Irish Christmas Adventure

Your driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall at Dublin Airport (he will have a sign with your name on it) and provide private luxury chauffeur service with VIP meet and greet to your accommodation.

With a peerless Lough Corrib setting and innate grandeur, centuries-old Ashford Castle has long been known as one of Ireland's best hotels. Extensive renovations have imbued the property with sufficient modern comforts to ensure it can stake a claim as one of the most characterful and successful hotels in Europe.

Enjoy whiskey tasting in the Prince of Wales Bar with a whiskey master. Named in honour of the Prince of Wales, who visited the bar in 1905 and later ascended to the throne as George V of England, The Prince of Wales Bar holds a special place in history. Built in the late 1800s, the bar is reminiscent of its captivating past, with its opulent fabrics, fine wood panelling, traditional furnishings and original fireplace creating a warm and welcoming ambience.

During your stay, enjoy additional activities at the castle including morning guided dog walks with the Castle's resident dogs through the magnificent grounds of the Ashford Estate, and access to Éalú - the family-friendly leisure and fitness centre featuring a 15-metre swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, gym, and therapy room.

This evening, dine at the Dungeon Restaurant. Set on the lower ground floor of Ashford Castle, The Dungeon's bistro-style menu features international and Irish favourites, plant-based dishes and an impressive selection of locally-sourced steaks. The centrepiece is the Josper grill, inspired by South African 'braai' traditions, which infuses dishes with a smoky, bold flavour.

Meet Ebenezer Scrooge at your breakfast table. He lives in 1843 - or at least, he used to... Scrooge has been transported to the present day, where (with the help of one lucky family and a few extraordinary friends!) he must find something rather special indeed in order to get back home.

Embark on 'Revels In Hand,' a fun-filled treasure hunt packed with clues, characters and a sprinkle of festive cheer! This theatrical troupe experience is perfect for families and creates magical memories as you help Scrooge find his way back home.

Enjoy a Woodland Carriage Tour around the Ashford Estate with some beautiful lakeshore scenery. The Woodland Carriage ride offers a relaxing way to see more of the Ashford Castle grounds whilst providing an informative tour along the way with a knowledgeable carriage driver. Blankets are provided for chilly weather.

This evening, dine at Pat Cohan's Public Bar and Dining Room in the beautiful island village of Cong. Market Cross, in County Mayo on The Emerald Isle, lies a little piece of magic with a unique history known to the locals and Hollywood alike. Pat Cohan's was the backdrop for the multi-Oscar-winning 1952 film 'The Quiet Man.' Enjoy authentic Irish food, drink, produce and crafts in this historic venue.

The historic city of Galway dances to a beat uniquely its own. Arty, bohemian Galway is one of Ireland's most vibrant cities, brought alive by brightly painted pubs heaving with live music and restaurants and cafes offering front-row seats to observe buskers and street theatre.

Remnants of the medieval town walls lie between shops selling handcrafted Claddagh rings, books and musical instruments; bridges arch over the salmon-stuffed River Corrib and a long promenade leads to the seaside suburb of Salthill, on Galway Bay, the source of the area's famous oysters.

Join a private Galway food tour exploring the city's famous food culture over the morning. Your guide will take you on a food journey that is simply delish! Visit some of the city's best known and secret food haunts, including the now famous Galway Market and award-winning restaurants and cafes. From oysters to cheese, sushi to crab, doughnuts to strawberry tarts, local beers and much more, you will be left sated, but wanting more.

Explore the Galway Christmas Market - it is no secret that Galway is Ireland's friendliest city. At Christmas, the atmosphere only grows as the city transforms itself into a Winter Wonderland. Galway is always beautiful, but winter in Galway is pretty magical with over-the-top decorations and the famous Christmas markets.

End your evening at a local pub with live music. The pub and traditional music are strongholds of Irish entertainment and combined, they almost guarantee a night out that you'll never forget. Savour the lament of a ballad or the enchanting rhythm of a fiddle over a drop of Irish whiskey, or a pint of Guinness.

Discover the ancient form of falconry at the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland - flying hawks is an experience of a lifetime! Your private hawk walk will give you the incredible opportunity to fly your very own harris hawks under the guidance of your instructor.

After you have been introduced to your hawks you'll set off into the magnificent woodlands to fly your hawks, as they follow you from tree to tree through the woods before swooping down to land on your gloved fist. This experience offers a fascinating insight into the hawks' world.

Try clay pigeon shooting for adults. The sporting clay range features targets that simulate the game typical of this region. Beginners enjoy a pleasant introduction to the sport and a thorough grounding in the safety and etiquette of shooting in general.

Experience the magical Ashford Castle Christmas Eve Programme: Mulled Wine and Mince Pies will be served on your arrival to the Castle. From 1:00 PM enjoy Afternoon Tea Service in the Drawing Room. At 7pm, attend a Cocktail Reception in the Drawing Room (Black Tie), followed by a Christmas family photograph by the castle tree with resident photographer.

