Road Trip: Ireland

take The Road less traveled 

June 9-22, 2024

 From breathtaking landscapes and enchanting castles, to other-worldly formations...
take the roads less traveled and explore the sights and secrets of Ireland. 

Staying at the Lake Hotel in Killarney offers an exceptional launchpad into the heart of one of Ireland's most treasured landscapes. The hotel's unique positioning on the shores of Lough Lein provides not only mesmerizing views but also an atmosphere of tranquility and inspiration, ideal for those setting out to explore the natural beauty of the Ring of Kerry.

Each morning, you can awaken to the stunning vista of the lake and mountains, invigorating your spirit before you embark on the day's adventure. The proximity to Killarney National Park and the starting point of the Ring of Kerry means that you're perfectly situated to maximize your time experiencing the breathtaking scenery and cultural heritage sites along this famous route. Additionally, after a day of exploration, the Lake Hotel's welcoming ambiance, along with its luxurious comforts, becomes a serene retreat where you can relax, reflecting on the day's discoveries while surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty.

The HYDE Hotel in Galway offers a unique blend of luxurious comfort and cultural immersion in the heart of one of Ireland's most vibrant cities.
Strategically located, it provides immediate access to Galway's bustling streets, exquisite dining, and dynamic nightlife, allowing you to fully experience the city's pulsating energy. The HYDE Hotel stands out not only for its prime location but also for its exceptional service, sophisticated decor, and commitment to sustainability, aligning with the values of modern travelers. Each room is a testament to comfort and elegance, promising a tranquil retreat after a day of exploration. Additionally, the hotel's in-house restaurant and bar serve as culinary delights, featuring local ingredients in beautifully crafted dishes and cocktails.

DIRECTIONS TO THE HAWK WALK ON THE ASHFORD CASTLE GROUNDS:

Note: Your Hawk Walk is scheduled for 1:30pm, which is before the check in time at Ashford Castle. You can still go to the check in desk and ask them to hold your belongings securely behind the front desk until it’s time for check in (3pm)

You can reach the check in for the Hawk Walk by one of two ways as follows:

1. You can either drive in through the main entrance for Ashford Castle, (spectacular views!), and park in the castle visitor car park which is signposted at the bottom of the golf course. (The check in area for this experience is approximately a 15 minute walk from there and the route is signposted (on foot only) from the far side of the castle.

2. Alternatively, you can enter the Eircode (F31 YF90) into Google maps and that will direct you closer to the check in location, via a different entrance, where you can park close by. 

No tickets are required, we have you booked and confirmed so there shouldn’t be any stress!  

ATTIRE FOR THE DAY:

With regards to attire, you need to wear long sleeved tops and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking through woodlands and forest trails in whatever weather the day has in store for you.

SPECIAL NOTES:

• Uneven Terrain: The Hawk Walk is a very hands-on & interactive experience which entails a moderate walk along woodland paths over uneven terrain.

• Suitable Clothing: With regard to clothing, it is advisable to wear long sleeves and closed-toe footwear that is suitable for walking in the countryside through forestry.

• No Wheels!: The hawks are not wheelchair friendly unfortunately, they are mistrustful of anything with wheels so it is not possible to bring a wheelchair or a mobility aid to the Falconry School, apologies. 

• Arriving on time: Please arrive at Ashford Castle car park at least 20 minutes before your Hawk Walk start time. This will give you time to park the car and walk to us as we are a 15 minute walk through the Castle grounds.

• Can't be late!: Lastly, please note that it is very important to arrive at the correct time for your Hawk Walk, not too early but it is especially important not to be late. Correct timing is for the benefit of the hawks and is due to their strict feeding times. At 15 minutes past your Hawk Walk time the hawks will be fed and the Hawk Walk will be cancelled with payment not refundable. Thank you in advance for your understanding on this important consideration for the hawks.

Standing as a monument to time, Ashford Castle encapsulates the very essence of Irish grandeur and heritage.
A stay at this esteemed castle is more than just a place to rest; it's an immersive experience into a bygone era, where luxury intertwines with history.

