A Spring Time Adventure in Ireland with St. Patrick's in Killarney.
With Fishing Villages, Seaside Drives, Afternoon Tea, Cosy Pubs, Gardens, Castles, Abbeys, Cathedrals, Stone Circles, Portal Tombs and Dolmens and Megalithic Cemeteries.

Day 1 - December 4th - This morning we meet at our Shannon International Airport Hotel. The tour will start with a brief orientation and then we journey north toward Galway, but not before visiting Bunratty Castle and Theme Park. The Christmas Spirit is overflowing with a Personal visit with Santa Claus, full access to Bunratty Folk Park Trail of Lights Experience, Mrs Claus in the Golden Vale Farmhouse, Polar Express Train Ride, Giant Festive Illuminated Displays, Tunnel of Lights, Traditional Christmas Tales with their resident Seanchaí, Christmas Characters on the Village Street and Festive Themed Shops. It will be an enchanting morning and then we make our way to Dromoland Castle for Afternoon Tea. We will experience the indulgent tradition of Mrs White’s Afternoon Tea as we settle into a cosy nook by the fire and savour a Festive Champagne Afternoon Tea. We then make our way further north with a drive through the Burren on our way to Galway. Welcoming Dinner and Overnight near Galway. (B,L,D)

​

Day 2 - December 5th - The Galway Christmas Market Galway will fill the city centre with Joy and Light and Laughter, with over 50 wooden chalets lining the square offering scrumptious seasonal treats and a large variety of crafts.  Ireland’s premier Christmas Market will be back in its regular home in Eyre Square all season. It is expected that this year will once again feature amusement rides including a 32 metre high Big Wheel and traditional Carousel, Santa’s Express Train, live adult choirs and a Santa’s Grotto. Food lovers can feast on a bratwurst, French pastries, pretzels or confectionery, crêpes and waffles, while families and friends can enjoy a walk through the enchanted light gardens providing the backdrop for a Christmas Market photo, stop off at Santa’s postbox, interact with local charities and much more. Don't eat too much because next we gather for a Festive Afternoon Tea before more time to explore this delightful city. Galway itself is a wonderful place to wander as the city is wild and bohemian, and at the same time full of culture, artistry, exceptional food and music. As well as being a popular seaside destination with long sandy beaches, Galway is also a thriving and cosmopolitan city centre. It is always a joy to explore with its wonderful cobbled streets, colourful shop facades, and its offbeat café/bar culture. Overnight near Galway. (B,L)

​

Day 3 - December 6th - This morning we head east as we make our way to Ireland's Capitol City, Dublin. Our first stop is Belvedere House Gardens where we will step into a world of wonder and enchantment as this is where the magic of Christmas comes alive! This isn’t just a visit – it’s a journey filled with festive cheer and unforgettable memories. Come along for a truly unique experience that you will cherish forever. Our adventure starts at our Polar Express check-in where the jingle of bells and the cheerful greetings of Santa’s elves will welcome us. We then meet the Elves and Explore Santa’s Workshop led by the friendly and playful elves as we are guided into Santa’s Workshop: a bustling wonderland where toys are crafted and holiday dreams are made. We will marvel at the sights and sounds of Christmas as we catch a glimpse of the elves hard at work, making sure everything is ready for the big night. We will stop for Lunch in the Lake Side Cafe and then have a tour of the house before continuing on to Dublin to get checked into our accommodation. Dinner and Overnight Dublin. (B,L,D)​

​

Day 4 - December 7th - In the run up to Christmas on any year, a stroll through Dublin city is a lovely experience with the festive lights brightening up dark winter streets and good cheer enveloping the city. Dublin in December is indeed a magical place to be explored and enjoyed. Smithfield Square will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland whimsically named TwinkleTown. Then we have an Ireland's Traditions Walking Tour where we discover renowned sites and hidden corners of Dublin while learning about some of Ireland’s unique Christmas traditions and of customs imported from elsewhere but given a Dublin twist. We will also discover how a 5,000 year-old Celtic festival morphed into Christmas while enjoying the shop windows and city streets gaily decorated for the festive season. We will finish the tour at The Church which, although an atmospheric café/bar today, has seen many a Christmas celebration in its over 300 years ecclesiastical history. Late this afternoon we settle into our cosy vintage bus and savour a festive afternoon tea filled with seasonal favourites – from indulgent mince pies to their signature Christmas sandwich. As we take a jaunt through the city, you’ll indulge in the magic of Dublin’s twinkling lights and beautifully illuminated landmarks, including the GPO, City Hall, Trinity College and more. With Christmas classics playing in the background and a sprinkle of Dublin stories along the way, it’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and festive cheer. Overnight Dublin. (B,AT)

