Irish Castle Vacation Upgrade
Vacation like royalty in Ireland
Get ready to experience the glory of Ireland with 6, 7, 8, or 10 nights throughout this fantastic country. You'll stay in glorious castles and castle hotels that will sweep you away with their expansive vistas, craggy coastlines, and impressive accommodations. With your own rental car, you'll be able to easily get around each city and see all of Ireland's highlights as you wish! This upgrade also includes admission to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, and more!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Dublin (DUB), out of Shannon (SNN)
- Manual shift economy class car rental for duration - automatic available for upgrade
- 2 nights in Cavan at Cabra Castle Hotel
- 1 night in Donegal at Lough Eske Castle or Harvey's Point
- 2 nights in Clifden at Abbeyglen Castle or similar
- 1 night in County Clare at Dromoland Castle or in County Limerick at Adare Manor
- Breakfast Daily
Plus!
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- GPO - Witness History
- Christ Church Cathedral (self-guided tour)
- Derry City Walking Tour
- Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre Admission
- Kylemore Abbey & The Victorian Walled Gardens
- Cliffs Of Moher
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Admission
Great Ways to Explore
-
Enjoy some beach time in Connemara.
- Stroll around Dun A Ri Forest state park to explore ruins and old bridges.
-
Experience the famous Cliffs of Moher!
-
Go night kayaking on Lough Hyne to see the bioluminescent plankton.
-
Indulge in the chocolatey richness of a Guinness cake.
Take advantage of this special opportunity to live like royalty! The journey starts in Cavan, where you'll enjoy the first two nights in Cabra Castle Hotel. Here you can search around the nooks and crannies for the best fireplace to read by, stroll through the reception halls, and immerse yourself in the gorgeous scenery.
Next you'll head to Donegal, a town found on the mouth of the River Eske. Relax in your accommodation and venture around the county's many stunning sites, from Glenveagh National Park to Slieve League peninsula.
From there you will go to County Galway, famous for its desolate beauty and true Irish towns and cities. By staying just a stone's throw from Galway city, you'll be able to enjoy both Connemara's landscape and Galway electric culture.
Finally, the vacation will come to a close in County Clare. The pride of Ireland, this famously beautiful area is where you can see the windswept landscapes and enjoy vibrant culture. Visit the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, explore ancient ruins and archaeological sites, and cheers with a pint or two with the locals.
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 into Dublin (DUB), out of Shannon (SNN)
- Manual shift economy class car rental for duration - automatic available for upgrade
- 2 nights in Cavan at Cabra Castle Hotel
- 1 night in Donegal at Lough Eske Castle or Harvey's Point
- 2 nights in Clifden at Abbeyglen Castle or similar
- 1 night in County Clare at Dromoland Castle or in County Limerick at Adare Manor
- Breakfast Daily
Plus!
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- GPO - Witness History
- Christ Church Cathedral (self-guided tour)
- Derry City Walking Tour
- Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre Admission
- Kylemore Abbey & The Victorian Walled Gardens
- Cliffs Of Moher
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Admission
-
Enjoy some beach time in Connemara.
- Stroll around Dun A Ri Forest state park to explore ruins and old bridges.
-
Experience the famous Cliffs of Moher!
-
Go night kayaking on Lough Hyne to see the bioluminescent plankton.
-
Indulge in the chocolatey richness of a Guinness cake.
Take advantage of this special opportunity to live like royalty! The journey starts in Cavan, where you'll enjoy the first two nights in Cabra Castle Hotel. Here you can search around the nooks and crannies for the best fireplace to read by, stroll through the reception halls, and immerse yourself in the gorgeous scenery.
Next you'll head to Donegal, a town found on the mouth of the River Eske. Relax in your accommodation and venture around the county's many stunning sites, from Glenveagh National Park to Slieve League peninsula.
From there you will go to County Galway, famous for its desolate beauty and true Irish towns and cities. By staying just a stone's throw from Galway city, you'll be able to enjoy both Connemara's landscape and Galway electric culture.
Finally, the vacation will come to a close in County Clare. The pride of Ireland, this famously beautiful area is where you can see the windswept landscapes and enjoy vibrant culture. Visit the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, explore ancient ruins and archaeological sites, and cheers with a pint or two with the locals.
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!
Once you arrive in Dublin, pick up your rental car and drive east for an overnight stay at the Cabra Castle Hotel. Explore all of the beauty that Cavan holds while you stay here!
You can check out the Medieval town of Carlingford, visit the historic town of Drogheda, or stroll around the rural town of Carrickmacross in Monaghan. You can also take advantage of your EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum pass today!
Check-in - Cabra Castle Hotel
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.
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 2. Cavan
Make the drive into Dublin today and explore Ireland's lively capital city! Pay a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the biggest church in Ireland. You'll also want to explore Dublin Castle, stroll over the Ha'Penny bridge, and visit the Trinity College's iconic long room. Don't forget to use your GPO - Witness History tour pass and Christ Church Cathedral pass today!
Tonight, experience the Temple Bar district's famed nightlife with a pint of Guinness or two.Â
GPO Witness History
GPO Witness History is a permanent visitor attraction in the iconic GPO (General Post Office) building on O’Connell Street, Dublin. This highly immersive and engaging exhibition puts you right inside the GPO during Easter Week in 1916. History will come to life as you experience events from both sides of the conflict and through the eyes of bystanders caught in the crossfire through electronic touch screens, video, audio visual booths, sound and authentic artefacts – many previously unseen. You’ll be immersed in the action as you compose newspaper reports, examine the original copy of the Proclamation and send Morse Code to declare the Irish Republic by radio..
