Ashford Castle and Ireland's Icons - Small Group
Ashford Castle and Ireland's Icons - Small Group
$6125
Ashford Castle and Ireland's Icons - Small Group
10 Days Starting and ending in Dublin
Visiting: Dublin, Kildare, Cork, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Connemara, Cong
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SBRACN26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Get up close and personal with the icons of Ireland on this 10-day guided tour. Bask in the beauty of Connemara’s wild landscape, stand upon the 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher and admire 40 shades of green on the mystical the Ring of Kerry. On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, amble through stunning Powerscourt Gardens. Elevate your experience learning the insights and staying in comfort and style at five-star Ashford Castle, the former famous home of earls, princes and the famous Guinness family.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Blarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
Top Rated Highlights
- Cork: Ireland's second city - "Rebel Cork" dates back to the 7th century. Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House on an insightful orientation tour encompassing the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding and settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes. You’ll love learning the tales and history of this port city and enjoy hearing the lilt of the Cork accent.
- Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- Cliffs of Moher: 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.
- Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take center stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
- Connemara: With a striking Victorian Walled Garden and turreted church, Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey is a sight to behold. Dig into the Abbey’s history, discovering how it was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Sligo: Sit back and relax as you learn from a Local Specialist how, at this largest lake in Southern Ireland, archaeologists are just beginning to learn how this lake’s importance in trade in their discovery of several preserved 5000-year-old boats.
Make Travel Matter
Wicklow: The walled gardens and rambling walks of Powerscourt Gardens will enchant any traveler. On your visit, these carefully curated and maintained gardens and magnificent mansion house will delight your senses and inspire your imagination. Stroll through the manicured formal gardens and terraces passing striking statues, lakes and secret hollows. You’ll savor taking in the wonder of nature curated by world-class gardeners. Your visit directly supports UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land.
Authentic Dining
Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around evening.
Ashford Castle: Dine on delicious Farm-to-Table fare in a stylish setting at the iconic George V Dining Room.
Dublin: Celebrate a memorable journey in Ireland on your final night out in Dublin - hub of food and drink culture including the Guinness factory. In 1759, Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on St James Gate Brewery. After your final night out in Dublin, Guinness will be awaiting your return to the Emerald Isle.
Insight Choice
Blarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.
Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
Itinerary
Day 1: Hello Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Camden Court, Dublin
Meals Included: Dinner
Soul-stirring landscapes of rugged cliffs and rolling hills, the 'Emerald Isle' has lured the most curious of travelers for centuries. Begin your journey at Powerscourt Gardens for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Across 47 acres, its sweeping terraces, ornamental lakes and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs has earned its status as one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland and the 3rd Best Garden in the world by National Geographic. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner.
Day 2: Discover Diverse Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Camden Court, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
History dating back to the 1100s awaits as you join a Local Expert on a Dublin city tour to visit St. Patrick's Cathedral. Here at Ireland's largest church, gain all the insights learning how Irish author Jonathan Swift was once installed as Dean and ultimately laid to rest. With rest of the day at leisure, stroll 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. Or, join an Optional Experience of food and fun at a Dublin Dinner and Cabaret.
Day 3: Admire County Kilkenny And On To Cork Relaxed Start
Location: Dublin, Kildare, Cork
Accommodation Name: The Kingsley, Cork
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on an excursion to get up close and personal with Ireland's thoroughbred industry at the Irish National Stud. Next up is Cork, a fusion of castles, gardens and foodie havens will enchant curious travelers like you. Your Travel Director orients you to the sights, sounds and flavors from the circa-18th century English Market lined with local cheeses, fresh seafood and handmade chocolate to Cork City Gaol, a museum offering insight into Cork’s history. Cork is also home to the biggest jazz festival in Ireland. With the evening at leisure, take in the city’s musical culture joining an Optional Experience of Irish entertainment with local musicians including a hearty pub dinner.
Day 4: Journey To Blarney And On To Killarney Relaxed Start
Location: Cork, Blarney, Killarney
Accommodation Name: Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today's Insight Choice gets you up close and personal to one of the icons of Ireland, Blarney Castle, the Witch's Kitchen and Wishing Steps gardens and, of course, the infamous stone – said to bestow the 'gift of the gab' upon whoever kisses it. Or, go beyond the castle and don’t miss the chance to amble the 1,500-acre grounds. After your visit to the stone or stroll through the grounds, head west to Killarney ushering you into the beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Tonight’s Dine-Around invites you to enjoy your pick of Irish specialties. Then finish your day with an Optional Experience of traditional Irish song, music, and dance.
Day 5: A Day On The Ring Of Kerry
Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney
Accommodation Name: Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Famous for its 'forty shades of green,' the Ring of Kerry has inspired writers and poets for centuries. Drink in the beauty of the coastal drive lined with beaches, colorful seaside villages and views of the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll be astounded by even more icons of Ireland as you venture inland to a mountainous region dotted with lakes and green woodlands. Enhance your discovery over an Optional Experience Jaunting Cart Ride through Bourn-Vincent National Park. Upon arrival back in Killarney, end your day with a decadent three-course dinner infused with Irish flavors.
