6-Nights Irish Highlights from $1,634

Trafalgar

OFFER ID 1497102

Irish Highlights
A roundtrip from Dublin featuring all the Ireland highlights including Waterford Crystal, your newfound 'gift of the gab' at Blarney Castle and the irresistible Ring of Kerry. You’ll also learn about the devastating Irish famine and peer over the edge at the Cliffs of Moher.

Dining Summary

3 Dinner (D)
6 Breakfast (B)

Be My Guest

Wicklow: Traditional Irish fare with an Italian twist is served up at Glenealy House near Dublin with your host Catherine Fulvio who is one of Ireland’s top culinary stars, and her family on hand to share their story.

Dive Into Culture

Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
New Ross: Explore the tragic history of Ireland's famine emigration at the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, a replica of one of the original ships used in the 1800s.

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.
Bunratty: Visit the impeccably-preserved Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
Limerick: See Limerick's iconic landmarks during an orientation with your Travel Director.
Cliffs of Moher: Stop by the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs.
Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
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.
New Ross: Visit the port town of New Ross. On the quayside, perhaps see the Dunbrody replica famine ship and statue of John F. Kennedy.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Lahinch: Join your Local Specialist, either Oonagh or Marie to gain a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding you as they illuminate the interconnection between environmental issues and current conservation initiatives at the Cliffs of Moher. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Dublin
Discover Galway, Limerick and Waterford
Visit Bunratty Folk Park in Bunratty, the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney to kiss the stone and gain the 'gift of the gab', the Crystal Showroom at Waterford and the famine ship in New Ross
View St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Bunratty Castle, and King John's Castle in Limerick
See the Cathedral of Galway and St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick
Scenic Cruise across the Shannon Estuary
Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry

Whats 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.

6 nights from $1,634 per person

Valid for new bookings deposited December 9, 2024 – February 20, 2025 for select 2025 travel

*Promotion may not be combinable with any other offers, promotions, or discounts, and is subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply.

Itinerary

Trafalgar Tours: Irish Highlights

Day 1 - Welcome to the Emerald Isle
Tread in the footsteps of James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, through the lyrical streets of Dublin – your launch pad to a memorable encounter with Ireland's iconic highlights. After a leisurely morning, meet a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour with views of Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the stately Georgian Squares. Indulge in a little Irish craic this evening, joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner.
Accommodations: Clayton Ballsbridge, Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Onwards to Limerick
Journey to Galway, the 'City of Tribes', where you'll see its stone cathedral on the banks of the Corrib and spend some free time exploring its stone façades. Irish traditions and heritage are explored next, during a visit to Bunratty Castle and its Folk Park, a living history museum that reveals insights into life in Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries. Continue to Limerick, for an orientation tour and view the 13th-century King John's Castle overlooking the Shannon.
Accommodations: Greenhills
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Experience the Iconic Cliffs of Moher and on to Killarney
Leave Limerick and stop at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher on the famous ‘Wild Atlantic Way'. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your Local Specialist to truly appreciate this breath-taking landscape. You’ll feel like you’ve gone back to an ancient time as you gaze across the water, all the way to the Aran Islands if the weather is good. Visit the interactive visitor center where this incredible UNESCO-listed natural phenomenon comes to life in a way you would not get to see with your own eyes. Go beneath the surface to see how the sediment has stacked up over 300 million years to create this towering backdrop. Inspired by the irresistible beauty of this special place, you’ll continue to your hotel in Killarney with a scenic drive to the ferry departure point and journey across the Shannon Estuary. Your home for the next two nights is the colorful little town of Killarney.
Accommodations: International, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - A Scenic Day on the Ring of Kerry
Circle the spectacular Ring of Kerry – its emerald green hills, centuries-old stone villages and vivid blue seascapes provide a soul-stirring backdrop. See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, Moll's Gap and the Black Valley, renowned for being the last place in Ireland to get electricity and telephone networks. Consider joining an Optional Experience to Muckross House and its beautiful gardens. With a backdrop of oak-clad mountains, enjoy taking in the towering azaleas and rhododendrons, alongside the shores of the lake. The 19th-century house contains some wonderful examples of furniture and paintings, including a portrait of King James VI, for whom Shakespeare wrote Macbeth.
Accommodations: International, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Explore Blarney and Journey to Waterford
Cross the rugged Kerry Mountains and travel to Blarney Castle to kiss the stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'. In the afternoon, arrive Waterford, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture with an optional folk experience, enjoying traditional Irish music and warm hospitality. You'll then return to the hotel for a delightful group dinner.
Accommodations: Fitzwilton
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Through County Wicklow’s Countryside to Dublin Dive Into Culture Connect with Locals
Dive Into Culture and witness the centuries-old tradition of crafting fine glass at the House of Waterford Crystal. Here you will watch the talented master crafters in their workshop creating exquisite pieces. Your next stop is in the town of New Ross, where you'll see the monument to John F. Kennedy who traveled to his ancestral family hometown in 1963. You'll visit the three-masted famine ship Dunbrody and Dive Into Culture yet again, gaining insights into the tragic plight of the Irish emigrants who fled the potato famine during the 1800s. Continuing through County Wexford and the lush countryside of County Wicklow, for a stop at Glenealy Farmhouse to meet the Fulvio family over dinner at your Be My Guest experience before continuing to Dublin.
Accommodations: Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Farewell Ireland
For now, it’s time to say a fond slán abhaile to your fellow travelers as you close the curtain on an unforgettable journey through the 'Emerald Isle'.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Waterford

Nestled in southeast Ireland, Waterford combines low farmland and sandy coastlines with rugged landscape typical of County Cork. The town is an ancient Viking settlement whose roots go back to the 8th century. Even today there is a medieval feel about Waterford with its ancient fortifications, 18th century cathedrals, and fine Georgian houses, particularly around The Mall, George's Street and O'Connell Street. While the town is charming, it regained world recognition with the re-opening of the crystal factory offering once again the famous, exquisite glassware of the town's name. Take a walking tour of Historic Waterford to get an understanding of Waterford's complex history. The 70-foot Reginald's Tower was built in the 11th century. Climb the stone spiral staircase for a great view of the city. The ruins of French Church are part of a Dominican monastery built in 1240 AD given to Huguenot refugees in the 17th century. The Theater Royal and City Hall are considered architectural masterpieces by John Roberts.