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.
Day 3. Cavan - Donegal
Take a drive northwest to your next accommodation in Donegal and use your Derry City Walking Tour. If you'd like to experience the great outdoors, visit the nearby Glenveagh National Park, a 170 square kilometer park. Here you'll enjoy scenic views of mountains, waterfalls, and even castles.
While staying in Donegal, you can also drive to the Slieve Leage or Sliabh Liag for fresh air and the most brilliant Irish landscapes. Alternatively, drive over to Enniskillen, Northern Ireland's only island town where you can explore lovely castles and unique marble arch caves.
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!
Harvey's Point Hotel has a magical location amid the Bluestack Mountains, on the edge of Lough Eske. It is 6 km from Donegal town and the Atlantic coast in the Northwest of Ireland. Each bedroom is elegant and private, and has a large Italian marble bathroom. Rooms also have a TV and facilities for making tea and coffee. Harvey's Point restaurant has 2 AA Rosettes and provides relaxed, elegant dining. Food is made using locally sourced ingredients.
Derry City Walking Tour
Derry (Londonderry) has 1,500 years of history and culture enclosed within Ireland’s only completely walled city. From the 6th century monastic settlement to the vibrant European city of the 21st century, no visit to Ireland is complete without a visit to Derry. The Derry City Walking Tour is the only Tourism Northern Ireland 5-star walking tour in Northern Ireland. Local guides will regale you with stories about the 400 year-old walls, the siege of the city, emigration and modern political history.
Day 4. Donegal - County Galway
You will drive south to County Galway today, where the rugged Connemara meets the charm of Galway city! You'll want to use your Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre Admission today, as well as admission to Kylemore Abbey & The Victorian Walled Gardens!
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.
Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre Admission
Established in 1857, Belleek Pottery is part of the rich cultural and commercial heritage of County Fermanagh. Nestled on the banks of the River Erne, this imposing building is home to the world famous Belleek Fine Parian china and is one of Ireland’s top five visitor attractions.Â
Discover the secrets that make Belleek Pottery one of the most enduring success stories of Irish Craftsmanship with a visit to its museum, tearoom, video theater, and showroom.Â
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens Admission
Discover the remarkable story of Kylemore – both Castle and Abbey! The twists of fate which its occupants experienced, from moments of romance and happiness, to sadness and courage have all combined to create a fascinating history spanning over 150 years.
Kylemore is home to a community of nuns of the Benedictine Order who came here in 1920 after their abbey in Ypres, Belgium was destroyed in World War I. Settling at Kylemore, the Benedictine Community opened a world renowned boarding school for girls and began restoring the Abbey, Gothic Church and Victorian Walled Garden to their former glory.Â
Day 5. County Galway
Your hotel is right near Galway’s city center, which provides the perfect opportunity to explore this eclectic city. Be sure to stop by the stunning St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church and the Galway Cathedral. You'll also want to take advantage of the vibrant art scene and explore one of the many galleries.
In the evening, perhaps you'd like to visit the nearby village of Doolin, Ireland's home of traditional Irish music for a truly authentic experience.
A Tip For Your Trip: Galway is world-renowned for its amazing oysters - treat yourself to a plate for lunch or dinner!
Day 6. Connemara - County Clare
Today you will head south to County Clare! Once you're settled in, use your included pass to visit the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland's most beloved sea cliffs. These dramatic cliffs soar above 700 ft at their highest point and are home to a variety of birds, including the elusive puffin. Afterwards, take advantage of your Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Admission!
The Adare Manor estate offers world-class facilities and a variety of accommodations at the gateway to southwest Ireland. Adare Manor is a neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece of towers, turrets, and stonework ornamentation surrounded by breathtaking gardens, majestic trees, and fascinating ruins dating back over 800 years. The 19th-century Manor is perched along the River Maigue and has been transformed from a private home into one of the world's premier luxury resorts.
A 5-star hotel and a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World organization, this castle hotel provides you with an elegant yet relaxing atmosphere. While staying in one of the Manor's 104 luxurious guest rooms, you are certain to enjoy every possible comfort. Each room is lavishly appointed with original art, Georgian-style furnishings, luscious textiles and marble bathrooms. The hallways are made of stone and wood and the ceilings soar high above you as you wander to your historic bedroom. Enjoy a candlelit dinner for two in the romantic Oak Room restaurant or casual dining in the Carriage House restaurant. Activities at the hotel include falconry, fishing, archery, cycling and more! Golfers will be tempted by the prospect of a perfect round on the resort’s Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, poised to become one of the continent's finest courses.
Adare Manor is your ideal base from which to explore some of Ireland's most notable visitor attractions and the world’s most beautiful sights such as breathtaking Cliffs of Moher (an hour and a half drive), the stunning Dingle Penninsula (a two hour drive), the 15th-century Bunratty Castle & Folk Park (a 20 minute drive) and the unmissable Killarney town (an hour and fifteen minutes drive).
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!
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 7. Depart Ireland
Your hotel is only about 15-minutes from Shannon Airport, so try to indulge in one last Irish breakfast or go souvenir shopping before leaving! Head over to Shannon Airport (SNN) and board for your flight home.
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.
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