Castles & Abbey of Ireland Upgrade
Castle Hop Through Ireland!
Take on Ireland in 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 nights! Open the windows and feel the breeze as you venture through a patchwork of farmland, rivers, and the serene beauty of the Emerald Isle you'll only be able to find here. Enjoy stays in culture-packed cities and quaint towns, where you'll experience pub life, castles, and amazing architecture! Feel free to roam far and wide and make tons of stops off the beaten path. We've built the map, you create the memories!
Alternate itinerary w/Bed & Breakfasts + 5-star Castle also on sale.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual economy class car for duration, upgrade to automatic available
- 1 nights in Cavan at Cabra Castle or similar, without breakfast
- 1 night in Donegal at Lough Eske Castle, with breakfast
- 2 nights in Roscommon at The Abbey Hotel, without breakfast
- 2 nights in Dublin Area at Duboyne Castle Hotel or similar, without breakfast
Plus!
- Elegant Breakfast at Lough Eske Castle
- Kildare Village 10% discount voucher
- Admission to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to Aillwee Caves
Great Ways to Explore
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Meander the waterways along the River Shannon or visit the many beautiful lakes of Cavan.
- Taste Drumshambo Gunpowder Gin or visit to Slane Castle & Distillery in Meath.
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Take in the natural beauty of Donegal!
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Enjoy views of the picturesque countryside as you drive from destination to destination.
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Get to know the unspoiled treasures of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands!
Get the royal treatment in Ireland! Explore Ireland's Hidden Heartlands - where you can find the best of Ireland's natural beauty and the tranquil surroundings of unspoiled nature and the warmth of Ireland's rural communities.
First stop: Cavan. Explore all the nooks and crannies for the best fireplace to read next to, walk the reception halls, or immerse yourself in the idyllic scenery.
From there, you will move on to Donegal, a town situated at the mouth of the River Eske. Luxuriate in your accommodation and explore the county's many stunning sites, from Glenveagh National Park to the Slieve League peninsula. After that, you'll visit Roscommon, where the Boyle Abbey and Roscommon Castle await!
The trip will come to a close near Dublin. There, you can stroll the grounds of Dublin Castle by day and soak up the magnetic energy of the city's nightlife at Temple Bar.
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 economy class car for duration, upgrade to automatic available
- 1 nights in Cavan at Cabra Castle or similar, without breakfast
- 1 night in Donegal at Lough Eske Castle, with breakfast
- 2 nights in Roscommon at The Abbey Hotel, without breakfast
- 2 nights in Dublin Area at Duboyne Castle Hotel or similar, without breakfast
Plus!
- Elegant Breakfast at Lough Eske Castle
- Kildare Village 10% discount voucher
- Admission to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to Aillwee Caves
-
Meander the waterways along the River Shannon or visit the many beautiful lakes of Cavan.
- Taste Drumshambo Gunpowder Gin or visit to Slane Castle & Distillery in Meath.
-
Take in the natural beauty of Donegal!
-
Enjoy views of the picturesque countryside as you drive from destination to destination.
-
Get to know the unspoiled treasures of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands!
Get the royal treatment in Ireland! Explore Ireland's Hidden Heartlands - where you can find the best of Ireland's natural beauty and the tranquil surroundings of unspoiled nature and the warmth of Ireland's rural communities.
First stop: Cavan. Explore all the nooks and crannies for the best fireplace to read next to, walk the reception halls, or immerse yourself in the idyllic scenery.
From there, you will move on to Donegal, a town situated at the mouth of the River Eske. Luxuriate in your accommodation and explore the county's many stunning sites, from Glenveagh National Park to the Slieve League peninsula. After that, you'll visit Roscommon, where the Boyle Abbey and Roscommon Castle await!
The trip will come to a close near Dublin. There, you can stroll the grounds of Dublin Castle by day and soak up the magnetic energy of the city's nightlife at Temple Bar.
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.
Day 1. Welcome to Dublin!
