Irish Extravagance
Castles and countryside
Feel like a member of the Guinness family on this luxurious escape to Ireland. Spend 6 or 8 nights in top-rated properties across the country, from County Kerry to County Cork. With your own car, have the freedom to explore the Emerald Isle at your leisure.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual car rental for the duration of your stay - upgrade to automatic available
- Pick up and drop off at Dublin Airport
- 1 night in Killenard at The Heritage
- 2 nights in Killarney at the Muckross Park Hotel & Spa or The Europe Hotel & Resort
- 1 night in Newmarket-on-Fergus at Dromoland Castle
- 2 nights in County Wicklow at Druids Glen Resort or Powerscourt Hotel
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
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Spend an afternoon hiking the Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Laois, the oldest in Europe.
- Take a tour of Muckross House, a gorgeous manor house dating back to the 19th century.
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Step back in time in the fairy tale town of Adare in County Limerick.
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Visit Glendalough monastic site in Wicklow, one of Ireland's top attractions!
-
Drive through Ireland's scenic countryside from one town to the next - this is the best way to see the Emerald Isle.
On this luxury trip to Ireland, stay at top-rated properties and have your own car as you drive through picturesque lakes and villages, exciting cities and rugged coastline. Begin your adventure in County Laois, then drive to Killarney in County Kerry.
In Killarney, explore the historic and natural wonders of Killarney National Park, or drive the Ring of Kerry, a popular tourist route around the Iveragh Peninsula. Spend one night in the fairy tale town of Adare before heading to your last destination in County Wicklow. In the "Garden of Ireland," hike through stunning scenery, ancient monastic sites and beautiful coastline.
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 the duration of your stay - upgrade to automatic available
- Pick up and drop off at Dublin Airport
- 1 night in Killenard at The Heritage
- 2 nights in Killarney at the Muckross Park Hotel & Spa or The Europe Hotel & Resort
- 1 night in Newmarket-on-Fergus at Dromoland Castle
- 2 nights in County Wicklow at Druids Glen Resort or Powerscourt Hotel
- Breakfast daily
-
Spend an afternoon hiking the Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Laois, the oldest in Europe.
- Take a tour of Muckross House, a gorgeous manor house dating back to the 19th century.
-
Step back in time in the fairy tale town of Adare in County Limerick.
-
Visit Glendalough monastic site in Wicklow, one of Ireland's top attractions!
-
Drive through Ireland's scenic countryside from one town to the next - this is the best way to see the Emerald Isle.
On this luxury trip to Ireland, stay at top-rated properties and have your own car as you drive through picturesque lakes and villages, exciting cities and rugged coastline. Begin your adventure in County Laois, then drive to Killarney in County Kerry.
In Killarney, explore the historic and natural wonders of Killarney National Park, or drive the Ring of Kerry, a popular tourist route around the Iveragh Peninsula. Spend one night in the fairy tale town of Adare before heading to your last destination in County Wicklow. In the "Garden of Ireland," hike through stunning scenery, ancient monastic sites and beautiful coastline.
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.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Dublin!
Welcome to Dublin! Upon arrival, pick up your rental car then head to your first accommodation in County Laois, located about one hour from the airport. Remember, in Ireland you'll be driving on the other side of the road!Â
Immerse yourself in elegant charm at the 4-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.
Lyrath Estate is a 5-star hotel located in the center of medieval Ireland, Kilkenny. The hotel is surrounded by stunning Irish countryside, lakes, and historic gardens. The hotel boasts 3 restaurants that serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a drawing room where Afternoon Tea is served with pastries and other delicacies.
There is also a spa where guests can indulge in treatments, use the hydro-pool, and detox in the sauna. The hotel also has an on-site gym for guests who wish to keep up an exercise routine during their stay.
Guest rooms are spacious and luxurious. There is a private bathroom with a hair dryer. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, bath robe and slippers, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, a coffee maker, and a TV. Additionally, most rooms have a view of the park, gardens, or lake.
Kilkenny Castle, St. Mary's Medieval Mile Museum, and Rothe House are all within a 14-minute drive from the hotel.
Day 2. Killenard - Killarney
Leave Killenard and drive approximately three hours to Killarney in County Kerry. On the way, you may want to stop in the medieval city of Kilkenny or see the Rock of Cashel, a spectacular 15th century castle atop a hill.
After settling in, peruse the shops along High St. Stop into a restaurant and try a local favorite known as boxty, a thick potato pancake.
Located in the breathtaking expanse of Killarney's National Park, the Muckross Park Hotel and Spa redefines what it means for a hotel to be the epitome of luxury and relaxation. Spanning 25,000 acres of pristine natural surroundings, this hotel offers an escape into nature without sacrificing the amenities of a contemporary hotel.
