Irish Castles & Abbey Experience
Experience Royal Hospitality!
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!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual economy class car for duration, upgrade to automatic available
- 1 night in Cavan at Cabra Castle or similar, without breakfast
- 1 night in Donegal at Lough Eske Castle, without breakfast
- 2 nights in Roscommon at The Abbey Hotel, without breakfast
- 2 nights in Meath (in the Dublin Area) at Dunboyne Castle Hotel or similar, without breakfast
Want more options?
Bonus Itinerary: Explore the popular cities of Kilkenny,Limerick, Sligo & Dublin with hotels, car & flights in spring.
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 on 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.
Enhance your vacation with:
- 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
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual economy class car for duration, upgrade to automatic available
- 1 night in Cavan at Cabra Castle or similar, without breakfast
- 1 night in Donegal at Lough Eske Castle, without breakfast
- 2 nights in Roscommon at The Abbey Hotel, without breakfast
- 2 nights in Meath (in the Dublin Area) at Dunboyne Castle Hotel or similar, without breakfast
Want more options?
Bonus Itinerary: Explore the popular cities of Kilkenny,Limerick, Sligo & Dublin with hotels, car & flights in spring.
-
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 on 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.
Prices From:
Enhance your vacation with:
- 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
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
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!
Please Note
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
Explore the surrounding county of Roscommon today! 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.Â
After, you can get a first-hand experience of a coal miner's life and the centuries-old mining heritage of Arigna Mines. Take in the panoramic views over Lough Allen before descending underground. A local, former coal miner will guide you through the mines and share stories of their personal experiences in the mines.Â
Day 5. Roscommon - Dublin Area
Head to Dublin today, and see what makes Ireland's capital city so special! You can visit the spiritual highlights, from the imposing St. Patrick's Cathedral to stunning Christ Church Cathedral, or explore the historical staples from Dublin Castle to the cryptic Kilmainham Gaol prison.
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.
Day 6. Dublin
Venture forth for a full day in Dublin! Uncover the secrets and history of Dublin Castle, then go for a stroll through the stunning Trinity College Castle. While exploring the grounds, consider paying a visit to the illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells.
You might also want to take a deeper dive into the drinking culture with a tour of the factories of your favorite stouts and spirits! Fans of the black stuff will want to explore the Guinness Storehouse, while whiskey fanatics will want to visit the Old Jameson Distillery or Teeling Whiskey Distillery.
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.
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.
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