Located on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib and surrounded by acres of ancient woodland, Ashford Castle offers guests not only breathtaking scenery but a plethora of activities to engage in, from falconry and horse riding to fishing and clay shooting.
The castle's interiors are adorned with exquisite antiques and sumptuous fabrics, ensuring every room is a testament to opulent comfort and historic charm.
Not to be overlooked, Ashford's culinary offerings, which source local ingredients to create gastronomic delights, are a pure reflection of Ireland's rich gourmet landscape.

For those seeking a stay that transcends the typical hotel experience, offering a vivid window into Ireland's noble past while pampering with contemporary luxuries, Ashford Castle promises an unforgettable retreat.

The Doolin Inn offers a gateway to the charm and wonder of the country's west coast, marrying comfort with a touch of authenticity.

Nestled in the heart of Doolin, a small village famed for its traditional Irish music and proximal to the stunning Cliffs of Moher, The Doolin Inn presents itself as more than just a place to stay—it's a complete experience. Beyond its cozy, modern rooms and the warm, welcoming staff, the inn's location makes it an unparalleled choice for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the Burren National Park or take a ferry to the Aran Islands.
Each morning begins with a hearty breakfast made from locally sourced ingredients, fueling you for a day of adventure.

The Doolin Inn embodies the spirit of Irish hospitality, offering a peaceful yet invigorating retreat for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of Ireland’s west coast.

TRAVEL DETAILS

REGISTRATION FORM

PLEASE TYPE CAREFULLY! INACCURATE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN TRAVEL DELAYS AND/OR CHANGE FEES.

(PLEASE SUBMIT ONE REGISTRATION FORM PER HOUSEHOLD -MAX 2 PEOPLE PER REGISTRATION FORM)

F.A.Q.

What time does the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet start?

This is a 2hr event and there are two start times 5:30pm and 9pm.
We will have to choose which time we want to make the reservation for as this event sells out nightly.

What is included in the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet?

Inclusions

• Entrance fees

• All taxes, fees and handling charges

• Beverages

• Dinner

• Unlimited wine

• Live entertainment

• 2-hour medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle in County Clare, Ireland

• Be greeted by the music of a kilted piper before watching a crowning

• Enjoy a 4-course meal with wine and honey mead in a traditional medieval-themed banquet hall

• Vegetarian options are available upon request at the time of booking

• Listen to beautiful melodies played on an Irish harp and fiddle

Exclusions

• No beer available

Money

• The Euro (€) is the official currency of the Republic of Ireland. In Northern Ireland (U.K.), the British Sterling Pound (£) is the official currency. U.S. dollars are not accepted. 

• Want to check the current exchange rates? Here's a foreign currency converter: http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

• In Northern Ireland, you will need British Pound Sterling.

  • ATMs are readily available in Northern Ireland. 

• Our recommendation is to use ATMs, credit cards, and avoid travelers checks. Banks have odd opening and closing times and smaller towns may not have the capability to exchange foreign currency. Some banks in Ireland don't cash travelers checks any more.

  • ATMs are available in the Dublin airport and all across Ireland. 

    • Check the back of your debit/ATM card to verify it is a Cirrus or PLUS account. If you don't see Cirrus or PLUS and the debit card is a MasterCard or Visa, look for an ATM with your card's logo (MasterCard or Visa) and your debit card should work there. 

      • MasterCard offers a global ATM locator: http://www.mastercard.com/global/atmlocations/

      • Visa offers a global ATM locator: http://www.visa.com/atmlocator/

    • If you have any questions about using your debit card abroad, please check with your bank.

      • Also, it is a good idea to let your bank know when and where you're traveling to and to ask if there are foreign transaction charges. 

  • For credit and debit cards, Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted.
    ** For U.S. credit cards when doing a transaction in Ireland, you may be asked if you'd like the amount processed in US dollars or the local currency, Euros (Republic of Ireland) or Pound Sterling (Northern Ireland). We recommend choosing the local currency so you will get the best exchange rate. If you choose US dollars, typically a 3.5% additional fee is added to your total. 

