Emerald Isle Castle Hopping Escape
Unwind like royalty in Ireland's best castle hotels
Discover the magic of Ireland with a luxurious castle-hopping getaway that blends timeless elegance with scenic exploration. With a rental car included, you’ll journey through the rolling countryside and charming towns, staying in a curated selection of historic castle hotels. Enjoy stays in three distinct regions — County Cavan, County Leitrim, and near Dublin — each offering rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
Extend to 7- or 8-nights to add a stay in County Galway, or choose the 9-night option to add a night at world-renowned Dromoland Castle, a 5-star property in County Clare!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual rental car for the duration of your stay – upgrade to automatic available
- 2 nights in Co. Cavan at Cabra Castle Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in Co. Leitrim at Lough Rynn Castle, or similar
- 2 nights near Dublin at Dunboyne Castle Hotel, or similar
Great Ways to Explore
Take in the scenery of Ireland's stunning countryside.
- Dive into history by visiting multiple castles on your route.
Use your included rental car to explore the Emerald Isle at leisure.
Live like royalty, with every night including a luxurious castle hotel stay.
Visit landmarks in Dublin like Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Ireland where fairytales come to life amid misty hills, ancient stone walls, and ivy-draped towers. This unforgettable castle-hopping adventure invites you to explore the Emerald Isle at your own pace, with the freedom of your own rental car and the comfort of elegant castle accommodations.
From lakeside strolls and forest trails to historic villages and windswept coastlines, each day reveals a new facet of Ireland’s beauty — balanced with moments of pure relaxation in regal surroundings. Whether you're sipping Irish whiskey by a crackling fire or wandering through blooming walled gardens, this trip blends luxury, culture, and adventure in perfect harmony.
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:
- Upgrade one of your nights to a stay in a 5-star castle hotel in Donegal.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual rental car for the duration of your stay – upgrade to automatic available
- 2 nights in Co. Cavan at Cabra Castle Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in Co. Leitrim at Lough Rynn Castle, or similar
- 2 nights near Dublin at Dunboyne Castle Hotel, or similar
Take in the scenery of Ireland's stunning countryside.
- Dive into history by visiting multiple castles on your route.
Use your included rental car to explore the Emerald Isle at leisure.
Live like royalty, with every night including a luxurious castle hotel stay.
Visit landmarks in Dublin like Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Ireland where fairytales come to life amid misty hills, ancient stone walls, and ivy-draped towers. This unforgettable castle-hopping adventure invites you to explore the Emerald Isle at your own pace, with the freedom of your own rental car and the comfort of elegant castle accommodations.
From lakeside strolls and forest trails to historic villages and windswept coastlines, each day reveals a new facet of Ireland’s beauty — balanced with moments of pure relaxation in regal surroundings. Whether you're sipping Irish whiskey by a crackling fire or wandering through blooming walled gardens, this trip blends luxury, culture, and adventure in perfect harmony.
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:
- Upgrade one of your nights to a stay in a 5-star castle hotel in Donegal.
Day 1. Welcome to Ireland!
Touch down in Dublin and pick up your rental car to begin your enchanting Irish escape. Take a scenic drive to County Cavan, where your castle adventure begins nestled among manicured gardens and whispering woodlands. Enjoy a hearty dinner in the grand dining hall and unwind by a roaring fire with a glass of Irish whiskey.
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!
Commanding stunning views overlooking scenic Lough Erne, the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges is without doubt Fermanagh’s leading four-star retreat featuring luxury hotel accommodation, lakeside lodges, an Elemis Spa, one of the best restaurants Northern Ireland has to offer and an exclusive Health Club. Surrounded by lakeside gardens this family-run hotel is located less than a mile from the historic town of Enniskillen.
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.
Day 2. County Cavan
Spend a leisurely day exploring the castle grounds or nearby Dun A Ri Forest Park. Visit charming Cavan town or relax with afternoon tea back at the castle. Treat yourself to a spa treatment or simply admire the ornate interiors and antiques that give this castle its old-world atmosphere.
The Cavan Way
Day 3. County Cavan — County Leitrim
Journey west into Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, stopping to explore scenic Lough Key Forest Park or the quiet town of Carrick-on-Shannon. Arrive at your next castle hotel and dine like royalty tonight.
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.
Located on the 350-acre estate of Ashford Castle, this property sets the standard for luxury in Lough Corrib. With spectacular facilities for fine dining, special events, and a wealth of activities, this charming lodge is the ideal base for exploring the area. Indulge in the property's offerings of activities such as zip-lining, falconry, clay shooting and archery, equestrian activities, and much more.
Each room in the hotel is individually designed and equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. Luxuriate in the deep pile carpets, super king beds with goose down duvets and pillows, stylish furniture, and heated floors in the bathrooms. Take a leisurely afternoon tea while you enjoy views of the spectacular grounds. With several dining options on the property, you'll never need to venture off-site to enjoy fine Irish cuisine.
Day 4. County Leitrim
Today is yours to relax. Wake to peaceful lake views and enjoy a slow breakfast. Take a stroll through the Victorian walled gardens or curl up with a book by the fire. If you're up for it, visit nearby Parke’s Castle or enjoy a pint with locals at a traditional pub.
Eagle Rock, County Leitrim
Day 5. County Leitrim — Dublin area
Drive through Connemara’s wild beauty towards Dublin and settle into your final peaceful retreat on this Ireland journey. Wind down with a spa session or enjoy afternoon tea. After a week of travel, this is your haven for rest and rejuvenation.
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.
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 6. Dublin area
Enjoy your last full day in Ireland by pampering yourself at the castle, resting in late, sipping coffee on the terrace, or visiting nearby Dublin, where you can see landmarks like Dublin Castle and Trinity College. Raise a toast over dinner, reminiscing about your journey through Ireland’s most storied castles.
Dublin Castle, Dublin
Day 7. Depart Ireland
Your magical journey in Ireland has come to end. Drop your rental car off at the Dublin airport and board your flight home.
Fly home
