Irish Elegance - Classic Group- Summer 2025

Irish Elegance - Classic Group- Summer 2025

8 Views
8 Days From

$4075

$3668

Irish Elegance - Classic Group- Summer 2025

8 Days Starting and ending in Dublin

Visiting: Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Connemara National Park, Cong

Tour operator:

Brendan Vacations

Tour code:

B907ZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 45

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

6-99

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $4075 $3668 Operator discount: -$408

NB: Prices correct on 30-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Experience the Wild Atlantic Way and journey from Galway to Killarney on this once in a lifetime tour of Ireland. In Dublin explore the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College, before cutting the queue with fast track access to the 9th century Book of Kells. After an exploration of County Mayo and sojourn through picturesque Cong, indulge in a taste bud tantalizing Ashford Castle Dinner. The exquisite dining and locally sourced produce are matched only by the luxurious facilities of this vast estate, which include a falconry school, spa and an Irish Piper to signal your arrival. Look out at Galway Bay from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and contemplate the beauty of County Clare on this weeklong, Irish experience.

Highlights

  • Explore Dublin's architectural treasures and history, including the Book of Kells and Trinity College.

  • Visit the Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle, with an option to kiss the Blarney Stone or tour Blarney Gardens.

  • Marvel at the scenic beauty of the Ring of Kerry and learn about sustainable seaweed farming.

  • Walk along the Cliffs of Moher, towering 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Explore Connemara National Park and visit Kylemore Abbey or an oyster farm.

  • Discover the charming village of Cong, famous for its role in the film "The Quiet Man."

  • Enjoy a romantic evening at Ashford Castle, complete with a falconry school and a Celebration Dinner.

Places You'll See

Cliffs Of Moher

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: In Dublin’S Fair City

Location: Dublin

Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.

Meals Included: Dinner with Wine

Welcome to Dublin. Meet your Travel Director at 2:00pm for an orientation tour with a Local Expert that brings to life Dublin’s architectural treasures and history, stretching back more than 1,000 years. Travel along the River Liffey, see Custom House, Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. See the 9th century Book of Kells and enjoy a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College. Back at your hotel, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.

Day 2: Cashel And Blarney, Heading For Killarney

Location: Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Killarney

Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Depart Dublin, and pass the famous Curragh Racecourse and green meadows where many of the finest Irish racehorses are bred. Driving south, stop to see the spectacular Rock of Cashel, crowned with medieval buildings that dominate the flat countryside for miles around. Then on to explore Blarney with Brendan Choice. Choose to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the magical stone to ensure a lifetime of eloquence. Alternatively, meet a senior gardener for a tour of Blarney Gardens. Head to Killarney, where you may fancy a ‘pint of porter.' This town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs so in the evening why not join in the ‘craic’?

Day 3: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start

Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney

Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, marvel at spectacular mountain and sea views as you travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit his family-run seaweed farm to learn about sustainable farming practices that protect the wild Irish Atlantic coasts.

Day 4: The Cliffs Of Moher And On To Galway

Ethan

Location: Killarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway

Accommodation: Connemara Coast Hotel, Galway.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry and enter County Clare. Stop at the Exhibition Center and enjoy a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, raised approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves. Then travel north across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape, scarred with interesting limestone creases. Journey to Galway, the City of the Tribes, and visit the last Cathedral built in Ireland. Take in the scenery from your hotel which is spectatuarly set on the - maybe change to 'Wild Atlantic Way at Galway Bay.

Day 5: Captivating Connemara Relaxed Start

Location: Galway, Connemara National Park, Galway

Accommodation: Connemara Coast Hotel, Galway.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Embark on a superb exploration of the Connemara National Park and see a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. Explore Connemara with Brendan Choice. Choose to visit the magnificent, turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit one of Ireland’s oldest oyster farms for a tasting. Learn about their commitment to biodiversity and work promoting sustainable packaging.

Day 6: Majestic Ashford Castle Relaxed Start

Location: Galway, Cong

Accommodation: Ashford Castle, Cong.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Sitting on the edge of Lough Corrib and nestled on the border of County Galway and County Mayo, is the delightful Cong. You may recognise much of the town as it was used as the location in the 1952 film, 'The Quiet Man.' With free time to explore this quintessential Irish village, see the statue of the lead characters played by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey. Then a short drive down the road leads you to Ashford Castle, the highlight of your travels. As you arrive a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge. Your exquisite hotel provides a romantic backdrop in superior surroundings, offering both relaxation and comfort. There are many opportunities to explore the vast estate, pamper yourself at the spa, or get to know the hawks and woodland surroundings at the hotel's falconry school. Dining at Ashford Castle ranks among the finest culinary experiences in the world. Creative cooking, locally sourced ingredients and an innovative menu await at your Celebration Dinner. Gentlemen, a jacket is required.

Day 7: Across The Emerald Isle To Dublin Relaxed Start

Location: Cong, Dublin

Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning and perhaps a stroll on the estate? Then cross the midlands to Dublin where the rest of the day is free for independent activities and maybe some last minute shopping.