• Should I take money (Euros or Pound Sterling) to Ireland with me?

  • We recommend obtaining about €100 in cash (denominations of 20s or smaller) from your home bank prior to your arrival in Ireland. You can then take out more money from an ATM as needed during your trip.

  • When traveling in Ireland, one strategy is to use cash for smaller purchases and your credit card elsewhere. 

Chip and Pin Credit Cards

• Ireland has "Chip and Pin" technology for their credit cards. Irish people enter a PIN with all their credit card transactions. If you have a "Chip and Pin" credit card, you will be asked to enter your PIN with a transaction.

• American credit cards typically have "Chip and Signature" technology. Your credit card can be inserted into the slot for chip cards and a receipt will print out for you to sign.

WiFi

• Ireland is a very connected country! WiFi is available in the majority of your accommodations and at bars, coffee shops, etc.

Mobile / Cell / Smart Phones

• Check with your current carrier to see if an International plan is available.

• Check if your phone can be unlocked and is compatible with different SIM cards. You can then buy a SIM card and a calling/data/text plan in Ireland

Hair Dryers

• Most of the accommodations have hair dryers but the Irish don't usually keep them in the bathroom.

• Look for the hair dryer in a dressing table drawer, bedside table, or a closet.

Electrical Items

Q: What do you need to run a U.S. or Canadian electrical device in Ireland? 

A: There are two parts to the electrical equation: Voltage and the Electrical Plug Adapter.

The first part - Voltage. Ireland and the U.K. has 240 volt currency and the U.S./Canada has 110 volt.

• Check the electrical device's power supply and see if it accepts voltage from 100 to 240.

  • If YES, you do NOT need anything to convert the voltage.

  • If NO, you need to buy an electrical transformer to convert the voltage. This can be purchased at most hardware or home stores.

• Please Note: Many computers, tablets, phone chargers, and camera battery chargers have power supplies that accept 100 - 240 volts so you would NOT need a transformer (also known as voltage converter). For example, this camera battery charger accepts 100 - 240 volts.

The second part - Electrical Plug Adapter

• The Ireland and United Kingdom electrical plug has three large prongs.  

Pricing details

package price:

$12,500

*All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process. If your vacation package includes airfare, baggage fees may be an additional cost. For international travel, a passport book is required. Most locations require at least 6 months before expiration on your passport, as well as 2 blank visa pages. Please make sure to have the correct and updated documents if applicable. If you have a criminal background, you are responsible for knowing the travel restrictions pertaining to the offense

INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE

• Most transfers

  • As described above

• Hotel accommodations

  • As described above

• Some Meals

  • Breakfast daily

  • 1 dinner at The Doolin Inn

  • Bunratty Castle Banquet dinner

• Tours

  • Ring of Kerry

  • Dingle Peninsula

  • Connemara Day Trip (small group)

• Most taxes and fees

  • Service fees and commissions (NON REFUNDABLE)

  • Current VAT- if this fee changes, we will need to collect additional charges.

NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare

• Incidental charges 

• Local Tax

• 4% processing fee per payment (only if paying w/debit or credit card)

• Local taxis

• Most meals/beverages (unless included in the itinerary)

• Add-on tours/excursions

• Optional Travel Insurance *DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING- PLEASE REVIEW THE DETAILS OF EACH PLAN THOROUGHLY

  • Worldwide Trip Protector Edge ‘Basic’ (average price of $113/pp)

    • Please Note: This plan does NOT include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

  • Worldwide Trip Protector ‘Premium’ (average price of $154/pp)

    • Please Note: Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

  • Other insurance options are available, if you have questions or want more coverage options, please let us know at time of booking.
     

REGISTRATION 

• A completed registration form (one per household -max 2 people per registration form)

  • If you have more than 2 people from the same household going on this trip, please fill out multiple forms, as the maximum per form is 2 people.

