Vacation of a Lifetime: Ireland


Partake in a journey around the highlights of the Emerald Isle's South via a private chauffeur. Through a variety of unique opportunities and experiences designed to immerse the Costco member into Celtic culture, fall in love with the hospitality and warmth the Irish people and land have to offer. The rich history of Ireland and her people can be observed along every leg of this 12-day journey that includes traditional cuisine, activities, tours and more. Whether it is visiting a UNESCO site, whiskey tasting, hiking through a national park, eating at a Michelin Guide Restaurant, walking through cobbled streets, or any of the many other exclusive activities, Costco members will have the opportunity to create incredible memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Executive Member Benefit

 

  • Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

Vacation Includes

  • The services of a private chauffeur, from destination to destination

  • Private transfers to and from the airport for arrival and departure

  • Two nights in Dublin (The Dylan Hotel), two nights in Cashel (Cashel Palace), two nights in Killarney (Great Southern Hotel), two nights in Galway, two nights in Cong (Ashford Castle) and one night in Dublin (The Dylan Hotel)

  • 11 Breakfasts, one lunch, one exclusive "Be My Guest" lunch at Clonalis House, and eight dinners

  • St. Patrick's Cathedral: a private tour of the Cathedral

  • Exclusive Dublin Luxury Whiskey Trail

  • Private Dublin city tour with a local specialist

  • Dining at the renowned Michelin Guide Restaurant, George V

  • Private Kilkenny Walking Tour

  • Cashel Palace: Dining at Bishop's Buttery

  • Private tour of Irish National Stud & Gardens

  • Killarney National Park private hike with local specialist

  • Private tour of Blarney Castle Gardens with the Head Gardener

  • Exclusive experience at the UNESCO Burren Farm

  • Exclusive Aran Islands Experience

  • Ashford Castle: Bagpiper welcome, dining experience at George V Restaurant, estate activity or spa treatment of your choice, falconry, private gin making and tasting

  • Clonalis House: a private "Be My Guest" experience with traditional music

Itinerary Days 1 - 3

Day 1

  • "Cead Mile Failte," a hundred thousand welcomes! Skilled storytellers and savvy locals – chauffeurs are the perfect companion on your journey. They are personally vetted by our team and chosen for their warmth, impeccable service, attentive listening and local knowledge. Dublin offers a fine introduction to Georgian mansions, with wide streets and spacious squares. On this private tour, you'll pass the Customs House on the north bank of the River Liffey and many mid-18th-century public buildings back in Dublin's Southside, including the beautiful Trinity College. You will pass Dublin Castle, City Hall, Christchurch Cathedral and St Patrick's Cathedral. Guests will be exclusively welcomed into St. Patrick's Cathedral, an impressive structure, built in honor of Ireland's patron saint. Saint Patrick's Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well where tradition has its Saint Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. You are welcomed into the Nave of the cathedral where you enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of this iconic Landmark in Dublin. You will hear about the Cathedrals changing fate and be taken through the narrow spiral staircase through secret passageways.

  • Meals included: dinner (Michelin Star)

  • Accommodations: Dylan Hotel


Day 2

  • Meet your Whiskey Specialist John Callely, part of the Callely family who are a legacy in the world of Irish Whiskey. John has a great Grá (Gaelic for love) for Dublin, an immense pride of country and a great taste for a fine glass of Irish Whiskey! He accompanies you throughout the morning for a special half day experience through some of Dublin's finest Distilleries. Executive transport from whiskey stop to stop.

  • Meals included: breakfast

  • Accommodations: Dylan Hotel


Day 3

  • You will then journey to the Irish National Stud & Gardens, for a private equine experience and the opportunity to discover the rich culture, heritage and history including the relationship between the people, the land and the horse. Located in the heart of the Thoroughbred county, this is an immersive experience for racing and breeding enthusiasts. Later, we arrive to the magnificent Cashel Palace Hotel and embrace its special town and country setting within the vibrant market town of Cashel, nestled in Tipperary's Golden Vale. Indulge in the hotel's luxurious canter facilities, including an indoor-outdoor pool. Outdoor seaweed baths and more or enjoy an ample about the gardens learning about the listed Mulberry trees dating back to 1702 and soak up the spectacular view of one of Ireland's iconic structures, the majestic Rock of Cashel. This evening enjoy dinner in the Bishop's Buttery. Located in the atmospheric cellar of the Main House at Cashel Palace Hotel, The Bishop's Buttery is a truly impressive space reminiscent of by-gone days with vaulted ceilings, a central open fireplace and an original flagstone floor dating back to 1732. Soak up the history of this very special and intimate dining space while savoring the freshest of ingredients sourced from the aptly named 'Golden Vale' pastures. Carefully crafted and prepared by Executive Head Chef Stephen Hayes, the exquisite four-course dinner menu will prove a feast for the senses.