From 7pm, enjoy a spectacular Black Tie Gala dinner in the George V Dining Room. The graceful setting, with rich, panelled walls and twinkling Waterford Crystal chandeliers bestows a grand sense of occasion. The fine dining restaurant offers an expression of culinary expertise from the estate. At 10:00pm, Santa Claus arrives with gifts for all guests, followed by Carol Singing at the Church of the Good Shepherd at 10:15pm. Dance the night away to Keith McDonald and the Show Band Show from 10:30pm.

Experience a truly magical Christmas Day at Ashford Castle with a full programme of festivities. From 8:00am to 10:30am, enjoy breakfast in the George V Dining Room.

At 11:30 am, embark on a Christmas morning Cruise on Lough Corrib with traditional music and hot whiskeys on board. Discover the beauty of County Mayo by boat with a scenic cruise on one of Ireland's largest lakes. Visit Inchagoill Island to see several historic sites, including a 5th-century church.

From 1pm to 3pm, savour Christmas Day luncheon in the George V Dining Room. Christmas Jumpers are most certainly allowed! From 2pm, enjoy an afternoon of festive movies in the castle cinema.

From 4:00pm to 7pm, experience exclusive wine tasting in the Wine Cellars at Ashford Castle. The Wine Cellars present an extraordinary opportunity for private wine tastings, all set within the enchanting secret passageways that were revealed during the castle's renovations. Originally serving as a coal bunker and a passage for servants, these historic 16th-century tunnels now boast three distinct and inviting spaces, with soft, atmospheric lighting.

From 7pm, enjoy an evening gourmet supper. At 10:00pm, join in seasonal songs and music to round off a perfect Christmas Day.

Celebrate Boxing Day (St. Stephen's Day) at Ashford Castle with a full day of activities and festivities. From 8:00am to 10:30am enjoy breakfast, followed by brunch from 10:30am-1pm in the George V dining room.

From 1pm, choose from various activities including a Corrib Cruise boat trip or Estate and village scavenger trail. From 2pm, enjoy an afternoon of festive movies in the castle cinema.

Experience archery on the Ashford Estate. Step into a realm where precision and artistry converge with the thrill of the great outdoors. Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Estate, the facilities offer a unique opportunity to embrace the essence of this historic castle while testing your accuracy and marksmanship.

Try the Sheepdog Herding Experience at Joyce Country Sheepdogs, a cherished part of a family-operated farm situated in the picturesque region of Connemara, County Galway. Visitors are welcomed to experience a working hill sheep farm firsthand, where they can observe the impressive skills of Border Collie sheepdogs as they expertly herd the renowned Connemara Blackface sheep.

From 3:00pm-5:00pm, enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room. From 4pm, wine tasting continues in the Cellar. From 7pm, enjoy St. Stephen's Day dinner in the George V Dining Room (lounge suit dress code) or the Dungeon (casual attire). At 8.30pm, The Wandering Minstrels will entertain during dinner. At 10:00pm, join our resident entertainers for seasonal music and lyrics.

After breakfast, depart Ashford Castle for Dublin. Transfer to The Merrion Dublin, one of Ireland's most luxurious hotels. Gracious, elegant and with standards of hospitality that are second to none, The Merrion exudes period charm from its prime position in the heart of Dublin.

The hotel was created from 4 restored Georgian Townhouses, one of which was the birthplace of the 1st Duke of Wellington. The decor remains sensitive to the elegance and heritage of the original buildings, while providing every modern amenity expected by today's guests. The hotel also houses one of Ireland's most impressive collections of art and antiques.

Enjoy a half-day Dublin walking tour. Split by the River Liffey, Ireland's largest city is surprisingly small, compact and very cosy. Your driver-guide will ensure you see the city without getting weary feet. Visit Christ Church Cathedral (founded in 1030), St Patrick's Cathedral (founded in 1191), Trinity College with The Book of Kells, and see the statue of Molly Malone.

Visit the legendary Guinness Storehouse, the most visited tourist attraction in Ireland. Learn about the long history of Ireland's most famous brand through exhibits taking you back to when Arthur Guinness himself signed a 9,000 year lease for his brewery. Enjoy lunch at the 1837 Bar & Brasserie, named after the year Guinness and oysters were declared a perfect match.

Experience the Guinness Connoisseur Experience - a five-star Guinness tasting experience in a luxurious private bar where expert staff will be your personal guides on a sensory journey filled with tales and traditions. End your evening with dinner at Doheny and Nesbitt, a Dublin landmark and social institution since 1867.

After a leisurely breakfast at The Merrion, your private chauffeur will provide luxury transfer to Dublin Airport with VIP meet and greet for your international departure.

As you bid farewell to Ireland, take with you unforgettable memories of a magical Christmas adventure - from the grandeur of Ashford Castle to the vibrant culture of Galway and Dublin, from festive celebrations to ancient traditions.

End of services with memories to treasure forever from your extraordinary Irish Christmas journey.