College Football Classic
Splendid Ireland

Aer Lingus College Football Classic - Splendid Ireland Tour

Join our 7-night tour that gives you experiences of all you imagine Ireland to be. Start with a stay in the heart of vibrant Dublin followed by travels west to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. Go back in time as you take a ferry to Inis Oirr in the Aran Islands, where authentic Ireland will enchant you. See the Cliffs of Moher from the sea and from the cliff tops, and enjoy special moments throughout the tour.

Registration Is Open

Looking down on the Atlantic from the Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare

Dublin (4 Nts), Ennis (3 Nts)
8 Days/ 7 Nights

Depart US on Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Land Tour: August 24 – August 31, 2023

Land Only Package:

$3,955 per person, double occupancy
        $5,865 per person, single occupancy

Highlights

Highlights

  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Glendalough
  • Merry Ploughboy Dinner and Entertainment
  • Notre Dame vs Navy game in Dublin
  • Truly delicious scones and tea
  • Pony and trap ride on the Aran Islands
  • See the Cliffs of Moher from the sea and from the cliff tops.

Inclusions

Inclusions


NOTRE DAME VS NAVY FOOTBALL GAME

  • Aer Lingus College Football Classic game tickets
  • Recess 4 Grownups Tailgate Party

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

  • Transportation as per itinerary in Dublin
  • Hotel accommodation based on double occupancy with private bath for 4 nights
    • Hard Rock Hotel | Dublin (4 nights)
    • Old Ground Hotel | Ennis (3 nights)
  • Porterage of one piece of luggage at arrival and departure of hotels
  • Airport transfers at start and end of tour (on scheduled tour dates)
  • Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags
  • On-site Recess 4 Grownups event staff in Dublin
  • Hotel taxes and service charges
  • City stay taxes

DINING

  • Full breakfasts (7)
  • Tailgate BBQ Lunch (1)
  • Dinners (2)
    • Dinner and entertainment show at Merry Ploughboy Pub
    • Dinner in Ennis

TOURS, ENTERTAINMENT, ENRICHMENT

  • Glendalough
  • Powerscourt Gardens
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • GPO Witness History
  • Panoramic tour of Galway
  • Visit to Adare village
  • Ferry ride and day tour to Aran Islands
  • Pony and Trap ride around Inis Oirr
  • Stop at Sean’s Bar, the oldest bar in Europe
  • See the Cliffs of Moher from the sea and from the heights
  • Visit Rathbaun Farm and see sheepdog demonstration
  • Visits and admission fees to:
    • Guinness Storehouse
    • GPO Witness History
    • Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre
    • Foynes Flying Boat Museum
    • King John’s Castle
    • Irish National Stud

Itinerary

Itinerary


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2023: DEPART US FOR IRELAND


THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023: FLY TO IRELAND | GUINNESS STOREHOUSE

Guinness GlassesAfter landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. You will be welcomed to Ireland and transferred to your hotel, which is in a fabulous city center location at the edge of Temple Bar. You’ll find you can easily walk to many of the attractions and sights of Dublin from this convenient hotel.

This afternoon at 2:00 meet your Dublin guide for a panoramic sightseeing drive around Dublin. Then visit the Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world-famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today. Finish your visit in the roof-top bar, Gravity, overlooking the city center where you can sample a draft Guinness and enjoy the view of the city. The evening is free for you to enjoy finding a great spot at a sidewalk café for dinner.

OVERNIGHT: Hard Rock Hotel | Dublin


FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023: GLENDALOUGH | POWERSCOURT GARDENS

St. Kevin's kitchen in Glendalough, Ireland

Depart in our private coach and drive south from Dublin and through the mountains to visit the scenic valley where Glendalough is located. Glendalough was an important monastic settlement, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, which became one of the most important centers of learning in Europe. Today, the well-preserved round tower and church ruins are interesting to explore and the Visitor Center explains the history of the settlement.

Then travel back towards Dublin stopping to visit Powerscourt Gardens, a superb collection of trees, shrubs and flowers gathered from all around the world that was voted one of the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National Geographic. Situated near the charming village of Enniskerry, this former home of Lord Powerscourt is a delightful experience with terraced Italian gardens and abundant floral displays. Enjoy touring the gardens with free time for lunch on your own at the terrace café.

Then return to Dublin where the balance of the day and evening are free for you to attend any game events like pep rallies, and explore Dublin and the Temple Bar area. (Breakfast)

OVERNIGHT: Hard Rock Hotel | Dublin


SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2023: AER LINGUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL CLASSIC

This afternoon enjoy attending the Recess 4 Grownups tailgate party in a Temple Bar pub reserved just for our guests. Then we’ll drive to Aviva Stadium, a sporting stadium with a capacity for 51,700 spectators. It is also commonly known as Lansdowne Road while UEFA refers to it as the Dublin Arena. Today, Notre Dame and Navy will kick off the football season in what is hoped to be an epic game, where bragging rights are on the line. (Breakfast, Tailgate BBQ Lunch)

OVERNIGHT: Hard Rock Hotel | Dublin


SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2023: DUBLIN | MERRY PLOUGHBOY SHOW

Enjoy sleeping a little late after cheering your team’s victory at the big game. Your morning and early afternoon are free to discover Dublin where you can choose from a wide variety of pursuits. There are plenty of museums of Irish interest such as the National Museum, the National Gallery or the Writers Museum. There is an assortment of shops along Nassau Street and the pedestrianized Grafton Street or Henry Street and you may like to explore Temple Bar or visit some of the traditional pubs.

This afternoon learn more about Ireland’s history when we visit the GPO Witness History Exhibition. The GPO [General Post Office], in the heart of Dublin’s city center, was the communications hub of Ireland and the center of events during the 1916 Easter Rebellion - more commonly referred to as the 1916 Rising. This world class attraction brings to life the personal stories of those involved and impacted upon by this event, which was the catalyst for the foundation of the democratic state.

