Castles & Abbey of Ireland Experience
Irish excellence awaits
Get ready for an adventure to remember! Spend several nights of excitement exploring the Emerald Isle as you've never seen it before! As you drive through sprawling farmlands and bustling cities, you'll make stops to explore the historical architecture, vibrant nightlife, and serene beauty of Ireland. With the freedom to jump into your rental car to explore where you want, when you want, you'll get to make your own magic on this epic journey.
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 Hotel or similar, with breakfast
- 2 nights in Roscommon at The Abbey Hotel, without breakfast
- 1 night in Donegal at Lough Eske Castle, without breakfast
- 2 nights in Dublin Area at Dunboyne Castle Hotel or similar, without breakfast
Great Ways to Explore
-
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.
-
Stop by Trim Castle or investigate the ancient burial site of Newgrange!
-
Enjoy views of the picturesque countryside as you drive from destination to destination.
-
Get to know the unspoiled treasures of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands!
Ireland's Hidden Heartlands are yours to explore! Venture out of the ordinary and into the undiscovered treasure trove tucked away in the Emerald Isle.
Your trip begins in Cavan, where you might choose to explore ruins, visit Killykeen Forest Park, or find your own personal paradise. After, you'll move along to take in the gifts of Roscommon.
Then, move on to the mouth of the River Eske, where your Donegal accommodations await. The area is packed with picturesque scenery and tons of activities to enjoy.
End your experience in Dublin, where you might be interested in visiting Dublin Castle or simply take in the city's exciting nightlife.
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 economy class car for duration, upgrade to automatic available
- 1 night in Cavan at Cabra Castle Hotel or similar, with breakfast
- 2 nights in Roscommon at The Abbey Hotel, without breakfast
- 1 night in Donegal at Lough Eske Castle, without breakfast
- 2 nights in Dublin Area at Dunboyne Castle Hotel or similar, without breakfast
-
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.
-
Stop by Trim Castle or investigate the ancient burial site of Newgrange!
-
Enjoy views of the picturesque countryside as you drive from destination to destination.
-
Get to know the unspoiled treasures of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands!
Ireland's Hidden Heartlands are yours to explore! Venture out of the ordinary and into the undiscovered treasure trove tucked away in the Emerald Isle.
Your trip begins in Cavan, where you might choose to explore ruins, visit Killykeen Forest Park, or find your own personal paradise. After, you'll move along to take in the gifts of Roscommon.
Then, move on to the mouth of the River Eske, where your Donegal accommodations await. The area is packed with picturesque scenery and tons of activities to enjoy.
End your experience in Dublin, where you might be interested in visiting Dublin Castle or simply take in the city's exciting nightlife.
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!
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!
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!
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.
Day 2. Cavan - 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.
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.
Day 3. 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.
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.
Day 4. Roscommon - 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.
Or, take the drive to the Belleek Visitor's Centre, one of Ireland's top five visitor attractions.
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. Donegal - 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.
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.
Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Aer Lingus Vacation Store website and may not represent current prices.
Vacation packages include round-trip economy class airfare on valid Aer Lingus transatlantic services as noted in specific package inclusions and as indicated on booking engine calendar, which may also include code share flight agreements between carriers as indicated during the booking process. Carriers may vary based on city of origin.
Air fares are based on a 14-day advance purchase and include round-trip economy class airfare, including carrier and government-imposed taxes and fees, and the September 11th Security Fee of $5.60 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport. Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect some taxes or fees. Other departure dates and origins are available at slightly higher rates and may be operated by our partner airline, JetBlue, our codeshare partner, United Airlines, or interline partners American Airlines and USAirways. Travel to Britain / Continental Europe are via connecting service in Dublin, Ireland and may be operated by our partners Stobart Air (operating Aer Lingus Regional) and Flybe. Fares apply to North American originating passengers only, and are not eligible for accrual of frequent flyer points/mileage. Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all flights. Child/infant discounts are not available, and stopovers are not permitted. Advance seat selection may not be available on all flights.
Optional Bag and Service Fees: A second checked bag fee applies. Click here for optional bag and service fees.
Vacation packages are subject to availability, are capacity controlled, may not be available on every date or on all flights, and may be restricted to certain hotel room and car categories. Higher rates may also be available throughout travel period. Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Rates cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion, and are valid for new bookings only. Offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Website contains special pricing that is exclusively for Internet sale only. Bookings made through our call center may incur a concierge fee of up to $25 per person.
Escorted vacation packages are per person based on two travelers (unless otherwise specified), and typically include hotel accommodations; transportation with professional driver/guide; sightseeing as listed, some meals, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage of one (1) suitcase per person, due to limited capacity on motor coaches. Space is limited and prices may be restricted to certain travel dates, length of stay or room type. Driver and guide gratuities are not included, and are at the discretion of the traveler. Terms and conditions apply. Minimum child ages and handicapped traveler restrictions may apply on escorted tours; please call for details.
Promo Code Offer Details: All promotions are subject to availability, valid for new bookings only, cannot be combined with any other promotion, discount, voucher or any other offers, and are not redeemable for cash. Offers are available for phone bookings via our reservation agents as well as online. This promo code can be input online on the payment screen. The call center is open Monday through Friday 9AM – 9PM ET, Saturdays 10AM – 6PM ET. Discounts will apply only once per passenger and are not valid for airfare only, or any other products or services. If a flight reservation is changed or cancelled, the original fare basis rules apply (plus any increase in fare). Additional restrictions may apply.
Cancellations/Changes: Rates are non-refundable. Substantial restrictions apply for cancellation/change, and depend upon the package type. Trip protection is recommended.
Call 1-800-495-1632 or go to Terms&Conditions for full details on change/cancellation policy.
Aer Lingus Vacation Store is managed by DH Enterprise & Associates (Tax ID #61-1452112); the Tour Operator, is responsible for fulfillment of all products and services purchased regardless of affiliates used. Purchaser's credit card will be charged by DH Enterprise & Associates and will appear as follows on credit card statement: "Aer Lingus Vacation Store."