Killarney Cottage Experience + Castle & Kilkenny Upgrade
Self-drive Ireland with cottage stay!
Experience the best of Ireland as you stay in Kilkenny, Kildare (near Dublin), and a stunning cottage in Killarney National Park, all with your very own rental car! See the highlights of each city with included admission to EPIC Emigration Museum and a Kildare Village 10% Discount Voucher, and explore the rest however you please. Add nights to stay in Clare and Galway to get a taste of traditional Irish life, and remember that this upgraded package includes tours of the Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, and more!
What's Included
- Roundtrip Economy Class Airfare into Dublin (DUB)
- Manual full class car rental for duration - upgrade to automatic available
- 1 night in Kilkenny at Kilkenny Ormonde or similar, without breakfast
- 4 nights in a Cottage at Castlerosse Hotel, without breakfast
- 1 night in Kildare at Barbestown Castle or similar, without breakfast
- 2 for 1 admission EPIC Emigration Museum
- Kildare Village 10% Discount Voucher
PLUS!
- Guided Ring of Kerry Tour
- Blarney Castle Admission
- Jameson Experience Midleton
- Titanic Trail Walking Tour
- Admission to Kilkenny Castle
Great Ways to Explore
-
Dive into history at the Irish Emigration Museum with included admission!
Stay in a cozy cottage-hotel inside Killarney National Park.
-
Visit the Killarney Falconry to go on an exciting "hawk walk" and learn the basics of bird handling.
-
Treat your senses to a tasting at the Guinness Storehouse Factory.
-
Cruise around the Dingle Peninsula and make a pit stop at Inch Beach!
With a rental car by your side and overnight stays in some of Ireland's hottest destinations, this vacation is completely yours to enjoy however you choose! You'll have included admission to EPIC Emigration Museum and a Kildare Village Discount Voucher, plus the Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, and much more with this upgrade. You'll start in Kilkenny and end in Kildare, located just outside of Dublin, with overnight stays in a spectacular cottage-hotel inside Killarney National Park in between.
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.
- Roundtrip Economy Class Airfare into Dublin (DUB)
- Manual full class car rental for duration - upgrade to automatic available
- 1 night in Kilkenny at Kilkenny Ormonde or similar, without breakfast
- 4 nights in a Cottage at Castlerosse Hotel, without breakfast
- 1 night in Kildare at Barbestown Castle or similar, without breakfast
- 2 for 1 admission EPIC Emigration Museum
- Kildare Village 10% Discount Voucher
PLUS!
- Guided Ring of Kerry Tour
- Blarney Castle Admission
- Jameson Experience Midleton
- Titanic Trail Walking Tour
- Admission to Kilkenny Castle
-
Dive into history at the Irish Emigration Museum with included admission!
Stay in a cozy cottage-hotel inside Killarney National Park.
-
Visit the Killarney Falconry to go on an exciting "hawk walk" and learn the basics of bird handling.
-
Treat your senses to a tasting at the Guinness Storehouse Factory.
-
Cruise around the Dingle Peninsula and make a pit stop at Inch Beach!
With a rental car by your side and overnight stays in some of Ireland's hottest destinations, this vacation is completely yours to enjoy however you choose! You'll have included admission to EPIC Emigration Museum and a Kildare Village Discount Voucher, plus the Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, and much more with this upgrade. You'll start in Kilkenny and end in Kildare, located just outside of Dublin, with overnight stays in a spectacular cottage-hotel inside Killarney National Park in between.
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! (Overnight in Kilkenny)
Touch down in Dublin! Pick up your rental car and make your way to your cozy accommodations. Once settled in, use the rest of today to take advantage of your admission to EPIC Emigration Museum and Kildare Village 10% Discount Voucher.
The Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel is an exceptionally beautiful hotel with 118 spacious guestrooms all complete with free Wi-Fi, comfortable accommodations and stunning views of the city. Although you will be within walking distance of a variety of restaurants and pubs in Kilkenny, the hotel also offers its guests the option to dine on site. Try out the Ormonde Lounge for a comfortable yet sumptuous bite to eat paired with a cocktail. There is also O'Reilly's Restaurant for a more vibrant atmosphere and a more extensive menu, or Savour where you can browse a creative dinner menu incorporating the best local produce. Enjoy the hotel's many other amenities including the KO Spa, fitness center and more!
Situated on Kilkenny’s most exclusive street, the Pembroke Hotel is right in the center of action. Just a 4-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle, you'll be able to walk to all of the city's top attractions with ease. The hotel offers luxury 4-star accommodation with 74 quiet, spacious guest rooms all featuring air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi. Statham’s Restaurant combines traditional hospitality with delicious local Kilkenny produce. Statham's Bar, with its easygoing and relaxed atmosphere, is a great place to meet, drink and dine in Kilkenny city center. From brunch to lunch, from afternoon tea, to all day dining specials, they offer something for everyone throughout the day and evening.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum 2 for 1 Admission
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 our 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. This Special Offer will allow the visitor to obtain 2 for 2 general admission when presenting a printed copy of their voucher to the customer service desk. Admission rate to be paid directly by visitor on the spot.
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. Kilkenny - Killarney
Today, you'll depart Kilkenny and head to your Cottage accommodations
in Killarney. Known for its quaint charm, colorful buildings, and
spectacular national park, Killarney is a lovely destination for your
Ireland adventure. You'll definitely want to explore Killarney National
Park to find the glamorous Ross Castle and 18th century Killarney House
& Gardens inside. With your incredible hotel being located inside the national park, it makes exploration super easy! You'll also want to use your included Admission to Rock of Cashel and 2 for 1 Admission to House of Waterford Crystal.
Back
at the hotel, sooth your senses at the on-site Leisure Club & Spa
where you can relax in the heated pool, jacuzzi, or sauna.
