Iconic Ireland & Ashford Castle

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 forty shades of green circling the Ring of Kerry.

YOUR MUST-SEE HIGHLIGHTS

EXPLORE Dublin, Killarney National Park and Lough Corrib with Local Specialists. DISCOVER Killarney and Galway. 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. CRUISE on Lough Corrib. SEE Dublin’s Georgian Squares and Galway Cathedral. SCENIC DRIVE of the Ring of Kerry.

ASHFORD CASTLE

Dating back to 1228, iconic Ashford Castle has housed earls, princes and the dynastic Guinness family. Recently reopened after refurbishment, this award-winning hotel is one of Brendan’s Stays With Stories and is owned and operated by our sister company, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Kylemore Abbey 1

ASHFORD CASTLE

Connemara

2

GALWAY GALWAY

IRELAND

Cli s of Moher

Co. Kilkenny

Ring of Kerry 2

KILLARNEY KILLARNEY

Blarney 1

CORK CORK

1 1

DUBLIN

Your Itinerary

DAY 1 | FÁILTE TO DUBLIN

The ‘Emerald Isle’ puts its best foot forward in this iconic exploration of its breathtaking landscapes and whimsical charm. We kick off our epic journey along the walled gardens and rambling walks of Powerscourt Gardens – its sweeping terraces, ornamental lakes and over two hundred 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 travelers. (WR)

Hotel: Clayton Ballsbridge

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 colorful 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. (B)

DAY 3 | ADMIRE COUNTY KILKENNY & ON TO CORK

We leave the hospitality of Dublin behind for County Kilkenny where we delve into the history of a ‘lost’ medieval town – Newtown Jerpoint. Take a step back in time to the 12th century and wander through its remains which are said to be the final resting place of St. Nicholas. Later, you’ll join the O’Connells at their home, Belmore House. Embrace the peaceful rural setting – the perfect backdrop to Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience. Inspired by Irish food and the warmth of our hosts, we continue south to the lively city of Cork, enjoying a free evening to discover its sights, sounds and flavors. Our home for the night is the historic Maldron Shandon Hotel, on of Brendan’s Stays With Stories, it was originally Cork’s first general hospital and has a colorful history dating back to the 1700s. (B,BMG) Hotel: Maldron Shandon

DAY 4 | JOURNEY TO BLARNEY & ON TO KILLARNEY

Head to Blarney in pursuit of the ‘gift of the gab’. Kiss the fabled Stone then head west to the lakeside setting of Killarney, our springboard to the enduring beauty of the Ring of Kerry. (B) Hotel: Killarney Towers

Jerry O’Connell, Newtown Jerpoint | ©TourismIreland

The Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Ashford Castle... You’ll be hard pressed to find a more iconic trio of attractions and you’ll experience them all on this iconic trip. If that wasn’t enough, we’ve added a Be My Guest experience in Newtown Jerpoint where you’ll explore the ruins of this ‘lost’ town before meeting the O’Connells in their home, Belmore House, to hear colorful stories of this 12th century town and final resting place of St. Nicholas.

VACATION PLANNER

10 DAYS | 15 MEALS

START: Dublin END: Dublin

2023 DEPARTURES Jan 02 ■ ,15 ■ ,29 ■ Feb 12 ■ ,26 ■ Mar 12 ■▲ ,26 ■ Apr 09 ■ ,23 ■ , 30 ■ May 07,14,21,28 Jun 04,11,18,25 2024 DEPARTURES Jan 02 ■ ,14 ■ ,28 ■ Feb 11■ ,25 ■ CODE: BRAC

Jul 02,09,16,23,30 Aug 06,13,20,27 Sep 03,10,17,24 Oct 01 ■ ,08 ■ ,22 ■ Nov 05 ■ ,19 ■ Dec 03 ■

Mar 10 ■▲ ,24 ■ Apr 07■ ,21 ■ ,28 ■

■ These departures may vary in itinerary, hotels and inclusions in line with seasonal changes. ▲ St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated on these departures.

WANT TO TRAVEL IN 2024?

If you’re looking even further ahead, this trip departs every Sunday from April to October 2024. Visit our website for dates and prices.

Morning ‘meet & greet’ with Cronan & Garvan, Ashford Castle

DAY 5 | A DAY ON THE RING OF KERRY

Spend a leisurely morning exploring Killarney or join a Local Specialist for a scenic guided walk at Torc Waterfall, strolling over wooded paths and lakeshore trails. Circle the scenic Ring of Kerry, admiring its famous ‘forty shades of green’ and seeing first-hand the landscapes that have inspired writers and poets for centuries. (B,D)

DAY 6 | ONWARDS TO THE CLIFFS OF MOHER & GALWAY

Our up-close encounter with Ireland’s irresistible beauty is just beginning as we journey north for a walk along the UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Moher, an extraordinary feature of the famous Wild Atlantic Way. Admire the dramatic cliffs that rise above the pounding Atlantic and survey endless ocean views on this unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. We continue to Galway for a two-night stay. (B,D) Hotel: Maldron Sandy Road

DAY 7 | GALWAY YOUR WAY

Dive Into Culture at the Connemara Marble Factory, watching master craftsmen carve Connemara marble. Then enjoy an orientation tour of Galway with plenty of free time afterwards to explore this vibrant city on your own. (B,D)

DAY 8 | EXPLORE STUNNING CONNEMARA & CONTINUE TO ASHFORD CASTLE

A rugged realm of mountains, lakes, rivers and villages provides a stunning backdrop for our leisurely drive through Connemara – an unspoiled region of western Ireland that was immortalized in John Wayne’s The Quiet Man. We’ll visit Kylemore Abbey and ramble through its exquisite Victorian walled garden. Later, board ‘The Isle of Innisfree’ for an exclusive cruise on shimmering Lough Corrib. Captain Patrick, Ashford Castle’s Local Specialist will share his local knowledge as you glide across its peaceful waters. Upon disembarking, a lone piper will escort you over the drawbridge to Ashford Castle, one of Brendan’s Stays With Stories, where tonight you will dine as lords and ladies at an elegant royal dining experience (gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket). (B,D) Hotel: Ashford Castle

DAY 9 | RETURN TO LIVELY DUBLIN

Indulge in the sumptuous surroundings of Ashford Castle. Stroll around its exquisite estate and admire lavish interiors before returning to Dublin. Spend the rest of the afternoon delving into the centuries-old history of the Irish capital. This evening, it’s time to reminisce over shared memories at a delicious Farewell Dinner. (B,FD) Hotel: Clayton Ballsbridge

DAY 10 | JOURNEY HOME

As the curtain falls on a memorable journey with new friends, we say a fond slán go fóill to Dublin and the ‘Emerald Isle’. Find out more about your free airport transfer at brendanvacations.com/transfers. (B)