Day 1 - This morning we meet at our Shannon International Airport Hotel. The tour will start with a brief orientation and then we journey north toward Galway, but not before visiting Bunratty Castle and Theme Park. The Christmas Spirit is overflowing with a Personal visit with Santa Claus, full access to Bunratty Folk Park Trail of Lights Experience, Mrs Claus in the Golden Vale Farmhouse, Polar Express Train Ride, Giant Festive Illuminated Displays, Tunnel of Lights, Traditional Christmas Tales with their resident Seanchaí, Christmas Characters on the Village Street and Festive Themed Shops. It will be an enchanting morning and then we make our way to Dromoland Castle for Afternoon Tea. We will experience the indulgent tradition of Mrs White’s Afternoon Tea as we settle into a cosy nook by the fire and savour a Festive Champagne Afternoon Tea. We then make our way further north with a drive through the Burren with a few stops along the way. Welcoming Dinner and Overnight near Galway. (B,L,D)

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Day 2 - 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. 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. Galway itself is a wonderful place to wander as the city is wild and bohemian, and at the same time full of culture, artistry, exceptional food and music. As well as being a popular seaside destination with long sandy beaches, Galway is also a thriving and cosmopolitan city centre. It is always a joy to explore with its wonderful cobbled streets, colourful shop facades, and its offbeat café/bar culture. Dinner and Overnight near Galway. (B,D)

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Day 3 - This morning we head east as we make our way to Ireland's Capitol City, Dublin. Our first stop is Belvedere House Gardens where we will step into a world of wonder and enchantment as this is where the magic of Christmas comes alive! This isn’t just a visit – it’s a journey filled with festive cheer and unforgettable memories. Come along for a truly unique experience that you will cherish forever. Our adventure starts at our Polar Express check-in where the jingle of bells and the cheerful greetings of Santa’s elves will welcome us. We then meet the Elves and Explore Santa’s Workshop led by the friendly and playful elves as we are guided into Santa’s Workshop: a bustling wonderland where toys are crafted and holiday dreams are made. We will marvel at the sights and sounds of Christmas as we catch a glimpse of the elves hard at work, making sure everything is ready for the big night. We will stop for Lunch in the Lake Side Cafe and then have a tour of the house before continuing on to Dublin. This evening we are out to a Christmas Panto. Dinner and Overnight Dublin. (B,L,D)​

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Day 4 - 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! This evening we will have a Christmas Twinkling Lights Trip on board the Vintage Afternoon Tea Bus. We will see Dublin’s Fair City in all its sparkling splendour as we indulge in a festive afternoon tea. Overnight Dublin. (B,D)

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Day 5 - This morning will be completely at your leisure as Dublin always needs a bit of free time to be properly experienced and enjoyed. Then, later on we gather fore a Festive Afternoon Tea in the beautiful Georgian Drawing Rooms of the Merrian Hotel. Surrounded by the Hotel’s priceless collection of art and antiques, this will be an occasion to remember and savour. Then we have an Ireland's Traditions Walking Tour. We will discover renowned sites and hidden corners of Dublin while learning about some of Ireland’s unique Christmas traditions and of customs imported from elsewhere but given a Dublin twist. We will also discover how a 5,000 year-old Celtic festival morphed into Christmas while enjoying the shop windows and city streets gaily decorated for the festive season. We will finish the tour at The Church which, although an atmospheric café/bar today, has seen many a Christmas celebration in its over 300 years ecclesiastical history. Overnight Dublin. (B,L)

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Day 6 - Today we make our way south to Roundwoood where we find the Santa Express which transports us to the North Pole and 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 near Aughrim. (B,D)

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Day 7 - As we are about halfway through the tour, today will be spent entirely at your leisure. We are staying at a Magical Lodge and Village in secluded County Wicklow Valley where you can relax your mind and body with an offering of spontaneous country retreat along with numerous facilities and services to give the ultimate recharge. Enjoy a wonderful lunch at the Waterside Lounge; or perhaps sit back with a pre-dinner cocktail and listen to the crackle of our open fire as you sink into the luxurious couches until it is time to take a trip along the boardwalk for the ultimate dining experience. You may want to visit the Wells Spa, as nothing is more natural than spring water. So when it came time to christen their Spa, the nearby wells that supply provided the inspiration. The Wells Spa is an oasis of serenity where our belief in nature’s power to sustain wellness is fully expressed. The landscape around the Village is surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful vistas. As such, it’s natural walking countryside and if you wish to stretch your legs, they can advise on the best routes depending on your available time and energy levels. We can also prepare a Macreddin Village backpack filled with goodies to keep energy levels topped up. Enjoy your day and get ready for the second half of the tour. Overnight near Aughrim. (B)

