Lush landscape of Ireland
GETTY IMAGES
For the Love of Ireland
Choose from a number of curated experiences to embark on your memory-making Irish adventure.
Inspiring Ireland, with its captivating landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, is a dream destination for many travelers. AAA has worked with exclusive partners to offer a variety of ways to experience the Emerald Isle. These collaborations with some of the most reputable travel partners in the industry ensure travelers that every aspect of their journey is thoughtfully crafted, from scenic road trips through the Irish countryside to ecotours that show the many interesting and sustainable ways this country is forging its future. Check out this curated sampling of diverse ways AAA partners allow you to fully appreciate the beauty and charm of Ireland.
Brightly painted buildings of Portmagee village, Ring of Kerry
The Freedom of the Open Road
For those who enjoy the freedom of independent exploration, AAA partner Brendan Vacations offers the opportunity for self-drive adventures. Picture yourself meandering along the country roads of the picturesque Ring of Kerry or immersing yourself in the raw beauty of the rugged Connemara region, all at your own leisurely pace. Or, you could try something new and indulge in a customized, private chauffeur-driven tour. When you choose to travel by car—self-driven or chauffeured—you can experience both the bustling cities and the emerald countryside. Linger in Dublin or venture into charming villages on its outskirts; the flexibility of where to go is yours.
Brendan Vacations’ Majestic Ireland presents a chauffeur-driven tour. On this nine-day spin around Ireland, get acquainted with Dublin and Irish history during a walking tour, led by a Local Specialist, before driving to Waterford and Cork the next day. Your driver can drop you at the House of Waterford Crystal factory for a tour or carry on to Cork, a charming base camp for wanderings to the Blarney Stone and historic Blarney Castle. From there, journey to Killarney and the Ring of Kerry, where, as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience, a Local Specialist leads you on a hike to hidden gems and to take in the glorious views across the Three Lakes of Killarney, Muckross House and the highest mountains in Ireland. Next? The iconic Cliffs of Moher; The Burren, where a guided tour of a privately owned 500-acre farm awaits; and luxurious Dromoland Castle. In the days that follow, visit Connemara, the flower-scented gardens of Kylemore Alley and Clonmacnoise with its cathedral ruins before returning to lively Dublin and saying farewell to Ireland.
Wicklow Mountains National Park
Expert-Led Journeys Into Irish Culture
No matter where you travel, guided tours offer a seamless blend of adventure, education, insight and interest. With experts, like the ones from AAA partner Trafalgar leading the way, travelers can delve into Ireland’s rich history, cultural traditions and local anecdotes. These experts are more than guides—some would say they are engaging storytellers, unraveling the threads of Ireland’s history, culture, and foods with gusto and flair. Well-versed in the nuances of each destination, they make certain that every traveler on a Trafalgar tour gains a profound understanding of Ireland’s past and present.
Offered exclusively through AAA, Trafalgar’s Icons of Ireland Tour focuses on the Emerald Isle’s stunning landscapes and wildlife, and the efforts taken to preserve them. Visit Wicklow Mountains National Park, the largest on the island, and be prepared to snap picture after picture of the wide vistas and pretty lakes. Go on a seaweed foraging walk on the Wild Atlantic Way; visit a family-run Irish smokehouse; and sample fresh Connemara oysters. You also can tick off the icons, including the Cliffs of Moher, Galway and the Aran Islands, and meet a former hurling player in Kilkenny. An extravagant stay at the Lodge at Ashford Castle caps off a memorable Ireland tour.
Train traveling along Ireland's beautiful coastline
Scenic Views From the Tracks
Experience the ultimate blend of relaxation and breathtaking scenery with Brendan Vacations’ remarkable rail journeys throughout Ireland. As you peer out of your train window, admire the green rolling hills of County Clare or the dramatic, postcard-worthy coastlines along the Irish Sea. Indulge in a stress-free travel experience, effortlessly making your way between highly anticipated destinations. Be sure to immerse yourself in the beauty of Ireland’s natural wonders and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Landscape of Connemara
Unique to AAA
AAA is dedicated to preserving the grandeur of the Emerald Isle by supporting our partners’ sustainable travel excursions. These tours give travelers the opportunity to truly connect to the people in the destinations while supporting local communities and their conservation efforts. As part of its itineraries, Brendan Vacations includes a Be My Guest experience, which includes authentic foraging with local restaurateurs, learning about the culinary heritage of the area and dining on what they found at a restaurant overlooking Liscannor Bay. With its MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experiences, Trafalgar has similarly dedicated its tours to sustainable travel experiences. Travelers can meet local advocates and educators at Irish Atlantic Seaweed or tour ecofriendly aquaculture oyster farms in Connemara.
The Lodge at Ashford Castle offers overnight accommodations.
getty images
Luxury Escapes
For those looking for a special escape that explores Ireland’s refined side, AAA partners offer a variety of tours, from enchanting castle stays to luxurious accommodations. Travelers can take a pampered journey, appreciating the country’s rich landscapes and cultural wonders. Itineraries offer a specially curated selection of high-end experiences, each designed to surpass all expectations. From learning about the ancient tradition of falconry on a guided stroll through the woods while on a Brendan Vacation itinerary to being led to dinner at a castle by a lone bagpiper on a Trafalgar tour, travelers are immersed in true displays of Irish culture.
There are countless ways to discover the wonders of Ireland. Contact a AAA Travel Agent today to start planning and booking your Emerald Isle escape.
Discover What Makes Brendan Vacations an Excellent Choice When Planning a Trip to Ireland & Scotland