My Dream Vacation In Ireland
Ireland had always been on our bucket list. Two years ago, our Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare turned that dream into reality for our family.
We made it happen by combining Hilton Grand Vacations Points with the benefits of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, allowing us to cover nearly all of our lodging costs with Points.
I converted our HGV Points to Hilton Honors Points at a 16:1 ratio and ran every possible expense through the Aspire Card to maximize earning potential. That included our annual timeshare maintenance fees, which qualify for bonus Points.
The Aspire Card also provides automatic Hilton Diamond status, unlocking valuable perks like complimentary continental breakfast at many European properties.
With our Points ready, I booked two rooms at the Conrad Dublin for six nights. The value was outstanding. We saved approximately $4,000 on lodging while enjoying world-class service that consistently exceeded expectations.
Staying At The Conrad Dublin
We arranged private tours in advance through the Conrad’s concierge, arrived early at 9:30 a.m. to find our room already available, and enjoyed a full Irish breakfast buffet each morning. Thanks to Diamond status, breakfast was complimentary and even included sparkling wine. My daughter still talks about what she calls “the best hot chocolate ever.”
The Conrad Dublin is located just off St. Stephen’s Green in the heart of the city. Many major attractions are within walking distance, assuming you are willing to walk. We certainly were, packing as much as possible into each of our six days.
Highlights From Our Ireland Trip
Starting each day with a stroll through St. Stephen’s Green was the perfect way to ease into Dublin. The park is peaceful, beautifully maintained, and feels like a calm retreat in the middle of the city.
Trinity College And The Book Of Kells
We walked from the Conrad to Trinity College, passing the iconic Hodges Figgis Bookstore along the way. With multiple floors of books, it was heaven for book lovers like us. We opted for the full walking tour, which included the Trinity College Library and the famed Book of Kells.
Kilkenny And The Wicklow Mountains
Through the Conrad, we booked a private driver to explore Kilkenny and the Wicklow Mountains. It was worth every penny. We never felt rushed; we received excellent restaurant recommendations and explored both the castle and town thoroughly. When my daughter grew nervous about the mountain heights, our driver detoured to a local horse farm and helped her feed apples to one of the horses. That unexpected moment may have been her favorite part of the entire trip.
Brú Na Bóinne And The Boyne Valley
Standing inside a structure older than the pyramids was awe-inspiring. The Brú na Bóinne tour included Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, two of which were rediscovered in recent times. Our driver handled the tour booking and guided us through the Boyne Valley, including a stop at the Hill of Slane. This quiet hilltop, home to the ruins of an ancient monastery, was probably my favorite place in Ireland. You could almost feel the past whispering in the air.
Silly and delightfully hokey, the Ghostbus Tour was an absolute blast. We booked it for our second night in Dublin and visited sites tied to hauntings and history, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral. One stop featured a ruined cathedral and graveyard where the stones have been moved, but the bodies remain beneath the ground. The area is now a dog park — a reminder of just how much history lies beneath modern Dublin.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
If you have Irish ancestors, EPIC tells their story. The museum is interactive, engaging and thoughtfully designed. We left with a deeper understanding of Ireland’s emigrant history and global influence.
We visited the lesser-known town of Thurles because of my husband’s ancestral connection. Irish Rail made the journey easy, and the town center was within walking distance of the station. Thurles features a charming bookstore, welcoming restaurants, a cathedral, and the ruins of a Norman tower along the main street. The main attraction is nearby Holycross Abbey, home to a relic with a Vatican-approved seal.
Conclusion
This trip was an exceptional use of our Hilton Points and credit card benefits. Ireland exceeded every expectation, and we already know we will return.
Key Takeaways
Hilton Grand Vacations Points Unlock Global Travel: Converting HGV Points to Hilton Honors Points can significantly offset international hotel costs.
Elite Status Adds Tangible Value: Hilton Diamond benefits like complimentary breakfast and early check-in elevate European stays.
Location Matters In Dublin: Staying near St. Stephen’s Green makes exploring the city easy on foot.
Private Drivers Elevate Day Trips: Flexibility and local knowledge transform sightseeing into memorable experiences.
FAQS
Q: How do Hilton Grand Vacations Points convert to Hilton Honors Points?
A: Hilton Grand Vacations Points can be converted to Hilton Honors Points at a 16:1 ratio, which allows Members to use timeshare value towards hotel stays instead of resort nights.
Q: What makes the Hilton Honors Aspire Card valuable for international travel?
A: The card includes automatic Hilton Diamond status, elevated point earning, and complimentary breakfast benefits at many international properties, which can significantly enhance hotel stays abroad.
Q: Why is the Conrad Dublin a strong choice for a first visit to Ireland?
A: Its location near St. Stephen’s Green, high service standards and full recognition of Hilton elite benefits make it a convenient and comfortable base for exploring Dublin.
Q: What are the advantages of booking private tours in Ireland?
A: Private tours offer flexibility, local insight and a relaxed pace, allowing travelers to customize itineraries and fully experience each destination without feeling rushed.
