Home > Group Trips > Shades of Ireland

Shades of Ireland

October 18 – 27, 2026

10 Days, 1 Country, 13 Meals

Starting from $4,999 per person

Activity Level: Moderate

Airfare Included!

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Trip Details

Leprechauns, rainbows, pot’s of gold, Guinness, and so much more to explore on the Emerald Isle of Ireland! This is a tour to ignite the adventurous spirit in every traveler!

Booking Deadline: April 19, 2026

Low booking deposit of $698

Daily Itinerary

Sunday, October 18th: Depart Central PA to Dublin, Ireland

Transfer by motorcoach from Central PA to a local international airport for an overnight flight* to Dublin, Ireland.

Monday, October 19th: Dublin

Welcome to Ireland! After arriving in Dublin, you’ll be able to check into your hotel and explore this amazing city on your own. Later in the evening you’ll meet your Member Choice Vacations Tour Director and enjoy a welcome dinner full of regional cuisine and Irish traditions. Hotel: Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin (Dinner)

Tuesday, October 20th: Dublin

After breakfast, you’ll ride with a local tour guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, and the historic Phoenix Park. The afternoon is yours to explore this fascinating city at your leisure. Later you can join in an optional excursion to experience the famed Guiness Storehouse followed by a traditional Irish dinner. Hotel: Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin (Breakfast)

Wednesday, October 21st: Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford

Enjoy stepping back into medieval times as your journey along the River Nore to the town of Kilkenny. See impressive castles and wonder what life was like in this city a thousand years ago. Then its on to Waterford, our stop for the evening, where you can have a leisurely relaxing walking tour through Ireland’s oldest city! Then it’s – YOUR CHOICE – to either join a tour of the Waterford Crystal factory to see how these exquisite crystals are made OR visit the Medieval Museum for a guided tour and a glass of wine in the mayor’s 15th century wine vault. Hotel: Granville Hotel (Breakfast, Dinner)

Thursday, October 22nd: Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney

After breakfast you’ll journey to Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney Stone, which legend says once kissed gives the person the gift of eloquence. It’s 128 narrow steps to the top where the Blarney Stone rests**. Then it’s on to the charming town of Killarney for the evening. Tonight dinner is Diner’s Choice – where you can choose from a variety of dishes from a menu of Killarney’s fantastic restaurants. Hotel: The Heights Hotel Killarney (Breakfast, Dinner)

Friday, October 23rd: Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney

Today we’ll head over to the stunning Ring of Kerry, set along the beautiful Irish coastline dotted with quaint villages and gorgeous natural beauty. We’ll stop at the Gap of Dunloe, where you’ll have an opportunity to shop local handmade crafts. Then you’ll get to meet the McGill family and sample some of their finest artisan local beer. Then it’s back to Killarney for a ride in a traditional jaunting car (weather permitting)***, and the rest of the evening is at your leisure. Hotel: The Heights Hotel Killarney (Breakfast)

Saturday, October 24th: Killarney - Cliffs of Moher - Limerick

Today you’ll experience the 700 foot tall Cliffs of Moher, where pictures can’t do this beautiful natural landscape justice. Mind your hat as the winds blow strong along these cliffs! Then its on to Limerick for a panoramic city tour including King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone. The rest of the days is yours to explore at your leisure, or you can join an optional excursion for a medieval banquet dinner in a castle! Hotel: Absolute Hotel (Breakfast)

Sunday, October 25th: Limerick - Galway - Limerick

After breakfast, travel through the Neolithic tombs and stark landscape of the Burren where you’ll see border collies in action as they herd flocks of sheep in a sheepdog demonstration. Then have some free time to explore the vibrant city of Galway at your leisure, before heading back to Limerick for dinner. Hotel: Absolute Hotel (Breakfast, Dinner)

Monday, October 26th: Limerick - Kilbeggan - Kingscourt

We’ll depart Limerick and head to Kilbeggan where you’ll be embraced by the Irish Whiskey territory. We’ll stop for a tour in Kilbeggan at a distillery where you’ll be able to sample the final product and experience the craftsmanship of Irish Whiskey. Then, it’s on to Kingscourt where we’ll stay on the grounds of Cabra Castle and enjoy our farewell dinner, sharing the experiences with fellow travelers of this incredible tour of Ireland. Hotel: Cabra Castle (Breakfast, Dinner)

Tuesday, October 27th: Tour Ends - Depart for Central PA

After breakfast, you’ll travel to Dublin for a return flight* and motorcoach transfer to Central PA.

*Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without advanced notice and or compensation. This tour features hotels that have high sided bathtubs that require you to step into the bath to shower. Some properties may not have air conditioning.

**To kiss the Blarney Stone, you will have to walk up 128 narrow steps to the top and back down again.

***The Jaunting Car Ride is weather permitting and subject to cancellation.

Highlights

Dublin
Blarney Castle
Cliffs of Moher
King John’s Castle
Cabra Castle
Whiskey Distillery
Ring of Kerry

Included Benefits

Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transportation to a local international airport
Roundtrip airfare to/from Dublin, Ireland
Roundtrip transfers airport/hotel
9 night hotel accommodations
Sightseeing as stated in itinerary by luxury coach with WiFi (when available)
Services of a Professional Member Choice Vacations Tour Director and Driver
Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
Services of a AAA Discoveries Journey Manager

General Info

Payment

Double Rate Per Person: $4,999
Single Rate Per Person: $5,899
Triple Rate Per Person: $4,949

All non-members must add $60 to the above rates.

Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and include taxes, fees and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 25 passengers.

*Single and triple occupancy accommodations are extremely limited and are not guaranteed until space is confirmed.

Book by April 19, 2026 to secure your space. Reservations made after this date are subject to availability and rates are subject to potential increase.

Desired pick up location is not guaranteed until passenger minimums are met.

Payment Schedule

A deposit of $698 per person will confirm your reservation. Final Payment is due to AAA by July 6, 2026.

Cancellation/Penalties

From April 19, 2026 to July 19, 2026 – $698 per person, plus any additional suppliers fees

From July 20, 2026 to October 2, 2026 – 40% per person, plus any additional suppliers fees

From October 3 – 17, 2026 – 75% per person, plus any additional suppliers fees

After October 18, 2026 – NON – REFUNDABLE

*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment

Activity Level: 3

Moderate- Good mobility is required for this trip. Climbing stairs and standing for 2-3 hours at a time, as well as walking on uneven terrain may be necessary. Portions of the itinerary may include higher altitudes. The itinerary may involve longer days up to 12-14 hours in length. This activity level is not recommended for travelers with significant mobility concerns.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing needed assistance.

GRP6526

Frequently Asked Questions

What travel documents do I need?

Original, signed Passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank Visa page for Visa Stamp(s) is required for this trip.

As of the publication of this brochure, all travelers visiting or transiting through the United Kingdom (including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) are required to obtain a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). This also applies to itineraries with layovers in the UK. Please note that the UK ETA is not included in the cost of your trip, and it is the responsibility of each traveler to secure this authorization prior to departure. Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information.

As travel policies are rapidly changing, the final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see your travel advisor for additional information.

Do I need travel insurance?

For your protection, AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Where will my seat be on the plane?

Air Schedule will be shared once available. Group air schedule is in economy class. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Air upgrade requests may not be on the same flight schedule as the rest of the group and must be requested at the time of the initial deposit. Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

How many bags can I bring?

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport.

What will the weather be like?

Temperatures in Ireland during the month of October can range from the low 40’s to mid 50’s, with cooler temperatures in the evenings and near the water. Pack for a variety of temperatures. Casual clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable walking shoes and a small umbrella are recommended.

What is a Discoveries Journey Manager?

A Discoveries Journey Manager travels with you on your entire journey. They are there to ensure your trip runs smoothly so you can sit back and relax. They are constantly working behind the scenes, whether it be at airport check-in or cruise disembarkation, they have you covered!

When should I book optional excursions?

Your AAA Travel Advisor is happy to help reserve your choice of optional excursions. It’s best to book them as soon as possible as they can sell out.