Ireland Castles and Country tour 2024

June 7 – 14, 2024

Travel to beautiful Ireland and experience this beautiful country known as the Emerald Isles. Offering beautiful landscape and lush green colors set against the Atlantic Ocean the cliff sides are worth the visit alone. The shorelines are trimmed by golden sands and rocky cliffs. Inland lakes and rural idylls are varied and tranquil. The Irish people are some of friendliest people and enjoy sharing in myths and tales of this magical place. Home to many great music artists such as U2 this is truly a gem worth exploring and taking in local Irish fare and music.

We start in Dublin a city offering many pubs, live music, Historical Cathedrals, Dublin Castle, The Guinness Storehouse, St Stephens Green and so much more. We will head off to explore the town of Waterford famous for its crystal glass making, Kilkenny, Blarney, and the Dingle Peninsula. Traveling to Killarney we will pass through some quaint Irish villages and explore parts of the Ring of Kerry. Tour castles and cathedrals along the way and learn the Irish history of years past.

You will get to stay in two different Castle Hotels and truly experience Ireland and all its Irish heritage, Celtic history, Natural beauty and some of the friendliest people around.

Day 1: June 7 – Welcome to Ireland – Private transfer from the Dublin Airport to your hotel.

Please note check in may not be possible until after 3:00 PM. You can store your luggage and tour the city at leisure this morning.

This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Dublin city. You will be shown Grafton Street famous for its wonderful shops. See Dublin Castle, discover the north side of the River Liffey. This area offers great striking monuments such as the General Post Office, the city’s main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, the Custom Houses along the quays, and Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe and St Patrick’s Cathedral. The south side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian squares, such as Merrion Square, where Oscar Wilde’s House can still be found with its colorful doors, along with Grafton Street and its quality shops. Not far from St. Stephen’s Green, on Kildare St., you will see the house of Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula.

Brooks Hotel for 1 night. Welcome dinner tonight to meet the group. (D)

Day 2: June 8 – Depart for Waterford City – Kilkenny After a hearty Irish breakfast, we depart Dublin for Waterford. Enroute we stop in Kilkenny City where we visit the Kilkenny Castle and gardens. Few buildings in Ireland can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Kilkenny Castle. Enjoy a guided tour and learn the history of this magnificent castle and explore the grounds. After a lunch stop well have a walking tour of the town and see the main sites here.

Now it is time for the Arts: Our first stop is seeing how the pillar candles and Glow globes are made. Our next stop will be a glass factory specializing in handmade glass made on site and sold all over the world. We will see how this glass making process works and have time to shop here.

Hotel Granville for 2 nights in Waterford. Dinner at leisure in town tonight. (B,L)

Day 3: June 09 – Waterford tour, Cahir and Curraghmore Castles We start our day with a tour of Waterford city enjoying the key sights. It is the oldest city in Ireland, and it is the perfect blend of ancient and modern. Visit the 10th century Viking Triangle and learn about the history of Waterford from the Viking Invasion up to medieval times. See buildings that date from the 18th century and walk past architectural highlights including The Bishop’s Palace and Cathedral. We will also enjoy a visit to the “House of Waterford” and tour this magnificent store and see how the famous crystal is made.

Next, we are off to Curraghmore House and Gardens. Discover Curraghmore House & Gardens and experience centuries of history on every step of your visit. Some 2,500 acres of formal gardens, woodland, and grazing fields make this the most extensive private house & gardens in all of Ireland. We continue with a visit to Cahir Castle, Rock of Cashel and Ormand Castle on the River Suir. We will also stop in the Fethhard medieval city where you can walk with in the walls of the city.(B, L)

Day 4: June 10 – Depart for Killarney and Blarney Castle We depart this morning for the town of Killarney. Enroute we drive through the Copper coast with some scenic stops along the way including beaches and harbors and scenic sites along the coast. From here we visit the Barney Castle and Gardens. Built over 60 years ago the castle has some wonderful views and you will have time to wonder around it. From the top of the Castle, you can take in the wonderful views of over 60 acres of sprawling parklands which include gardens, avenues, arboretums and waterways. There are many wonderful pathways to walk here and explore the gardens. Well take time for lunch and a stop at Blarney Woolen mills store.

Continuing on we well stop to see the “Rock of Cashel”. It’s huge, it’s complex, it’s iconic, there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. The Rock of Cashel more formally St. Patrick’s Rock, it is also known as Cashel of the Kings. Reputedly the site of the conversion of Aenghus the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century AD. Long before the Norman invasion The Rock of Cashel was the seat of the High Kings of Munster.

