well with us getting to see so many of the beautiful places in Ireland. Our tour director, *Personal information removed by Feefo* was amazing. Her knowledge of the history that we visited was wonderful. *Personal information removed by Feefo* is also a very kind and caring woman that went out of her way to make sure each person on the tour was taken care of and their needs met. We're sold on Trafalgar and will be back, trust me!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/21/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
We had *Personal information removed by Feefo* as our tour guide and she was phenomenal. Could not have asked for a better one. She was educated about Ireland and showed incredible enthusiasm for it every single day. It was really fun and you get to see a lot of things we wouldn't see unless we were specifically on this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2024
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