This evening drive to the town of Rathfarnham to The Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs, dancing and music. (Breakfast, Dinner)

OVERNIGHT: Hard Rock Hotel | Dublin


MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2023: GALWAY | SHEEPDOG DEMONSTRATION

Roundstone harbour and the Twelve Bens, Connemara, Co Galway, Ireland.

This morning depart Dublin to head west to Galway. On the way, stop for a break at Sean’s bar. This pub is not only the oldest in Ireland; dating back to 900 AD, it’s the oldest in Europe, according to the Guinness Book of Records. The sloped floors (often covered with sawdust), candlelight, and turf fire pay nostalgic tribute to this pub’s rich history.

Drive to the vibrant, artistic city of Galway for a panoramic tour of key sites around the city. Discover this thriving city of medieval winding lanes and buzzing street life. Enjoy some free time to explore Galway on your own for lunch and shopping.

Travel to Ardrahan to visit the Rathbaun Farm, a picturesque 150-year old farmhouse. See a variety of animals and learn about traditional farming practices before enjoying a skilled sheepdog demonstration. You are in for a treat when you sit down for some amazing scones in the farmhouse.

Continue to Ennis, where you will check into your hotel and settle into your room. This evening enjoy dinner in our hotel, where the restaurant attracts the local townspeople, so you know it’s good. (Breakfast, Dinner)

OVERNIGHT: Old Ground Hotel | Ennis


TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2023: ARAN ISLANDS & CLIFFS OF MOHER

Evening daisies at the Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare, Ireland.

Set out this morning to take a ferry from Doolin to Inis Orr, the smallest of the three Aran Islands. Enjoy a Pony & Trap ride around the island to take in the beautiful landscape and spectacular views the island has to offer. Also enjoy some free time to explore Inis Orr and its quaint atmosphere before taking the ferry back to the mainland.

On the return trip of the ferry, enjoy unequaled views of the famous Cliffs of Moher from the sea, with these prehistoric cliffs towering above you (weather permitting).

Then, drive a short distance along the coast of County Clare to visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center, which overlook the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince along with the Princess Bride have scenes that were filmed at this stunning landmark. You will enjoy the privilege of seeing the Cliffs from two entirely different perspectives.

The evening is free for dining on your own at the many restaurants and pubs within easy walking distance; look for an impromptu trad session at local pubs.  (Breakfast)

OVERNIGHT: Old Ground Hotel, Ennis


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2023: FLYING BOAT MUSEUM | ADARE | LIMERICK

Ireland Adare Thatch Cottage

This morning travel south to Foynes and visit the Flying Boat Museum, which recalls the early days of air travel, during the 1930’s and early 1940’s, when Foynes was the fulcrum point for air traffic between the United States and Europe. It's also the birthplace of the Irish Coffee, and you'll learn how to make the 'perfect Irish Coffee' and then get to enjoy one.

From Foynes, drive to visit nearby Adare, “Ireland’s prettiest village”. Enjoy free time to wander about this perfect Irish town lined with cottages with thatched roofs. Find a great pub or café to have lunch. You may like to visit the Adare Heritage Centre, Holy Trinity Abbey Church or even Desmond Castle. There are also many specialty shops and traditional pubs that you might like to stop at.

Continue on to Limerick for a view of the city and a stop to visit King John’s Castle and immerse yourself in 800 years of dramatic local history.

Return to Ennis for an evening free to try more of the local restaurants and visit some of the pubs with traditional music. (Breakfast)

OVERNIGHT: Old Ground Hotel, Ennis


THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023: RETURN TO US 

Your tour ends after breakfast. Transfer to the Shannon Airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions for Notre Dame-Navy Tour Packages


By booking travel with us, you hereby agree to all of our terms and conditions of travel which can be found here:    Click Here to Download Terms & Conditions (pdf)

You should read the terms and conditions in their entirety before booking travel with us.
If you do not agree with any terms, you should speak to us before making any booking

Payment Amounts and Dates for Notre Dame-Navy Tour Packages

General Tour Inclusions – see tour listing for specifics:

  • Football Game Tickets for College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium, Notre Dame vs. Navy
  • Exclusive Tailgate party in Temple Bar pub for Recess 4 Grownups tour guests, including food and beverage
  • Hotel accommodation based on double occupancy rooms with private bath as listed in specific tour description
  • Full Irish breakfast each morning of tour (after first overnight)
  • Transport by luxury motorcoach with a professional Irish driver/guide (one man) for tour days
  • Airport transfers on tour start and end dates
  • Additional meals, visits, activities, and admission fees as described in specific tour itinerary
  • Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
  • Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap

Tour packages are land only and airfare is not included.

All travel packages are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Tour space is limited, and pricing is subject to change prior to deposit. Land tour prices are guaranteed once deposited. It is best to make reservations early to ensure you can confirm your desired travel package.

Tour Deposit and Payment Information:

  • $500 per tour package at time of booking
  • September 1, 2022: $900 Additional Due per Tour Package {$1,400 total deposited}
  • May 23, 2023, 2020: Final Balance Due 

Tour Package Cancellation Policies:

  • Through August 31, 2022: $250/tour package
  • September 1, 2022 - May 22, 2023: $1250/tour package
  • May 23, 2023: Non-refundable

Name Change Policies:

Name Changes - Air:

  • Cannot change names or substitute for air reservations.

Name Changes - Land Tour:

  • July 31, 2022: No change fee
  • August 1, 2022 - February 28, 2023: $300 change fee/tour package
  • After March 1, 2023: No Changes Allowed

Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your travel investment.

Participant Agreement terms and conditions acknowledgement required for tour registration.