Pick up your rental car and head straight for Cavan! If you're an adventure-seeker, you'll want to stop by the Cavan Adventure Centre, where a local guide will share legends and stories of the area as you explore the lake and island castle by kayak or powerboat. The lake and surrounding Killykeen Forest Park is a protected conservation site and home to an impressive population of Whooping Swans. Hop aboard for an experience you'll never forget!Â
From the moment you arrive through the acres of beautifully manicured gardens to this magnificent 19th century 4-star castle hotel in the Cavan countryside, you will feel welcomed and thoroughly spoiled. Set on 100 acres of parklands and gardens, with the magnificent backdrop of Dún a' Rà Forest Park, there is much to explore both indoors and out. Cabra Castle is one of the most unique luxury hotels in Ireland and is also one of the best-known castle wedding venues in Ireland. (Please note: Cabra Castle accommodations are not located within the main castle building).
Built in 1760, this upscale hotel is lavishly decorated with tall ceilings and grand staircases. Guest rooms are designed in a historic fashion with all the modern amenities a traveler needs to stay comfortable including a satellite TV, tea/coffee maker, and more. The Cabra Castle Hotel also has an on-site restaurant serving delicious local cuisine, as well as a bar perfect for relaxing with a drink.
Enjoy a tranquil setting at Slieve Russel Hotel Golf & Country Club. Set on 300 acres of land, you'll find your experience to be positively relaxing! Guest rooms are furnished with free WiFi, coffee/tea making facilities, television, and more. Three onsite restaurants offer guests a variety of dining options featuring modern European flavors and light bites. Relax and unwind in the luxurious spa. Pamper yourself with a massage, body treatment, or time in the sauna. The hotel is proud to offer a variety of activities including golf lessons, a game room, a swimming pool, and more fun for the whole family!
Located in Enniskillen, the gateway to North West Ireland, the Lough Erne Resort is luxurious 5-star resort on a stunning 600-acre peninsula. Enjoy spectacular views of the Fermanagh Lakelands and The Faldo Course, 120 elegant rooms, several dining options, a Thai spa and a 36-hole golf course.
From this location, you'll be a within a 90 minute drive of Belfast International Airport (Aldergrove); Belfast City Airport (George Best); Dublin International Airport, Sligo and City of Derry Airport as well Belfast and Dublin Ports. This luxurious resort has been selected as host of the 2017 Irish Open, a major sporting celebration and something that will be of equally significant benefit in showcasing the beauty, the facilities and the hospitality of this award-winning hotel and this wonderful part of the world.
Day 2. Cavan - Donegal
Your next destination is Donegal, set at the start of the Wild Atlantic Way. You'll see enchanting skylines, picturesque ports, and enchanting villages if you choose to drive this idyllic path.Â
Or, take the drive to the Belleek Visitor's Centre, one of Ireland's top five visitor attractions.Â
A Tip For Your Trip: With this upgrade, enjoy breakfast at Lough Eske Castle!
Check-in - Lough Eske Castle Hotel and Spa
A truly unique luxury castle hotel in Ireland, the Lough Eske Castle, a hotel and spa, sits within 43 acres of forest woodland, hugging the shores of Lough Eske, with the Blue Stack Mountains in the background. Lough Eske Castle Hotel is the only 5-star hotel in Donegal. This lovingly restored castle hotel in Ireland blends its historic past with a dash of contemporary elegance.
Escape into a luxurious world of relaxed grandeur and extraordinary personal service. From the spa to the dining table to your beautifully appointed guest room, Lough Eske Castle provides a truly accommodating environment where the dedication to the guest is thoughtful, reliable, consistent and complete. Superb service and superior amenities make every day here a perfect day.
The Lough Eske Castle Hotel and Spa has been awarded the best luxury hotel in Ireland by The Times in the UK, Conde Nast's Top Ten Luxury Hotels in Ireland for five consecutive years including 2022, Ireland's Castle Wedding Venue of the Year 2022, two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence in Cedars Restaurant, Ulster Spa of the Year 2019 by Irish Tatler Magazine, and more!
