2025 Vacations

CONTINUING OUR EARLY 25 IN 25 CELEBRATIONS! 15% Discount on all self drive packages AND only €25pp deposit!

We continue to toast 25 years of creating Ireland vacations by extending our €25pp deposit AND offering you a 15% discount on any of our self-drive vacation packages! Book by 31 October 2024*

*CIE tours and Knitting tours not included

Tour Overview

‘Excellent’

This tour has everything!! Stay in the most luxurious of our Irish Castles and Manor Hotels on this 7 night Platinum vacation to Ireland complete with ferry trip to Inishmore, the largest of theˇAran Islandsˇand home to the spectacular pre-Christian Dun Aonghus Fort. ˇAdd in Gourmet meals in some of Ireland?s best restaurants, a private falconry experience and so much more and you have the vacation of a lifetime. While this tour includes many of Ireland?s most iconic locations, because all of our travel consultants live in Ireland, they also have an intimate knowledge of Ireland?s hidden gems. All of our tours are designed in-house and as well having your own dedicated travel consultant, you will also receive a comprehensive and unparalleled daily sightseeing guide that is unmatched in the industry. 

While this is a self-drive vacation, a chauffeured version is also available.

Additional highlights of the Platinum Tour

As well as the upgrades to 5 star hotels in all locations, additional highlights of the PLATINUM TOUR while in Ireland will be 2 nights in the wonderful Dromoland Castle, attending the Bunratty Castle Banquet, afternoon tea in Dublins Deluxe Merrion Hotel, a Falconry session in Dromoland Castle plus so much more.

To top it off, your tour price includes 2 gourmet dining experiences in 2 of Irelands premier restaurants, The Michelin Star restaurant of Patrick Guilbauds in The Merrion and The Earl of Thomond restaurant in Dromoland Castle.

Don't Forget! All elements of this vacation package can be customized to suit your needs. If you have a location or special ?MUST SEE? place, make sure to mention this to your travel consultant.

What's included

 

  • Meet and Greet at Dublin Airport
  • Car rental (Automatic) for 6 days. Private chauffeur option available on request - including our special comfort pack complete with GPS, additional driver and super cover for peace of mind driving
  • 7 nights luxury accommodation with private bath and full Irish Breakfast daily
  • 2 Gourmet evening dining experiences at Irelands best restaurants
  • Luxurious pampering Spa Treatment/Massage at the Lyrath Hotel on Day 1
  • Tickets for the Smithwicks Brewery Tour Experience in Kilkenny
  • Complimentary short horse riding session on Austrian Halflinger ponies within the grounds of The Europe Hotel in Killarney
  • Ferry tickets to the Aran Islands
  • Private Falconry session at Dromoland Castle
  • Tickets for the Bunratty Castle Banquet
  • Afternoon Tea at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin
  • 2 day Hop on Hop off Bus Tour tickets for Dublin City
  • Private Transfer to Dublin Airport
  • Our renowned customized sightseeing guide
  • Services of experienced Irish based travel planner
  • 24/7 support while on tour

Tour highlights

  • Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
  • Burren
  • Christ Church Cathedral
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Conor Pass
  • Dingle Peninsula
  • Doolin
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Castle
  • Dublinia
  • Gap of Dunloe
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Killarney
  • Kilmainham Gaol
  • Ring of Kerry
  • Trinity College & Book of Kells
  • Blasket Centre
  • James Joyce Centre
  • Cahir Castle
  • Kilkenny
  • Kilkenny Castle
  • Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms
  • Newgrange
  • Rock of Cashel

Overnights for this tour

  • Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny for 1 Night
  • The Europe Hotel in Killarney, County Kerry for 2 Nights
  • Dromoland Castle in Clare for 2 Nights
  • The Merrion Hotel in Dublin City centre for 2 Nights

Accommodation options

  • Superior & First Class Hotels
  • Luxury Accommodation & Service in our 4 & 5 Star Hotels
  • Country Manor Houses
  • Deluxe Accommodation in our 4 & 5 Star Irish Castles
  • Any Combination of the above