  • Meals included: breakfast and dinner

  • Accommodations: Cashel Palace


Itinerary Days 4 - 6

Day 4

  • We start our day by traveling to Kilkenny. We will experience 800 years of history on a walking tour of Medieval Kilkenny City. View the City Hall, St. Mary's Church, St. Canice's Cathedral and many more sites this beautiful ancient city has to offer. Afterwards meet the resident craft makers at the Kilkenny Design Centre, and get the inside track with insights into the formidable people behind Ireland's vibrant craft and design industry. You will enjoy dinner this evening at Mikey Ryan's Bar & Kitchen, a hugely popular bistro offering an array of delicious local fare and an ever-charming buzz.

  • Meals included: breakfast and dinner

  • Accommodations: Cashel Palace


Day 5

  • Exclusively for Vacation of a Lifetime guests, today we meet with the Head Gardener of the stunning Castle grounds and will take us on a journey through diverse surroundings from tranquil to serene, to mystical and magical places. Carpets of bulbs throughout the grounds create a vibrant spring show. The gardens also boast a fine collection of Azaleas and Rhododendrons which add a wealth of color. Afterward, you will arrive in Killarney and enjoy the town on the lakes. It is renowned for its lively pubs and open, cheerful atmosphere, full of what the Irish call 'craic'!

  • Meals included: breakfast and dinner

  • Accommodations: Great Southern Hotel


Day 6

  • Today you will revel in the spectacular Irish landscape with an experienced guide as you hike your way to hidden gems in the unspoiled countryside. Take in the glorious views across the Three Lakes of Killarney, Muckross House and the highest mountains in Ireland. Hear stories of the surroundings and learn about the flora and fauna, while finishing your hike at the magnificent Muckross Estate & Gardens. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® EXPERIENCE, you'll help make a positive impact on the local community and support the UN's sustainable development goals. Then you are off to travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as "The Ring of Kerry." It is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all Ireland. Here mountains, valleys, lakes, and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words.

  • Meals included: breakfast

  • Accommodations: Great Southern Hotel


Itinerary Days 7 - 9

Day 7

  • Your morning begins enjoying a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Cliffs of Moher. This natural masterpiece is set against the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean and is part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Burren Geopark. One of Ireland's favorite visitor experiences, the Cliffs of Moher tower over the rugged west Clare coast. Their natural beauty has inspired artists, musicians, and poets for generations, as well as absorbing scientists and geologists, drawn by the unique landscape in which they sit. The Cliffs of Moher, the most famous cliffs in Ireland, will leave you awestruck, creating memories that will stay with you forever. You will then enjoy a Private Rustic Picnic Experience in the Burren, Co. Clare. This experience takes place in one of the most distinctive UNESCO designated landscapes in Europe with your own regional tourist guide and fifth generation Burren farmer, Cathal. Visit a part of the world that until very recently has been a family secret, this privately owned 500-acre farm in the Burren National Park. Followed by a Private Wild Food Dining Experience, nestled between Lough Bunny Lake and the Burren Mountains, with your own personal chef choose this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® EXPERIENCE, you'll help make a positive impact on the local community and support the UN's sustainable development goals.

  • Meals included: breakfast and dinner

  • Accommodations: Glenlo Abbey Hotel


Day 8

  • Today you will have an incredible Exclusive Aran Islands Experience. Departing Galway for Connemara Airport, enjoy the short 10-minute flight enjoying commanding views of the three islands, the Connemara Coast, and the Cliffs of Moher to the right. Your first stop at the Aran Islands Goats Cheese farm where Gabriel will give an introduction as to how he started making cheese on the island. Following a visit to the ancient fort of Dún Aengus and the Seven Churches, you are treated to lunch at one of the local pubs with entertainment provided by a local family. With some time to shop at some of the retail outlets in the village, flights will return to the mainland in the early evening. On route back to Galway, there will be a stop off at Standún's, a luxury retail outlet where you are greeted by Clíona and Laragh, the third generation of the family to run this well-regarded local business. Here they will learn about the Aran Sweater which originated on the island just visited. Laragh and Clíona along with a local hand knitter will share the history and stories behind the traditional garment which is now revered in the fashion world and worn by many A-list celebrities. Standún's also showcases a wide range of Irish-made products so you will be sure to find something to remind you of this memorable trip.