Tonight, enjoy upscale Irish and international dining at the Grosvenor
Restaurant while enjoying breathtaking views of Killarney National Park.
Check-in - Castlerosse Hotel Woodland Cottages
Situated on the shores of the Lakes of Killarney and just over a mile from Killarney, the Castlerosse is ideally situated for those traveling in County Kerry. The Woodland Cottages at the Castlerosse Hotel Killarney are among the most popular self-catering vacation homes in Killarney and are all within 300 feet of hotel reception.
They provide the perfect home base for families, groups and couples with their spacious layout and free access to the hotel’s full range of leisure activities and entertainment facilities.
In the cottage, enjoy multiple bedrooms, a spacious living area, fully-equipped kitchen, patio area, central heating and more.Â
Hotel guests enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast. Indulge in casual dining at the pub or savor Irish cuisine at the restaurant. Additional amenities include a 9-hole golf course, indoor pool, spa, and tennis courts. Explore outdoor activities like horseback riding, trekking, bike, and boat rentals.
Kilkenny Castle Admission & Self-Guided Tour
Few buildings in Ireland can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Kilkenny Castle. Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, it has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years. Remodeled in Victorian times, this former principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde is a grand country house set on 50 acres of rolling parkland, with mature trees and an abundance of wildlife. It also features a formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and a man-made lake, as well as a tearoom and the Butler Art Gallery, which mounts frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art.
Day 3. Killarney
Looking for something extra exciting today? Check out the Killarney Falconry for a thrilling adventure with a "hawk walk" around the Killarney lakes. With a hawk (and handler) by your side, you'll learn the basics of bird handling and have fun along the way.
Alternatively, you may want to visit the 19th century Muckross House Gardens & Traditional Farms. Located right by the sparkling Muckross Lake in Killarney National Park, this Victorian mansion is iconic for its magnificent gardens, farms, and rural schoolhouse. Utilize your included admission to Blarney Castle today, too!
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since.
Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures. Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the Tower. Kiss it and you'll never again be lost for words.
Day 4. Killarney
Today you should head to the Dingle Peninsula to marvel at its sandy beaches, rolling hills, and rugged cliffs. You'll want to visit Inch Beach, hike up to Mt. Brandon, and indulge in the fresh seafood famous to this region, like classic fish n chips or seafood chowder. Thrill-seekers may also wish to hike the magical mountain pass at The Gap of Dunloe, also found in Killarney National Park. Besides hiking the numerous paths, visitors can also marvel at the Dunloe Castle and Ogham Stones located within.
Don't forget to take advantage of your included Ring of Kerry tour today!
Ring of Kerry Guided Bus Tour
The Iveragh Peninsula - which contains Ireland’s most spectacular mountain road - the Ring of Kerry - is situated in the southwest corner of Ireland. Over the centuries it has been the inspiration of poets and writers because of its magnificent coastal scenery and rugged countryside.
This motorcoach tour allows travelers to share in the history, geography, culture, stories and folklore of the enchanting Ring of Kerry. This is an ideal opportunity for you to forget about the left-hand side of the road for a day and relax in worry-free comfort.
The Ring of Kerry is usually done in a counter-clockwise direction along the banks of the River Laune to Killorglin, via Glenbeigh, Kells, Caherciveen and the southern shores of Dingle Bay. The tour continues to Waterville and along the coast via Coomakista Pass and Derrynane and on to Sneem. From Sneem you travel up the mountain road to Molls Gap, then via Ladies’ View and back to Killarney. In addition to stopping at all points of interest en route you also stop for an hour at lunchtime. In the afternoon a stop will be made for tea/coffee/Guinness/refreshments.
Day 5. Killarney
Take advantage of the exciting activities the Castlerosse Hotel offers today! Their 9 Hole Golf Club, Par 36 Parkland, provides stunning views of Lough Leane and MacGillycuddy Reeks' mountains. You'll find a mix of easy and difficult, long and short holes here, so it's a great course for golfers of any experience. Guests can rent a bicycle from the hotel and go cycling in Killarney National Park, free tennis is provided at the Castlerosse Hotel courts, horseback riding sessions are available, kayaking on Lough Leane, and so much more.
Additionally, you can use your included Titanic Trail Walking Tour and Jameson Experience today.
Titanic Trail Walking Tour
This fascinating guided walking tour explores the town of Cobh in Cork Harbor, which was the last port of call of RMS Titanic! Participants are taken by specially trained guides to relive a Titanic timeline journey through the historic town of Cobh. The vista of the town remains the same as it was on the day the Titanic's passengers embarked from the Port of Cork. The tour recounts many interesting facts about the Titanic, the Titanic's history, and its association with Cobh, from when it departed on its last fateful journey nearly 100 years ago.
Jameson Experience in Midleton
Set on 15 acres that have been beautifully restored, this is where the true heart of Irish whiskey beats. This fully guided tour around the original distillery brings the stories of Jameson's rich history to life, and you'll learn about the hard working people and field-to-glass processes responsible for the whiskey that bears John Jameson’s name..
On this tour, one of the friendly Jameson Ambassadors will guide you around some of their key buildings, including the warehouses and the Micro-distillery. The tour includes a tutored comparative tasting of three famous whiskeys, one being Jameson. Guided tours last approximately 2 hours and end with a complimentary Jameson Signature Drink.
Day 6. Killarney - Kildare
Say goodbye to Killarney today as you make your way to your final
destination, Kildare! After settling in to your accommodations, go out
and explore nearby Dublin!
Check-in - Barberstown Castle Hotel
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.
Day 7. Depart Kildare
Your vacation in Ireland has sadly come to an end – drop off your rental car, board your flight home, and start thinking about your next vacation!
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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