Day 1 - Dublin Airport to Kilkenny

You will be met at Dublin Airport and taken to the Hertz Car Rental Desk. Upon collecting your rental car it is time to start your Castle's and Manor Tour of Ireland. Taking into account your long overnight flight, your first day?s drive is a short one, bringing you southeast of Dublin to Kilkenny. Your first stop is the National Stud and Japanese Gardens where a Horse Museum tracing the history of the horse in Ireland. In fact the winner of the 2003 Californian Breeders Cup Mile race is a National Stud horse, the 3rd in the last 9 years. The Japanese Gardens are situated in the grounds of the Stud Farm and were created between 1906 and 1910. They are planned to symbolise the 'Life of Man' from the cradle to the grave.  On to Kilkenny - Long renowned as Ireland's Medieval Capital, the city's origins date back more than 1,500 years. Kilkenny Castle is a 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands. Also in Kilkenny is Saint Canice's Cathedral, built on the site of an earlier church, the major work was carried out in the 13th Century. As part of your tour, tickets for the Smithwicks Experience are included. This famous Irish Ale was first secretly produced in Kilkenny by monks in 1231 and this atmospheric tour culminates with a pint of this now world renowned Ale. After your check-in it is time for your Spa Treatment/Massage which will be most welcome after your flight and long first day. Your travel advisor has a comprehensive list of treatments available.

Day 2 - Kilkenny to Killarney, County Kerry

This morning, you will be travelling from Kilkenny to the Kingdom of Kerry in Irelands spectacular South West. Your first stop today is the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. Cashel was once the seat of the Kings of Munster and capital of this southern province. Kings of Ireland as well as Munster came to this spot and St. Patrick is known to have preached on the rock and converted the local King, Aenghus, here in the 5th Century. Just 10 miles further on stop is Cahir Castle. Once an important stronghold of the powerful Butler family, it is one of Ireland's largest and best-preserved castles. On to Killarney. With its three famous lakes and majestic mountain ranges, Killarney has been the inspiration of poets and painters over many centuries. The Killarney National Park is internationally renowned both for its scenic beauty and scientific interest. There are many walks and trails around Killarney including a 2-hour tourist trail around the town itself. You will also have a chance to visit Ross Castle, the Gap of Dunloe with the Black Valley. Travel to the Europe Hotel stunningly situated on the shores of Loch Lein. If you arrive in time, why not take a complimentary short riding session on the hotels Austrian Halflinger ponies around the hotel grounds.

Day 3 - Ring of Kerry/Dingle Peninsula

Today you may choose to simply relax in your hotel and the nearby town of Killarney or take on a days touring of either the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula to the west. While the Dingle Peninsula is the shorter drive and is graced with more interesting antiquities, historic sites and varied mountain scenery than any other part of Ireland, the Ring of Kerry includes the stunning views over the Lakes of Killarney from Moll's Gap as well as numerous colourful villages on this route. Not for the faint-hearted, you will remember this mountain pass drive forever. The Dingle route includes visits to the lovely fishing town of Dingle and beyond to Dunbeag Promontory Fort, an archaeological site on the from the late Bronze Age, 800 BC. Continue on to Slea Head and here you will see Dun An Oir (Fort of Gold). Here in 1580, after three days siege, over 600 Irish and Spanish soldiers surrendered to Lord Grey only to be massacred by his troops. Nearby is the Gallarus Oratory, one of the best preserved early Christian church buildings in Ireland.

Day 4 - To Dromoland Castle in County Clare

First stop will be the Village of Adare in County Limerick. Adare is regarded by many a seasoned traveller as Ireland's prettiest village with its charming thatched cottages, manicured public park and ancient church. From Adare continue towards Limerick City of 'Angela's Ashes' fame and home to King Johns Castle. Shortly after this, you arrive at Bunratty Castle. Built in 1425, this majestic castle was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour. Within the grounds of the Castle is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th century Irish life is vividly recreated. Just north of Bunratty lies the majestic Dromoland Castle. Enjoy the castle grounds on arrival and following a private falconry session, enjoy a sumptuous meal in the Earl of Thomand restaurant.

