Irish Castles Tour

Accommodation – Clontarf Castle, Dublin (2 nights)
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur
Dinner – Fahrenheit Restaurant

When you arrive at Dublin airport your chauffeur driver will be waiting to welcome you. They will escort you to your chauffeur and he will drive you to your accommodation for the night. As you drive through the historical Dublin city centre, you will catch glimpses of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the vibrant Temple Bar district. Your driver will share fascinating insights about Dublin’s rich history and culture, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey

Your accommodation for the night is the luxurious Clontarf Castle. Approaching the castle, you will be struck by its beautiful stone façade, giant arched windows, and crenelated towers. The inside design of this 4-Star accommodation consists of a seamless blend of historic charm and contemporary elegance. Rich tapestries, medieval-inspired decor, and modern amenities create an atmosphere that is both inviting and luxurious.

You will enter the castle and be met by the friendly hotel staff who will be eager to cater to your every need throughout your time here. They will take your luggage and escort you to your room for the next two nights.

At this point, you will have an opportunity to unpack your luggage and take in your new surroundings. Once you have had a chance to explore the hotel, it will be time to eat. Dinner will be served at the castle’s famous Fahrenheit Restaurant.

Here you will enjoy a delightful dining experience featuring a menu crafted with the finest Irish ingredients. The restaurant’s warm ambiance, complete with elegant furnishings and soft lighting, creates the perfect setting to savor dishes that combine modern culinary techniques with traditional Irish flavours. Here you will relax and look forward to what will be an exciting Irish journey packed full of mystery and adventure.

Accommodation – The Merrion Hotel, Dublin
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – Walking Tour of Dublin, Trinity College – Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse
Dinner – Indigo Lounge, Clontarf

You will awake to a hearty Irish breakfast that will set you up for the day. Once you have appeased your appetite, you will be escorted to your first activity – a Walking Tour of Dublin. You will explore the vibrant streets of Dublin, guided by an expert who will bring the city’s history and culture to life, visiting iconic landmarks such as Trinity College, home to the famous Book of Kells, and Dublin Castle, a historic site that has played a central role in Ireland’s history for over 800 years.

Here you will see the impressive 18th-century Throne Room that was once used by British monarchs when visiting Ireland, and the impressive drawing room, providing a glimpse into the lifestyle of the aristocracy.

After the walking tour you will have some free time to enjoy lunch and perhaps browse the shops or soak in the atmosphere of the city’s bustling streets. In the afternoon you will head to the world-famous Guinness Storehouse for an immersive experience. Here you will discover everything important about Ireland’s most iconic drink that’s exported all over the world, uncovering everything from its rich history to its unique brewing process.

Once the Guinness Storehouse tour is completed you will be taken back to Clontarf Castle, where you will have the opportunity to relax before it’s time to eat. Dinner will be at the Clontarf Indigo Lounge, where you can enjoy a delightful dining experience in a chic and relaxed setting. The menu features a variety of flavourful dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering something to please every palate.

It’s a sophisticated and modern setting that has a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place to wind down after a long day of exploring. After dinner, you will have the chance to relax or roam the castle gardens, ready for the exciting adventures awaiting you on the next leg of your journey.

Accommodation – Waterford Castle, The Island, Co Waterford (1 night)
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur
Activities – Kilkenny, Kilkenny Hurling Experience, Waterford City, Waterford, Walking Tour
Dinner – Munster Room Restaurant, Waterford Castle

Once you have finished your luxurious breakfast, you will have the chance to explore the historical town of Kilkenny. The town is famous for its medieval buildings and castles and is often referred to as “The Marble City” due to the distinctive black limestone which is commonly found in its architecture. Here you will be able to explore the town before your first activity of the day, a visit to the Kilkenny Hurling Experience.

In this activity, you will discover more about Ireland’s most iconic sport, hurling, which dates back over 3,000 years and is often described as the fastest field game in the world. You will learn everything about the history of the sport, the skills involved, and the extreme athletic demands of this fast-paced game.

Next, you will be taken to the city of Waterford, which is located in the province of Munster. Here, you can wander through the city’s historical streets, stopping at charming cafes and lively bars, before embarking on a guided walking tour of its rich heritage.

Your guide will share fascinating stories about Waterford’s Viking origins, medieval past, and its evolution into a bustling port city. Highlights include the Viking Triangle, Reginald’s Tower, and the Bishop’s Palace.

Once this is completed, it will be ready to go to your place of residence for the night, Waterford Castle. Located in a secluded setting on its very own private island, Waterford Castle offers a truly unique and enchanting experience. Accessible only by a short ferry ride across the River Suir, the castle is surrounded by lush woodlands and tranquil scenery..

Approaching the castle, you will be captivated by its striking medieval architecture and timeless elegance. This luxurious 4-Star hotel was built in the 16th century, once owned by a branch of the Fitzgerald family for hundreds of years.