FINAL PAYMENT

• PAYMENTS NOT RECEIVED ON TIME WILL RESULT IN RESERVATION CANCELLATION WITHOUT REFUND.

• Additional bookings after the final payment deadline may result in higher prices, less availability and additional administrative fees.

• Fee amounts imposed are at the discretion of Zone Travel.

CANCELLATION

Cancellation in writing must be received by Zone Travel 60 days prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees:

• Commissions and Travel insurance are non-refundable.

Zone Travel LLC must abide by all cancelation policies enforced by our vendors. Additionally, unrecoverable charges preparing for your trip may occur and therefore, no refunds if cancellations occur less than 60 days before departure.

We sell a variety of travel related products from different suppliers and service providers ("Suppliers"). Each Supplier has its own terms and condition that are applicable to your particular arrangements in addition to our general terms and conditions, and you should make sure you understand them.

Zone Travel is acting as intermediary or a "Booking Agent" for products and services that are not directly supplied by us (e.g., air carriage and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). We are not a co-vendor of such products and services. You will be entering into a separate contract with such Suppliers in connection with such products and services.

By making payments to Zone Travel for this trip you are agreeing to all Terms and Conditions listed on the Zone Travel website.

Vendor Cancel policy: Each vendor has their own policies, which we have to apply. This information may vary and is listed in full detail on the contract signed for each vendor.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel Insurance

TRAVEL INSURANCE - AVAILABLE FOR ALL USA CITIZENS - DUE WITH INITIAL PAYMENT

Zone Travel LLC strongly suggests purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider as most U.S. medical coverage will not cover you outside of the country.

Insurance costs are based on the total package cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Included."

Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance.

EDGE PLAN:
(BASIC PROTECTION)

Extensive coverage for everyone; designed with families in mind.

• Pre-existing Medical Conditions coverage if purchased within 14 days of deposit (other eligibility conditions must also be met)

• Wide range of reasons for trip cancellation or interruption

• Trip Delay and Missed Tour or Cruise Connection coverage

• Baggage Protection and Travel Accident Protection

• Medical and Evacuation coverage 

TRIP CANCELLATION

Trip Cancellation

Frequent Traveler Reward

TRIP INTERRUPTION / DELAY

Trip Interruption

• Reimburses up to 100% of your trip costs if you must start your trip late or are unable to complete your trip due to a covered reason. This reimburses the non-refundable cost of unused travel arrangements and added transportation costs.

Trip Delay

• Reimburses up to $100 per day for a reasonable hotel and meal costs (among others) when you are delayed 12 hours or more due to a covered reason, up to a maximum benefit amount of $300.

Change Fees

• Reimburses up to $250 for fees associated with a change to your air itinerary or fees assessed by your travel supplier for changing your original travel arrangements due to a covered reason. Coverage begins when you depart on the first travel arrangement of your trip.

Missed Tour or Cruise Connection

• Reimburses up to $300 in certain unplanned losses and expenses, including the additional transportation cost to join your trip, when a 12-hour or more delay due to a covered reason causes you to miss your trip departure.

MEDICAL PROTECTION

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains

• Provides up to $100,000 to transport you to the nearest medical facility capable of providing you adequate medical treatment if needed to treat an unforeseen sickness or injury determined to be acute, severe or life threatening, transport you back to your point of origin (with a medical escort if recommended by a physician), and transport your remains back t0 your origination point in case of an unexpected tragedy.

Accident and Sickness Medical Expense

• Medical expense benefits for up to $10,000 to cover treatment costs when an accident or illness strikes during your trip.

BAGGAGE PROTECTION

Baggage and Personal Effects

• Provides up to $750 when bags or personal effects are lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed during your trip.

Baggage Delay

• Reimburses up to $200 for necessary personal items (such a clothing) when your bags are delayed 12 hours or more after you arrival at a destination other than your return destination.

