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)

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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)

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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)​

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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. The event will feature panto performances, an ice rink and a Christmas market for festive food and drink, artisanal crafts and other gifts. If your feet get tired from all the exploring, you can rest up with a view of the city on the fairground's Ferris wheel. Find a bite to eat here before we settle in for an Afternoon Christmas Panto. After our performance we will see Dublin’s Fair City wrapped in all its sparkling glory. We will 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)

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Day 5 - December 8th - This morning will be completely at your leisure as Dublin always needs a bit of free time to be properly experienced and enjoyed. Then, later on we gather for a Festive Afternoon Tea in the beautiful Georgian Drawing Rooms of the Merrian Hotel. Surrounded by the Hotel’s priceless collection of art and antiques, this will be an occasion to remember and savour. Then we have an Ireland's Traditions Walking Tour. We will 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. Overnight Dublin. (B,AT)

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Day 6 - December 9th - Today we make our way south to Roundwood where we find the Santa Express which transports us to the North Pole and to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Claus. You can expect elves, sing-alongs and then a meeting with the man himself. For those of you that just fancy a nosey around, there’s plenty of stalls selling all of the usual crafts and gifts and mulled wine of course! Food wise, they have ‘many food stalls featuring mouth-watering cuisine from all over the globe‘. From an Alpaca experience and a fire show to stilt walkers, live music and a fun fair, there’s something for all ages to enjoy here. This afternoon 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! Dinner and Overnight near Arklow. (B,D)

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Day 7 - December 10th - This morning we head south where we board 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. Then will 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. Then off to get settled into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner Overnight Waterford. (B,D)

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Day 8 - December 11th - Today we spend in and around Kilkenny as we make our way to Yulefest Kilkenny. As is the case with every Christmas market in Ireland, Yulefest Kilkenny boasts its fair share of stalls. Here, you’ll find local artisans tucked away in beautiful wooden huts selling everything from food and crafts to festive trinkets. You can join Yulefest Kilkenny’s craft workshops to express creativity, learn about sustainability, and celebrate Christmas traditions in Kilkenny while you explore the city’s medieval heritage making eco-friendly holiday creations. We will stop to have a Festive Afternoon Tea in Kilkenny before having a guided tour for a fascinating tour of the Period rooms of Kilkenny Castle. One of the castles experienced guides will lead us throughout the restored Period Rooms of Kilkenny Castle and will put the spotlight on fascinating characters and hidden gems.The guided tours give an unique opportunity to learn more about Kilkenny Castle and its Collections with exclusive access to the Medieval Foundations, the West Tower and the Ducal Palace Exhibition. Overnight Waterford. (B,AT)

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Day 9 - December 12th - 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)

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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. Dinner and Overnight Killarney. (B,AT,D)

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Day 11 - December 14th - Today will be spent in and around Killarney, one of our very favourite places anywhere in Ireland. 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 Killanrey 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. Next we embrace more of the spirit of the holiday season with a Sleigh Ride through the festive sights and sounds of Killarney Town on board our very own horse-drawn Christmas Carriage. 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)

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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 Buffet 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)

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Day 14 - December 17th - 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)

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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)

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

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