BRENDAN VACATIONS

Iconic Ireland and
Ashford Castle

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Explore iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle, the former famous home of earls, princes and the famous Guinness family. See Connemara’s wild and windswept beauty, let the wind whip you up at the Cliffs of Moher and admire 40 shades of green circling the Ring of Kerry.
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GUIDED VACATION
10 days  •  15 meals  •  9 highlights

Your Itinerary

DAY 1
Hello Dublin

The 'Emerald Isle' puts its best foot forward in this iconic exploration of its soul-stirring landscapes. We kick off our epic journey along the walled gardens and rambling walks of Powerscourt Gardens. Its sweeping terraces, ornamental lakes and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs ensure it befits its status as one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. Enjoy a Welcome Reception this evening to get to know your fellow travellers.
Hotel: 
Clayton Ballsbridge
Meals: Welcome Reception
DAY 2
Discover Diverse Dublin

Lyrics and legends await this morning as we join a Local Specialist on a city tour to visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, where Jonathan Swift was once installed as Dean. We admire the colourful doorways in the stately Georgian Squares and stroll along the cobbled courtyard of Trinity College and see the Book of Kells. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to soak up the charisma of this city. Wander along Grafton Street and see its lively performers, stop for a pint of the 'Black Stuff' in Temple Bar or relax in St. Stephen's Green.
Meals: Breakfast
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Trad on the Prom
The best in Irish dancing from the most-awarded performers in Ireland. Combined with some of Ireland's best musical talent, this show is truly "can’t miss".
Adult Price:  €37.00*

​* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change
DAY 3
Admire Stunning Connemara

Connemara’s 'savage beauty' takes centre stage today on your full-day excursion through the endless shades of green which once captured the heart of Oscar Wilde. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a magnificent castellated structure built as a family home and now inhabited by a group of Benedictine nuns. Later, we visit the Connemara Marble artisan workshop where you'll Dive Into Culture and witness first-hand how their famous jade-like marble is carved.
Meals: Breakfast
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
​Dinner and Drive
Watch the sun go down on Galway Bay (made famous in song by Bing Crosby), as we take a scenic drive to an established landmark village restaurant. In this quaint setting, a delicious three-course, locally sourced, dinner with a glass of wine or beer awaits us.
​Adult Price: €45.00*

Galway Castle Banquet
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Join us on a drive to Galway Castle where you'll begin your evening of medieval entertainment. This will be accompanied by a delicious dinner where wine will flow, and you’ll be treated to songs and the marvellous Irish art of story-telling.
Adult Price: €72.00*
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* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
DAY 4
Onwards to Poetic Drumcliff and Donegal

See firsthand why the rugged beauty of Cong was chosen as the backdrop of John Wayne's award winning 'The Quiet Man'. Connect With Locals at Ireland’s largest sheep farm, Glen Keen Farm, for a heart-warming Be My Guest experience with your hosts, Catherine, Jim and their son James. You’ll watch in deep admiration as the energetic collies herd sheep and enjoy a traditional tea of scones, freshly whipped cream and jam, gaining a deep appreciation for the family’s efforts to preserve Irish heritage and traditions. Stop in Drumcliff, where acclaimed poet and playwright, W.B. Yeats was laid to rest. Then, continue to Donegal, the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way.​
Hotel: Central
Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Evening at a Locally-Acclaimed Restaurant
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Travel through the lovely Finn Valley to the award winning village of Glenties, where we’ll dine at a village tavern with Irish fare and craft beer. While dining on locally-produced dishes, we’ll also enjoy music and storytelling.
Adult Price: €55.00*
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* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
DAY 5
Venture to Londonderry and Belfast

Start your day with a visit to Londonderry where a Local Specialist will take you on a stroll along the ancient walls that surround the Renaissance-style old city. Follow the scenic Causeway Coastal Route through rolling countryside and past rugged cliffs to the Giant’s Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your visit will help to conserve this iconic landmark. You’ll have some free time to tiptoe in the giant geometric steps of Finn McCool and enjoy lunch before continuing to Belfast, your home for the next two nights.
Hotel: Maldron City/Ten Square
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6
Discover Colourful Belfast

Explore Northern Ireland’s trendy capital today, starting with a visit to the Titanic Belfast Experience, where you’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the tragic story of the famous ship that met its end in the Atlantic. Your Local Specialist will join you for a sightseeing tour through the city with views of the Belfast City Hall, Castle and Botanic Gardens. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore at your leisure, perhaps enjoying a pint in Belfast’s oldest traditional pub or visit St. George’s Market for some shopping.
Meals: Breakfast
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Belfast Walk with Fish and Chips
What better way to soak up the atmosphere of this lively city than to join a Local Specialist for a stroll through its hidden side streets? We'll have an included drink in a historic pub and continue to a local restaurant for a quintessentially traditional meal; fish and chips.
Adult Price: £41.00*
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* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
DAY 7
Cross the Irish Sea to Glasgow

