Irish Castle Vacation
Opulence in the Emerald Isle
On this self-drive vacation, explore Ireland from east to west and stay in some of the most beautiful castles in the world!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Dublin (DUB), out of Shannon (SNN)
- Airport transfer upon arrival
- 2 nights in Dublin at the Chancery Hotel, or similar
- Manual, economy-sized rental car - automatic available for upgrade
- Pickup Dublin City Center on Day 3, Drop off Shannon Airport on Day 9
- 2 nights in Cavan at Cabra Castle Hotel
- 1 night in Donegal at Lough Eske Castle or Harvey's Point
- 2 nights in Clifden at Abbeyglen Castle or similar
- 1 night in Newmarket-on-Fergus (County Clare) at Dromoland Castle
- Breakfast Daily
Great Ways to Explore
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Imagine yourself as royalty when you stay in four luxurious castles sprinkled throughout Ireland.
- Get to know seaside Galway and indulge in their famous oysters!
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Visit the Donegal Gaeltacht, a breathtaking land of great mountains and lake-filled valleys bordered by the Atlantic sea.
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Bunratty Castle, the most famous castle in Ireland, is worth a visit in County Clare.
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Spend a night out in Temple Bar, Dublin's buzzy hub of restaurants, pubs, galleries, and music.
The adventure begins in Ireland's capital city of Dublin. Feel free to explore many of its great attractions including the Guinness Storehouse or EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. See different regions of Ireland while staying at luxurious castles! Spend your next few nights in Cavan at the 4-star Cabra Castle Hotel. Visit the nearby towns of Monaghan and Kingscourt, and hike up the Lough and Leagh Mountain.
Next, travel to Donegal and stay at the 5-star Lough Eske Castle Hotel & Spa. Have a blissful spa day, stroll quiet beaches or make the drive to picture-perfect Fanad Lighthouse.
Today you will head south to County Galway, where rugged Connemara meets the charm of Galway city. You may walk to take a drive to the beautiful Kylemore Abbey, a 19th-century castle on a lake.
End your vacation in County Clare, home to the famous Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty Castle. Take your time seeing this vast, beautiful land, stopping for photo ops along the way. Your rental car will come in handy as you traverse Ireland's untamed land!
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 into Dublin (DUB), out of Shannon (SNN)
- Airport transfer upon arrival
- 2 nights in Dublin at the Chancery Hotel, or similar
- Manual, economy-sized rental car - automatic available for upgrade
- Pickup Dublin City Center on Day 3, Drop off Shannon Airport on Day 9
- 2 nights in Cavan at Cabra Castle Hotel
- 1 night in Donegal at Lough Eske Castle or Harvey's Point
- 2 nights in Clifden at Abbeyglen Castle or similar
- 1 night in Newmarket-on-Fergus (County Clare) at Dromoland Castle
- Breakfast Daily
-
Imagine yourself as royalty when you stay in four luxurious castles sprinkled throughout Ireland.
- Get to know seaside Galway and indulge in their famous oysters!
-
Visit the Donegal Gaeltacht, a breathtaking land of great mountains and lake-filled valleys bordered by the Atlantic sea.
-
Bunratty Castle, the most famous castle in Ireland, is worth a visit in County Clare.
-
Spend a night out in Temple Bar, Dublin's buzzy hub of restaurants, pubs, galleries, and music.
The adventure begins in Ireland's capital city of Dublin. Feel free to explore many of its great attractions including the Guinness Storehouse or EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. See different regions of Ireland while staying at luxurious castles! Spend your next few nights in Cavan at the 4-star Cabra Castle Hotel. Visit the nearby towns of Monaghan and Kingscourt, and hike up the Lough and Leagh Mountain.
Next, travel to Donegal and stay at the 5-star Lough Eske Castle Hotel & Spa. Have a blissful spa day, stroll quiet beaches or make the drive to picture-perfect Fanad Lighthouse.
Today you will head south to County Galway, where rugged Connemara meets the charm of Galway city. You may walk to take a drive to the beautiful Kylemore Abbey, a 19th-century castle on a lake.
End your vacation in County Clare, home to the famous Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty Castle. Take your time seeing this vast, beautiful land, stopping for photo ops along the way. Your rental car will come in handy as you traverse Ireland's untamed land!
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.
Prices From:
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
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Day 1. Welcome to Dublin!
Feel the excitement as you arrive in Dublin and settle into your accommodations. When you're ready, head back out to explore Ireland's capital city! Stroll around Grafton street to listen to live Irish music and indulge in a delicious local dinner.
