Trafalgar > Best of Ireland 2009

Best of Ireland 2009
11 Days starting from $2,090

Countries Visited:
Ireland

Check Rates & Availability

Length: 11 Days
Type: First Class Europe & Britain 2009
Category: Regional
Operator: Trafalgar
Tour Code: IRBO-2009
   
 
 
About This Tour


Cities Visited:
Dublin, Kilkenny, Kildare, Waterford, Blarney, Killarney, Adare, Limerick, Bunratty, Galway

A travel experience that combines Ireland''s medieval heritage with its most striking landscapes.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • Details
  • SPECIALS

Sightseeing Highlights
  • Dublin: Visit Trinity College, view St. Patrick''s Cathedral and Phoenix Park.
  • Kilkenny: Visit the medieval city.
  • Kildare: Visit the Irish National Stud Farm and the Japanese Garden.
  • Waterford: Visit the crystal factory.
  • Blarney: Visit the castle and the famous Blarney Stone.
  • Killarney: See the beautiful lakes.
  • Ring of Kerry: Visit Killorglin, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Moll''s Gap.
  • Adare: Visit the prettiest village in Ireland.
  • Limerick: See St. Mary''s Cathedral and King John''s Castle.
  • Bunratty: Visit the castle and folk park.
  • Galway Bay: Panoramic views
  • Galway: Orientation tour. Visit Connemara, Dunmore Abbey, Sligo.
  • Visit Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery.

Dining Highlights
  • 9 full Irish breakfasts.
  • 3 three-course dinners.
  • Local highlight restaurant dinner with wine in Sligo.
  • Farewell Dinner with wine and an Irish coffee in Dublin.
14 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)
First Class Travel Highlights
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
  • Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.
  • The services of one of Trafalgar''s top professional Tour Directors.
  • Stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
  • A qualified local city guide in Dublin.
  • Airport transfers are provided on Day 2 and Day 11.
  • A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.

Airport Transfers
Dublin Airport Transfers are provided on Days 2 and 11. Group transfers on arrival at Dublin Airport will operate at 08.00, 11.00 and 13.30. Return transfers from the last hotel will arrive at Dublin Airport at 07.30, 09.30 and 11.30.
  • London Gateways: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the airport and your London hotel. But when you book your Trafalgar tour and take advantage of our land and air packages, we have included a FREE transfer to and from London’s airports and your Trafalgar London hotel. For passengers who have their own flight arrangements we offer you the opportunity to purchase inexpensive transfers to and from London’s Heathrow – Trafalgar has negotiated special rates for the Dot2Dot transfer from London’s Heathr
  • Important – Please Note: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports providing the following conditions are met:
  • For included transfers: Your flights must be booked directly by Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. For chargeable transfers: Your Travel Agent provides detailed flight information to Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. Once transfers are booked they cannot be changed.
  • For London arrivals, you must stay at a London hotel booked by Trafalgar on the night of arrival and the night prior to your departure date.
  • Trafalgar only includes one inbound and one outbound transfer.
  • In the event of flight delays outside of Trafalgar’s control, the transfers will be deemed to be cancelled.
  • All transfers are based on group transfers. No refund is therefore available for missed transfers, or passengers not using this service.
  • In the event of unforeseen events (such as road or rail works, strikes or demonstrations), Trafalgar will not be responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
  • Heathrow Airport: National Express Dot2Dot will pick up and drop off in time to meet all flights to/from London’s Heathrow Airport. For guests arriving at the Dot2Dot desk after 22.00 hrs please make use of the courtesy phone to arrange your transfer to your Trafalgar hotel.
  • Gatwick Airport: Passengers who have booked Trafalgar’s Land and Air packages arriving at London’s Gatwick Airport are provided with a Gatwick Express train voucher. The Gatwick Express train journey from Gatwick Airport to London’s Victoria Station takes 30 minutes. Guests then need to make their way from Victoria Station to their Trafalgar hotel.
  • European Gateways: With Trafalgar all passengers will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure day of their tour at the times specified below. Please ensure your Travel Agent reserves your flight to co-ordinate with the transfer times shown.
  • Trafalgar Bonus - Passengers who book Trafalgar''s Land+Air package and who arrive or depart outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
  • Passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a transfer but may book and purchase one through Trafalgar providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post tour hotel night(s) from Trafalgar. Please ask for prices of transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
  • Land only passengers arriving or departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but whose flights don''t coincide with the listed transfer times below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details must be provided to Trafalgar not less than 21 days before the flight departure.
  • Click here to see scheduled transfer times.
  • Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Dublin.


  • Day 2 - Arrive Dublin Welcome to Ireland and Dublin! After check-in the afternoon is free to relax and unwind. This evening we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelling companions. 