Bid Ireland farewell as you board your ferry to Scotland. Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast past Ailsa Craig, then continue to Glasgow, where you’ll enjoy an orientation of a city that exudes edginess. Take to the streets on your own exploration and see George Square, Glasgow Cathedral and the Clyde River before finding a cosy pub to warm your heart with a little local whisky and a night on the toon.
Hotel: Maldron
Meals: Breakfast
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Glasgow City Evening
​You'll enjoy a chance to experience a night out in the city of Glasgow. Your Travel Director will take you for an evening of good food, a drink, and undoubtedly interesting conversation.
​Adult Price: £37.00*
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* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
DAY 8
Uncover Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands

Sensational scenery follows your journey through the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow to Newtonmore. Loch Lomond sets the tone with views over the water to craggy Ben Lomond. Continue to Glencoe where the tragic 17th-century massacre of the MacDonalds turned the wild beauty of this valley into a 'Glen of Weeping'. Then, on to Fort William, the self-proclaimed ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ before arriving in Loch Ness, where you’ll keep a keen eye out for the beloved monster that lurks beneath its surface. Tonight, you’ll enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Highlander
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Loch Lomond Boat Trip
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Discover the wild beauty of the 'Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond'. As we cruise across the loch, the skipper will share stories of the area and point out Rob Roy's cave as you relax and savour the stunning scenery.
Adult Price: £15.00*
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* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
DAY 9
Continue to Elegant Edinburgh

It’s never too early for a wee dram when you travel the wilds of Scotland. Your day begins with a visit to Pitlochry and the Blair Athol whisky distillery where you’ll Dive Into Culture and learn how Scotland’s golden goodness is made. Continue to the home of golfing gods, St. Andrews. You’ll view its famous 18th hole before continuing to Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
Hotel: Jurys Inn
Meals: Breakfast
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Scottish Show With Dinner
Tonight is your chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing at an internationally famous venue. You’ll enjoy delicious food and wine, join in the singing and watch a Highland dance or two. There's even a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish – haggis.
Adult Price: £62.00*
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* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
DAY 10
Explore Edinburgh

Surrender to the charms of Edinburgh, one of the world’s most enchanting cities. Your Local Specialist will guide your sightseeing tour through its medieval Old Town to the elegant Georgian façades across the Leith. See the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse before visiting Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own or get stuck into some last-minute souvenir shopping before joining your travel companions for a rousing Farewell Dinner to toast your memorable journey together.
Hotel: Jurys Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Rosslyn Chapel
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We’ll drive out of Edinburgh with our Local Specialist to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where we’ll hear the inside story of the famous Rosslyn Chapel. One of Scotland's most unusual 15th-century buildings, Rossyln is famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now 'The Da Vinci Code'.
Adult Price: £22.00*

Royal Yacht Britannia
You’ll explore this magnificent ship, which has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. Now berthed in Leith, you’ll be welcomed on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences – the former honeymoon sanctuary for four royal couples.
Adult Price: £23.00*
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* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
DAY 11
Journey Home

Imbued with Gaelic spirit, your holiday has come to an end. Bid your new friends a fond farewell as you prepare for your return journey home. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Meals: Breakfast
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AAA Palm Springs:
Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle

Month Day, Year
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Dining Highlights
  • 9 breakfasts
  • 6 dinners (including Be My Guest)
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Sightseeing Highlights
  • Discover Killarney and Galway
  • Explore Dublin, Killarney National Park and Lough Corrib with a Local Specialist
  • Visit Powerscourt Gardens, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College in Dublin, Blarney Castle, Torc Waterfall, the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara Marble Factory and Kylemore Abbey
  • See Dublin's Georgian Squares and Galway Cathedral
  • Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry
  • Connect With Locals Travel to 12th-century Ireland and explore the remains of the Lost Town of Newtown Jerpoint followed by an Irish Be My Guest lunch with the O'Connells.
  • Stays with Stories Discover centuries of tumultuous history staying at the Maldron Shandon hotel, a building that has survived wars, fires and threats of demolition to become the grand hotel it is today.
  • Stays with Stories Built by the de Burgo family in the early 13th century, Ashford Castle is set in 140 hectares, on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib.
  • Dive Into Culture Visit a Connemara marble factory to see how this vivid green-coloured stone has been crafted into jewellery and figurines for generations.
  • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Help preserve the Cliffs of Moher for generations to come and learn about its extraordinary geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
Learn more about:
Our Wellbeing Protocols
We want you to feel confident that you have made the right choice in the knowledge that we have put numerous new measures in place to elevate our hygiene standards and protocols. 
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Our Book with Confidence Policy
Taking you personally is what we do and that’s why we’ve temporarily made our cancellation policy even more flexible.
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Traveling Stress-Free
Even in these uncertain times, we give you the assurance that you can still travel and explore Ireland and Scotland with Confidence. From dreaming, to planning, to booking, we're with you every step of the way.
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