Irish Charm with Castles and B&B's
Luxurious castle stays + homey B&Bs
Experience an enchanting journey through the heart of Ireland that promises a perfect blend of luxury, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Cruise along scenic winding roads in your own rental car, enjoying the freedom to explore mixed with the thrill of staying in charming accommodations, including majestic castle hotels and your choice of Irish B&Bs.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual economy class car rental for duration - upgrade to automatic available
- 1 night in Cavan at Cabra Castle, or similar
- 1 night in Roscommon at The Abbey Hotel, or similar
- 3 nights in your choice of Bed & Breakfasts in Ireland
- 1 night in Duboyne at Duboyne Castle Hotel, or similar
Great Ways to Explore
Indulge in regal opulence with nights at handpicked castle hotels.
Tailor your stay to your preferences with flexible B&B options.
Enjoy the freedom of a rental car to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems.
Explore the lively pubs and iconic landmarks in Dublin.
Embrace the celebrated warm hospitality of the Irish people.
Discover the magic of Ireland as you drive through emerald hills, bask in the warmth of Irish hospitality, and rest in historic castles. From Cavan to Roscommon to Dunboyne, just a stone's throw away from Dublin, you'll get to stay in a mix of exciting accommodations paired with the mix of freedom to explore thanks to an included rental car.
In between, you'll get to immerse yourself in iconic Irish hospitality with your choice of charming bed and breakfasts. Nestled in picturesque villages and surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Irish countryside, these accommodations offer a more intimate connection with the local culture. Whether you want to experience the musical streets of Galway or the medieval highlights of Kilkenny, you can create your own Irish 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.
Enhance your vacation with:
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to Aillwee Caves
- Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum Admission
- Kildare Village 10% Discount voucher
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual economy class car rental for duration - upgrade to automatic available
- 1 night in Cavan at Cabra Castle, or similar
- 1 night in Roscommon at The Abbey Hotel, or similar
- 3 nights in your choice of Bed & Breakfasts in Ireland
- 1 night in Duboyne at Duboyne Castle Hotel, or similar
Indulge in regal opulence with nights at handpicked castle hotels.
Tailor your stay to your preferences with flexible B&B options.
Enjoy the freedom of a rental car to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems.
Explore the lively pubs and iconic landmarks in Dublin.
Embrace the celebrated warm hospitality of the Irish people.
Discover the magic of Ireland as you drive through emerald hills, bask in the warmth of Irish hospitality, and rest in historic castles. From Cavan to Roscommon to Dunboyne, just a stone's throw away from Dublin, you'll get to stay in a mix of exciting accommodations paired with the mix of freedom to explore thanks to an included rental car.
In between, you'll get to immerse yourself in iconic Irish hospitality with your choice of charming bed and breakfasts. Nestled in picturesque villages and surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Irish countryside, these accommodations offer a more intimate connection with the local culture. Whether you want to experience the musical streets of Galway or the medieval highlights of Kilkenny, you can create your own Irish 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.
Enhance your vacation with:
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to Aillwee Caves
- Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum Admission
- Kildare Village 10% Discount voucher
Day 1. Welcome to Dublin (Overnight in Cavan)
After arriving in Dublin, pick up your rental car and drive to your first accommodation in Cavan. Use your free time today to immerse yourself in this area by visiting the stunning Clough Oughter Castle, exploring the unique Cavan Burren Park, or enjoying Afternoon Tea at Cabra Castle.
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.
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 2. Cavan - Roscommon
Today, you're off to Roscommon! Enjoy some unique activities like the Arigna Mining Experience and Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, or explore the historical side of the area by visiting the Roscommon Castle and Rathcroghan Visitor Centre.
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
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.
Day 3. Roscommon - Ireland Bed and Breakfast of your choice
Set off to an Ireland bed and breakfast of your choice today! Consider heading west to Galway, a harbor city famous for its vibrant energy and traditional Irish pubs. Enjoy some of the best things to do here like wandering around the Latin Quarter, indulge in the area's iconic oysters, or time your trip just right to attend a lively Galway festival like the iconic St. Paddy's Day.