Day 3. Donegal - Roscommon
Your next stop is Roscommon! Once settled, head out for some adventure! You may enjoy kicking off your stay in Roscommon by treating yourself to a Moon River Pleasure Cruise on the Shannon. Get to know the area's points of interest and hear some local stories and folklore!
Or, you could take in the rustic beauty of Clonalis House. The property sprawls over pasture and woodland and is regarded as one of the most important historic properties in Ireland. The property is full of gems to see such as O'Conor family heirlooms, the harp of Turlough O'Carolan, and a magnificent library holding over 7,000 volumes.Â
Situated in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, in the beautiful countryside town of Roscommon, is where you will find the 4* Abbey Hotel, a multi-award winning and charming family-run, 18th-century Castle Manor setting owned and run by the Grealy family since 1963. Enjoy free WiFi, television, and coffee/tea making facilities in every guest room. Dine onsite at the restaurant for lunch or dinner, or sip a cocktail at the Abbey Hotel Bar. The Abbey Hotel takes it's name from the 12th Century Dominican Abbey, located beside the hotel with views of the ruins visible from our award winning Restaurant and Bedrooms.Â
Day 4. Roscommon
Enjoy your included admission to the Cliffs of Moher today!
Afterwards, explore the surrounding county of Roscommon. Consider a visit to Strokestown Park where you can spend a few hours at The National Famine Museum. Learn about the history and politics of Great Irish Famine of the 1840s and hear moving stories of hunger, eviction, and migration.
Cliffs Of Moher Admission
See Ireland's most visited sea cliffs; these dramatic cliffs rise over 700 ft above sea level and offer some of the most breathtaking coastal views.
On a clear day, see as far as the Aran Islands! Take a leisurely stroll along the guided path, climb the castle at the top of the hill, or see how many different species of birds you can spot - you may even see a puffin or two!
Aillwee Caves Admission
In the heart of County Clare's prehistoric Burren exists one of Ireland's oldest caves, waiting to be discovered and explored. Embark on an adventure through the dramatic underworld of the area, accompanied by an expert guide.
The tour consists of a 30-minute stroll through the beautiful caverns – over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the thunderous waterfall which sometimes gently sprays the unsuspecting visitor!
Day 5. Roscommon - Dublin Area
Head to Dublin today, and see what makes Ireland's capital city so special! Be sure to also utilize your admission to Kildare Village on this fine day!
With a sophisticated combination of traditional old-world opulence and contemporary design, Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa sets a new precedent and fresh interpretation for hotels around Ireland. As one of the leading 4-star hotels in Ireland, Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa features unique attributes that emphasize the beauty of its estate. Standing on 21 acres of mature manicured lawns and gardens, the hotel's most unique attribute is the peaceful oasis it offers guests, while also being located in such close proximity to Dublin's city center and surrounding golf courses.
The hotel is situated on the grounds of a former castle; the original castle was destroyed during the Cromwellian invasion of Ireland. The 18th-century Georgian house that we see today is at the heart of the hotel, blending seamlessly with the stylish, modern bedrooms and restaurant in the contemporary wing. The historic mansion, once home to the Lord of Dunboyne, today serves as one of Ireland's foremost exclusive hotels on Dublin's doorstep.
Its 145 large, comfortable rooms boast free WiFi, air-conditioning, HD TV, and much more. Relax at Seoid, meaning jewel in Irish, the decadent on-site spa. Unwind in the crystal steam room, enjoy an herbal sauna, pamper yourself with a mud treatment, and more. Take a stroll through the lavish garden, then indulge in a delicious meal at the Ivy Restaurant. Feast your eyes on its carefully prepared seasonal menu, then taste the award-winning flavors of the in-house chefs, who've earned 2 AA Rosettes from 2013 to date.
Kildare Village Discount Voucher
Nestled within landscaped grounds and presented in an authentic village environment, Kildare Village is the perfect luxury shopping destination! You will find it difficult to resist temptation with over 90 brands such as Louise Kennedy, Gucci, Armani, Brooks Brothers, Anya Hindmarch and Hugo Boss offering up to 60% off all year around.
