Ireland B&B and 5-Star Castle Upgrade
Irish hospitality meets opulent splendor
Enjoy Ireland from the comfort of authentic Irish Bed and Breakfasts! Choose your favorites and use your rental car to explore destinations from ancient castles to imposing cliffs. On this 6, 7 or 8-night vacation, you also enjoy a stay at Dromoland Castle in County Clare. With this upgrade, enjoy multiple tours and admission.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual car rental for duration - upgrade to automatic available for additional fee
- 1 night in Dublin at Citywest Hotel or similar, without breakfast
- 2 nights in B&Bs of your choice throughout Ireland
- 1 night in County Clare at the Dromoland Castle or similar standard, with breakfast
- 1 night in B&B of your choice throughout Ireland
- 1 night in Killenard at Heritage Hotel or similar, without breakfast
Plus!
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Admission to Blarney Castle
- Admission King John’s Castle
- Admission to Kilkenny Castle
- Admission to Trinity College
- Admission to Christ Church Cathedral
- Admission to Guinness Storehouse
Great Ways to Explore
-
See Ireland your way, with a castle stay included to enhance your overall experience!
- The freedom of a self-drive vacation allows you to explore the beautiful Irish countryside and create your own itinerary.
-
Sip a Guinness in Dublin at the Gravity Bar!
-
Enjoy admission to the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Blarney Castle and more!
-
Make sure you ask your Bed & Breakfasts hosts for the best tips of where to go, eat and explore in each area you stay.
Fly into Dublin and begin your Irish getaway! You will experience the warmth and comfort of an Irish Bed & Breakfast. With hundreds to choose from all across Ireland you will be sure to find one that will fit all your needs.
You’ll also enjoy a stay in County Clare at a castle hotel set on 450 acres of manicured lawns and the ancestral home of the O'Briens of Dromoland. This opulent property exudes grace and elegance in every way possible, and be within a short drive to some of the gems of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way!
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 duration - upgrade to automatic available for additional fee
- 1 night in Dublin at Citywest Hotel or similar, without breakfast
- 2 nights in B&Bs of your choice throughout Ireland
- 1 night in County Clare at the Dromoland Castle or similar standard, with breakfast
- 1 night in B&B of your choice throughout Ireland
- 1 night in Killenard at Heritage Hotel or similar, without breakfast
Plus!
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Admission to Blarney Castle
- Admission King John’s Castle
- Admission to Kilkenny Castle
- Admission to Trinity College
- Admission to Christ Church Cathedral
- Admission to Guinness Storehouse
-
See Ireland your way, with a castle stay included to enhance your overall experience!
- The freedom of a self-drive vacation allows you to explore the beautiful Irish countryside and create your own itinerary.
-
Sip a Guinness in Dublin at the Gravity Bar!
-
Enjoy admission to the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Blarney Castle and more!
-
Make sure you ask your Bed & Breakfasts hosts for the best tips of where to go, eat and explore in each area you stay.
Fly into Dublin and begin your Irish getaway! You will experience the warmth and comfort of an Irish Bed & Breakfast. With hundreds to choose from all across Ireland you will be sure to find one that will fit all your needs.
You’ll also enjoy a stay in County Clare at a castle hotel set on 450 acres of manicured lawns and the ancestral home of the O'Briens of Dromoland. This opulent property exudes grace and elegance in every way possible, and be within a short drive to some of the gems of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way!
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!
Say hello to Ireland! Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and check into your accommodation. Head into the city and start with a stroll down lively Grafton Street - who says it's too early for souvenir shopping? Treat yourself to a pint at iconic Temple Bar and hear traditional folk music float through the air.
Experience true elegance at the luxurious Citywest Hotel, combining the old world charm of a country house hotel with state-of-the-art amenities and a full array of special services. Walk the lush grounds of this beautiful hotel that boasts 774 well-appointed guestrooms, free parking, WiFi access, and an 18-hole Christy O'Connor Jr.-designed Championship golf course.
After you settle into your stylish, spacious room, head down to the 65-foot heated indoor pool. Take a refreshing dip in the sparkling water or lounge away the rest of your jet lag. Work all your stresses away in the fitness center or pamper yourself with a tranquil treatment in the serene spa. When it's time to eat, enjoy delicious dishes at any of the hotel's several dining options. Indulge in mouthwatering Asian, Mediterranean, or traditional Irish cuisine!
Located just outside Dublin's city center, you'll have easy access to Ireland's vibrant capital by either local bus or taxi. Enjoy close smooth access to the M50 for day trips, sightseeing, and self-guided tours. Start each morning with the hotel's Vitality Breakfast, which offers a wide selection of cooked foods, cereals, pastries, fruit, and more. An on-site bar and lounge, as well as restaurant Grain & Grill, are also open daily for lunch and dinner. 297 spacious guestroom are brightly decorated and are soundproofed to ensure the best night's sleep possible.Â
Day 2. Dublin - Ireland Bed & Breakfast
Depending on your Bed & Breakfast selection, your itinerary will change. We suggest a stay in Kilkenny, a charming and medieval city rich with history and lovely views. Discover the beautiful Kilkenny Castle, then explore the many well-preserved churches and monasteries of Kilkenny.
Check-in - Ireland Bed and Breakfast
Staying in an Ireland Bed and Breakfast offers travelers the complete flexibility of creating their own itinerary. You must select your accommodations ahead of time. To ensure the best availability, it's recommended that you pre-book your B&Bs as far in advance as possible. Enjoy your choice of accommodations from small towns to quaint villages to countryside manors.