​

Day 5 - December 8th - We will have later start to our morning and you can take your leisure before we take in a Christmas Panto at the Gaiety Theatre. Join Robin Hood in this swashbuckling spectacle, where he robs from the rich to give to the poor. The dastardly ‘Sheriff of Snottingham’ is no match for this band of rebels, and as always, good conquers evil…! With frolics and mayhem and of course Panto merriment, follow Robin’s journey as he knocks the devious Sheriff off his high horse and finds true love with the feisty Maid Marian along the way. We will then partake in a Festive Afternoon Tea in the beautiful Powerscourt House and Gardens in the Sugar Loaf Lounge. Powerscourt in Wicklow is famous for its breath-taking location in the Wicklow mountains and will make for a delightfully festive stop. Further into the Wicklow Mountain we find our accommodation set in a Designated Area of Natural Beauty in a secluded County Wicklow Valley. Overnight Aughrim. (B,AT)

​

Day 6 - December 9th - We will have a leisrurely morning at our beautiful Wicklow Mountain accommodations as we will have an evening visit to the Amber Express. Then we are off to Clissmann Horse Caravans to take a magical journey on a Horse Carriage to Santa’s Secret Forest Trail and follow the twinkling lights through the forest to see Santa at his Woodland Workshop. Get in to the spirit of things and come in your Christmas Best – there’ll be great places to take fun photos and festive selfies with Santa and the Elves! Make sure to look out for the Skiing Snowmen and the Christmas Gnomes in their Secret Village. Back at Christmas Central our Ho Ho Ho Hay Barn has plenty of games, and goodies and why not enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or yummy hot chocolate from the coffee dock! This evening we make our way to the Amber Express where we will undertake a magical journey through the enchanting lights to the destination to a magical Christmas village. Upon arrival to the village we will be introduced to our very own personal elf, who will assist and guide us from our express train, through Santa’s time portal all the way to the Santa Himself. Walking around the village we will be able to enjoy a little festive treat and see all the busy little elves working away, before going to have our own personal visit with SANTA! Our personal elf will then walk us back to the train station, where our train will be waiting for us. Departing the village we will be brought to our last stop at the magical Christmas dome, where we will enjoy even more treats and view Santa’s Sleigh.Dinner and Overnight Aughrim. (B,D)

​

Day 7 - December 10th - This morning we make our way to the lovely Medieval City of Kilkenny. The city will be presented in all of its Yuletide glory, but the jewel of Kilkenny is always the castle. We will be able to tour through the castle at our own pace as we make our way thoughout the restored Period Rooms of Kilkenny Castle and put the spotlight on fascinating characters and hidden gems in this very special opportunity to learn more about Kilkenny Castle and its Collections. The castle will be decked out in all its Christmas finery with Mischievous Elves will featured in the Dining room, Library, Drawing Room, Blue Bedroom, Chinese Bedroom and the Picture Gallery.  After this wonderful castle experience we will stop for a Festive Afternoon Tea in Kilkenny before some free time to explore this lovely city. Kilkenny is known as the 'Marble City' because of the dark local limestone that is used in many of its historic buildings offering a blend of ancient architecture and lively modern culture. You can explore the area easily on foot, as the main sights sit close together along a walkable historic route. This historic walking trail connects the castle to the cathedral, passing tight alleyways like the Butter Slip which is a delight to explore. Then we are off to Waterford to get settled into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner Overnight Waterford. (B,L,D)

​

Day 8 - December 11th - As we are about half way through the tour today will be spend entirely at your leisure. You will have the whole day to explore Waterford, find some lunch and enjoy Ireland's largest Christmas festival, and now the European City of Christmas. Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, will once again be transformed into a magical Winterval Wonderland with five fun-filled Festive City Quarters, this year’s themed Winterval festival destination areas, will be spread across Waterford City for festival-goers to visit and revisit. They include the Continental Christmas Market Quarter (John Roberts Square / Broad Street), Elfstival Festival Family Quarter (Arundel Square), The Ever-Greenway Quarter (The Apple Market), Christmas Cultural Quarter (Great George’s Street / O’Connell Street) and the much-anticipated Winterval Wonder-Events Quarter (The Viking Triangle). Get rested up for the second half of the tour. Overnight Waterford. (B)

​​

Day 9 - December 12th - This morning our first stop is House of Waterford where we discover Irish crystal like never before. On our private, behind-the-scenes experience we tour the factory with a dedicated guide, cut our own piece of crystal, and enjoy complimentary engraving to mark the moment. Then we complete our visit with personal shopping support and a celebratory drink at the Waterford Bar - whether crafting your own pint of Guinness or toasting with Champagne. The House of Waterford VIP Experience offers an unforgettable 2-hour immersion into craftsmanship, heritage, and celebration. We will have afternoon tea here before we  prepare to set off on a spellbinding adventure aboard the Rathwood Express, where the spirit of Christmas bursts into life in the most magical way imaginable! This extraordinary event feels like stepping into your most cherished Christmas fantasies! Nestled deep within Rathwood's enchanting forest, a dazzling world of wonder awaits. Let your imagination soar as you're swept away by the captivating magic of the season in this truly enchanting holiday celebration. Chug-chug and off we go on a breathtaking journey through Rathwood’s festive forest, where you'll catch a glimpse of Santa's magnificent reindeer! The train will lead you to the sparkling Big Top, where a world of delights awaits. Overnight Waterford. (B,AT)