After a long day of shopping, unwind at one of the upscale eateries, such as L'Officina, Dunne & Crescenzi’s, an ultra-modern Italian restaurant offering breakfast, mid-morning snacks, lunch, and wonderful wines.
The Village is located at exit 13 off the M7 less than an hour's drive from Dublin Airport and Dublin city center.
Day 6. Dublin Area
Venture forth for a full day in Dublin! Utilize the day to explore the city like never before. Spend time at the EPIC Emigration Museum, sample fresh whiskeys at the Pearse Lyons Distillery, and be sure to explore every inch of Dublin!
In the evening, explore the Temple Bar district which is renowned for its nightlife and has a slew of pubs, restaurants, and galleries waiting to be explored.
Pearse Lyons Distillery @ St James - Trilogy Tasting Experience
Pearse Lyons Distillery at St. James is a new chapter for The Liberties, Dublin. Family history, a personal passion for brewing and distilling, and an entrepreneurial spirit has inspired the restoration of St. James’ Church. At Pearse Lyons Distillery, whiskey is only part of our story. Whether you are an intrepid whiskey enthusiast, culturally curious or just an inquisitive Dubliner, you are sure to enjoy a journey through 800 years of history at St. James with our local storytellers.
Our Distillery Tour gives an insight into the whiskey heritage and stories behind the iconic Dublin district known as The Liberties. Visitors can also touch, taste and smell every step of the distilling process, meet with our distillers and taste our signature Pearse Irish Whiskey. Our guided tours are hosted by our team of friendly storytellers, who will regale you with stories of Dublin's Liberties; otherwise known as The Golden Triangle.
Each tour includes: A guided tour of the history of St. James Cemetery, sensory experience- touch, taste and smell every step of the distilling process in the working distillery, and sample three of the signature Pearse Irish Whiskeys
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Irish history should never be a long list of names and dates, it should be an experience. Get hands-on with Irish culture and its past with this fully interactive museum – swipe through video galleries, dance through motion sensor quizzes, listen to remastered audio from 100 years ago and watch videos that bring Irish history to life. At EPIC you’ll discover the far-reaching influence of Irish history, and the impact the 10 million Irish men and women who left Ireland had on the world. Â
Day 7. Fly home!
Make your way to the airport in accordance with your departure flight. Be sure to leave extra time to drop off your car at the rental area.Â
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Great Value Vacations website and may not represent current prices.
Vacation packages include round-trip economy class airfare on valid international carriers as noted in specific package inclusions and as indicated on booking engine calendar, which may also include code share flight agreements between carriers as indicated during the booking process. Carriers may vary based on city of origin.
Air fares are based on a 14-day advance purchase and include round-trip economy class airfare, including carrier and government-imposed taxes and fees, and the September 11th Security Fee of $5.60 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport. Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect some taxes or fees. Other departure dates and origins are available at slightly higher rates. Fares apply to North American originating passengers only, and are not eligible for accrual of frequent flyer points/mileage. Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all flights. Child/infant discounts are not available, and stopovers are not permitted. Advance seat selection is controlled by the carrier(s), and may not be available on all flights. Baggage fees may apply; please check with carrier for specific policies.
Vacation packages are subject to availability, are capacity controlled, may not be available on every date or on all flights, and may be restricted to certain hotel room and car categories. Higher rates may also be available throughout travel period. Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Rates cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion, and are valid for new bookings only. Offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Website contains special pricing that is exclusively for Internet sale only. Bookings made through our call center may incur a concierge fee of up to $25 per person.
Escorted vacation packages are per person based on two travelers (unless otherwise specified), and typically include hotel accommodations; transportation with professional driver/guide; sightseeing as listed, some meals, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage of one (1) suitcase per person, due to limited capacity on motor coaches. Space is limited and prices may be restricted to certain travel dates, length of stay or room type. Driver and guide gratuities are not included, and are at the discretion of the traveler. Terms and conditions apply. Minimum child ages and handicapped traveler restrictions may apply on escorted tours; please call for details.
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