Excursions

Waterford Shore Excursion- Waterford and Kilkenny Tour - Full Day Tour

Waterford’s Fine Houses – full day tour

Leaving Waterford this morning we travel through the rich pastures of County Waterford and head for Lismore to visit Lismore Castle Gardens. The castle, which was originally built in 1185 is now the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire. While Lismore Castle itself is not open to the public, the beautiful and lovingly maintained public gardens are, as is the west wing of the Castle which houses a wonderful contemporary art gallery. The gardens are said to be the oldest continually cultivated gardens in Ireland and they offer spectacular views of both Lismore Castle and the surrounding countryside of the Blackwater valley.

Leaving Lismore we visit nearby Cappoquin House, which is an eighteenth century mansion built on the site of an old Fitzgerald Castle overlooking the River Blackwater. It was designed by the Cork architect, Abraham Hargreave. The Keane family have lived here for the last 300 years. It is little changed from the handsome building completed in 1779. In the house are many reminders of the Afghan war of 1839 in which General Sir John Keane later created Lord Keane of Ghuznee and Cappoquin played an important role. The garden is on a south facing slope crowned with two huge arboretum rhododendrons and planted with unusual trees and flowering shrubs.

Returning to Waterford, we visit Curraghmore House, which is owned by the Marquis of Waterford and has been home to his ancestors since 1170. Some 2,500 acres of formal gardens, woodland and grazing fields make this the largest private demesne in Ireland and one of the finest places to visit in Ireland. The interior has exceptionally fine plasterwork and a guided tour of the main reception rooms of Curraghmore House can be arranged by prior appointment. This tour takes in some of the finest neo-classical rooms in Ireland which feature the magnificent plaster work of James Wyatt and grisaille panels by Peter de Gree. The superbly landscaped gardens beside Curraghmore House, incorporate a shell house, the interior of which was designed by Catherine, Countess of Tyrone, in 1754. May and June are the best months to appreciate azaleas, rhododendrons, through exceptionally fine trees may be enjoyed at any time.

Your driver with then transfer you back to your ship.

Killarney

Limerick

Dublin

Dublin enjoys one of the loveliest natural settings in Europe. Dublin attracts visitors from around the world with its old world charm and friendly atmosphere. Most of the architecture dates from the 18th century, when Dublin enjoyed great prominence and prosperity. Also of interest are stately Georgian houses which front Merrion Square. O'Connell Street is considered the commercial center of Dublin. Perhaps the most memorable feature of Dublin is the traditional pub, where visitors can enjoy conversation over fine Irish brew. The city also offers many fine parks, including St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park. National Gallery's renowned collection includes works by such famous masters as Rembrandt and Monet. Trinity College's Old Library is home to the most cherished treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the Gospels. Admire Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy the exhibits in impressive National Museum. Self-guided walking tours include Old City Trail, Georgian Heritage Trail and the Cultural Trail.

Excursions

Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours

Ireland, known affectionately as the “the Emerald Isle” is renowned for its excellent hospitality and you can be assured of a warm welcome by your guide and driver, who will meet you at the port. Discover the history, literary heritage and culture that lies behind Dublin’s elegant Georgian architecture and famous landmarks, during your full-day tour.

Founded in the 16th-century, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and holds the Book of Kells, a greatly treasured example of early Irish manuscript illumination. History lovers may opt to visit the nearby Treasury of the National Museum or EPIC - the interactive museum commemorating the emigration of 10 million Irish. For those interested in art, the National Gallery houses a superb collection.

Afterwards make a lunchtime pit stop at the Guinness Storehouse, where you learn how a pint of the world-famous Guinness is created. The heart of the building is modelled on a giant pint glass, which would hold approximately 14 million pints of Guinness beer if filled! Enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar, which boast 360-degree views of the capital.

Complete your touring this afternoon, with a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Here, take a guided tour of the impressive staterooms which are a longtime symbol of British rule in Ireland, before being transferred back to your ship.

Highlights:

Admire the grandeur of St Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels
Pour yourself a pint of Ireland’s finest at the Guinness Storehouse to discover the country’s most famous export

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

Private transport by Mercedes E-class or similar for 1 and 2 passengers, VW Caravelle (7 passenger seats) or similar for 3 and 4 passengers and 12-seater or similar for 5 and 6 passengers.
Expert local guide for 8 hours of sightseeing in Dublin
Entrance fees to all sights and museums
All taxes

Exclusions

All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
Gratuities
Supplement for public holidays
Anything not specifically mentioned in the "inclusions" list above

Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours

Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

01/05/2025 - 01/11/2025

from $1,634 per person *

03/12/2025 - 03/18/2025

from $2,063 per person *

03/30/2025 - 04/05/2025

from $2,048 per person *

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $1,634 per person

Length

6 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1497102

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Ford's Travel

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