Live like a Lord or Lady in the beautiful Castles and Country Houses of Ireland
Experience a countryside retreat like no other and enjoy the highest luxury Ireland has to offer on this 8-night Castles and Country Houses of Ireland tour.
Leaving the city of Dublin behind, you will sojourn for 2 nights at the incredible country house manor that is the Ballyfin Demense, sitting at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains on 614 acres in County Laois. The lavish heritage mansion is as magnificent today as it was when the wealthy British Coote family built it 200 years ago, with the motto “cost what it may”. It underwent one of the finest and most intricate historical restorations this century and has amassed the industry’s top luxury awards. With only 20 bedrooms, you can enjoy the many exclusive services while being treated as a most-welcome house guest.
Next up, it’s a stay in the luxurious and lavish Adare Manor, recently voted #1 Resort in Europe in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2019. It also was recently awarded a Michelin star for its restaurant, The Oak Room. Set on an 840-acre estate, this opulent Neo-Gothic manor hotel and golf resort is the perfect place to enjoy world-class hospitality. Adare Manor Golf Course will also host the Ryder Cup in 2026, so it’s time to get those golf shoes on!
As you catch the first glimpse of stone towers and turrets of Dromoland Castle, you’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time. This historic 16th century castle has been upgraded for today’s traveller, with wonderful dining, golf, bars and luxurious rooms, without losing the charm has made it such an iconic place to stay for decades.
Weaving along the Wild Atlantic Way and through the colourful town of Galway, will bring you to your final destination – Ashford Castle. As you round a bend along the meandering driveway the full splendour of this part 13th-century castle, part French-inspired château slides into view. Enjoy the true wilds of Irish countryside, accompanied by hotel’s resident pair of Irish wolfhounds before curling up in the cinema or one of the many cosy nooks if the weather turns wild. The warmth of the staff – many who have worked there for decades – ensure guests always feel at home.
We chose these properties because of their elaborate facelifts in recent years ensuring world-leading luxury throughout; professional and friendly staff; top quality dining; bountiful estate activities; on-site spas; and beautiful locations. Any route from these landmarks can include attractions like the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Kylemore Abbey, as well as Connemara’s sky road and pretty coastal villages. We will also ensure you have time to enjoy top-class country estate activities, such as falconry, horse-riding, fishing and shooting, as well as time in the spa!
Your personal Travel Advisor will work with you to tailor this tour to create the perfect Castle and Country Manor retreat.
Map
Dublin
Ballyfin, Co Laois
Adare
Dromoland Castle
Cong
ACCOMMODATION
Ballyfin Hotel, Laois
5 Star Hotels Ireland
Adare Manor, Limerick
5 Star Hotels Ireland
Dromoland Castle, Clare
5 Star Hotels Ireland
Ashford Castle
5 Star Hotels Ireland
Castles & Country Houses of Ireland
Experiences
Why not enhance your tour with some of these recommended Experiences along the way! These can be arranged with your Travel Advisor when customizing your itinerary (please note Experiences are not included unless requested)
Guinness Storehouse
Wander through the seven floors that make up the Home of the Black Stuff, and learn about its rich heritage and see how our famous drink is actually brewed. Once you reach the top you’ll get to sit back and enjoy a pint of perfection as well as an unequaled panoramic view of the city.
Shopping Spree
Love fashion and shopping? Dublin’s Grafton Street has you covered with big name favourites and an institution of Irish fashion - Brown Thomas. Let us arrange a local stylist to accompany you on your shopping trip to introduce you to Irish designers and ensure you are dressed to impressed!
Food Delights
Ireland is a food island and each corner represents a different part of our food heritage. Whether in Belfast, Dublin, Donegal, Galway, Cork or the Causeway Coast, we can arrange a customized walking Food Tour of the area to introduce you to the local produce and producers...with tasty samples of course too!
Cliffs of Moher
Stretching for five miles along Ireland’s western coast, the Cliffs of Moher are a sight more than 300 million years in the making. At their highest, the cliffs soar an impressive 702 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, offering inconceivable views, according to Conde Nast. You might know them better as the Cliffs of Insanity from The Princess Bride and, along with the Burren, this is now a UNESCO site. We can bring you to this epic landscape by car, boat or air.
Ashford Castle Estate
The grounds of Ashford Castle are among the most delightful in Ireland spanning over 350 acres of woodlands, lakeside and river walks. Multiple activities such as falconry, clay pigeon shooting and horse riding as well as interesting guided walks are available on request. We recommend taking a boat ride on Lough Corrib and perhaps stop on the Island of St Patrick to view the ruins of an ancient monastery.