Nature lovers will particularly adore the scenery that can be enjoyed through unforgettable walks and bike rides right around the hotel. The Spa at Muckross provides a tranquil environment for those seeking respite from outdoor activities. Take a dip in the pool, relax in the thermal area, book a massage, or witness the perfect blend of modern pampering and natural scenery in the outdoor hot tub. Past guests indicate that the Gothic-inspired (and award-winning) spa is one of their favorite parts of staying at the Muckross Park Hotel & Spa.
The elegance of this hotel extends far beyond the spa, with air-conditioned rooms adorned with plush furnishings, luxurious fabrics, and elegant furniture. Each room features at least one king-sized bed, a large private bathroom, TV, heated towel rail, 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi, and so much more.
Guests may also savor the culinary delights at the hotel's on-site dining locations. The AA Rosette winner Yew Tree Restaurant and Major Colgan's Gastropub both offer gourmet cuisine that draws from both local and worldwide cultures. The Monks Lounge invites patrons to enjoy handcrafted cocktails amidst leather couches, wood-paneled walls, and an alluring atmosphere.
Nearby points of interest include Killarney National Park, Killarney Town, Lough Leane, and the Wild Atlantic Coast.
Experience the luxurious best of Killarney at The Europe Hotel and Resort. No matter what your needs may be, the professional staff is ready to accommodate every need at this beautifully located hotel. Gaze out to the world-renowned Lakes of Killarney from the terrace of The Brasserie Restaurant as you enjoy grilled steaks al fresco. Dress up for fine dining at The Panorama, which boasts one of the most breathtaking views in Ireland.Â
Revel in the 5-star service and amenities that make this hotel a luxurious getaway. All rooms and suites have been attentively furnished to provide each guest with the utmost in opulence and privacy. Pop out to enjoy one of Ireland's most popular towns and explore the gorgeous scenery surrounding.Â
Day 3. Killarney
Today, consider exploring Killarney National Park, the first national park in Ireland. From Muckross House to Torc Waterfall, there is so much to see and explore in this beautiful park.
You might also consider driving the Ring of Kerry, a 120-mile tourist route on the Iveragh Peninsula. Over the centuries it has been the inspiration of poets and writers because of its magnificent coastal scenery and rugged countryside.
Day 4. Killarney - Adare
Say goodbye to Killarney today as you drive approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the town of Adare in County Limerick. Considered one of Ireland's prettiest towns, Adare is sure to charm with its colorful row of thatched roof cottages. Stroll through the town and feel as if you've stepped into a fairy tale!
Check-in - Dromoland Castle
Day 5. Adare - County Wicklow
Head to your last destination in County Wicklow. Known as the "Garden of Ireland," this part of Ireland is beautifully rugged with mountains and dramatic valleys. Settle into your accommodation, then consider driving to Wicklow Mountains National Park. Park your car and explore the park on foot, where you are bound to encounter many spectacular sights.
Next, head to the Powerscourt Estate and see the powerful Powerscourt Waterfall, the highest in Ireland. If the weather is agreeable, find a grassy spot and enjoy a picnic among the beautiful surroundings.
Located on Ireland's beautiful east coast, Powerscourt Hotel is an elegant 5-star Palladian-style hotel tucked away in the woodlands of County Wicklow. Situated on 1,000 acres, it is surrounded by the breathtaking Wicklow Mountains, just 30 minutes outside of Dublin.
Guests will be impressed by the stunning spa and relaxation facilities, which include an award-winning ESPA Spa, indoor Swarovski Crystal-lit swimming pool, fully equipped fitness center and two 18-hole championship golf courses.
The opulently furnished guestrooms all boast marble baths, separate rainforest showers, featherbeds, a seating area and free Wi-Fi; many rooms also offer floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic views and terraces.Â
Powerscourt's signature restaurant, Silka, with an emphasis on local excellence and seasonality, presents the best of Irish contemporary cooking against a spectacular backdrop of Wicklow's hills and mountains. Casual dining is also on offer at the Sugar Loaf Lounge (serving traditional Afternoon Tea and more), and the popular Sally Gap Bar & Brasserie.
Day 6. County Wicklow
Continue exploring County Wicklow and its cliffs, sandy beaches, rolling mountains, hidden lakes and bogs. Return to Wicklow Mountains National Park, the largest national park in Ireland, and drive its scenic winding roads or take a walk through the breathtaking countryside.
In the national park lies Glendalough, a valley with ruins of an early Christian settlement (known as the Monastic City) founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin. Tour the historic ruins consisting of round towers, churches, a kitchen, and more.
Day 7. Depart Ireland
Your Ireland vacation ends today. At the appropriate time, drive approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to Dublin airport, drop off your rental car, and head to your departure gate.