  • Meals included: breakfast and dinner

  • Accommodations: Glenlo Abbey Hotel


Day 9

  • When you enter through Ashford Castle's stone gates, a bagpiper welcome awaits at the 800-year-old Ashford Castle, widely recognized as Irelands grandest hotel destination. First built in 1228, this elegant castle has been home to the Guinness family and hosted royalty of the crown (King George IV) and screen (John Wayne) alike. Enjoy a leisurely cruise on Lough Corrib, the largest lake in Ireland. The River Corrib connects this lake to the sea at Galway, and Ashford Castle is nestled right on the lake shore. This evening enjoy dinner at the Cottage Restaurant on the grounds of the castle. Just a short stroll across the river through the castle's stone gates, this relaxing traditional thatched cottage features local and international dishes inspired by the owner Beatrice Tollman.

  • Meals included: breakfast and dinner

  • Accommodations: Ashford Castle


Itinerary Days 10 - 12

Day 10

  • The expansive 350-acre Ashford Estate lends itself perfectly to a range of wonderful activities for you to enjoy from country classic pastimes such as horse riding, fishing, and clay shooting, to more modern activities such as golf, cycling and kayaking. Or relax and indulge at the exclusive Ashford Castle Spa. Irelands Oldest Falconry school is situated on the grounds, as you venture through the extraordinary charm of the castle and its woodlands, you'll experience majestic hawks in flight. Watch these spectacular creatures soar into the sky from the perch of an arm. Before dinner this evening, enjoy one of the world's best-crafted Gin Tasting experiences in the outstanding surroundings of Ashford Castle. Dust off your crowns and dine like royalty in the graceful setting of the Michelin-recommended George V Restaurant. With rich paneled walls and twinkling Waterford Crystal chandeliers bestow a grand sense of occasion. Relax and enjoy exceptional dishes from the kitchen of acclaimed Chef Philippe Farineau, combined with much-loved recipes of Beatrice Tollman.

  • Meals included: breakfast and dinner

  • Accommodations: Ashford Castle


Day 11

  • On Day 11 of your time in Ireland, you will enjoy a special experience on a visit to Clonalis House, a grand Victorian residence regarded by many as one of Ireland's most important historic properties. You are welcomed by the O'Conor Family into their home where you relax with a glass of prosecco while listening to a local harpist. Learn first-hand from the custodians of living history what their ancient history means to them and how their story continues to unfold with a private tour personally hosted by a member of the family. Enjoy lunch served in the historic red dining room with family silver adorning the table all while under the gaze of 7 generations of O'Conor's Afterwards you will make your way back to Dublin for your final night, you will enjoy a fun intimate, toe-tapping experience. Immerse yourself in the music. Named after the ballad of the 1916 rebellion, The Merry Ploughboys are a traditional folk group from Dublin, Ireland, who have been "singing it like they mean it" for 30 years, with gutsy and engaging vocals backed by arrangements of fiddle, mandolin and guitar and often joined by uilleann pipes, whistle, or tenor banjo.

  • Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Accommodations: The Dylan Hotel


Day 12

  • After a magnificent trip to the Celtic Isle, you will be transferred to Dublin airport for your flight home.


Costco Member Reviews

 

Available Dates & Prices

Valid For TravelNightsPrice
Through 9/30/2312From
$12,413*
10/1/23 - 12/31/2312From
$12,061*
AvailabilityPrice

Valid For Travel
Through 9/30/23

12   Nights

From
$12,413*

Valid For Travel
10/1/23 - 12/31/23

12   Nights

From
$12,061*

Call to Book 1-866-921-7925
1-866-921-7925

 

Terms & Conditions

*Prices listed are per person, land only and based on double occupancy. Single room supplements are available. Price shown is the final base price, exclusive to Costco members and already reflective of any special member savings. Please also note that some international flights may be overnight, and this should be taken into consideration when planning.

International Air: Please note that airfares are not included. We will quote you the lowest possible airfare available on the day you book.

Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of itinerary.

Any unused portion(s) of inclusions are nontransferable, nonrefundable, and not redeemable for cash.

Guided Vacations: 'Price with Current Deals' reflects current applicable 'Early Payment Discounts' or 'Early Booking Discounts.' Early Payment Discounts (land only) savings vary by itinerary, are not valid on all vacations/departure dates and are subject to availability; not valid with all other promotional offers. Early Booking Discounts are available on select departures only and only available to travelers departing from the United States; not combinable with Early Payment Discounts or any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking. All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.

'Exclusive Costco Member Price' reflects 10% Member Discount off vacation land price, taken after all other applicable discounts are applied.

Please see all separate Vacations of a Lifetime Private Chauffeur Ireland Terms & Conditions.

Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the trips going live online, however are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at time of quote and booking.

For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions page.

Other conditions may apply. CST#2084503-20

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Package ID: BRENDANVACATIONS2023