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..
Day 4. Ireland Bed and Breakfast
Consider heading to Limerick today, a major city just off the Wild Atlantic Way. Go for a leisurely walk in the Limerick Greenway, indulge in some local goods at The Milk Market, or step back in time at the Desmond Castle (aka Adare Castle).
Day 5. Ireland Bed and Breakfast
For your last night in a B&B, consider medieval Kilkenny! For some of the best activities in Kilkenny, you can visit the Kilkenny Castle, explore the mysterious Dunmore Caves, tour the delicious Smithwick’s brewery, or walk through history at the Medieval Mile Museum.
Day 6. Ireland Bed and Breakfast - Duboyne
After settling into your next accommodation (located just outside of Dublin), drive to the capital city to explore! Feast on some hearty stew at a traditional Irish pub on Grafton Street, visit the iconic Guinness Storehouse, and relax amongst greenery at Phoenix Park. You can also learn some interesting history at EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum or admire art at the National Gallery of Ireland.
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.
Fitzgerald's Woodlands House Hotel is a beautiful 4-star property set in 44 wooded acres amidst the rich, quiet farmlands of the Golden Vale. The hotel is conveniently located only 30 minutes from Shannon Airport. The charming Adare town is only 1.6 km with its streets lined with enchanting thatched cottages, selling crafts, clothes and antiques.
Fitzgerald's Woodlands House Hotel offers 94 comfortable and stylish guest rooms, first-class service and excellent facilities including the award-winning Brennan Room Restaurant and a leisure club featuring a swimming pool. The state-of-the-art Health & Leisure Centre boasts a spacious cardiovascular gym and weight training area with variety of fitness classes, a 65-foot swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, children's pool and play room, as well as the Failte Ireland Award-winning Revas Spa.
A hidden gem in Ireland, the Barberstown Castle Hotel is located in the village of Straffan, Co. Kildare. This elegant hotel was built in a 13th-century castle expanding over 20 acres of grounds and provides close, easy access to Dublin.
Guest rooms are individually furnished each boasting an old world charm. matched with all the modern amenities a traveler needs. These include free Wi-Fi, a TV, private bathroom, and lavish touches like chandeliers.
The hotel's fine dining restaurant blends the best of Irish and French cuisine with seasonally fresh, locally sourced produce. There is also live music on the weekends. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea and freshly baked scones in the Edwardian tea rooms. Other amenities at the hotel include bicycle rentals, a library, garden, and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Both central Dublin and the airport are about a 30-minute drive away; free parking on-site makes it easy for visitors with cars, while nearby buses for guests without. The quaint town of Straffan is about 1.5 miles away, while the impressive Powerscourt House and Estate is about 40 minutes away.
The Powerscourt Hotel is located on the doorstep of Dublin City on the grounds of the 1,000 acre Powerscourt House and Gardens. County Wicklow, affectionately known as ‘The Garden of Ireland,’ is a favored spot for cyclists and hikers, offering many beautiful trails through the mountains.
This elegant hotel brings together natural beauty and dignified accommodations offering guests an unforgettable experience. This Palladian estate is tucked back in the woodlands of County Wicklow and allows guests to take an enchanting stroll amidst the gentle green hills and sparkling lakes of Powerscourt Gardens, then head into Dublin for some cosmopolitan flair.
Its luxurious 5-star amenities and services include 200 spacious guest rooms, a world-class spa, a 20-meter Swarovski crystal-lit pool and fitness center, 36-holes of championship golf, and three exceptional dining facilities, including Gordon Ramsay at Powerscourt, a signature restaurant from the world-renowned chef.
Day 7. Depart Dublin
Your epic Ireland vacation has unfortunately come to an end. It's time to return your rental car and board your flight home.