Authentic Ireland with Castle Stay
Green parks & winding roads!
Drive Ireland’s small towns and bustling cities! This 7- or 9-night vacation takes you to awesome Irish cities - Kilkenny, Connemara, Westport, Dublin, and more! You’ll even have your own rental car to get from city to city. See Ireland’s best sights, from the greenery of Killarney National Park to the Great Western Greenway. You can check out historic castles, towering cathedrals, and charming pubs. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip through the gems of Ireland.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual rental car - upgrade to automatic available
- Pick up at Dublin Airport on Day 1 and drop off in Dublin City Center on Day 6.
- 2 nights in Kilkenny at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in Connemara at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
- 1 night in Westport at the Hotel Westport, or similar
- 2 nights in Dublin at the Brooks Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
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See Ireland the way you want to with this self-drive trip! Stop at small towns and green parks along the way.
Learn about Ireland's rich history with a visit to churches and cathedrals, such as Christ Church!Â
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Check out Aughnanure Castle in Galway, the home of the 'Fighting O'Flahertys!'
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Spend an afternoon in Westport, where you can bike the Great Western Greenway!
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Stop in Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, where you can enjoy a pint of cold beer!
Your journey kicks off in Kilkenny, where you can visit Waterford Crystal Factory, see Kilkenny Castle, or have a pint of beer in a cozy local pub.Â
Next, you’ll drive to Connemara, where you can get to know more about Ireland’s history. Visit Aughnanure Castle, or try local fish ‘n’ chips! Get to know the town for two nights, then drive to your next stop - Westport. Feel free to take a bike ride along the Great Western Greenway!
For the last leg of your vacation, spend time in Dublin. This bustling city is full of shops, pubs, museums, and historic sites. Visit Christ Church or other popular sites! Spend two days in Dublin, then fly home to tell everyone about your incredible Irish journey!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual rental car - upgrade to automatic available
- Pick up at Dublin Airport on Day 1 and drop off in Dublin City Center on Day 6.
- 2 nights in Kilkenny at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in Connemara at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
- 1 night in Westport at the Hotel Westport, or similar
- 2 nights in Dublin at the Brooks Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast daily
-
See Ireland the way you want to with this self-drive trip! Stop at small towns and green parks along the way.
Learn about Ireland's rich history with a visit to churches and cathedrals, such as Christ Church!Â
-
Check out Aughnanure Castle in Galway, the home of the 'Fighting O'Flahertys!'
-
Spend an afternoon in Westport, where you can bike the Great Western Greenway!
-
Stop in Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, where you can enjoy a pint of cold beer!
Your journey kicks off in Kilkenny, where you can visit Waterford Crystal Factory, see Kilkenny Castle, or have a pint of beer in a cozy local pub.Â
Next, you’ll drive to Connemara, where you can get to know more about Ireland’s history. Visit Aughnanure Castle, or try local fish ‘n’ chips! Get to know the town for two nights, then drive to your next stop - Westport. Feel free to take a bike ride along the Great Western Greenway!
For the last leg of your vacation, spend time in Dublin. This bustling city is full of shops, pubs, museums, and historic sites. Visit Christ Church or other popular sites! Spend two days in Dublin, then fly home to tell everyone about your incredible Irish journey!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Kilkenny!
Start your Ireland vacation in Kilkenny! Once you pick up your car from the airport, you can start exploring as you wish! Known as the Marble City, Kilkenny is famous for its black marble and rich medieval history. A great way to spend the day is a visit to Waterford Crystal, where the popular crystal is made each day.
The Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel is an exceptionally beautiful hotel with 118 spacious guestrooms all complete with free Wi-Fi, comfortable accommodations and stunning views of the city. Although you will be within walking distance of a variety of restaurants and pubs in Kilkenny, the hotel also offers its guests the option to dine on site. Try out the Ormonde Lounge for a comfortable yet sumptuous bite to eat paired with a cocktail. There is also O'Reilly's Restaurant for a more vibrant atmosphere and a more extensive menu, or Savour where you can browse a creative dinner menu incorporating the best local produce. Enjoy the hotel's many other amenities including the KO Spa, fitness center and more!
Built on over 40 acres of parkland, the Newpark Hotel provides family-friendly elegance for visitors to the area. The dedicated staff works tirelessly to make sure you and your family receive top-notch service. Many of the spacious, well-appointed rooms include serene views of the green gardens and parkland. Scott's Bar & Bistro has a sparkling reputation for delicious, locally sourced food and is a favorite among the locals.Â
 Strike out for day trips to discover the treasures of Kilkenny, or stay on-property to take advantage of the hotel's many exciting amenities. Newpark hotel offers family room accommodations and activities everyone can enjoy, such as the Newpark adventure trail, where you can catch glimpses of the alpacas and llamas that live there. The Krazy Kats Kids Club is bustling with activity and affords parents a few hours to slip off to unwind at the Escape Health Club and Spa.
