Ireland 5-Star Experience
Castle stays and countryside drives
Feel like royalty on this luxurious escape to Ireland. Spend 6 or 8 nights in 5-star properties across the country, from the Ancient East to the Wild Atlantic Way. With your own car, have the freedom to explore the Emerald Isle at your leisure.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual car rental for the duration of your stay - upgrade to automatic available for additional fee
- 2 nights in County Laois at the Heritage Hotel Killenard, without breakfast
- 1 night in County Mayo at Ashford Castle, with breakfast
- 1 night in County Clare at the Dromoland Castle or similar, with breakfast
- 2 nights in County Wicklow at Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort, without breakfast
Great Ways to Explore
-
Spend an afternoon hiking the Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Laois, the oldest in Europe.
- Enjoy a night out at a lively pub in the bustling seaside city of Galway.
-
See the iconic Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, an essential stop along the Wild Atlantic Way.
-
Visit the Glendalough monastic site in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East and experience 5,000 years of history in one area.
-
Drive through Ireland's scenic countryside from one town to the next - this is the best way to see the Emerald Isle.
On this luxury trip to Ireland, stay at 5-star properties and have your own car as you drive through picturesque lakes and villages, bustling cities and rugged coastline. Begin your adventure in County Laois, then drive to County Mayo near Galway.Â
Feel like royalty with a stay at Ashford Castle, one of the top rated hotels in Europe. Spend one night in County Clare, home to the famous Cliffs of Moher, before heading to your last destination in County Wicklow. In the "Garden of Ireland," hike through stunning scenery, ancient monastic sites and beautiful coastline.Â
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.
Enhance your vacation with:
For $99 per person, add the following to your vacation:
- Afternoon tea at Druids Glen Hotel
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to Bunratty Castle & Folk ParkÂ
- Admission to Christ Church Cathedral
- Admission to Guinness Storehouse
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual car rental for the duration of your stay - upgrade to automatic available for additional fee
- 2 nights in County Laois at the Heritage Hotel Killenard, without breakfast
- 1 night in County Mayo at Ashford Castle, with breakfast
- 1 night in County Clare at the Dromoland Castle or similar, with breakfast
- 2 nights in County Wicklow at Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort, without breakfast
-
Spend an afternoon hiking the Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Laois, the oldest in Europe.
- Enjoy a night out at a lively pub in the bustling seaside city of Galway.
-
See the iconic Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, an essential stop along the Wild Atlantic Way.
-
Visit the Glendalough monastic site in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East and experience 5,000 years of history in one area.
-
Drive through Ireland's scenic countryside from one town to the next - this is the best way to see the Emerald Isle.
On this luxury trip to Ireland, stay at 5-star properties and have your own car as you drive through picturesque lakes and villages, bustling cities and rugged coastline. Begin your adventure in County Laois, then drive to County Mayo near Galway.Â
Feel like royalty with a stay at Ashford Castle, one of the top rated hotels in Europe. Spend one night in County Clare, home to the famous Cliffs of Moher, before heading to your last destination in County Wicklow. In the "Garden of Ireland," hike through stunning scenery, ancient monastic sites and beautiful coastline.Â
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.
Enhance your vacation with:
For $99 per person, add the following to your vacation:
- Afternoon tea at Druids Glen Hotel
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to Bunratty Castle & Folk ParkÂ
- Admission to Christ Church Cathedral
- Admission to Guinness Storehouse
Day 1. Welcome to Dublin!
Welcome to Dublin! Upon arrival, pick up your rental car then head to your first 5-star accommodation in County Laois, located about one hour from the airport. Remember, in Ireland you'll be driving on the other side of the road!Â
Check-in - The Heritage
Immerse yourself in elegant charm at the 5-star Heritage Killenard in County Laois. As soon as you walk through the hotel's doors, you'll step into a state of pure peace and tranquility. Check-in with the friendly reception team and admire the hotel's rich, traditional decor as you make your way up to your room. Open your door and find air conditioning, internet access, large comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and more.
After a quick nap, unpack your swimsuit and take a dip in the Jacuzzi or indoor pool. Take a whack at a match of tennis, bring out your inner-child in the game room, go fishing, or unwind in the sauna or steam rooms. Enjoy a pre-dinner glass of whiskey at the Slieve Bloom Bar, then indulge in a delicious dinner at any of the resort's three restaurants.
Day 2. County Laois
Today, consider visiting Emo Court, located near the village of Emo in County Laois. This neo-classical mansion was designed by the architect James Gandon in 1790. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and stroll the magnificent gardens.Â
Nature buffs will want to explore the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the oldest mountain range in Ireland. Lace up your hiking boots and set off for a peaceful hike through winding hills, streams and bogs.
Day 3. County Laois - County Mayo
Say goodbye to County Laois as you drive approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes west to Ashford Castle in County Mayo. Overlooking Lough Corrib lake on 350 acres of beautiful grounds, Ashford Castle is consistently ranked as the top hotel in Ireland.Â
Explore the many beautiful rooms of the 13th-century castle, enjoy afternoon tea in the drawing room or take part in one of the hotel's many activities like falconry!Â
Check-in - Ashford Castle
Day 4. County Mayo - County Clare
Enjoy the morning at Ashford Castle before checking out and driving approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes south to Dromoland Castle just outside of Limerick. On the way, you might want to consider stopping at the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland's #1 tourist attraction. These rugged cliffs rising over 700 feet above the Atlantic are an absolutely iconic sight of Ireland!Â
Check-in - Dromoland Castle
Day 5. County Clare - County Wicklow
Head to your last destination in County Wicklow. Known as the "Garden of Ireland," this part of Ireland is beautifully rugged with mountains and dramatic valleys. Settle into your accommodation, then consider driving to Wicklow Mountains National Park. Park your car and explore the park on foot, where you are bound to encounter many spectacular sights.
Check-in - Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort
Day 6. County Wicklow
Continue exploring County Wicklow and its cliffs, sandy beaches, rolling mountains, hidden lakes and bogs. Return to Wicklow Mountains National Park, the largest national park in Ireland, and drive its scenic winding roads or take a walk through the breathtaking countryside.
In the national park lies Glendalough, a valley with ruins of an early Christian settlement (known as the Monastic City) founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin. Tour the historic ruins consisting of round towers, churches, a kitchen, and more.
Day 7. Depart Ireland
Your Ireland vacation ends today. At the appropriate time, drive approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to Dublin airport, drop off your rental car, and head to your departure gate.
Fly home!
Where available, the Flexible Change Plan allows you to change your travel date for ANY reason (between 30 days and 14 days before planned departure). You will receive a Future Travel Credit for the entire amount you paid. Please note that prepaid instant purchase airfares and group airfare are not eligible for the Flexible Change Plan and are subject to airline-imposed change or cancellation fees based on airline rules at the time that the change is requested. You must rebook using the original air carrier at least 14 days prior to your originally scheduled departure and complete travel at least 1 year from original booking date. Additional fees may apply. Future travel credit is non-transferable, non-refundable, and may not be redeemed for cash.