The Chancery Hotel in Dublin is a 4-star hotel with a 24-hour front desk to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests. The hotel features Fawn restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner with something for everyone. There is also an on-site bar for delicious evening cocktails, and a cafe with sweet treats and coffee.
The hotel also has an immersive relaxation area with a whirlpool, Turkish Bath , sauna, and massage shower. Guests also have access to the hotel's 24-hour gym.
Guest rooms are bright and spacious with black-out curtains to help guests get a good night sleep. Amenities include a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, air-conditioning, an in-room safe, free Wi-Fi, a TV, coffee maker, and fridge with complimentary water.
The Chancery Hotel is close to many attractions in Dublin. Dublin Castle, the Irish Whiskey Museum, Book of Kells, and The Little Museum of Dublin are all within a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Additionally, Dublin Airport is closest to this hotel.
Parking
Brooks Hotel is located on Drury Street, just a two minute walk from Grafton Street and close to many of the city’s major attractions. Brooks is proud to be located in Dublin's cultural quarter and is near some of Dublin's most exclusive restaurants and bars.
With an emphasis on personal service and attention to detail, the staff at Brooks Hotel can provide recommendations for local restaurants, shops and attractions. The hotel's café lounge features a piano and the drawing room is a great place to enjoy a coffee or cocktail, with its French oak-panelled walls and enviable library.
The Grafton Hotel is a 4-star hotel located in central Dublin. An elegantly designed and contemporary hotel that showcases the charm of the art deco era, The Grafton features a 24-hour front desk to make sure guests' needs are met around the clock. The hotel also features Bartley's Bar and Restaurant for cocktails, lunch, and dinner, as well as Bartley's Coffee Lounge and Terrace where guests can have coffee and pastries or place a to-go order.
Guest rooms are spacious and most have a view of the Dublin skyline. There is a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, and free Wi-Fi is available. Other amenities include a TV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, desk, and room service.
The hotel is just a short 5-minute walk from Grafton Street - one of Dublin's main shopping streets. Additionally, Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green are both within an 8-minute walk from the hotel. The Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Zoo are both within a 15-minute drive, and Dublin Airport is closest to this hotel.
Parking
The Green is ideally placed in the heart of Dublin City Centre, adjacent to St Stephen’s Green and less than five minutes’ walk from Grafton Street. The hotel boasts 99 guestrooms with air conditioning and complimentary WiFi. Guests at The Green can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The restaurant has a unique bistro and retro style and offers a selection of international dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The Green also has 24-hour room service and a gym with the state-of-the-art equipment.
Day 2. Dublin
Explore a few of Dublin's top attractions today! Feel free to tour the Guinness Storehouse or St. Patrick's Cathedral. And if you're eager to delve into the literary wonders of the city, make a stop at Trinity College to marvel at the Book of Kells and explore the Trinity College Library.
As night falls, venture into the lively Temple Bar district where you can savor a pint at a traditional pub while immersing yourself in the vibrant sounds of live Irish music. Temple Bar boasts a global reputation for its nightlife and is dotted with intriguing galleries and boutiques waiting to be discovered.
St. Patrick's Cathedral - Dublin, Ireland
Day 3. Dublin - Cavan
Check out of your Dublin accommodation today, pick up your car rental, and begin your journey east for an overnight at the Cabra Castle Hotel. While here you will be able to explore all of the beauty that exists around Cavan.
Visit the Medieval town of Carlingford, and stop by the historic town of Drogheda or the rural town of Carrickmacross in Monaghan.
Check-in - Cabra Castle Hotel
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 4. Cavan
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Cavan by exploring the picturesque landscapes of Cavan Burren Park or cruising along the tranquil waters of Lough Oughter. Further delve into the region's rich history by visiting the impressive ruins of Cloughoughter Castle, offering glimpses into Ireland's medieval past.
After a day of exploration, unwind with a visit to one of the charming local pubs, where you can enjoy traditional Irish hospitality and perhaps even catch a live music session.
Cavan, Ireland
Day 5. Cavan - Donegal
Make your way northwest to your next accommodation, the 5-star Lough Eske Castle Hotel in Donegal. You'll have luxurious stays on a secluded and peaceful lakeside property.
If you're looking for an adventure in the great outdoors, visit the neighboring Glenveagh National Park, a 170 square kilometer park. Here you'll enjoy scenic views of mountains, waterfalls and even castles secluded from the rest of the world. During your stay in Donegal you can take a drive to the Slieve Leage or Sliabh Liag for some fresh air and the most beautiful Irish landscapes. Or, drive over to Enniskillen, Northern Ireland's only island town and explore the lovely castles or unique marble arch caves.