On our arrival at our Hotel in Killarney settle in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to enjoy the hotel and the grounds. Overlooking the famous Gap of Dunloe, set on its own 64-acre estate leading to the ruins of the 12th century castle and River Laune.

Hotel Dunloe Castle and Gardens is one of the finest luxury hotels Ireland has to offer, 5-star accommodations. We spend 3 nights here. Dinner tonight as a group not included. (B)

Day 5: June 11 – Muckross House and Killarney National Park Today we are off for a visit to Muckross House and Gardens a magnificent Victorian mansion built in 1843 and one of Ireland’s leading stately homes. Built on the shores of Muckross Lake, it is beautifully situated amidst the spectacular scenery of Killarney National Park. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyle of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement one can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the house. The gardens of Muckross House are famed for their beauty worldwide. We will also tour the beautiful Killarney National Park via Pony and carriage ride. After all this enjoy some time at leisure in the town of Killarney.

This evening we have dinner in town followed by a Celtic dance show. (B, D)

Day 6: June 12 – Gap of Dunloe, Ring of Kerry, Slea Head drive This morning we depart for a full day tour including the best of the “Ring of Kerry” and the “Slea Head” drive. We first start with a view of the “Gap of Dunloe” A true photographer’s delight. Driving some of the most famous and panoramic routes in Ireland, the astonishing beauty of this large peninsula, Iveragh, comes from the great diversity of its scenery, which offers incessant contrasts. En route we continue through the mountains to Molls Gap and Ladies View with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney. Our final drive is through the “Dingle Peninsula”

We return to the hotel with time to explore this amazing estate. Dinner tonight at leisure. (B, L)

Day 7: June 13 – Depart Killarney for Dublin We make our way back to Dublin today with a stop in Limerick town with time to explore here. Next we arrive in Dublin and enjoy the city at leisure. You may opt for a tour of the Guiness storehouse, Get your shopping in along Grafton Street and simply take in all the sites this lively city has to offer.

Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner and say goodbye to your new friends and Ireland. Clontarf Castle Hotel 1 night (B, D)

Day 8: June 14 – Departure Day or Transfer to Scotland. Transfer to Dublin airport for your flight home or if continuing on to the Scotland tour. See Scotland details here. (B)

Cost: $2735.00 based on Double Occupancy. (Roommates can be provided)

Single Supplement $925.00

SAVE 3% on the tour cost if you pay the full amount via check

Deposit $500

Booking/final payment deadline is 60 days prior to departure.

Included:

  • 7 nights’ hotel in 4* and 5* hotels with taxes
  • Daily breakfast
  • 4 Dinners Including 1 Castle dinner
  • 3 lunches
  • Entrance fees to all sites visited as per itinerary
  • Private transfers to all included sites and cities visited
  • Horse and Pony ride
  • Local Tour Guide/Private driver
  • Arrival/Departure Airport transfers in Dublin if traveling on tour dates and at the same times as other travelers.
  • Tickets to Celtic Show
  • Welcome Gift
  • Professional Tour Planning services

Not Included:

  • International airfare into Dublin
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Tips for driver/guide
  • Room charges such as calls, mini bar, laundry, room service.
  • All personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Any additional tours or expenses not listed in the itinerary.
  • Airport transfers if arriving at different times or days
  • Pre nights Dublin $TBA pp double, $ single pre night
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Visitors from the US, Canada and Australia need a valid passport, but visas are not required for Americans, Canadians or Australians visiting for less than 3 months. If you are a citizen of another E.U. country, you do not need a passport, only an identity card. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you intend to leave the European Union. Make sure you check your passport expiry date at least 2 months prior to travel. Before traveling abroad it’s a good idea to make two photocopies of your passport, driver’s license and credit cards. Leave one copy at home with a friend or family member and another bring with you.

The weather in Ireland can be a bit unpredictable at times. Ireland’s climate is generally mild, the summer temperatures during the day are a comfortable 60° to 70°F. The evenings are a bit cooler around 50 to 60 F. There can always be the occasional rain shower even in the normally drier month of August.

Ireland follows Greenwich Mean Time (1 hr. earlier than Central European Time). It is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the United States. Ireland has daylight savings time which lasts from late March to late September.

