Ireland 5-Star Experience Upgrade
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 County Mayo to County Wicklow. With your own car, have the freedom to explore the Emerald Isle at your leisure. Enjoy afternoon tea and admission to top attractions with this upgrade.
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 Cork at Hayfield Manor, with breakfast
- 2 nights in County Wicklow at Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort, without breakfast
Plus!
- Afternoon tea at Druids Glen Hotel
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Admission to Christ Church Cathedral
- Admission to Guinness Storehouse
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.
-
Visit the Glendalough monastic site in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East and experience 5,000 years of history in one area.
-
Enjoy admission to Christ Church Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse, two of Dublin's top attractions!
-
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.
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 County Cork. Spend the day touring Cork's charming seaside towns like Cobh and Kinsale or climb to the top of Blarney Castle and kiss the infamous Blarney Stone!Â
Your last 5-star stay is in County Wicklow. In the "Garden of Ireland," hike through stunning scenery and ancient monastic, then spend one day Ireland's capital, Dublin.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.
- 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 Cork at Hayfield Manor, with breakfast
- 2 nights in County Wicklow at Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort, without breakfast
Plus!
- Afternoon tea at Druids Glen Hotel
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Admission to Christ Church Cathedral
- Admission to Guinness Storehouse
-
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.
-
Visit the Glendalough monastic site in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East and experience 5,000 years of history in one area.
-
Enjoy admission to Christ Church Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse, two of Dublin's top attractions!
-
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.
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 County Cork. Spend the day touring Cork's charming seaside towns like Cobh and Kinsale or climb to the top of Blarney Castle and kiss the infamous Blarney Stone!Â
Your last 5-star stay is in County Wicklow. In the "Garden of Ireland," hike through stunning scenery and ancient monastic, then spend one day Ireland's capital, Dublin.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.
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.
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.
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!
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, take advantage of your admission to 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!
Check-in - Dromoland Castle
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!
Day 5. County Clare - County Cork
Leave County Clare and drive approximately two hours south to Ireland's largest county - Cork! On the way, use your included admission to Bunratty Castle, the most complete medieval castle in Ireland!Â
After settling in, head into Cork City and pick out a local pub to enjoy a meal and a pint. Cork is a foodie heaven, so a good meal is never too far away.
Check-in - Hayfield Manor
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Admission
Be transported to farm life in 19th century Ireland during your visit to Bunratty Folk Park! You will be charmed as you visit the farm houses and cottages and watch the tasks of rural Irish families. Set on 26 acres, this folk park is an uncanny recreation of an old Irish village, down to the furnishing in the shops and homes.
Costumed characters bring the village to life as you watch bakers, policemen, and schoolteachers go about their days. Explore a school, a pub, a grocery story, a hardware store, a post office, and more! For a fun treat, see the baking of the griddle bread next to the fire and be sure to taste it hot with fresh creamery butter.Â
Also on site is Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. See the best examples of medieval furniture, stroll through walled gardens, and pay close attention to the historical detail that fills the castle.
Day 6. County Cork
Today, consider exploring two of County Cork's charming seaside towns: Cobh and Kinsale. Cobh is famously known as the last port of call of the Titanic, and is chock full of colorful row houses and a soaring Victorian cathedral. In Kinsale, head for the harbor and admire the sights of this historic fishing town.
You might also consider visiting the famous Blarney Castle. Built in 1446 by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, this medieval castle is most famous for its stone, which legend tells has the power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it.
Day 7. County Cork - County Wicklow
Head to your last destination in County Wicklow, known as the "Garden of Ireland." Settle into your accommodation and enjoy your included afternoon tea in The Conservatory. Enjoy a sumptuous selection of sandwiches, homemade scones, cakes and the tea of your choice.
Check-in - Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort
Day 8. County Wicklow
Today, drive to Dublin and explore Ireland's compact yet cosmopolitan capital. Use your included admission to Christ Church Cathedral, Ireland's oldest building and main place of worship.
From there, learn all about Ireland's favorite beer at the Guinness Storehouse with your self-guided tour. Through several interactive exhibits, you not only learn how to pour the perfect pint, you will also uncover the secrets of Ireland's famous stout that's been the stuff of legend for over 250 years. End an exciting day of sightseeing with a pint!
Christ Church Cathedral (self-guided tour)
Enjoy a self-guided tour of Christ Church Cathedral (with free audio guide), including admission to the Crypt and Exhibition. The Cathedral (founded c.1028) is the spiritual heart of the city, and one of the top visitor attractions in Dublin!
The audio guide ill take you on a journey through 1,000 years of history from 3 different perspectives:
"Power and Politics", "Christ Church and The City" and "Music and Spirituality."
Visitors can choose to follow one theme throughout their tour, pick and mix at each stop, or take the "Highlights" tour which gives a taste of all three themes.
Guinness Storehouse
A visit to the magical home of Guinness is a must for anyone visiting Dublin. The Guinness Storehouse® is Ireland’s number one visitor attraction, located in the heart of the Guinness Brewery at St James’s Gate.
Housed in a former fermentation plant, this seven-story historical building is central to Dublin's and Ireland's heritage, and has been continually updated to create a blend of fascinating industrial tradition, with a contemporary edge.
The adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building’s giant, pint-shaped heart of glass – and tells a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in Gravity Bar, where visitors will receive a complimentary pint of Guinness while relaxing and enjoying spectacular views over Dublin.
Includes:
- Self-guided tour of Guinness Storehouse (tour visit is approximately 2 hours)
- Pint of Guinness or soft drink in Gravity Bar (under 18 receive soft drink)
Day 9. 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.