Day 8: Depart Dublin

Location: Dublin

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dublin airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    7 nights' accommodations

  • Additional Services

    Sightseeing and transportation as detailed

  • Fully Guided

    The tour includes a fully guided experience

  • Meals

    11 meals are included in the tour package

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included

  • International Travel

    International flights to and from the destination are not included

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with sightseeing and transportation as detailed, including a ferry crossing the Shannon Estuary and a journey along the scenic Ring of Kerry.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights of comfortable accommodations, including stays at the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road in Dublin, Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, Connemara Coast Hotel in Galway, and the exquisite Ashford Castle in Cong.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes sightseeing and transportation as detailed in the itinerary, including a ferry crossing of the Shannon Estuary.

  • What kind of guided experiences are included?

    The tour includes fully guided experiences with a Travel Director and Local Experts, such as an orientation tour of Dublin and a visit to the Cliffs of Moher.

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 11 meals, which consist of various breakfasts and dinners with wine.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights' accommodations at various hotels such as the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road in Dublin, Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, Connemara Coast Hotel in Galway, and Ashford Castle in Cong.

  • What is the highlight of the tour?

    One of the highlights of the tour is the stay at Ashford Castle, where you will be escorted by a lone piper over the drawbridge and have the opportunity to explore the estate, pamper yourself at the spa, or visit the falconry school.

  • Is there a welcome event at the beginning of the tour?

    Yes, on the first day in Dublin, there is a Welcome Dinner with drinks where you can mingle and get to know other tour members.

  • Are there any optional activities during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional activities such as visiting Blarney Castle to kiss the magical stone or taking a tour of Blarney Gardens, and visiting Kylemore Abbey or an oyster farm in Connemara.

  • Are there any special experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes several special experiences such as a visit to a family-run seaweed farm to learn about sustainable farming practices, a tour of one of Ireland’s oldest oyster farms, and a visit to the falconry school at Ashford Castle.

  • Is there any free time during the tour for independent activities?

    Yes, on Day 7, after returning to Dublin, the rest of the day is free for independent activities and last-minute shopping.

  • Is there seat rotation on the coach?

    Yes, your Travel Director will implement a seat rotation system, whereby all guests will rotate their seats on the coach daily. This allows for everyone to experience the spectacular views from different seats, and you’ll have a better opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.

  • Is luggage handling provided?

    On Guided Vacations and Private Chauffeur Vacations, all luggage handling is provided at no extra charge. One suitcase per person will be brought to your hotel room.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes! Our hotels are personally selected by Managing Director Catherine Reilly and personally known for their quality, impeccable service and comfort, with the majority of them having air-conditioning. Note: A few hotels may not have air conditioning due to the colder climate.

  • What are the coaches like?

    We pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches – all with reclining seats and on-board restrooms. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city center. We also have on board WiFi.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Brendan Vacations is an active supporter of the Treadright® Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than $2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

  • How many people will be on my trip?

    You’ll find an average of 40 to 45 guests on trips throughout Europe.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a guided vacation with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • Will I have free time?

    Each itinerary offers the perfect balance of downtime and discoveries. We also give you the opportunity to tailor your trip with Optional Experiences.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes. If you are travelling solo but would be happy to share your rook with another traveller of the same gender, we offer 'Twin-share' pricing on our trips. However, if you prefer the privacy of your own room, you can opt for our single supplement. The cost will depend on your trip and can be found in the pricing section of the itinerary.

  • How much luggage can I bring?

    On Guided Vacations, you can bring one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30" x 18" x 10") and weight not exceeding 23kg (50 lbs) due to the limited space on the coach. You can also bring one piece of hand luggage, provided it is small enough to take on the coach and does not have telescopic handles.

  • What is a Travel Director?

    Our Travel Directors come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all share a passion for travel and their homelands. These experienced professionals show you what the guidebooks can't - a true insider's perspective of Ireland and Scotland. Each Travel Director has been through a bespoke training program, and many have at least five years' experience under their belt.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents (important information, itinerary and any relevant vouchers) will be provided 7-10 days prior to your trip's departure.

  • What if I have special dietary requirements?

    We can accommodate guests who are vegetarian and can assist with diabetic, gluten-free and other medically-recommended diets. Please advise us at time of booking. Unfortunately, we're unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements. We cannot provide salt-free, Kosher, Halal, requests for specific dietary supplements such as soy milk, and high protein or low-carb meals.

Reviews of this operator

Emily Melvin (Google Reviewer)  

In December 2023 I took...

17-Jun-2024

In December 2023 I took a Brendan Vacations Locally Hosted Rail journey, and it was incredible! The trip was perfectly planned, and everything was top-notch from the hotels to the trains and the sightseeing tours. Even though I was traveling on my own, I never felt alone because in each city I was met by a local host who was able to provide restaurant recommendations and insider information that only a local can know. Plus, I loved traveling in the winter as there were no crowds when exploring the famed Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher and the hotels were beautifully decorated for Christmas. Working with Brendan Vacations was a breeze and took a lot of pressure off of me as I didn’t have to spend hours of my time researching and planning the trip. The hotels they booked fit my needs and they were able to suggest experiences that I wouldn’t have thought of myself. The highlight was staying at Dromoland Castle and doing the falconry experience – it’s a memory I’ll never forget. Thank you, Brendan Vacations! I can’t wait to return to the Celtic Isles with you.