The currency of Ireland is the Euro. The best way to get cash in the local currency is from an ATM. Keep in mind that most banks impose a fee every time a card is used at another bank’s ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions ($5 or more) so try and withdraw as few times as possible. Credit cards are accepted by most shops and restaurants however check with your credit card company regarding foreign exchange fees. You will also have a better chance making deals at local shops if paying with cash.

The Irish electric system operates on 220 volts with a plug that has three rectangular prongs. To use standard American 110-volt appliances, you’ll need both a transformer and a plug adapter.

The Irish sales tax collected is called VAT and is already included in the price on price tags. The VAT rates vary, for souvenirs and gifts, it is 21%. Visitors from outside the EU can get a VAT tax refund at the airport when departing, but the minimum that you must spend at one store to obtain the refund is 100 Euro. To get a VAT refund on purchases that qualify, present your passport to the salesperson and ask for the special stamped form. Present the form with your purchases at the booth marked IVA Tax Refunds at the airport, as you leave EU. Your refund should arrive by check or be credited to your credit card within a few weeks. Not all stores participate in this program so always ask first.

No special vaccinations are required to enter Ireland. Water is safe to drink.

This is a pretty easy tour for the average person. During the tour, we will travel by private bus. At each stop we will be walking quite a bit. To be able to fully enjoy the tour and participate in scheduled activities, you need to be able to walk, at a leisurely pace, up to 3 or so miles on some days. You should be able to stand unassisted for up to 30 minutes at times during the tours. You will need be able to climb stairs, without any assistance. At times you will need manage your own luggage. This trip is pretty easy for the average person however if you can’t or choose not to participate in certain activities this is at your own discretion. However it cannot affect the groups participation nor can any tours or activities or refunds be offered or changed due to an individual not being able or not wanting to participate.

The following items are suggested to help make your tour run smoothly. Lightweight rain jacket, Travel size umbrella, Good walking shoes and or walking sandals Light weight sweater or jacket, All toiletries needed to a minimum. Hotels provide hair dryers, soap, shampoo, sometimes conditioner. Clothing needs to be cool weather clothing: For Day pants, jeans or leggings, long and short sleeved tops. Evening is casual with dresses, casual pants, etc . No formal evenings. ***Please note evening temperatures will be cooler so dress accordingly. Dressing in layers is always good.

Any medications you think you need, Camera, Phone, I Pad or Computer, Chargers and extra batteries you need, Any jewelry (costume jewelry is recommended when traveling), Passport, Cash, Pen, Book, Change of clothes, Scarf, Basic toiletries. Please visit the Packing Tips Page to help you pack smart and light. https://womentravelingtheworld.com/travel-tools/#packing-tips

Please check your ticket type carefully and always check the airlines website for luggage rules and fees. Many airlines are charging for checked baggage these days. If in doubt always call the airline and see what baggage fees your ticket type has. Carry on will also avoid these fees. Always download the Airlines App to use during travel before you leave home. Make sure you have your trip added to the App and that the airline has your Email, Passport and Phone number on the account and record. This will allow you check in on your phone, get updates and alerts when traveling.

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Women Traveling the World LLC TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This document outlines what Women Traveling the World LLC agrees to provide when you sign up for a tour, and what you agree to do in return. This information is very important, please read it carefully.

Current tour prices are listed on the page corresponding to each tour. Due to currency fluctuations, cost increase and situations out of our control tour prices may change without notice at any time. Tour participants who already registered for a tour will not be affected by any price changes.

Included in the price of the tour:

A full-time tour leader/guide with 6 or more clients and licensed in-country tour guides are used for tours.

Any tours, meals, activities or otherwise stated for each individual tour.

Any tours, meals, activities or otherwise stated for each individual tour.
Tour prices DO NOT INCLUDE: airfare (unless noted) and airport/departure taxes (unless stated as such in the tour), other transportation to the tour location, laundry charges, telephone calls, room service charges, mini-bar charges, all items of personal nature. Travel, accident, baggage, health, or life insurance policies. Gratuities for guides and drivers are not included in the itinerary. Passport and/or visa when applicable. Additional tours or activities not listed in the itinerary.

In the case of computer or human billing error we reserve the right to re-invoice Participants with correct billing.

ADDITIONAL EXPENSES INCURRED AS A RESULT OF DELAY, CHANGE OF SCHEDULES, ILLNESS, WEATHER, STRIKES, HOSTILITIES, QUARANTINE, GOVERNMENT REQUISITION OF HOTEL SPACE, OR ANY OTHER REASONS BEYOND THE CONTROL OF WTTW, SHALL BE BORNE BY THE PARTICIPANT.