You will be greeted by the warm staff who will guide you to your room. Feel free to explore your new surroundings and soak in the castle’s unique history which dates back to as far as the 16th century. Dinner will be at the luxurious Munster Room Restaurant. Renowned for its warm and inviting atmosphere, you will enjoy a warm gourmet meal that’s created with only locally sourced fresh ingredients.

Here you will reflect on an exciting day of cultural discovery and adventure, surrounded by the elegance and charm of this historic castle.

Accommodation – Ballyseede Castle Hotel, Tralee (2 Nights)
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – Jameson Middleton Distillery Experience, Blarney Castle & Blarney Stone, Cork City, English Market
Dinner – O’Connell Restaurant, Ballyseede Castle

After breakfast, you will be escorted to your first activity of the day – the Jameson Middleton Distillery Experience. In this guided, whiskey distillery tour, you will learn about the art and craft of Irish whiskey production, from the selection of the finest ingredients to the meticulous distillation and aging processes.

The distillery is located in the county of Cork and is home to some of Ireland’s most famous whiskeys, including Jameson, Redbreast, and Powers. Here you will explore the distillery grounds, discover the secrets of the whiskey-making process, and enjoy a dram of the golden liquid at the end.

After the whiskey tour, it will be time for your next activity of the day – a visit to Blarney Castle. Built in 1446, the castle was once a stronghold for the powerful MacCarthy clan and is now one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks.

You will have the opportunity to climb up to the top of the castle to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, said to bestow the “gift of eloquence” upon those who dare. If you choose, you can explore the castle’s enchanting grounds, which include lush gardens, tranquil waterways, and mystical features such as the Poison Garden, filled with intriguing and deadly plants, and the Wishing Steps, where local legends promise that wishes come true if you ascend and descend with your eyes closed.

After exploring this legendary castle, you will have time to explore the charming city of Cork as well as paying a visit to the famous English Market – a bustling marketplace known for its fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and vibrant atmosphere. Here, you can sample delicious Irish specialties, interact with friendly vendors, and immerse yourself in the heart of Cork’s culinary scene.

Next, you will be taken to your accommodation for the next two nights – The Ballyseede Castle Hotel. Steeped in Irish heritage, you will be in awe of the castle’s grandeur and majestic architecture. Staff will be attentive and ready to cater to your every demand. You will be escorted to your room, where you will unpack your bags and have time to explore your new surroundings. Dinner will be served at the castle’s 2-star AA Rosette O’Connell Restaurant, famous for serving succulent and appetizing dishes in the beautifully opulent setting of the castle’s dining room. They provide traditional Irish food that blends an array of different flavors using a variety of special cooking techniques.

Here you will relax and regain some energy after a long day of exploring, preparing you for the next day’s adventures filled with more stunning sights, rich history, and unforgettable experiences.

Accommodation – Ballyseede Castle Hotel, Tralee
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – West Kerry Sheep Dog Demonstration, Driving Tour of the Dingle Peninsula (Slea Head Drive)
Dinner – Ballyseede Castle Hotel Restaurant

Once you have awakened and had breakfast, you will begin your day of adventure at the West Kerry Sheep Dog Demonstration. These demonstrations are held on the beautiful Dingle peninsula, where you’ll witness the incredible skill and precision of sheepdogs as they expertly herd sheep under the guidance of their handlers.

This experience offers a unique glimpse into Ireland’s traditional farming practices, showcasing the remarkable bond between the sheepdogs and their trainers. After the demonstration, you will embark on a scenic driving tour of the Dingle Peninsula, taking in the breathtaking sights along the Wild Atlantic Way. Highlights include the charming town of Dingle, the ancient Dunbeg Fort, the historic Beehive Huts, the picturesque Ballyferriter Village, the iconic Gallarus Oratory, and the stunning Inch Beach.

Here you will have a profound insight into the stunning Irish countryside, its rich history, and the timeless traditions that have shaped its unique culture. Once completed, you will be escorted back to the hotel, where you will once again have dinner at the luxurious Ballyseede Castle Hotel Restaurant. Before and after dinner you will have the chance to do some of your own exploring, taking in the castle’s enchanting grounds, rich history, and elegant interiors. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, relax in the cozy lounges, or immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of this historic setting.

Accommodation – Glenlo Abbey, Galway (1 Night)
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – Cliffs of Moher, Doolin Cave, The Burren
Dinner– Pullman Restaurant, Glenlo Abbey

Once you have packed your bags and finished breakfast, you will be escorted to the Cliffs of Moher. Named as Ireland’s Best Visitor Attraction in 2023, these majestic cliffs stretch for 14 kilometres along the Atlantic Ocean, reaching heights of up to 214 meters.

