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Enchanting Emerald Isle | Brendan Vacations
  Varies pp

  • Duration: 8 Days
  • Destinations: Ireland

Brendan Vacations | 8-days | Travel through October of 2025

Step into this most enchanting of Ireland trips revealing what life is like on the island. Breathe in the fresh Galway air and wander the flower-scented gardens of Kylemore Abbey before dinner in the O’Connells’ home to learn all about the ‘lost’ town of Newtown Jerpoint. 


Prices starting at $1,849 per person*

Call to Book 800-829-5448
Included With Your Trip
  • 12 Meals, including breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Optional Experiences and free time
Additional Information

Day 1 - Hello Dublin

A warm welcome to Dublin, a modern multi-cultural city that embraces its past and exudes an enduring sense of fun. Meet your Local Specialist this afternoon for a guided city tour to view the elegant Georgian Squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells, said to be the world's most famous medieval manuscript. A special Welcome Reception this evening sees you visiting EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum.

Day 2 - Experience Irish History and on to Ballina

Journey through the lush green countryside before your first stop at Strokestown where we will Dive Into Culture at the Irish Famine Museum, delving into the stories of the 1840s famine. See the haunting pleas of starving tenants on the estate and the response they received, before continuing to Ballina.

Day 3 - Journey to Westport & Galway

Travel to Westport and meet your Local Specialist for a walking tour during which you’ll learn about the town's heritage – from its settlement 5,000 years ago to modern times. Later, visit the Benedictine monastery of Kylemore Abbey, set against the striking backdrop of Lake Kylemore, and stroll through its walled Victorian gardens. We continue to Galway, the 'City of Tribes', where we'll see Galway Cathedral and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 4 - The Iconic Cliffs of Moher and Onwards to Killarney

Our first stop today is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you’ll remember for years to come as you watch the cliffs plunge dramatically into the Atlantic waters below. Beyond the endless views and the opportunity to capture on film the colonies of curious-looking puffins that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies, you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience which really brings this natural phenomenon to life in an interactive way, leaving you with a deep understanding of this special place. Later, we cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry to Killarney, our home for the next two nights. Spend a free evening soaking up some unforgettable Irish craic or delve into the town's centuries-old history.

Day 5 - A Day on the Ring of Kerry

Dramatic vistas are ours to enjoy as we circle the achingly beautiful Ring of Kerry – one of the most scenic drives on the 'Emerald Isle'. See a soul-stirring landscape that has inspired poets, artists and writers for centuries, before returning to Killarney where you have the rest of the afternoon free to explore on your terms. Consider a leisurely guided walk at Torc Waterfall with a Local Specialist taking you along the lakeshore and past the farmlands of the 19th-century Muckross Estate.

Day 6 - Venture to Blarney & Medieval Kilkenny

Kiss the famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle and receive the 'gift of the gab'. Travel to County Kilkenny to discover the 12th-century town of Newtown Jerpoint and hear about the saint buried there, who inspired the legend of Santa Claus. Later, we meet local farmers Joe and Maeve O'Connell at their home, Belmore House, to Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience and hear the tale of the ‘lost' town over dinner.

Day 7 - Return to Lively Dublin

Visit Kilkenny Castle, an Anglo-Norman stone castle that sits majestically over the Nore River. In the castle basement, you'll find the Butler Gallery, one of Ireland's most important art galleries outside of Dublin. Returning to the Irish capital, enjoy some free time to take a walk down Grafton Street or stroll along the Liffey. All that's left to say is a rousing sláinte or two while you indulge in a memorable Farewell Dinner, enjoying a fun night out at a classic public house in the city. Admire the authentic Victorian bar and walk up the original staircase from Trinity College, which was featured in the Michael Caine film 'Educating Rita'.

Day 8 - Farewell Ireland

It’s time to close the chapter on an unforgettable Irish holiday. We bid our newfound friends and Travel Director a fond farewell.

Departure Dates
Start: April 1, 2024
End: December 31, 2026
Price: Varies pp


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Price My Trip
Product Code: AAA-BREND

Please refer to vendor brochure or their website for general information, itineraries and all terms, conditions and responsibility statements. Wi-Fi access may be limited. Applicable AAA benefits apply to first two passengers, are non-transferable, have no cash value if not used, and may not be applied to purchase. Gov’t misc fees/taxes and travel insurance not included. Restrictions and limitations apply. Ask AAA for details. Agency #178-018-521 Job #7864