OVERVIEW

Duration:   8 days / 7 nights

 

Highlights:

Antrim Coast, Belfast, Giant's Causeway and Bushmills, The Blue Black Mountains, Galway Bay, Connemara, The Burren, Cliffs of Moher

Overview

All over Ireland stately battlements peep over the leafy crests of groves of oak and beech trees. The average tourist, like the lame boy in the Pied Piper of Hamelin, sees them only from a distance, secluded behind their high walls, with their promise of Arthurian chivalry, knights in armor and fair maidens (not to mention the odd unicorn). They yearn with unrequited desire. You, however, can experience the full stately experience on this romantic castle tour.

Summary Accomodation

Day 1 : Ballygally Castle Hotel

Day 2 : Ballygally Castle Hotel

Day 3 : Lough Eske Castle

Day 4 : Lough Eske Castle

Day 5 : Lough Rynn Castle or Kilronan Castle

Day 6 : Lough Rynn Castle or Kilronan Castle

Day 7 : Bunratty Castle or One Pery Square

Day 8 : Depart

ITINERARY

Day1

Arrive Dublin Airport and pick up yourself drive car. Head North up the main highway towards the Antrim Coast.  If your flight has arrived early in the morning then we would recommend pulling into the Village of Hillsborough for a pub lunch in the pretty Georgian square.
Stay in Ballygally Castle Hotel. Ideally located on the scenic Antrim coast only 26 miles from Belfast and close to Larne, it faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay. The Castle dates back to 1625 and is reputedly haunted by a friendly ghost.  Brave guests can visit the 'ghost room' in one of the towers to see for themselves!

Overnight Ballygally Castle

Day2

Either spend the day relaxing and walking the Glens of Antrim or tour to Belfast city - visit St. Anne's Cathedral with its maze like floor and the city's Botanic Gardens, the Crown Liquor Saloon he Titanic Quarter, where the ill fated ship was built. Return to Ballygally Castle for the night.

Overnight Ballygally Castle

Day 3         

Head first to the Giant's Causeway and Bushmills, famed for its distillery. Then to the walled city of Londonderry. Follow the River Finn to Strabane, where the printer of the Declaration of Independence was trained, and on to Donegal. Overnight Lough Eske Castle Follow the long sweeping drive through old woodlands to this magnificent Gaelic castle with its ornamental stonework and imposing 4-floor tower. Nestled within a 43-acre forest estate, the castle lies at the foot of the fabled Blue Stack Mountains near Lough Eske. Here, you can escape into a luxurious world of relaxed elegance and personal service. From the spa to the dining table to your beautifully appointed room, we provide a truly accommodating environment. The original castle has been transformed in to Donegal's first 5-star hotel and spa.Specially commissioned artwork adorns the walls throughout the hotel, bringing the historic building into the 21st century. The pool and spa treatment building sits in the footprint of the original glass house which once stood in its place. An aqua green and gold mosaic color theme flows through the pool and spa areas. It is an amazing 5* hotel.

Overnight Lough Eske Castle

Day 4

The tallest cliffs in Europe crash 2000 feet into the Atlantic. Further on there are little villages where tweed is still woven in traditional mills. Return to Lough Eske Castle in Donegal through The Blue Stack Mountains.

Overnight Lough Eske Castle

Day 5

Yeats Country - It inspired the poet W.B Yeats and will surely inspire you! Meander along the shores of Galway Bay - gape at the exquisite workmanship at the Beleek Porcelain Factory. Cruise the sylvan Lough Gill, beneath the mighty walls of Parkes Castle. By the prehistoric caves of Kesh, and across the River Shannon to Lough Rynn Castle.  If Lough Rynn Castle is not available then the alternative is Kilronan Castle

Overnight Lough Rynn Castle or Kilronan Castle

Day 6

The wild, wild west! By way of Westport, beneath the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick to the dark waters of Killary Harbour and the lakes and heather bogs of Connemara, the romantic estate of Ashford Castle. Return to Lough Rynn Castle or Kilronan Castle for the night. 

Overnight Lough Rynn Castle or Kilronan Castle

Day 7

Through the Galway and The Burren to Limerick - By way of the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher to tour last night close to Shannon Airport.  An optional extra is a Medieval Banquet in the royal castle of Bunratty.

Overnight Bunratty Castle Hotel or One Pery Square

Day 8

Depart Shannon Airport

Please Note that this sample itinerary can be customized to suit all your particular requirements.

 

PRICE

 

This Tour Includes:

· 7 nights accommodation with full Irish Breakfast
· A self drive stick shift compact car
· All Service charges and taxes
· Personalised Itinerary, Co-ordination & Support
· Prepaid Vouchers
· 24 hours Assistance during your trip

This Tour Excludes:

· Entrance fees
· Porterage
· Gratuities
· Quotations are subject to availability and no rooms can be guaranteed till a deposit has been received
· Personal & Travel Insurance

Prices:

The price for this tour starts from as low as €820. Prices are subject to number of guest travelling, whether with a self drive car or with a private driver guide and to accommodation category used.     

Please note that this sample itinerary can be customized to suit all your particular requirements.

ENQUIRY