Krista Erickson (Google Reviewer)  

Do you want to see...

23-Apr-2020

Do you want to see Ireland your way? Brendan Vacations did an amazing job setting us up with a Self-Drive through the county. They reserved a Hertz vehicle which we found the rental process to be seamless, placed us in wonderful hotels near city centers per our request and even suggested some places to visit and eat. We tend to be bucket list seekers so climbing Ireland’s country highpoint Carrauntoohil in beautiful County Kerry was a highlight of our trip. Our next stop is Scotland and hiking up Ben Nevis with the help of Brendan Vacations the true Celtic Experts.

Mackenzie Gerber (Google Reviewer)  

Brendan Vacations made all my...

23-Apr-2020

Brendan Vacations made all my Ireland dreams come true. My husband and I took a Private Chauffeur trip last August and we think back on it almost daily. The level of service and detail from our Chauffeur to the people behind the scenes scheduling our activities and hotels made it easy for us just to relax the entire time. Thank you to the amazing Brendan team for an unforgettable vacation.

Katie Jessup (Google Reviewer)  

This last summer I planned...

23-Apr-2020

This last summer I planned a trip to take my family to Ireland, being from England the United Kingdom has always been very special to me I just love the outdoors and the people. Living in the US my family have never visited Ireland before so I decided I wanted to plan with them a trip where we could explore this this amazing place. When we started writing down the key places that we wanted to visit we realized it was a lot from Belfast to Derry, Dublin to Galway and Killarney to Cork I was just not sure how I could piece all of this together. I decided I would look for help and the team at Brendan vacations were my superstars, all I had to do was give them my itinerary and they took care of everything else for me. They made our trip so easy and effortless to plan and they offered little extras because they knew we were a multi-generational family traveling together. They even helped us book and plan activities while we were visiting Ireland from the Cliffs of Moher to the Giants Causeway. By far my favorite moment was seeing my 7 year old daughter's face when we had the opportunity to take a horse drawn carriage ride through Killarney National Park, without my Brendan vacation specialist recommending this to me we would have missed out and I know it was a highlight for little Charlie. Thank you Brendan vacations for taking our trip personally and truly helping create memories that will last us a lifetime. We are already talking about going back to Ireland and our next adventure.

Tara Ward-Burgess (Google Reviewer)  

We recently took a 13...

16-May-2024

We recently took a 13 day chauffeured tour of Ireland. Brendan Vacations scheduled our chauffeur through Pat Keough Tours and our driver, Andy Burke, was outstanding. If we mentioned particular places of interest along the way Andy would find a way to make it happen. He has the best sense of humor, is professional, and very knowledgeable. We hope to use Andy for future trips.

Tam (Google Reviewer)  

Brendan Vacations is amazing!!! In...

28-Apr-2020

Brendan Vacations is amazing!!! In my opinion it was the only way to fully experience Ireland. We did a private chauffeur trip with our family. There were 4 adults and 3 children ranging from 7 to 12 years old and all of us were completely entertained the entire time. From the moment we were picked up at the airport it was clear that then attention to details was unmatched. We were able to be completely immersed into the incredible culture and people of Ireland. The tour took us around most of the country from the city of Dublin to the picturesque town of Killarney. We experience the Majestic Cliffs of Moher from a unique perspective taking a ferry ride along the coastline which was beautiful. Next we went to the AMAZING Ashford castle which was straight out of a story book. There were so things to do, our family loved fishing, zipplining, horseback riding and falconry. Throughout our trip we went on walking tours in the cities, stayed in enchanting castles and manars, and even horse drawn carriage ride through a historic park surrounded by lakes and beautiful scenery. Everyday we saw unbelievable countrysides, had yummy stews and Irish ales. The people were all welcoming and nice in every city and town. Our chauffeur made us feel comfortable and was professional which made the trip fun and relaxing throughout our many adventures. Ireland was full of rich history, memorable landscapes, music and dancing. We can't thank Brendan Vacations enough for making our vacation stress free and so unforgettable, what an adventure!

Amy Yarruhs (Google Reviewer)  

I did the Irish Highlights...

02-Feb-2024

I did the Irish Highlights tour last October and it blew any expectations I had of guided tours out of the water! It was my first time out of the US and they made it so easy and comfortable. Our Travel Director, Maeve, and Driver, Stevie, were absolutely wonderful and super knowledgeable. The whole trip was very organized and well-planned. There were 2 main experiences that stand out to me as different than other tour companies. The first were the Make Travel Matter experiences which were hosted by locals and focused on sustainability (a huge plus for me) and their Be My Guest experience where we got to eat in celebrity chef, Catherine Fulvio's farmhouse! I still dream about her cooking months later. All in all, I would highly recommend Brendan Vacations and I can't wait to visit Ireland again.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Brendan Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brendan vacations charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 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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