Walking across the coastline you will have panoramic views of the wild coastline, the Aran Islands, and even the distant mountains of Connemara on a clear day. Next, it will be time to visit the Doolin Cave. In this underground adventure, you will discover the breathtaking Great Stalactite, one of the largest free-hanging stalactites in the world, measuring over seven meters in length. As you descend into the depths of the cave, your guide will share fascinating insights into the cave’s history, its geological formations, and the natural processes that shaped this extraordinary subterranean landscape over thousands of years.

Once you have explored this underground limestone wonderland, you will have time to visit The Burren, a unique and otherworldly landscape known for its rugged limestone terrain, rare flora, and archaeological treasures.

You will then be escorted to your place of residence for the night, Glenlo Abbey. This luxurious 5-Star hotel offers a unique blend of charm and modern elegance due to its 18th-century Abbey buildings, picturesque gardens, and breathtaking views of Lough Corrib.

When you arrive you will be greeted by the warm staff who cater to your every need. They will escort you to your room, where you can relax before you eat your final meal of the day.

Dinner will be at the Pullman Restaurant– a truly unique dining experience that comprises two original carriages from the Orient Express. In this highly sophisticated and charming setting, you will enjoy an exquisite menu crafted with the finest local ingredients. Famous dishes include the beef fillet, monkfish, and venison. After dinner, you will have the chance to wind down and relax after another eventful day of exploring.

Accommodation – Ashford Castle, Cong (2 Nights)
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – Corrib Princess Cruise, The Galway Food Tour, Galway, Cong
Dinner – George IV Restaurant, Ashford Castle

Your day will begin with a scenic cruise on the Corrib Princess where you will enjoy picturesque views of Galway.

Afterward, you will be taken to your next activity – The Galway Food Tour – a unique culinary journey through the heart of Galway’s bustling food scene. Led by a local guide, you will sample the city’s finest offerings from artisanal cheeses and freshly baked bread to locally sourced seafood and traditional Irish delicacies. It will be an unforgettable experience that takes you to the very heart of Galway’s rich gastronomic culture.

At this point, you will have the chance to explore Galway’s vibrant streets at your own pace. You will then be taken to your final place of residence of the trip – the famous Ashford Castle – a phenomenally aesthetic 5-Star hotel that sits on the shores of Lough Corrib, surrounded by 350 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, ancient woodlands, and breathtaking scenery. You will be greeted by the attentive and welcoming staff, who will make you feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

Take the opportunity to relax and soak in the opulent surroundings of this iconic castle. Explore the luxurious amenities, stroll through the stunning gardens, or simply unwind in your elegantly appointed room. Dinner will be at the George IV restaurant inside the castle.

Hosting guests for nearly 800 years, this luxurious establishment exudes grandeur through its opulent interiors featuring crystal chandeliers, elegant period décor, and an ambiance that evokes timeless sophistication.

This will be a dining experience like no other, where its carefully crafted menu showcases dishes made with some of the finest locally sourced ingredients. The staff here are attentive and will ensure that you have an unforgettable meal, complete with impeccable service and attention to every detail.

Accommodation – Ashford Castle, Cong
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – Kylemore Abbey, Sheepdog Demonstration, Connemara National Park
Dinner – The Dungeon, Ashford Castle

Once you have awakened and appeased your appetite, your driver will take you to Kylemore Abbey. Here you will explore one of Ireland’s most iconic and picturesque landmarks, nestled in the heart of Connemara. This stunning abbey, originally built as a romantic gift in the 19th century, is set against the backdrop of a tranquil lake and rolling hills. You will have the opportunity to tour the beautifully restored rooms of the abbey, wander through the vibrant Victorian Walled Garden, and learn about its fascinating history and connection to the Benedictine nuns who reside there.

After Kylemore Abbey, you will experience a wonderful sheepdog demo where you will witness the incredible skill and intelligence of expertly trained sheepdogs as they work in harmony with their handlers to herd sheep across the rugged Connemara landscape. You will see firsthand how these obedient dogs respond to commands and how they herd sheep. And of course, you will have a chance to interact with these beautiful animals up close.

You will then be taken back to Ashford Castle to have your final meal of the day in the luxurious setting of The Dungeon. Located within the castle’s historic lower chambers, this cozy and atmospheric restaurant offers a menu of traditional Irish cuisine with a modern twist. It will be the perfect way to finish your Irish Castles tour as you can reflect on all the exciting adventures and activities you have experienced.

This final evening at Ashford Castle will leave you with lasting memories of unparalleled hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and the rich cultural heritage of the Emerald Isle.

After an unforgettable journey through Ireland, exploring its magnificent castles, savoring delicious local cuisine, and creating fantastic memories for all the family, it is time to bid farewell to this enchanting land.
Your chauffeur will assist you with your luggage, drive you to the airport, and extend a warm and heartfelt farewell. On behalf of everyone at MV Luxury Travel, we wish you a safe trip home and look forward to hosting you again in the future!