    Hotel: Trinity Capital / Maldron


  • Day 3 - Dublin – Kildare – Waterford After breakfast we make our way to Kildare to the Irish National Stud, where we will enjoy a walking tour to see some of the finest stallions in the world. We will also have time to visit the Japanese Garden. We continue to Kilkenny where we view the medieval city dominated by its Norman Castle and ancient cathedral. Finally on to Waterford. (Full breakfast / Dinner) 

    Hotel: Waterford Marina


  • Day 4 - Waterford – Kenmare Bay (Kerry) (2 nights) This morning we visit the Waterford Crystal Factory and our Tour Director tells us that a Hidden Treasure will be revealed to us today! On to Cork and Blarney Castle where we kiss the stone and aquire the ‘gift of the gab’. We travel across the Derrynasaggaret mountains along the picturesque Loo Valley to the pretty town of Kenmare. (Full breakfast / Dinner) 

    Hotel: Kenmare Bay (2 nights)


  • Day 5 - Ring of Kerry Excursion Enjoy a full day of spectacular scenery through plunging cliffs and lakes, granite mountains and jagged coastlines as we tour the Ring of Kerry. Our route passes Killorglin (of Puck Fair fame), Daniel O''Connell''s Cahirciveen, Waterville and Moll''s Gap in the Black Mountains before returning to our hotel at Kenmare Bay. (Full breakfast)


  • Day 6 - Kenmare Bay – Limerick This morning we drive through the Glanaruderry Mountains and into County Limerick. We pause a while in Adare – with its thatched cottages, it is one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. Then on to the mouth of the River Shannon and to Limerick, where on arrival an orientation tour shows us St. Mary''s Cathedral, King John''s Castle and the Treaty Stone. Then we visit the Bunratty Castle and folk park before going on to our hotel in Limerick. (Full breakfast) 

    Hotel: Radisson SAS


  • Day 7 - Limerick – the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren – Connemara – Galway Bay Our first stop today is to see the beautiful Cliffs of Moher, then we follow the coastline ejoying splendid views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Soon we come to the Burren country, a haven for geologists and botanists because of the unusual rocks and flora. Then we head for Galway city where our orientation tour shows us the Spanish Arch and Galway cathedral. Finally we take a drive through the barren mountainous region of Connemara before continuing via Lough Corrib to our hotel. (Full breakfast / Dinner) 

    Hotel: Days


  • Day 8 - Galway Bay – Sligo This morning we depart for County Sligo, an area rich in ancient ruins, travelling via the County of Mayo. Our first stop is in the village of Knock, the place of pilgrimage where villagers saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Finally via the small market town of Tobercurry to splendid Sligo Bay and our overnight hotel. Time to relax or to take an excursion to Drumcliff to see the church where Yeats is buried and across the border into Northern Ireland to visit the famous pottery at Belleek in County Fermanagh. Tonight we enjoy a Highlight Dinner in a local pub restaurant. (Full breakfast / Highlight Dinner) 

    Hotel: Yeats Country Hotel


  • Day 9 - Sligo – Dublin (2 nights) Today we travel via Boyle – famous for its Cistercian abbey – and along the valley of the mighty River Shannon back to Dublin. You’ll have time to perhaps visit a stately home or beautiful monastic site this afternoon. Why not take the opportunity this evening to attend an Irish cabaret and enjoy the unique entertainment and atmosphere plus the Irish sense of humour? (Full breakfast) 

    Hotel: Mespil (2 nights)


  • Day 10 - Dublin sightseeing and at leisure Morning sightseeing tour with a local guide includes views of St. Patrick''s Cathedral, Phoenix Park and visits Trinity College to see the famed 8th century Book of Kells. Then we visit the famous Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery and taste some too! Tonight, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with wine and an Irish coffee with our Tour Director and new-found friends. (Full breakfast / Farewell Dinner) 


  • Day 11 - Dublin – USA This morning it is time to bid farewell to our Tour Director and fellow travelers as our tour of Ireland comes to an end. (Full breakfast)


  • Free airport transfers: Transfers on Day 2 at Dublin Airport will operate at 08.00, 11.00 and 13.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Dublin Airport at 07.30, 09.30 and 11.30.



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to check rates and availability online, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Or, to speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
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Land Only
Land + Air
Single
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Single
(Land + Air)
4/16/2009 - 4/26/2009
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4/23/2009 - 5/3/2009
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4/30/2009 - 5/10/2009
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5/7/2009 - 5/17/2009
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5/14/2009 - 5/24/2009
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5/21/2009 - 5/31/2009
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5/28/2009 - 6/7/2009
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6/4/2009 - 6/14/2009
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6/11/2009 - 6/21/2009
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6/18/2009 - 6/28/2009
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6/25/2009 - 7/5/2009
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7/2/2009 - 7/12/2009
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7/9/2009 - 7/19/2009
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7/16/2009 - 7/26/2009
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7/23/2009 - 8/2/2009
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7/30/2009 - 8/9/2009
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8/6/2009 - 8/16/2009
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8/13/2009 - 8/23/2009
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8/20/2009 - 8/30/2009
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8/27/2009 - 9/6/2009
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9/3/2009 - 9/13/2009
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9/10/2009 - 9/20/2009
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9/17/2009 - 9/27/2009
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9/24/2009 - 10/4/2009
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10/1/2009 - 10/11/2009
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10/8/2009 - 10/18/2009
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10/15/2009 - 10/25/2009
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10/22/2009 - 11/1/2009
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11/12/2009 - 11/22/2009
$2,090
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All Land & Air Prices: Additional taxes and fees will apply, please visit www.trafalgar.com/taxesandfees. Airline fuel surcharges are included in the base fare. Additional restrictions will apply; please visit www.trafalgar.com/restrictions. Prices shown are from New York City (Europe vacations), Los Angeles (South Pacific & Asia vacations) and Miami (South America vacations).
* This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
** For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
Please note: In addition to being sold out or on a request basis only, a tour departure may not be displayed on this site for operation reasons.
For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.
  • Dublin
  • Kilkenny
  • Kildare
  • Waterford
  • Blarney
  • Killarney
  • Adare
  • Limerick
  • Bunratty
  • Galway Bay
  • Galway
  • Cliffs of Moher
All Land & Air Prices: Additional taxes and fees will apply, please visit www.trafalgar.com/taxesandfees. Airline fuel surcharges are included in the base fare. Additional restrictions will apply; please visit www.trafalgar.com/restrictions. Prices shown are from New York City (Europe vacations), Los Angeles (South Pacific & Asia vacations) and Miami (South America vacations).
* This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
** For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
Please note: In addition to being sold out or on a request basis only, a tour departure may not be displayed on this site for operation reasons.
For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Take advantage of Trafalgar's great savings and discounts

