Irish Castles Experience Upgrade
Cities, castles, and the Irish countryside
See the sights you've been dreaming of on this 6, 7, or 8-night vacation through Ireland. Enjoy stays in several diverse regions, including entry to some of Ireland's most iconic and majestic places. Explore castles, natural wonders, and famous breweries - the Emerald Isle awaits! With this upgrade, enjoy added tours!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual shift rental car for the duration - automatic available for upgrade for additional fee
- 1 night in Cavan at Cabra Castle Hotel, without breakfast
- 2 nights in Roscommon at Kilronan Castle or similar, without breakfast
- 1 night in Donegal at the 5-star Lough Eske Castle, without breakfast
- 2 nights in Meath at the Dunboyne Castle and Spa or similar, without breakfast
Plus!
- Kildare Village Discount Voucher
- Strokestown Park House & Gardens
- Athlone Castle & Visitor Center
- EPIC Museum Admission
- Pearse Lyons Distillery & Tour
- Admission to Christchurch in Dublin
- GPO Witness in Dublin
Great Ways to Explore
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Experience the breathtaking Irish countryside as you make your way from destination to destination.
There are over 30,000 castles and castle ruins dotting the Irish landscape - how many will you visit?
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Discover ancient tombs and monuments; Newgrange in County Meath is over 5,000 years old!
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You can tour the Fanad Head Lighthouse in County Donegal if you wish; see the guiding light from a unique angle.
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Why not enjoy a hike through the majestic Lough Key Forest Park? You'll see wildlife, amazing landscapes, and perhaps even a floating castle island!
Experience the Emerald Isle in luxury! You'll start your adventure in Cabra Castle, where you'll be surrounded by some of the country's most magical scenery. From the lovely accommodations and wonderful service, you will be in a scenic wonderland known as Cavan.
The next leg of your journey is in breathtaking Roscommon, where you'll enjoy luxurious stays in a 5-star castle hotel. Spend your day exploring the nearby castles, or enjoying a hike through the picturesque parks and forests.
It's then on to Donegal, where you'll stay in the 5-star Lough Eske Castle. Relax on the serene beaches, spend the afternoon in your hotel’s spa, or take a drive over to the Fanad Lighthouse.
Your final nights are spent in County Meath, in an elegant accommodation boasting a 3-floor spa! You'll be just a short drive away from vibrant Dublin - it's time for your Ireland adventure!
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 shift rental car for the duration - automatic available for upgrade for additional fee
- 1 night in Cavan at Cabra Castle Hotel, without breakfast
- 2 nights in Roscommon at Kilronan Castle or similar, without breakfast
- 1 night in Donegal at the 5-star Lough Eske Castle, without breakfast
- 2 nights in Meath at the Dunboyne Castle and Spa or similar, without breakfast
Plus!
- Kildare Village Discount Voucher
- Strokestown Park House & Gardens
- Athlone Castle & Visitor Center
- EPIC Museum Admission
- Pearse Lyons Distillery & Tour
- Admission to Christchurch in Dublin
- GPO Witness in Dublin
-
Experience the breathtaking Irish countryside as you make your way from destination to destination.
There are over 30,000 castles and castle ruins dotting the Irish landscape - how many will you visit?
-
Discover ancient tombs and monuments; Newgrange in County Meath is over 5,000 years old!
-
You can tour the Fanad Head Lighthouse in County Donegal if you wish; see the guiding light from a unique angle.
-
Why not enjoy a hike through the majestic Lough Key Forest Park? You'll see wildlife, amazing landscapes, and perhaps even a floating castle island!
Experience the Emerald Isle in luxury! You'll start your adventure in Cabra Castle, where you'll be surrounded by some of the country's most magical scenery. From the lovely accommodations and wonderful service, you will be in a scenic wonderland known as Cavan.
The next leg of your journey is in breathtaking Roscommon, where you'll enjoy luxurious stays in a 5-star castle hotel. Spend your day exploring the nearby castles, or enjoying a hike through the picturesque parks and forests.
It's then on to Donegal, where you'll stay in the 5-star Lough Eske Castle. Relax on the serene beaches, spend the afternoon in your hotel’s spa, or take a drive over to the Fanad Lighthouse.
Your final nights are spent in County Meath, in an elegant accommodation boasting a 3-floor spa! You'll be just a short drive away from vibrant Dublin - it's time for your Ireland adventure!
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!
Arrive in Dublin and pick up your car at the rental area. Today you will make your way to Cavan, just an hour drive from the airport.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, or explore the historic (and pre-historic) highlights near Cavan today! You can pay a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Knowth and Dowth, then head to Newgrange, an ancient burial tomb older than Stonehenge.
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' Rí 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!
Kildare Village Discount Voucher
Nestled within landscaped grounds and presented in an authentic village environment, Kildare Village is the perfect luxury shopping destination! You will find it difficult to resist temptation with over 90 brands such as Louise Kennedy, Gucci, Armani, Brooks Brothers, Anya Hindmarch and Hugo Boss offering up to 60% off all year around.
After a long day of shopping, unwind at one of the upscale eateries, such as L'Officina, Dunne & Crescenzi’s, an ultra-modern Italian restaurant offering breakfast, mid-morning snacks, lunch, and wonderful wines.
The Village is located at exit 13 off the M7 less than an hour's drive from Dublin Airport and Dublin city center.
