2025 Vacations

CELEBRATE OUR 25th BIRTHDAY WITH US! ONLY €25 PER PERSON DEPOSIT!

Join us in 2025 as we toast to 25 years of unforgettable Ireland vacations – secure your dream trip now with a deposit of only €25 per person if you book before 15th October 2024. Our birthday, your gift!*

*CIE tours and Knitting tours not included

Tour Overview

‘Excellent’

Stay in some of our finest Irish Castles and Manor Hotels on this 7 night vacation to Ireland complete with ferry trip to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands and home to the spectacular pre-Christian Dun Aonghus Fort. 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 daily sightseeing guide that is unmatched in the industry.

Another highlight of your vacation will be the complimentary guided tour of the 15th Century Castle ruins beside Ballinalacken House by its owner. A head for heights is most definitely required for this experience as you peer out from the top of the castle ruins over the west coast of County Clare with views of the lunar like landscape of the Burren region and Aran Islands. DON'T FORGET!!  All elements of this vacation package can be customized to suit your needs.

What's included

  • Car rental (manual) for 6 days - 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
  • Tickets for the Smithwick’s Brewery Tour Experience in Kilkenny
  • Ferry tickets to the Aran Islands.
  • Irish House Party Traditional show plus dinner
  • 2-Day Dublin Hop on Hop off Bus tickets
  • 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
  • Cobh Heritage Centre
  • Conor Pass
  • Dingle Peninsula
  • Doolin
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Castle
  • Dublinia
  • Gap of Dunloe
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Kilmainham Gaol
  • Ring of Kerry
  • Titanic Walk
  • Trinity College & Book of Kells
  • Blarney Castle
  • Dingle
  • Dunbrody Famine Ship
  • Hook Lighthouse Centre
  • House of Waterford Crystal
  • Glendalough
  • Kilkenny Castle
  • Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms

Overnights for this tour

  • Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny for 1 Night
  • Ballyseede Castle in Kerry for 2 Nights
  • Ballinalacken House in County Clare for 2 Nights
  • Ashling 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

Upon your arrival into Dublin Airport it’s time collect your Hertz Car Rental and 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 ‘Smithwick’s 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. 

Day 2 - Kilkenny to Ballyseede, 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. From here, travel north to Ballyseede Castle just outside the town of Tralee where you will be spending the next 2 nights. Just a short distance from our offices, make sure to say hi to their 2 friendly resident canines, Einstein and Mr. Higgins.

Day 3 - Ring of Kerry/Dingle Peninsula

Today you may choose to simply relax in Ballyseede Castle and the nearby town of Tralee 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. Back to Tralee to relax in the luxurious surrounds of Ballyseede Castle.

Day 4 - To Adare, Bunratty and the Cliffs of Moher

One of the most dramatic days of your tour brings you to the west coast of 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. Continuing on 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 on the coast of West Clare. You then arrive at 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. Just north of the Cliffs you then have the lunar like Burren region and the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen Tombs.

Day 5 - Ferry trip to Aran Islands

Drive the short distance to Doolin pier and take the ferry to the Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. 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. For whatever reason, should you prefer not to take the ferry to the islands, then perhaps take a stunning cliff walk high above the Atlantic with stunning views of the Burren and Aran Islands. Travel to the lunar like Burren Region and the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen Tombs. Also on route, you will have a chance to visit Dunguaire which was built in 1520 by the O'Hynes clan on the picturesque shores of Galway Bay. This evening, travel the short distance to Doolin or Lisdoonvarna to enjoy the best of traditional Irish music in one of the many excellent pubs.

Day 6 - To Dublin via Historic Meath

Drive the short distance to Doolin pier and take the ferry to the Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. 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. For whatever reason, should you prefer not to take the ferry to the islands, then perhaps take a stunning cliff walk high above the Atlantic with stunning views of the Burren and Aran Islands. Travel to the lunar like Burren Region and the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen Tombs. Also on route, you will have a chance to visit Dunguaire which was built in 1520 by the O'Hynes clan on the picturesque shores of Galway Bay. This evening, travel the short distance to Doolin or Lisdoonvarna to enjoy the best of traditional Irish music in one of the many excellent pubs.

Day 7 - In Dublin

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 will 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. 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. In the evening you will attend the Irish House Party. The Irish House Party is completely unique in Dublin. Unlike any other traditional Irish music night in the city, it is organised and hosted by All-Ireland Champion traditional Irish musicians and dancers in an intimate and homely setting.

Day 8 - Homeward Bound

Regrettably, this morning it is time to leave for the airport unless of course you are one of the lucky ones who has planned post night stays in Dublin or Belfast City.

Route map

Tour attractions

2025 Vacations

CELEBRATE OUR 25th BIRTHDAY WITH US! ONLY €25 PER PERSON DEPOSIT!

Join us in 2025 as we toast to 25 years of unforgettable Ireland vacations – secure your dream trip now with a deposit of only €25 per person if you book before 15th October 2024. Our birthday, your gift!*

*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) €1,540
Mid Season (April and Oct) €1,590
High Season €1,887

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.

Detailed Enquiry Form

Please enter your vacation requirements in the form below. If your enquiry requires a more immediate response, please use the Tollfree & International numbers as listed down the page.

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

Detailed enquiry form

Please enter your name
Please enter a valid email address

Party details

Preferred Accommodation

Accommodation Types (you can select more than one option)


Leave this field empty

Let us show you the magic of Ireland

See what people say about the vacations we plan

Call us here in Ireland to discuss your plans

contact agent
contact agent
contact agent

Let us help you create that dream Irish vacation that you will remember forever.

uk
0800 041 8833

UK FreeFone

usa and canada
1877 298 7205

USA & Canada

Australia
1800 823 578

Australia

International
+353 69 77686

International

  • Member of