Day 5 - To the Cliffs of Moher and Burren Region of County Clare

This morning travel to the magnificent 'Cliffs of Moher'. The majestic Cliffs of Moher are without doubt one of Ireland's most spectacular sights and overlook the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands on the coast of West Clare. Just north of the cliffs is the village of Doolin. Doolin is world-famous for its wealth of Irish folk music and in recent years has been attracting crowds to spontaneous sessions in any one of its excellent pubs. You then have the lunar like Burren region and the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen Tombs nearby. An alternative to walking the cliffs and Burren region is to see them from the sea. With an early start, you may take the ferry to the Aran Islands from Doolin Pier. Aran will take you back to an Ireland of Celts and Early Christians. Take a pony and trap, or a guided tour from the pier up the island to the stone fort of Dun Aonghus. The fort is located on top of a 300ft high sea cliff and is one of the finest prehistoric monuments in Western Europe. This evening, attend the Bunratty Castle Medieval banquet just 10 minutes from Dromoland.

Day 6 - To Historic Meath and Dublin

Todays journey brings you east to our capital city of Dublin. A slight detour will also allow you a visit to the megalithic tombs of Newgrange. One of the great wonders of the ancient world, Newgrange is older than Stonehenge, Mycenae or even the Pyramids of Egypt and is foremost among the passage-tombs of Europe. Also in this area are the Hill of Tara (seat of Ireland's ancient High Kings) and Trim castle, featured in the Mel Gibson movie 'Braveheart'. Then it's off to the luxurious Merrion Hotel in the city centre where, depending on whether you took any detours earlier, you may have time to shop or sightsee. Close to your hotel are many of the city's most historic attractions including Trinity College, Dublin Castle and the National History Museum. This evening, enjoy your gourmet dining experience at Patrick Guilbuad's Michelin star restaurant.

Day 7 - Dublin/Belfast or North Antrim Coast

Using the Hop-on Hop-off Bus ticket we provide, you will be able to visit many of Dublin's most renowned and historical locations. Amongst other sites, you may see the Guinness Storehouse, the National Museum of Art and the historic Kilmainham Gaol where all of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed. For a more light hearted experience, maybe a visit to the Irish Leprechaun Museum would be worth taking in. Perhaps spend some time shopping either before or after your afternoon tea experience at The Merrion. In the evening, there are many great Irish plays on in Dublin if that is to your taste. Of course, the authentic Dublin pub is an experience in itself and Dublin pub or literary tours are also freely available.

Day 8 - Homeward Bound

Regrettably, this morning it is time for your private transfer to Dublin Airport unless of course you are one of the lucky ones who has planned post night stays in Dublin City. 

Route map

Tour attractions

2025 Vacations

CONTINUING OUR EARLY 25 IN 25 CELEBRATIONS! 15% Discount on all self drive packages AND only €25pp deposit!

We continue to toast 25 years of creating Ireland vacations by extending our €25pp deposit AND offering you a 15% discount on any of our self-drive vacation packages! Book by 31 October 2024*

*CIE tours and Knitting tours not included

Tour Prices

Don't Forget!

  • All elements of this vacation package can be customized to suit your needs 
  • Chauffeured option also available - Just Ask 
  • Please note we charge in Euros. Prices in other currencies are for indication only and subject to fluctuation

Accommodation Type Price
Low Season (Jan-Mar and Nov/Dec) €3,990
Mid Season (Apr and Oct) €4,590
High Season (May-Sep) €5,047

Notes

  • Single supplement available on request.
  • Please note prices are per person based on 2 persons in each room with full Irish breakfast and taxes included.
  • Children Sharing with 2 adults (aged 2-11) rates available upon request.
  • Children under the age of 2 are free when sharing with 2 Adults.
  • Listed hotels subject to availability at time of booking

Private Chauffeur Option Available For This Tour

  • Enjoy the services of an experienced and friendly driver guide
  • Luxury vehicles so you get to travel in style and comfort
  • Take the stress out of driving on unfamiliar and sometime narrow roads
  • With our knowledgeable drivers you see more in less time
  • You get to see the scenery instead of worrying about crashing into it!
  • Contact Us for a price quotation today

Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.

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For customers based in North America, please note that as we are based in Ireland, we are 5 hours ahead of EST.

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