RENTAL CAR PROTECTION

Optional Rental Car Damage

• Provides up to $25,000 if your rental car is damaged or stolen.

OTHER

Single Supplement

• Reimburses additional costs incurred as a result of a change in the per person occupancy rates if a person booked to share accommodations with you cancels or interrupts his/her trip due to a covered reason.

WORLDWIDE TRIP PROTECTOR:
(PREMIUM PROTECTION)

Extensive coverage for everyone; designed with families in mind.

• Pre-existing Medical Conditions coverage if purchased within 21 days of deposit (other eligibility conditions must also be met)

• Wide range of reasons for trip cancellation or interruption

• Trip Delay and Missed Tour or Cruise Connection coverage

• Baggage Protection and Travel Accident Protection

• Medical and Evacuation coverage

TRIP CANCELLATION

Trip Cancellation

Frequent Traveler Reward

TRIP INTERRUPTION / DELAY

Trip Interruption

• Reimburses up to 150% of your trip costs if you must start your trip late or are unable to complete your trip due to a covered reason. This reimburses the non-refundable cost of unused travel arrangements and added transportation costs.

Trip Delay

• Reimburses up to $200 per day for a reasonable hotel and meal costs (among others) when you are delayed 3 hours or more due to a covered reason, up to a maximum benefit amount of $1,500.

Change Fees

• Reimburses up to $250 for fees associated with a change to your air itinerary or fees assessed by your travel supplier for changing your original travel arrangements due to a covered reason. Coverage begins when you depart on the first travel arrangement of your trip.

Itinerary Chance

• Reimburses up to $500 for non-refundable event/activity expenses paid by you for activities missed due to a supplier’s itinerary chance.

Missed Tour or Cruise Connection

• Reimburses up to $500 in certain unplanned losses and expenses, including the additional transportation cost to join your trip, when a 3-hour or more delay due to a covered reason causes you to miss your trip departure.

MEDICAL PROTECTION

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains

• Provides up to $1 million to transport you to the nearest medical facility capable of providing you adequate medical treatment if needed to treat an unforeseen sickness or injury determined to be acute, severe or life threatening, transport you back to your point of origin (with a medical escort if recommended by a physician), and transport your remains back t0 your origination point in case of an unexpected tragedy.

Accident and Sickness Medical Expense

• Medical expense benefits for up to $100,000 to cover treatment costs when an accident or illness strikes during your trip.

BAGGAGE PROTECTION

Baggage and Personal Effects

• Provides up to $1,000 when bags or personal effects are lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed during your trip.

Baggage Delay

• Reimburses up to $500 for necessary personal items (such a clothing) when your bags are delayed 3 hours or more after you arrival at a destination other than your return destination.

RENTAL CAR PROTECTION

Optional Rental Car Damage

• Provides up to $50,000 if your rental car is damaged or stolen.

OTHER

Single Supplement

• Reimburses additional costs incurred as a result of a change in the per person occupancy rates if a person booked to share accommodations with you cancels or interrupts his/her trip due to a covered reason.

Political/Security Evac and Natural Disaster Evac

• If you require evacuation for a political/security event or national disaster while traveling outside of your home country, this provides up to $150,000 for reasonable expenses incurred to transport you to the nearest place of safety or your point of origin.

Accidental death and Dismemberment - 24 hours

• Provides a benefit when you suffer loss of life, limb or sight resulting from an accident during your trip (other than while covered for air flight only benefits)

packing list

The temperature in Ireland between May and September tends to be in the 60s -- sometimes a bit warmer (into the 70s) and sometimes a bit cooler (high 50s). Planning to wear layers is key to smart packing for Ireland. Also, Irish weather is quite changeable - it can be windy, sunny, and rainy all in one day!

We recommend you bring one medium-sized suitcase (smaller is fine!) and a day bag (example: small back pack or purse). A medium-sized suitcase is about 28 in. (height) x 17 in. (width). You can keep the day bag with you on the mini-coach (there's a nice overhead area above your seat) and your other suitcase will go in the back of the mini-coach which you can access during the day if needed.