Day 2. Cavan - Roscommon
Today, make the approximately 2-hour drive west to your next destination: Roscommon. Unwind at your accommodation, then why not head to the nearby Lough Key Forest Park for some more of the Emerald Isle's spectacular scenery.
Rich in ancient character and original charm, Lough Rynn Castle still retains all of its historic splendor, with antique furnishings, open fires, wood paneling and decorative stone and glasswork. Today, the hotel combines its traditional elegance with modern comforts and facilities.
The castle bedrooms feature air conditioning and broadband internet access, while the estate's former stables and pheasantry have also been converted into luxurious accommodations. All rooms are tastefully decorated with rich, luxurious fabrics and beautifully preserved original features.
The Sandstone Restaurant offers an elegant fine-dining experience and has received an AA Rosette award. The restaurant offers a series of table d’hôte and à la carte menus, created using the finest, freshest seasonal produce from Leitrim and the surrounding counties.
Strokestown Park House, Gardens and National Famine Museum
Strokestown Park is a unique historic property in Co. Roscommon in the west of Ireland with many layers of history. This estate is a capsule in time with many features: an uncommon galleried kitchen; elegant vaulted stables; a six-acre walled garden; mausoleum; bridge; gates; and lodge.
The Palladian House was the family home of the Pakenham Mahon family and is built on the site of the 16th-century castle, home of the O Conor-Roe Gaelic Chieftains. In 1845, The Landlord Major Denis Mahon inherited the estate. He was assassinated in November 1847 at the height of the Great Famine of Ireland, after forcing his tenants to emigrate on some of the worst of the coffin ships. Using the documents and objects from Strokestown as a basis for the interpretation, the National Famine Museum tells the story of the Irish Great Hunger, eviction, migration, the assisted emigration scheme enacted by Major Denis Mahon of Strokestown Park and the story of his murder
Day 3. Roscommon
From your location in the beautiful west of Ireland, you'll be situated close to countless incredible attractions nearby. See the sights along the famous Wild Atlantic Way like Downpatrick Head and the small fishing village of Mullaghmore.
History buffs will want to check out King Boyle House, a magnificent restored Georgian mansion in Boyle.
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
Visit the 13th-century castle and experience history brought alive! Athlone Castle was first built to defend the crossing point on the River Shannon and evolved into a bold defensive structure over the centuries. Elements of the original castle can still be seen today. Your visit will tell the story of settlement in this part of Ireland’s Ancient East, from the Neolithic period through Viking, and Medieval ages to modern life in Athlone.
During your visit, you will discover tales of bitter battles fought, territories won and lost and hear stories of bravery. Prepare to walk in the steps of monks, kings, soldiers and generals. We will tell you their stories and the story of Athlone Castle through a series of modern exhibitions, authentic museum artifacts, interactive games and an intense 360º cinematic experience of the Great Siege of Athlone. Some stories will be sad, some treacherous, some heroic, and many will be bloody…
Tip: Athlone Castle is located in Co. Westmeath. If travelling from Dublin to Roscommon, consider visiting the Castle on your way. The Castle is approximately 90 minutes from Co. Clare and approximately 60 minutes from Galway.
Day 4. Roscommon - Donegal
Make your way to your next accommodation, the 5-star Lough Eske Castle Hotel in Donegal. You'll have luxurious stays on a secluded and peaceful lakeside property.
If you're looking for an adventure in the great outdoors, visit the neighboring Glenveagh National Park, a 170 square kilometer park. Here you'll enjoy scenic views of mountains, waterfalls and even castles secluded from the rest of the world.
A Tip For Your Trip: Enjoy your included afternoon tea today!
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!
Day 5. Roscommon - Meath
Leave Roscommon and drive to the luxurious Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa! You'll be about a 30-minute drive from Dublin, making it the perfect day to explore the vibrant capital city. You can also stop in the village of Kildare where you can use your included discount to pick up a few souvenirs.
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. Meath
Today, take a drive over to Dublin! With this upgrade, you'll have the opportunity to experience Ireland's famous Guinness.
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.
Pearse Lyons Distillery @ St James - Trilogy Tasting Experience
Pearse Lyons Distillery at St. James is a new chapter for The Liberties, Dublin. Family history, a personal passion for brewing and distilling, and an entrepreneurial spirit has inspired the restoration of St. James’ Church. At Pearse Lyons Distillery, whiskey is only part of our story. Whether you are an intrepid whiskey enthusiast, culturally curious or just an inquisitive Dubliner, you are sure to enjoy a journey through 800 years of history at St. James with our local storytellers.
Our Distillery Tour gives an insight into the whiskey heritage and stories behind the iconic Dublin district known as The Liberties. Visitors can also touch, taste and smell every step of the distilling process, meet with our distillers and taste our signature Pearse Irish Whiskey. Our guided tours are hosted by our team of friendly storytellers, who will regale you with stories of Dublin's Liberties; otherwise known as The Golden Triangle.
Each tour includes: A guided tour of the history of St. James Cemetery, sensory experience- touch, taste and smell every step of the distilling process in the working distillery, and sample three of the signature Pearse Irish Whiskeys
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.
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..
Day 7. Depart Ireland
In accordance with your departure flight, make your way back to Dublin Airport. Be sure to leave enough time to drop off your car at the rental area.
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.