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Day 8 - 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 9 - 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 10 - This morning we make our way to Waterford for a Guided Tour of the Waterford Crystal Factory taking us through the manufacturing facility. During the factory tour we will hear and see in detail exactly how their stunning crystal is made. Their Master Craftsman will demonstrate the traditional methods that are still used to this day and we will learn all about crystal making from modern day back to their beginnings in 1783. After our tour you will have some time to Explore Waterford, find some lunch and enjoy Ireland's largest Christmas festival, and now the European City of Christmas. Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, will once again be transformed into a magical Winterval Wonderland with five fun-filled Festive City Quarters, this year’s themed Winterval festival destination areas, will be spread across Waterford City for festival-goers to visit and revisit. They include the Continental Christmas Market Quarter (John Roberts Square / Broad Street), Elfstival Festival Family Quarter (Arundel Square), The Ever-Greenway Quarter (The Apple Market), Christmas Cultural Quarter (Great George’s Street / O’Connell Street) and the much-anticipated Winterval Wonder-Events Quarter (The Viking Triangle). Then we are off to Cork to get checked into our accommodation before dinner and a Christmas Panto. Dinner and Overnight Cork. (B,D)

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Day 11 - 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. We take a much needed breather from all the excitement of the Christmas markets to imbibe in a Festive Prosecco Afternoon Tea. We then make our way home to our castle home to start our Holiday Celebration with a Christmas Eve Buffet Supper. After supper we will open our gifts to each other and then watch 'Its a Wonderful Life' in the Drawing Room. After an evening full of merry making, we settle in to get a good nights rest before the Christmas Day Festivities. Christmas Eve Buffet Supper and Overnight Dromcolliher. (B,L,D)

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Day 12 - Christmas Day! We will have a leisurely morning as we get up and see if Santa has brought us anything and if the Stockings that were Hung with Care have been filled! There will be nibbles set out if anyone is hungry and you may even find something in your stocking to tide you over until we Gather for Brunch at Mid Morning. You can then spend the day socializing, reading, catching up in your journal, take a long winter's walk or just enjoy the house and grounds. This afternoon we will gather for a Traditional Christmas Dinner with all the Trimmings as more merry making abounds! We will take a break after dinner to sit and socialize together before we break out the pie and goodies. We will then gather to watch my favourite holiday movie, 'Meet Me in St. Louis' and it is never truly Christmas until Judy Garland has sung 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!' We will leave out nibbles to help yourself to as we reminisce about the trip and the year ahead. Dinner and Overnight Dromcolliher. (B,L,D)

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Day 13 -  Today in Ireland it is St. Stephens Day also known as the Day of the Wren is an occasion to commemorate the life of St. Stephen and is considered a holiday in Ireland. To stay in the holiday mood, we will put out a Mid Morning Brunch and then after brunch we will take one of my favourite drives through the Glen of Aherlow a country valley, which lies between the Slievenamuck Ridge and the main Galtee Mountain Range. Bounded by the rural villages of Bansha and Galbally, the Glen was historically an important pass between Limerick and Tipperary. We will travel south of the heritage town of Tipperary, through sixteen miles of unspoilt countryside affording some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable making it one of the most desirable destinations in Ireland. Within the Glen the focal point is the Statue of Christ the King. Erected in 1950, Christ the King, overlooking the valley at its most scenic viewpoint has his hand raised in “blessing the Glen and all who pass by”, attracts thousands of visitors every year. After some glorious sightseeing we will return home to dinner in the castle. Overnight Dromcolliher.​ (B,L,D)

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Day 14 - Today we make our way toward Shannon Airport with a stop in Adare. Listen to sleigh bells ring as we celebrate the magic of Christmas with friends old and new on the festive Christmas Carriage at Adare Manor. Create lasting memories of an enchanted Christmas onboard our fully weatherproofed horse drawn carriage which features cosy wool blankets, traditional Christmas decorations, lights, music and an elegant table equipped with glass / cup holders and wine coolers. Perhaps a warming festive themed drink from the bar or a delicious creamy hot chocolate is the perfect treat to toast a day of Yuletide magic! Than we make our way into Limerick for Afternoon Tea before exploring the city. Farewell Dinner and Overnight near Shannon International Airport. (B,L,D)

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Day 15 - We return you to the Shannon International Airport for the journey home.

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