A few reminders...

• Pack lightly!

• You will need to carry your bags from your car into the hotel and possibly up steps. Many local guest houses do not have elevators.

• Remember, Ireland is a modern country. If you forget something, you can probably buy it there

Here is a suggested packing list:

• Passport and travel documents such as airline tickets (with photocopies)

• Shoes: 

  • 1 pair waterproof hiking shoes. You will be doing easy hikes in valleys and trails, which may be wet and/or muddy.

  • 1 other pair of shoes of your choice

• Tops - long sleeve and short sleeves that you can layer

• Fleece top and / or 1 warmer sweater

• Long pants:

  • One pair of jeans

  • One pair of lighter weight pants

• Pajamas

• Socks and underwear

• Personal effects such as a watch/alarm clock, jewelry, medications, and bathroom items

• Windproofwaterproof jacket

• Hats - we like to bring a baseball style cap (for those sunny days) and a warmer hat (for those windy/cooler days)

• Scarf

• Waterproof jacket. Optional: rain pants

• Lightweight umbrella

• Sunglasses and sun block

• Camera with battery charger. Please see the section "Electrical Items, WiFi, Mobile - Cell - Smart Phones" for additional information.

Optional Items:

• Swimsuit

• Wash cloth. Irish bathrooms do not typically include wash clothes/face clothes.

• Small flashlight

• Electrical items such as cell phones, tablets, e-book readers, laptops, power cords, plug adapters, electrical transformers, etc. Please see the section "Electrical Items, WiFi, Mobile - Cell - Smart Phones" for additional information.

Hair Dryers

• Most of the accommodations have hair dryers but the Irish don't usually keep them in the bathroom. Look for the hair dryer in a dressing table drawer, bedside table, or a closet.

Irish Dress Code

• The Irish tend to dress quite casually so you won't need any fancy clothes for dining out. 

Laundry

• There are opportunities to have laundry done on the free day of each tour. 

• Self-serve laundromats are not common. You will drop off your clothes the night before or in the morning and then pick them up later in the day. 

• To plug in your device, you need an electrical plug adapter. The technical name is Type G. This can be purchased at a hardware or home store.

Here's a picture of an Irish electrical outlet. Notice how there's an On/Off switch with each plug. When you see the red, that means On.

Here are a couple of electrical charging examples:

• Charging your cell phone and the power supply accepts 100 - 240, you only need the electrical plug adapter.

Cell Phone Charger plugged into ---> Plug Adapter plugged into -----> Electrical socket

• Charging an item that needs the voltage transformer, you need the transformer and the plug adapter.

Electrical Item plugged into ----> Voltage transformer plugged into ---> Plug Adapter plugged into -----> Electrical socket

CAN I PAY BY ZELLE?

Yes!

We started taking Zelle payments last month and we found this to be a fast and FREE way to pay!
For those who don’t know what Zelle is… it is very much like a wire transfer (but it is not a wire transfer).

Everyone’s bank is different, though, so you may want to call/go in to your local bank and ask to have the maximum amount available to transfer every day.

Example: Some banks only allow $500/day transfer. Other banks will allow $1200/day.

Always be careful when making payments through Zelle to people that you do not know. There is no protection guarantee provided and you cannot reverse the fee.

The Pros for using Zelle:

• It is FREE (no processing fees)!

• It is instantaneous (funds will go directly to Zone Travel- so this is the absolute fastest way to make a payment)

The Cons for using Zelle:

• Every bank is different when it comes to maximum amount available to be transferred every day. So, this may mean that you need to make multiple payments to Zone Travel, multiple days in a row.

• It does require an app download onto your phone, and you need to set up your account with your bank information.

CAN I PAY BY CHECK?

Yes!

If you would like to avoid the 4%processing fees, you may pay by check.
It is very important that you pay in advance of the deadlines and allow ample time for delivery.

Payments received after the deadline could result in cancelation of your reservation or increased fees.