Situated on Kilkenny’s most exclusive street, the Pembroke Hotel is right in the center of action. Just a 4-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle, you'll be able to walk to all of the city's top attractions with ease. The hotel offers luxury 4-star accommodation with 74 quiet, spacious guest rooms all featuring air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi. Statham’s Restaurant combines traditional hospitality with delicious local Kilkenny produce. Statham's Bar, with its easygoing and relaxed atmosphere, is a great place to meet, drink and dine in Kilkenny city center. From brunch to lunch, from afternoon tea, to all day dining specials, they offer something for everyone throughout the day and evening.
Day 2. Kilkenny
Continue your Kilkenny stay! Today you can try fresh seafood, or stop into a cozy pub. Wander the streets to discover incredible architecture! You might enjoy seeing Kilkenny Castle, built in 1195. The Castle overlooks the River Norte - you’re sure to get some gorgeous vacation photos here!
Day 3. Kilkenny - Connemara
Today, you'll drive to Connemara! Take a stroll through the green National Park. Snap incredible pictures along the way! The rolling hills and wildlife make this a must-see.Â
Check-in - Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
This hotel in a 19th-century castle welcomes you with a warmly lit entrance hall and a crackling open fire. You'll be located less than a mile from Clifden town center, nine miles from Connemara National Park, and a one hour drive from Galway.
Each of the nine luxury suites come with free Wi-Fi, TVs and DVD players, as well as tea and coffeemaking equipment. Upgraded rooms and suites add 4-poster beds, open fires and/or Jacuzzis. An elegant gourmet restaurant, rewarded Two Rosettes from the AA for its gourmet food and fine wines, offers an adjacent piano bar offering live music. Other amenities include a 9-hole golf course, a tennis court, and a spa with beauty and health treatments.
Day 4. Connemara
Consider stopping at Aughnanure Castle, the home of the 'Fighting O'Flahertys!' This 16th-century castle is a fascinating Irish landmark. You may want to see Kylemore Abbey, a lovely lakeside structure.
Day 5. Connemara - Westport
Make the short drive from Connemara to Westport! You’ll find interesting spots along the way, like Killary Fjord, which offers boat tours, and nearby Aasleagh Falls. When you get to Westport, consider biking the Great Western Greenway! Or check out Croagh Patrick, a mountain and pilgrimage site.
Explore Westport with a comfy, modern hotel to rest in each night! Clew Bay Hotel offers elegant rooms, spa therapies, and a pool! Access free Wi-Fi, then use the gym or grab a bite to eat at the Madden Bistro on-site restaurant. The hotel is close to the Great Western Greenway and other great Irish attractions.
Nestled directly on the Wild Atlantic Way in Enniscrone, Sligo's stunning Killala Bay region, this opulent new hotel offers stunning vistas of Enniscrone's championship golf course and 5 km of pristine beaches and dunes.
With its close proximity to the beach, the Diamond Coast is perfect for indulging in water sports, swimming, and leisurely strolls. The surrounding countryside is an ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of cycling and hiking opportunities.
Exuding elegance and comfort, the Diamond Coast Hotel features 98 lavishly furnished rooms, delectable cuisine at the Coral Restaurant, and a serene ambiance at the Stir Bar & Bistro.
Day 6. Westport - Dublin
Today, drive from Westport to Dublin! The capital city of Ireland is where you’ll spend the last few days of your journey. Consider stopping for a pint of beer at the famous Guinness Storehouse!
Brooks Hotel is located on Drury Street, just a two minute walk from Grafton Street and close to many of the city’s major attractions. Brooks is proud to be located in Dublin's cultural quarter and is near some of Dublin's most exclusive restaurants and bars.
With an emphasis on personal service and attention to detail, the staff at Brooks Hotel can provide recommendations for local restaurants, shops and attractions. The hotel's café lounge features a piano and the drawing room is a great place to enjoy a coffee or cocktail, with its French oak-panelled walls and enviable library.
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin is a 288 room hotel within walking distance from some of Dublin's top attractions. Located on famed O'Connell Street, the hotel provides modern rooms with excellent amenities to guarantee a comfortable stay. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, television, and free WiFi. For those seeking a more spacious accommodation, the hotel offers a penthouse suite with incredible city views. Additional hotel amenities include Toddy's Brasserie, which features classic Irish cuisine and beverages, and the Writer's Lounge where guests can enjoy afternoon tea in a classic and sophisticated setting. Take advantage of the hotel's location right near the Abbey Street tram, making the entire city easily accessible throughout your stay.
The Green is ideally placed in the heart of Dublin City Centre, adjacent to St Stephen’s Green and less than five minutes’ walk from Grafton Street. The hotel boasts 99 guestrooms with air conditioning and complimentary WiFi. Guests at The Green can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The restaurant has a unique bistro and retro style and offers a selection of international dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The Green also has 24-hour room service and a gym with the state-of-the-art equipment.
Day 7. Dublin
Spend the day exploring Dublin! Christ Church Cathedral is a popular attraction, as is nearby St. Patricks’ Cathedral. Take a walk through St. Stephen’s Green for a picture-perfect afternoon. Soak in the culture and history on your final day to explore!
Day 8. Depart Ireland
Today you’ll depart Dublin and fly home with your memories of your Ireland getaway!