Single supplements are available on a limited basis at additional cost. The actual cost of a single supplement for each tour is listed on the Tour Details page for each tour.

Roommates: The Tour Organizers will attempt to match you with a roommate based on age/smoker or not. If the Tour Organizers match the Participant with a roommate whom the Tour Participant deems unsuitable, then the Tour Participant must either change roommates on her own or simply accept the current roommate and make the best of it. There will be no refunds for complaints about roommates, and if any Tour Participant departs the tour because of a roommate, there will be no refund. We try to match you up the best we can but cannot promise a guarantee as to companionship. If WTTW cannot find a roommate due lack of enough participants wanting a roommate then a single supplement will be charged.

Baggage: We recommend that Tour Participants take a carry-on bag as per airlines restrictions and include any needed toiletries, medications a change of clothes or anything else you simply can’t’ live without for 24-48 hrs in case of baggage loss or delay. Baggage is carried at owner’s risk and baggage insurance is strongly recommended. We are not responsible for baggage loss/delay due to airline error.

Health: Woman traveling the World tours includes a lot of walking, stairs, hiking, and standing while sightseeing. All Tour Participants should be prepared to walk at least three miles a day on uneven surfaces, including steps, during days on which excursions are scheduled. If you have any concerns regarding your physical ability to participate in the tour, we strongly recommend that you consult your physician before signing up. Any pre-existing physical, mental, or emotional disability that may require attention or treatment must be reported in writing prior to the beginning of a tour. Tour Participants who require any form of assistance must be accompanied by a helper who is capable of and totally responsible for providing such assistance. The group’s itinerary will not be adjusted for people who are not able to keep up with the rest of the group. All Tour Participants are required to complete and sign a Medical Release and Waiver Agreement. On the day the tour begins, or any day thereafter, if you leave the tour for an, unforeseen medical or family emergency, money will be refunded, “ONLY” if you have purchased “trip insurance” then the terms of that policy will apply and the insurance company would be responsible for any refund as per the policy. Woman Traveling the World is not responsible for any refunds for a trip interruption or delay of your own cause. The minimum age for participants is 18. There is no maximum age, however you must be able to keep up with the pace of the group. Smokers may smoke only outdoors and downwind from the group – never in hotel rooms or during group meals or activities. Smokers will stay in a single room, unless they share a room with another smoker.

Travel Insurance: Not included in the tour price. We highly recommend obtaining individual travel insurance for the duration of the tour (trip cancellation, foreign medical, flight delays and cancellations, medical evacuation). For an overview of available options in travel insurance coverage please contact us. You acknowledge that trip insurance has been presented to you in the Tour Booking form if you decline to purchase trip insurance then you are on your on for any cancellations of your own doing or non covered issues as mentioned herein.

Travel documents and Visas: Tour Participants are required to have a valid passport and a visa, if necessary. Incomplete documentation will result in the airline and airport authorities refusing permission to enter the country. The Tour Organizers will not arrange for passports or visas and will not be held liable for any irregularities caused due to improper documentation. Each Participant is responsible for determining specific passport and visa requirements in the Participant’s country of origin and for obtaining the necessary documents prior to departure. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the anticipated tour date. It is suggested that all Participants check with the appropriate Consulate regarding their visa requirements.

Tour itineraries are subject to change: Due to unexpected circumstances, we reserve the right to cancel, change or substitute an activity or a service. During local or national holidays abroad, certain facilities such as museums, sightseeing tours, and shopping may be limited. Uncompleted portions of the tour itinerary are not cause for refund.

Waiver of responsibility: Women Traveling the World and its representatives (“Tour Organizers”) are making all ground arrangements pertaining to the Tour, including, but not limited to, hotel and restaurant reservations, sightseeing and side trips, subject to the condition that the Tour Organizers will not be held liable to injury, death, delay, theft, damage, or irregularities, however caused. Tour Organizers will take no responsibility or liability for: 1. injury, loss, or damage to persons or property, including luggage. 2. Additional expenses resulting from changes in exchange rates, tariffs, or schedule. 3. The act or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the Tour Participants, or in carrying out the arrangements of the Tour, or otherwise. 4. Additional expenses incurred or due to sudden sickness, weather conditions, strikes, or other causes or acts of God. 5. Losses due to cancellations.