All Irish B&B's pride themselves on providing their guests with a fresh, home-cooked breakfast each morning and quality accommodations that cater to every need. Draw on the local knowledge, personal touch and warm welcome of your Irish hosts. Learn about all the best local restaurants, pubs, shops, attractions and activities. Your hosts specialize in the best services available from golf to walking tours of the area, to adventure breaks and much more.
Why Stay in a B&B?
- Most bed and breakfasts are owned by the B&B operators themselves, who usually live on the premises. It's natural to expect that B&B operators who live in their own B&B's will bring a different perspective to the job.
- At B&B's, "customers" are truly guests, and it shows. The B&B owners will gladly help you find the best restaurant in town, the best pubs, point you to the best tourist attractions and local amenities and much much more. Many B&B's depend on word-of-mouth recommendations.
Combine those two factors and it's easy to see why B&B owners go out of their way to make sure your stay provides some great memories of Ireland.
*B&B check-in is between 3:00pm and 6:00pm..
Kilkenny Castle
This 12th-century castle, remodeled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands, was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde.
Due to major restoration works, the central block now includes a library, drawing room, and bedrooms decorated in 1830's splendor, as well as the beautiful Long Gallery. Pay a visit to the Butler Art Gallery, housed in a suite of former servants’ rooms; here you'll find frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art.
Day 3. Ireland Bed & Breakfast
Say goodbye to Kilkenny today and drive approximately three hours to Ireland's largest county - Cork! After settling in, head into Cork City and pick up a few tasty treats at the English Market, a covered market dating back to 1788, then take your goodies to the River Lee and enjoy by the riverfront.Â
Use your included admission to the nearby 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.
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since.
Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures. Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the Tower. Kiss it and you'll never again be lost for words.
Day 4. Ireland Bed & Breakfast - County Clare
Leave Cork as you drive north to County Clare. On the way, spend a few hours in the vibrant city of Limerick. Pay a visit to the imposing King John's Castle, then step back in time at Bunratty Castle, Ireland's most complete medieval castle built in 1425. Â
Upon arrival in Clare, check into your luxurious castle hotel and settle in. Whether you prefer to take it easy at the spa or play a round of golf, there's plenty to do to keep you busy!
Check-in - Dromoland Castle
King John's Castle
Enjoy sweeping views and get a glimpse at a Norman soldier’s life while exploring this medieval fortress! Reach out and touch the past through the interactive exhibit, then join in the living interpretation and re-enactment with costumed guides who reveal the secrets and scandal of castle life. The stunning new exhibition at King John’s Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history!
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 5. County Clare - Ireland Bed & Breakfast
Use your included admission to the the Cliffs of Moher today! These scenic cliffs are one of the most visited sights in Ireland, and for good reason! You'll enjoy sweeping views atop these cliffs that soar up to 702 feet from the coast. Pay close attention to the variety of birds that call the Cliffs home, you may even be able to spot a puffin or two!
Check-in - Ireland Bed and Breakfast
Staying in an Ireland Bed and Breakfast offers travelers the complete flexibility of creating their own itinerary. You must select your accommodations ahead of time. To ensure the best availability, it's recommended that you pre-book your B&Bs as far in advance as possible. Enjoy your choice of accommodations from small towns to quaint villages to countryside manors.
All Irish B&B's pride themselves on providing their guests with a fresh, home-cooked breakfast each morning and quality accommodations that cater to every need. Draw on the local knowledge, personal touch and warm welcome of your Irish hosts. Learn about all the best local restaurants, pubs, shops, attractions and activities. Your hosts specialize in the best services available from golf to walking tours of the area, to adventure breaks and much more.
Why Stay in a B&B?
- Most bed and breakfasts are owned by the B&B operators themselves, who usually live on the premises. It's natural to expect that B&B operators who live in their own B&B's will bring a different perspective to the job.
- At B&B's, "customers" are truly guests, and it shows. The B&B owners will gladly help you find the best restaurant in town, the best pubs, point you to the best tourist attractions and local amenities and much much more. Many B&B's depend on word-of-mouth recommendations.
Combine those two factors and it's easy to see why B&B owners go out of their way to make sure your stay provides some great memories of Ireland.
*B&B check-in is between 3:00pm and 6:00pm..
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 6. Ireland Bed & Breakfast - Dublin
Leave your bed and breakfast early this morning and head back to Dublin for your last day. Use your included admission to Christ Church Cathedral, Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse. After a full day of sightseeing, celebrate your night in Ireland's cosmopolitan capital with a pint and a trad session at a pub.
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.
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.
Book of Kells Experience
Located in the heart of Dublin City, a walk through the cobbled stones of Trinity College Dublin will bring visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent Old Library building was constructed and the Book of Kells is displayed.
The Book of Kells is Ireland's greatest cultural treasure and the world's most famous medieval manuscript. The 9th century book is a richly decorated copy of the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ. The newly opened Book Of Kells Experience offers a unique immersive experience through different areas of the the Book of Kells, Trinity College and the historic stories. Â
Please
Note:Â The Old Library at Trinity College is undergoing a multi year
Redevelopment Project to safeguard the 18th century building and preserve
its collections. As part of their conversation efforts, all the books in The Long Room
have been removed from the shelves. This will not affect the display of
the Book of Kells.
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 7. Depart Ireland
Your Irish vacation ends today. At the appropriate time, drive 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.