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!
Please Note
Harvey's Point Hotel has a magical location amid the Bluestack Mountains, on the edge of Lough Eske. It is 6 km from Donegal town and the Atlantic coast in the Northwest of Ireland. Each bedroom is elegant and private, and has a large Italian marble bathroom. Rooms also have a TV and facilities for making tea and coffee. Harvey's Point restaurant has 2 AA Rosettes and provides relaxed, elegant dining. Food is made using locally sourced ingredients.
Day 6. Donegal - County Galway
Today you will head south to County Galway, where the rugged Connemara meets the charm of Galway city. You may walk to take a drive to the beautiful Kylemore Abbey, a 19th-century castle on a lake.
This hotel in a 19th-century castle welcomes you with a warmly lit entrance hall and a crackling open fire. You'll be located less than a mile from Clifden town center, nine miles from Connemara National Park, and a one hour drive from Galway.
Each of the nine luxury suites come with free Wi-Fi, TVs and DVD players, as well as tea and coffeemaking equipment. Upgraded rooms and suites add 4-poster beds, open fires and/or Jacuzzis. An elegant gourmet restaurant, rewarded Two Rosettes from the AA for its gourmet food and fine wines, offers an adjacent piano bar offering live music. Other amenities include a 9-hole golf course, a tennis court, and a spa with beauty and health treatments.
Day 7. County Galway
Your hotel is located near Galway’s city center, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore this eclectic city. Visit the stunning St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church and the Galway Cathedral. Take advantage of the bustling art scene and explore one of the many galleries or showcases.
In the evening, consider paying a visit to the nearby village of Doolin, Ireland's home of traditional Irish music for a truly authentic experience.
Galway, Ireland
A Tip For Your Trip: Galway is world-renowned for its amazing oysters - treat yourself to a plate for lunch or dinner!
Day 8. County Galway - County Clare
Today head south to Dromoland Castle Hotel, which is set in a history dating back to the 5th century! Once settled, explore the stunning grounds; take a swing on the on-site golf course or perhaps go fishing in the on-site lake!
Check-in - Dromoland Castle
Dromoland Castle is surrounded by 500 acres of unspoiled
parklands and woodlands, steeped in a thousand years of eventful history and
brimming with an irrepressible spirit of 5-star delights. The Castle’s unique
blend of historical charm and modern luxury offers visitors an unforgettable
experience and a glimpse into Ireland’s past.
The award-winning Earl of Thomond Restaurant is renowned for
innovative cuisine, tradition and creative flair. For more informal dining, The
Fig Tree Restaurant offers a delightful menu and lively bar in the relaxed
ambiance of gracious country living. Guests can also enjoy a magical and
sumptuous afternoon tea, and the cozy cocktail bar tucked away in the
mysterious Castle library. The hotel's leisure center is ideal for those
wishing to relax with a 55-foot pool, state-of-the-art gym, luxurious spa, sauna
and Jacuzzi. An 18-hole championship parkland golf course with driving range,
academy and Trackman Simulator room, falconry, clay shooting, archery, cycling,
fishing and tennis are also among the many activities you can enjoy on the Castle
grounds.
Dromoland Castle is located eight miles from Shannon Airport
in Clare just outside Newmarket on Fergus. This beautiful castle hotel in Clare
is 19 miles from Limerick city, 48 miles from Galway city, 80 miles from Cork
city and 88 miles from Killarney.
The transformation of Dromoland Castle from a historic
family estate to a luxury hotel has ensured that its rich history is preserved
for future generations to enjoy. The hotel’s commitment to maintaining the
integrity of the castle’s architecture and grounds is evident in the careful
restoration and renovation work undertaken over the years, and in the support
of the preservation of its 500-acre estate, including maintenance of the
historic Walled Gardens, noted monuments including The Temple of Mercury,
Hermits Grotto, the Lilypond and the original estate Walls. In order to protect
the estate’s charm and historical significance, and ensure its lasting cultural
legacy, Dromoland Castle has imposed a Heritage Fee of € 25.00 per room, per
night, payable upon departure.
Day 9. Depart Ireland
Depart Ireland from Shannon airport (SNN). Your hotel is about 15-minute drive from Shannon Airport, so depending on your flight time you may have time indulge in one last Irish breakfast or go souvenir shopping!
Fly home!