A stay at Ashford Castle, an estate dating back to the thirteenth-century, is included in Aer Lingus's newly discounted six-night vacation package
Call it the luck of the Americans (we know, bad pun, please forgive us). Aer Lingus, Ireland's national carrier, recently unveiled an amazing deal for travel to the Emerald Isle. The Emerald Castle Package, which runs all of 2010—but promises the best rates for travel in the period from January 1, 2010 through March 10, 2010—includes round-trip airfare from more than 50 U.S. cities, six nights lodging (including one at a Condé Nast Traveler Gold List property), car rental for a week, and starts at a jaw-dropping $599 per person (this rate is based on flights departing from New York and excludes taxes and fees. Prices are higher for departures from other cities).
We test-booked a trip leaving from New York in January, and snagged a price of $1,550 for two, or $775 per person (though this does include taxes and fees). Prices from other cities for the same month were $800 per person from Boston, $835 per person from Chicago, and $1,070 per person from Los Angeles.
To calculate the savings, we priced the individual components that are included in the package. Round trip airfare for two from New York to Dublin on Aer Lingus ($1,150); two nights at Croke Park Hotel in Dublin ($240), situated across the road from the historic Croke Park Stadium, host to Gaelic football and hurling tournaments; three nights at any one or more of 450 farmhouse bed and breakfasts (from $220 for three nights); one night at the stately Ashford Castle ($360); and one week car rental with unlimited mileage ($150). The total cost of the these, at a minimum, is $2,120, so the $1,550 package price represents a savings of at least 27%.
Dates: The promotion runs through 2010, but the best prices are for travel during the first 10 weeks of 2010, when daytime highs range between 44ºF and 52ºF.
How to book: Purchase your trip directly from Aer Lingus at its Vacation Store, or call 1-888-495-1632. Rates are subject to availability, and are based on two people flying together. Flights do not earn mileage points and air tickets are not refundable.
Condé Nast Traveler approved: Guests stay one night at Ashford Castle, a thirteenth-century estate that has been on the Gold List for the past 10 years.
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