This trip offers a perfect immersion into Ireland's ancient heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and colorful vibrant city life. This trip will bring you to powerful contrasts – visiting Newgrange in the Boyne Valley, a special place where ritual and ceremony played a major role in the lives of local communities about 5000 years ago, and then just down the road see where Slane Castle and its state-of-the-art sustainable new whiskey distillery pays homage to the resilient nature of local heritage and the surrounding lands.
This independent itinerary is fully customizable around your interests and budget.
Dedicated private chauffeur, serving as your local guide
All on-tour transportations and related fees
Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
Airport transfers (Restrictions apply)
6 breakfasts, 1 dinners
Itinerary
Engaging Experiences These special places and experiences are considered tour highlights. Look for them in the daily itineraries.
The Merrion Hotel
Welcome to Dublin, the starting point for your grand adventure through the Emerald Isle! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by your Private Chauffeur. This afternoon, your voyage of discovery begins when you join a Local Specialist who will proudly share the riches of Ireland’s capital city on your own private walking tour. See Dublin’s Georgian squares with their brightly colored doors and walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to see the ornate 8th-century Book of Kells.
The Merrion Hotel
Breakfast
Included
Today, delve into Irelands Ancient East today and explore the Boyne Valley for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on the Historic Boyne Valley Canal. Board a traditional currach (wooden boat) and marvel at the beauty spots and historical landmarks along the Boyne River and become immersed in tales of ancient legends such as that of the Celtic queen and goddess Boann. Begin your journey from Old bridge House, where the Battle of the Boyne changed Ireland’s fate more that 300 years ago. Explore the Hill of Tara, the jewel in the crown of the Boyne Valley landscape and a site that has been in use for more than 5000 years as a place of burial and assembly for the legendary High Kings of Ireland.
Cliff House Hotel
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
This morning, visit Glendalough, the ‘Valley of the Two Lakes,’ famous for its early monastic ruins and scenic setting. Be sure to find St. Kevin’s cross - legend holds that those who can wrap their arms around it will receive their wish perhaps the luck of the Irish will be on your side. Onto Waterford with colorful terrace houses, cafés, and bars overlooking the quayside. Watch the master craftsmen of the House of Waterford Crystal as they create delicate works of art on your tour with a Local Specialist. Enjoy a night in the intimate Cliff House Hotel with dinner in their Michelin star restaurant for a quaint and cozy evening.
Aghadoe Heights Hotel
Breakfast
Included
Start your day with a stunning walk along the Ardmore cliff followed by a visit to Blarney Castle, home to the magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence in exchange for an upside-down kiss. Stroll through the castle’s grounds and gardens, arboretums, and waterways, on your private adventure with one of the estates Gardeners. If you dare, enter the Poison Garden – just don’t touch the plants! Then continue to the charming town of Killarney.
Aghadoe Heights Hotel
Breakfast
Included
Admire the breath-taking scenery of rugged landscapes and crashing seas along the famous Ring of Kerry, and delight in traditional Irish life as you stop in quaint villages along the way. You’ll be mesmerized by this unspoiled land that has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Take in the beautiful views of the Skellig Coastline, before stepping inside the home of Skellig Six18. Learn about the botanical ingredients that grow in the natural woodlands, hedgerows and along the shoreline that are foraged and carefully chosen to create their artisan pot-distilled gin. Learn about traditional Irish Whiskey production methods and hear about the distillery’s ambitious plans to build a state of the art-whiskey distillery plant. See the bespoke copper Gin still and savor the taste of the Atlantic Coast with a memorable gin tasting experience. Afterwards, return to Killarney where the rest of your day is free.
Dromoland Castle
Breakfast
Included
Experience the Cliffs of Moher, a natural masterpieceset against the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean and part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Burren Geopark. Afterwards its on to bask in the royal glow of Dromoland Castle, one of the most luxurious castle hotels in Ireland. Participate in the ancient art of Falconry as you stroll through this stunning estate. This evening, enjoy fine dining at Dromoland Castle’s flagship restaurant, the Earl of Thomond - celebrated in culinary circles for its panache elegance, innovation and attention to detail that highlights Irish produce.
Breakfast
Included
Enjoy a leisurely Dromoland breakfast and some time on the estate before being transferred to Shannon Airport where your vacation ends. Slán go fóill – goodbye until we meet again.
2025 Tour Dates
OCTOBER
1
:
$6,759
|
Price is per person, land only and based on double occupancy. Subject to availability; varies by inclusions and travel dates.
Pricing is per person,
double occupancy,
land only, based on December 22, 2024 travel date.
Call AAA for current airfare rates and availability.
All this makes it AAA Vacations®
AAA Complimentary Inclusion: $80 per person on tour credit towards optional excursion.
Best Price Guarantee
24/7 Member Care
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