Day 1 - Heading south from Dublin today
Welcoming Dinner and Overnight Wicklow.
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Day 2 - Today will be spent in and around Wicklow for a Wicklow Town Christmas with one of the more popular attraction, the Santa Express which transports you and the little ones to the North Pole, 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 Wicklow. (B,D)
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Day 3 - 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. Overnight Kilkenny. (B,L)
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Day 4 - Today we spend in and around Kilkenny as we make our way 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.
Dinner and Overnight Kilkenny. (B,L,D)
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Day 5 - Overnight Cork.
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Day 6 - 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. A Snow Globe will also be in operation for the full duration of the Christmas Market, where you can step inside for the perfect Christmas photo op. Overnight Cork.
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Day 7 - Overnight Killarney.
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Day 8 - As we are half way through the tour, today will be spent at your leisure in Killarney. Overnight Killarney.
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Day 9 - Overnight Galway.
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Day 10 - The Christmas Market Galway will once again 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. Overnight Galway. 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.
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Day 11 - Overnight Dublin.
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Day 12 - Overnight Dublin.
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Day 13 - Today we will take in Christmas at The Castle. The historic courtyard of Dublin Castle is transformed for the festive season with over 30 traditional alpine market stalls featuring an array of decorative crafts and inspiring gift ideas. Indulge in traditional fare sold by artisan producers, explore the historical and festively decorated State Apartments and soak up the atmosphere with live music. This annual Free event is not to be missed as part of your trip to Dublin in Winter. Before you enter the courtyard there's a chance to visit the Chapel Royal to see an ornate Neapolitan nativity crib scene. 'Christmas at the Castle' has a a vintage carousel on-site for children and adults alike. Bite into a hot dog, savour a pint in the bar tent or enjoy a hot chocolate or some mulled wine as you walk around the Christmas Market. Be sure to visit the State Apartments which are FREE to view during 'Christmas at the Castle'. Can you count all the Christmas trees as you walk through the Throne Room, State Drawing Room or even St Patrick's Hall?
Overnight Dublin.
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Day 14 - Dublin International.