Travel: Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from the tour location. Please note that some tours start and end in different cities and an “open jaw” or “Multi City” air ticket is required. This is noted in each itinerary.

Tour Payments: To reserve space on any tour, a deposit of $500.00 per person per tour is required at the time of booking. Some tours require a higher deposit and this is noted in the tour details.
No reservation is considered confirmed until the deposit is received by Women Traveling the World. The deposit is part of the final payment which must reach us no later than 60 days prior to the start of the tour. Returned checks will incur a fee of $50.00 For all deposits and tour payments, we accept personal checks, Visa, Master Card, bank wires, Zelle. Missing the final payment deadline may result in being removed from the tour.

Cancellations and refunds: The tour deposits are not refundable if you cancel for a non insured reason. All cancellations must be sent in writing via email. Do not consider a cancellation received and effective until you get a cancellation confirmation from us.

Tour Cancellation: Although we do our best to avoid this, it may occasionally become necessary for Women Traveling the World to cancel any tour due to insufficient sign-ups or any other cause. We recommend NOT to purchase your air until 60 days prior to departure unless you have been informed otherwise that the tour is a definite go. If a tour is cancelled due to low enrollment, you will be notified at least 60 days in advance of the tour departure date. In this case, your entire payment will be refunded to you within fourteen days after the tour cancellation. Refund of payments made constitutes full settlement, and releases Women Traveling the World from any further liability. We are not responsible for any additional expenses incurred by tour members preparing for a canceled tour, such as nonrefundable airline tickets, travel insurance cost or passport fees. If a tour is cancelled due to a natural disaster, strike, or other event outside our control, we cannot guarantee the 60 days notice.

Loss & Liability: Women Traveling the World strongly encourages all tour Participants to purchase Travel Insurance to cover additional costs (airline tickets, loss of luggage, trip delay or tour cancellation, personal accident, medical evacuation, etc.). We assume no liability for the safety of any Participant while in transit or during the tour. Women Traveling the World is not responsible or liable for loss, damage or theft of luggage or personal injury, accidents, or illness while on tour nor for any type of trip interruption.

Photographs: Representatives of the Tour Organizers may photograph the Tour. The Tour Organizers reserve the right to publish any such photographs without obtaining further consent from any Participant. Each Participant releases the Tour Organizers and their representatives from any liability in connection with any such use of such photographs.

Leaving the tour: The Tour Organizers reserve the right to accept, decline, or retain any person as a Participant on the Tour at any time without liability and without any obligation to pay a refund or any other amount whatsoever. The Tour Organizers take no responsibility or liability for any Participant who leaves the Tour prior to its conclusion or for any activity undertaken by any Participant that is not included on the Tour itinerary. There will be no discounts or refunds for any Tour Participant who temporarily leaves the Tour and then returns to the Tour later.

Unruly guest. We at WTTW ask all our clients to conduct themselves in a mature and courteous manner while on tour. If a client becomes unruly, argumentative or drunk beyond control and interrupts the tour or other clients in any way it is our right to call this person aside and issue a formal warning. If this behavior becomes consistent and creates a problem for other clients WTTW reserves the right to ask the participant to either leave the tour early, get her own room at her own cost if she has a roommate who has been interrupted due this behavior or take any and all necessary action to protect the health, safety and well being of the other travelers. Any such action taken that results in additional cost shall be the sole responsibility of the client who has created the issue. This is to protect all clients and assure them of a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.

Special Requests: We will advise hotels of any special requests of Tour Participants provided we receive the request at the time of booking. However, we cannot guarantee all requests.

Allergies/Dietary Restrictions: Please answer these questions on the booking form so we can advise the restaurants for the included meals.

Payment of deposit or full payment shall be deemed as consent by the Tour Participant to the above Terms and Conditions.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: I am entirely responsible for my own personal safety, physical and health mental and general well-being during and after the Tour. I release Women Traveling the World LLC and its representatives and any of their employees, assistants, and affiliates of any liability for any injuries or damages mentally or physically I or any of my family members might incur during or after the Tour. I understand that no health insurance or travel insurance will be provided by the Tour Organizers, and, if I wish to be insured, I must do this myself.

Women Traveling the World is registered with the state of Florida as a seller of travel, Registration No. ST38808. We are also bonded.

I have read, understood, and fully agree to the foregoing TERMS AND CONDITIONS. I release Women Traveling the World LLC and its representatives from all responsibility and liability.