Shades of Ireland

Included Features

• 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

Highlights

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

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. 

*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.

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. 

*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.

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. 

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.

General Information

Travel Documents

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.

Payment

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

Flight

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. Specific seat request cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements. 

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.

Clothing/Climate

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. 

Baggage

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.

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

Consumer Disclosure Notice - Part of Contract of Service.

Please read this notice, it constitutes part of your contract for travel-related services. 
AAA TRAVEL is acting as a mere agent for SUPPLIERS in selling travel-related services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by this travel agency (such as air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). This agency, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such suppliers, which result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. Unless the term "guaranteed" is specifically stated in writing on your tickets, invoice, or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee any of such suppliers’ rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling, or handling of personal effects. Travel agent shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses to any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel agent’s control. Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for, and hereby releases the agent from any duty of, checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of each destination, and all safety or security conditions at such destinations. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department. For medical information, call the Public Health Service. By embarking upon his/her travel, the traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. Traveler is hereby warned of such risks, and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them. Traveler’s acceptance and retention of tickets, reservations, or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent of the above, and an agreement on his/her part to convey the contents hereto to his/her travel companions or group members.