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Ireland; Culinary, Castles & Country Houses
Oct 1, 2023

9 Days

October 1, 2023

From: *$4,899
per person

Experience an authentic Celtic Custom Vacation, hand - crafted by our local Irish experts

Irish icons come together on this incredible eight-night itinerary – from the cityscape of Dublin to the wild Cliffs of Moher and into the island’s famous emerald green countryside. Enjoy a cooking class, kiss the Blarney stone and tour the Waterford Crystal Factory. Experience a fascinating Titanic Walking Tour in the town of Cobh and learn how Guinness is produced from start to finish and how to pour the perfect pint. You’ll marvel at the breathtaking Ring of Kerry and stay at the spectacular Dromoland Castle, which has been welcoming guests since the 16th century. Please join us and experience the Best of the Emerald Isle!

*Rates are per person, land only, based on double occupancy. Rates, itinerary, hotels, events, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Arrive Dublin – Oct 1, 2023 and Depart  Shannon – Oct 9, 2023 for included transfers. AAA Member Benefits are valid for passengers who book through AAA Travel only. Benefits listed may be substituted/eliminated and have no cash value. This tour includes moderate physical activity, walking slightly longer distances, upstairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected. Passports are required for US citizens (Passport must be valid 6 months beyond return date.) Passport fees are not included. Cancellation and change fees apply. Other restrictions may apply. The Auto Club Group is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the promotion of this tour. 

DAILY ITINERARY:

A very warm welcome to Ireland! Upon arrival in Dublin you will meet your driver & guide where you will begin your first day. Arrive by 9am. Enjoy an orientation tour of Dublin with a local guide as you spend the day visiting some of its most famous sites. There is a Welcome Reception planned about Epic Ireland, an authentic and epic story of 10 million journeys and the roots of 70 million people, told with memorable style and passion. Enjoy a welcome drink and canapes while getting to know your fellow travelers.
 
Dinner will be at the lovely Fallon & Byrne. This unique venue houses a wine bar, food hall and restaurant. They pride themselves on offering great food and wine.  (WR, D) 
 
Brooks Hotel – 2 nights
As a city, Dublin is 2,000 years old with stories spanning from the daring arrival of early settlers through to the struggle for independence during the last 100 years. A local guide will take you through the heart of history, exploring Dublin on foot. With an emphasis on visiting areas less traveled, expect expert insight on parts of Dublin which are rarely experienced by the average walking tour.
 
Based in the historic Liberties the truest taste of real Dublin the Teeling Whiskey Distillery is the official home of the ‘Spirit of Dublin’. Teelings plays an important part in reviving the traditional style of Dublin whiskey distillation by being the first to open its door in the city in 125 years. Experience history in real-time as you come to understand the inner workings of an operational distillery. After the tour, enjoy a cocktail at The Bang Bang Bar overlooking Dublin city, reviving the traditional style of Dublin whiskey distillation.
 
Guinness originated in St James’s Gate, the heart of Dublin, where Arthur Guinness established his business in 1759. Nowadays, the fermentation plant at St. James’s Gate Brewery has been transformed and redeveloped so that you can experience how Guinness is produced from start to finish. The tour ends at the Gravity Bar for a tasting of the dark ale.
 
This evening is yours to enjoy Dublin’s restaurants and night life. (B)
 

Today,  we’ll travel to the city of Waterford. Our route will take us through scenic County Wicklow where our treat will be a visit to Ballyknocken Country House Culinary School. Here we will enjoy a private cookery school class followed by a sumptuous lunch.

On arrival in Waterford, we’ll have a tour of the Waterford Crystal Factory and showrooms before continuing to our delightful Faithlegg Country House Hotel for overnight. (B, L)

Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Club – 1 night

After breakfast, we’ll travel to County Cork and the colorful town of Cobh. Here, experience the fascinating Titanic Walking Tour. This interesting guided walking tour explores the town of Cobh in Cork Harbour. It was the last port of call of RMS Titanic. The tour recounts many interesting facts about the Titanic, the Titanic’s history and its association with Cobh, from when it departed on its last fateful journey nearly 100 years ago.