Take advantage of Trafalgar's great savings and discounts.

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT - Save up to 10%

Many Trafalgar tours sell out months before the departure date, so book NOW to avoid disappointment.The earlier you pay, the more you save! If you book and pay in full you'll save up to 10% off the Land-only portion of your trip. Below is our Early Payment Saving options - pay between:

4-6 months SAVE 2.5%

7-9 months SAVE 5%

10-12 months SAVE 7.5%

1 year or more SAVE 10%

All tours must be booked and paid for in full for this discount to apply. This discount does not apply to our Free & Easy Series, Greek Cruises, Egypt, European Express tour and extra night accommodation.*When booking our Basel to Amsterdam River Cruise please check our River Cruise brochure for the savings and discounts exclusions. Conditions apply.

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SAVE ON YOUR 2nd TOUR - Save 5%

Book two Trafalgar holidays, each 8 days or longer for a reduction of 5% off the land portion of the tour with the shortest duration. Take three tours and save on two! Ask your travel professional for suggestions on your perfect tour combination.

IMPORTANT: Tours are combinable with second and subsequent additional tours. Tours must be booked at the same time. Discount is per person only and does NOT apply to our Free & Easy Series, Cruises, Egypt and extra night accommodation or any combination of a tour plus a cruise or rail journey as shown in brochures. Please see our Trafalgar brochures for their saving or discount exclusions. Conditions apply.

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TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS - Save 5%

A party of five or more friends - Travel with 5 to 8 friends or family members on the same tour and everyone will receive a discount of 5% off the Land portion of the tour.

A party of 9 or more friends - Further significant savings are available for larger groups of friends and families traveling together. Ask your Travel Agent for full details.

IMPORTANT: Space is limited to one group per motorcoach, so book early! These discounts cannot be combined with any other rooming, Young Traveler or Triple Room Discounts. Names of all passengers traveling must be advised to Trafalgar at the time of booking in order to qualify. These discounts do not apply to extra night accommodation, are not combinable with our Frequent Traveler offer and are not available on Winter tours, Free & Easy Series, Cruises, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and Greece tours. Conditions apply.

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YOUNG TRAVELER AGES - SAVE 10%

Share your holiday memories with your family and take advantage of a discount on the Land-only portion of your tour. Young Travelers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by and adult (limit of one young traveler per room).

On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveler must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS DISCOUNTS, and is limited to one young traveler discount per room. It also does not apply to our Free & Easy Series, Cruises, Egypt, Turkey or Israel tours, extra night accommodation or London and gateway accommodation. Conditions apply.

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SINGLE TRAVELER room share and save

One of the great benefits of Escorted Travel is the ease of traveling solo, and with Trafalgar we make it simple by offering the following options:

Guaranteed Room Share

When traveling alone, we understand that some clients do not want to incur the expense of an additional single room supplement. With this in mind, on the majority of our itineraries, Trafalgar offers you the opportunity to purchase these tours on a 'room sharing' basis. We will accommodate you with a fellow passenger of the same sex on a 'twin room' basis (non-smoking rooms only). Please note that regrettably, we cannot guarantee that room mates will be of a similar age group. Even so, it is an enjoyable way to travel and get to make new friends and a positive way to stretch your vacation budget further. If we fail to match you we will provide a single room at no extra cost.

This service does not apply to our Free & Easy Series, Cruises, European Express tour, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and extra night accommodation. Conditions apply.

Single Supplement Value

If you prefer the privacy of your own room, you'll appreciate our low single room supplement.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT

Travel with three people, sharing one room and each of you will receive a discount off the land-only portion of your tour price. Each itinerary page will list the price reduction, see the tour of your choice.

Triple room discounts are based on sharing a twin-bedded room with an extra bed which may be a rollaway. This discount is applicable to itineraries featuring the Triple Room Reduction offer only.


   
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