​​

Day 10 - December 13th - Today we will visit the Cork Christmas Market, set up on Emmett Place it will be complete with wooden chalets offering gifts and snacks, with the plaza transformed into a Christmas village consisting of a broad mix of vendors offering a range of festive delights and artisan crafts. You can wander through the Christmas Market, marvel at the glittering lights and immerse in the festive atmosphere. Large, illuminated Christmas themed décor will fill the market space from giant Candy Land displays, a Gingerbread House and Santa’s Post Box, where you can post their letters to Santa or simply enjoy the magical festive surroundings and sights. We take a much needed breather from all the excitement of the Christmas markets to imbibe in a Festive Prosecco Afternoon Tea. Then we continue on our way to Killarney nestled within the Killarney National Park to get settled into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Killarney. (B,AT,D)

​

Day 11 - December 14th - Today will be spent in and around Killarney, one of our very favourite places anywhere in Ireland and one of the warmest and most welcoming towns in the country. You will feel instantly at home as you wander down the streets, grab a tasty meal and relax in a comfortable pub. Each year, Christmas in Killarney sees the enchanting spirit of the magical season whip through the town in a kaleidoscope of Christmas Magic Parades, Festive Concerts and Ceremonies, Seasonal Markets & Fairs and much, much more. It would not be a trip to Killarney however, without taking a horse drawn journey through the Killarney National Park, so we will do just that as we enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the park on a Magical Sleigh Ride you to sit back and relax for a truly unique experience. After our journey we settle in for a Festive Afternoon Prosecco Tea. Then the rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore further and take in all of the delights that Killarney has to offer. Overnight Killarney. (B,AT)

 

Day 12 - December 15th - Before leaving Killarney behind we visit Muckross House and Gardens. This magnificent Victorian Mansion sits in the Heart of Killarney National Park  The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of Killarney’s three lakes, famed worldwide for their splendour and beauty. Muckross House was built for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the water-colourist Mary Balfour Herbert. This was actually the fourth house that successive generations of the Herbert family had occupied at Muckross over a period of almost two hundred years. William Burn, the well-known Scottish architect, was responsible for its design.We will have a tour of this delightful mansion house and then you will have time to explore the Muckross Craft Centre and Shop, located adjacent to Muckross House. You will find some real treasures here. Then we have time for one more Festive Afternoon Tea before we make our way home to our castle home to get settled into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Dromcolliher. (B,AT,D)

​

Day 13 -  December 16th -  The day we will celebrate Christmas Eve! This morning after breakfast we make our way to the lovely heritage town of Tipperary to explore before we take one of my favourite drives through the Glen of Aherlow, a country valley which lies between the Slievenamuck Ridge and the main Galtee Mountain Range. Bounded by the rural villages of Bansha and Galbally, the Glen was historically an important pass between Limerick and Tipperary. We will travel south of Tipperary, through sixteen miles of unspoilt countryside affording some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable making it one of the most desirable destinations in Ireland. We then make our way to Cashel where we settle in for a Festive Afternoon Tea in the Queen Anne room at Cashel Palace. After tea you will want to explore Cashel before we return home. This evening we gather for a Christmas Eve Supper and then after supper we will open our gifts to each other and then watch 'Its a Wonderful Life' in the Drawing Room. After an evening full of merry making, we settle in to get a good nights rest before the Christmas Day Festivities. Dinner and Overnight Dromcolliher.​ (B,AT,D)

​

Day 14 - December 17th - Today we celebrate Christmas Day! We will have a leisurely morning as we get up and see if Santa has brought us anything and if the Stockings that were Hung with Care have been filled! There will be nibbles set out if anyone is hungry and you may even find something in your stocking to tide you over until we Gather for Brunch at Mid Morning. You can then spend the day socializing, reading, catching up in your journal, take a long winter's walk or just enjoy the house and grounds. This afternoon we will gather for a Traditional Christmas Dinner with all the Trimmings as more merry making abounds! We will take a break after dinner to sit and socialize together before we break out the pie and goodies. We will then gather to watch my favourite holiday movie, 'Meet Me in St. Louis' and it is never truly Christmas until Judy Garland has sung 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!' We will leave out nibbles to help yourself to as we reminisce about the trip and the year ahead. Dinner and Overnight Dromcolliher. (B,L,D)

​​

Day 15 - December 18th - Today we make our way toward Shannon Airport with a stop in Adare. Adare is celebrated as Ireland’s Prettiest Village and was founded in the 13th Century. Immerse yourself in our tranquil village adorned with charming thatched cottages, historic buildings, and churches, boutiques and craft shops. Than we make our way into Limerick to enjoy Christmas at the Milk Barn. This year’s celebrations will blend beloved traditions with exciting new additions, featuring festive food, crafts, art, music, and family fun under the market’s iconic Christmas Canopy of Lights, Christmas Animated Movies and Lego Style Santas Grotto. After getting our fill of the market we settle in for a last Festive Afternoon Tea. Then we get settled into our accommodation before we gather to reminisce over our wonderful Christmas journey before dinner. Farewell Dinner and Overnight Limerick. (B,AT,D)

​

Day 16 - December 19th - We return you to the Shannon International Airport for the journey home.

​

​​