After this visit, we will head through Cork city and the River Lee to Blarney Castle, the home of the Blarney stone, which bestows the gift of eloquence on all those who kiss it. Visit the beautiful castle gardens and the Blarney Woolen Mills before continuing to Co. Kerry and the vibrant and friendly town of Killarney with its abundance of restaurants, stores and lively pubs.

Our stay will be at the town’s most historic Great Southern Hotel right in the center of town. Tonight, indulge in a memorable “Kate Kearneys Irish Night” dinner followed by a night of Irish music, song and dance all performed by talented locals. Enjoy an evening of fun, food and merriment! (B, D)

Great Southern Hotel – 2 nights

Todays planned tour is the Magnificent Ring of Kerry, one of the most magical places in Ireland and as we like to call it “The place that God designed when he was in a good humor “ Here, mountains, lakes, valleys and ocean blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. Plenty of time will be available for photo ops and lunch en route.

A special culinary treat awaits us as we visit the Muckross Farm during the day. See the working farms of Muckross taking you back to a time of traditional farming where you’ll tour the farms, meet the families who ply the land, learn how to churn butter and dine in the Quilles Farmhouse against the scenic backdrop of the lakes of Killarney. Remainder of the evening is on own. (B, D)

After a delicious breakfast we will drive through County Limerick and the village of Adare, noted as the prettiest village in Ireland with its thatched cottages and Tudor style houses. Our next romantic stop is a 15th century Bunratty Castle in County Clare. Visit the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Walk through the streets of the Folk Park, recreating everyday life as it was in rural Ireland some 100 years ago. It contains houses, a pub, fully operational blacksmith’s forge, a printers shop and a draper’s.

This afternoon, we’ll continue through Galway to the wild and beautiful Connemara region. This evening, enjoy a 3-3.5 hour culinary walking tour of Galway. You will get an overview of some of the gourmet delicacies this great city has to offer. Meeting Point Griffins Bakery on Shop Street During the tour you will meet artisan producers and sample some of their products with local guides. (B, D)

G Hotel & Spa Galway – 2 nights

 
A relaxing day is promised with a visit to Kylemore Abbey. Built in the late 1800s by a man inspired by his love for his wife and his hopes for his beloved Ireland, he created an estate boasting “all the innovations of the modern age”. Today Kylemore Abbey is owned by the Benedictine Community who have been in residence here since 1920.
 
Time is also available to visit Clifden, The “Capital of Connemara” with its nice array of boutique stores and restaurants. Another gourmet dinner is ours to enjoy at the G Hotel and Spa. (B, D)
This morning, we’ll enjoy a short visit to the Connemara Marble Factory for Tea and Scones and then continue to the Mighty Cliffs of Moher, rising a sheer 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.
 
An early afternoon arrival is planned for Ireland’s most romantic and magical address, the beautiful luxury 5-star Dromoland Castle. Here we can enjoy the experience of living like a king or queen, surrounded by luxury, beauty and exceptional service. Our evening will commence with a gourmet farewell dinner in the Earl of Thomond dining room with fond memories of the friends we have made and the fun we have experienced traveling in Ireland. (B, D)
 
Dromoland Castle Hotel – 1 night

Our final transfer will take us to nearby Shannon International Airport for your onward journey. (B)

AAA EXCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 8 night hotel accommodations
  • Roundtrip transfers between airports and hotels**
  • Dublin walking tour
  • Private tour of the Guinness Brewery
  • Waterford Crystal Factory
  • Ballyknocken Country House Culinary School with private cookery class
  • Cobh and Titanic Walking Tour
  • Tours of Blarney and Bunratty Castles
  • Ring of Kerry
  • Galway Culinary Walking Tour
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Dromoland Castle
  • Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 1 Lunch, 6 dinners
  • Services of professional Tour Director & Driver

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Please contact your local AAA Travel Advisor or call 1.877.371.5757
Colorado call 1.866.212.8639 / Carolinas call 1.877.912.8747