Day 6: Onwards To The Cliffs Of Moher
Location: Killarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway
Accommodation Name: Radisson Red Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin the day with a ferry crossing before arriving at the towering Cliffs of Moher. Perched at 700-feet, take in views of the Clare Coast and the pounding Atlantic, where colonies of puffins make their homes. The area is home to Guillemot and Razorbills, Peregrine Falcon, Kittiwake and Fulmar as well as endangered bird species including Choughs. Full of fascinating insights, make your way through the rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay.
Day 7: Galway
Location: Galway
Accommodation Name: Radisson Red Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ireland’s cultural center and the festival capital of Ireland, Galway hosts 122 festivals per year. One might say the city’s artistic side is reflected in actor Peter O’Toole, who has a strong connection with Galway. O’Toole claimed that he was born in Galway before being taken to England as a baby and built a house outside Clifden in the county. You’ll feel Galway’s fun, bohemian vibe come to life over an orientation tour. Your Travel Director introduces you to the sights including Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy. With the rest of the day at leisure, continue to explore this bustling port city on your own or join an optional Galway Waking Tour with pub dinner.
Day 8: Kylemore Abbey And Continue To Ashford Castle
Location: Galway, Connemara, Cong
Accommodation Name: Ashford Castle, Cong
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Full of curiosities, Kylemore Abbey is a treasure trove of picture-perfect scenery and a storied past as the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. Discover more on a Lough Corrib Cruise, where you'll explore one of County Galway's natural jewels and learn about its historical significance. Conclude another grand day arriving at five-star, award-winning, Ashford Castle where a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge. Your exquisite hotel provides a romantic backdrop in superior surroundings, offering both relaxation and comfort you’ve come to enjoy on your Ireland tour. Feel history come alive with past owners including Benjamin Lee Guinness, Lord and Lady Ardilaun and hotelier Noel Huggard who transformed the estate into a hotel in 1939. In addition, celebrities such as John Lennon and Brad Pitt and even royal patrons including King George V have luxuriated at Ashford Castle.
Day 9: Return To Lively Dublin Relaxed Start
Location: Cong, Dublin
Accommodation Name: Camden Court, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Time for a last-minute stroll on the Ashford Estate. Perhaps take in more of the splendid scenery on out joining a leisurely walk with the Irish wolfhounds. Then cross the midlands, also known as Our Hidden Heartlands, a beautifully unspoilt part of Ireland where life moves at its own pace. Return to the capital where the remainder of the day is free. Dinner awaits tonight, where you’ll raise a glass and toast with your new friends.
Day 10: Journey Home
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
As the curtain falls on a memorable journey with new friends, we say a fond slán go fóill to Dublin and the 'Emerald Isle'.
What's Included
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Meals
6 dinners and 9 breakfasts are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours with local experts at various locations including Blarney Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Cliffs of Moher.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included.
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Porterage
Porterage charges at hotels are included.
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Luggage Handling
Luggage is carried and delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
Occasional local specialties representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Luxury Coach
Travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a Dublin Dinner and Cabaret, Irish entertainment with local musicians, and a Jaunting Cart Ride through Bourn-Vincent National Park are not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights accommodation are not included and may be purchased separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, sanitized before the start of your tour and maintained to very high standards.
Accommodation
Stay in luxurious accommodations including Camden Court in Dublin, The Kingsley in Cork, Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa in Killarney, Radisson Red in Galway, and the exquisite Ashford Castle in Cong.
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Dublin: History and famous figures. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the few buildings left from medieval Dublin. It is also on this site where St. Patrick reputedly baptized the local Celtic chieftains in the 5th century. The cathedral was later built between 1191 and 1270 and has come to be famous for its choir, also Ireland’s oldest. The cathedral’s burial site of author Jonathan Swift is one of approximately 700 burials on the site.
- Kildare: Horse racing is key part of Irish culture; and you'll get a rare peek into it over your visit to the Irish National Stud. Set in Kildare at the breeding ground of champions and the birthplace of legends, explore the foaling unit, museum and the stallions that continue to make racing history. As the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public, learn the insights of horse-racing at a site whose former visitors include queens and presidents.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I choose from during the tour?
You can choose between two carefully selected activities, such as visiting Blarney Castle and its gardens or exploring the grounds of the castle.
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Are hotel and restaurant tips included in the tour package?
Yes, hotel and restaurant tips are included in the tour package, so you won't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.
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Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available on the coach and in the hotels where you will be staying, allowing you to stay connected with friends and family.
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy a variety of dining experiences, including a Dine-Around evening in Killarney, a Farm-to-Table dinner at the George V Dining Room in Ashford Castle, and a final night out in Dublin with a focus on local food and drink culture.
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What is the significance of the Blarney Stone?
The Blarney Stone is said to bestow the power to persuade, flatter, and coax on those who kiss it. The stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to very high standards.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights' accommodation, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
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What kind of special experiences are included in the tour?
Special experiences include a guided tour of Blarney Castle's gardens with a senior gardener, a visit to the Irish National Stud, and a cruise on Lough Corrib to explore Kylemore Abbey's surroundings.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a variety of accommodations, including the Camden Court in Dublin, The Kingsley in Cork, Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa in Killarney, Radisson Red in Galway, and the five-star Ashford Castle in Cong.
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What kind of physical activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes leisurely walks through gardens, such as Powerscourt Gardens and the grounds of Blarney Castle, as well as optional experiences like a Jaunting Cart Ride through Bourn-Vincent National Park.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations 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 insight vacations 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
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