Ireland's Castles and Treasures

Visit Kilkenny Castle

Let’s see more of this beautiful country and discover more of Ireland!

Travel to Dublin independently.  Join our guide at the assigned departure point and commence the tour with a transfer to Limerick, via Kilkenny. 

Details of the pickup point in Dublin and final timing will be advised closer to departure date. Estimated start time is 09:30am.

Travelling to Limerick by coach, we stop in Kilkenny and visit one of the most iconic and recognised landmarks in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle! Let’s take in in the beauty of this majestic site which dates back to the 12th century. Few buildings in Ireland can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Kilkenny Castle, which has been rebuilt and adapted to suit changing circumstances over a period of 800 years.

We enjoy some free time in Kilkenny to explore its characterful streets and have lunch (not included).

Visit the Rock of Cashel

After our free time in Kilkenny, we continue on our journey to Tipperary to see probably one of the most photographed sites in Ireland, the Rock of Cashel!

The Rock of Cashel towers over the town from its perch on a 200-foot high outcrop of limestone.  It was once the seat of the Kings of Munster and was visited by St Patrick in 450 AD. We discover more of this famous site before continuing to Limerick.

At Leisure in Limerick

We check in to our hotel in Limerick for the night and take the rest of the evening to relax and explore our surroundings. Our guide will be happy to recommend places of interest nearby.

Tonight,  let’s get to know each other over a welcome dinner at our hotel.

Breakfast at our hotels is included every day during our tour. 

Visit the Cliffs of Moher by Boat

This morning, we depart Limerick and start an action-packed day of adventure to discover more of this enchanting country!

The first stop is in County Clare at the scenic Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most spectacular sites.  It’s no wonder that  it has been featured in films like The Princess Bride and Harry Potter! On a clear day, the Aran Islands can be seen in Galway Bay, as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. We enjoy time in the visitor centre and take in the scenery.

Let’s see more as we travel to Doolin and embark on a 50-minute scenic cruise (weather permitting) along the Cliffs of Moher, taking in the nature and incredible landscape of the west coast of Ireland. What better way to see more of this famous landmark!

Scenic Drive through the Burren

We discover more as we transfer onwards to the Burren, or "Boíreann" (the Irish word for rocky place). Along the way, we stop for a well-deserved pub lunch (included).

On our scenic drive, we admire the flora, rock formations and the unique beauty of the Burren. We capture more of the magic with a photo stop at Doonagore Castle. Cameras ready for that memorable moment!

Uncover more, as we make a stop at the Ailwee Caves for a birds of prey demonstration. Learn about the conservation of the raptor and enjoy flying displays of hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls against the dramatic backdrop of the Burren.

At Leisure in Galway

At the end of our day of discovery, we check in at our Galway hotel  for an overnight stay. The evening is at leisure for us to enjoy Galway as we please. Our guide will be happy to make recommendations for the best traditional pubs and other local attractions.  

Discover Connemara and Kylemore Abbey

After a leisurely breakfast, we depart our hotel in Galway and set off for new adventures. Today we fall in love with the bewitching Connemara, dubbed as a place of “savage beauty” by Oscar Wilde. With its rugged scenery, lakes, bogs, rivers, mountains, and picturesque villages, little has changed over time in this spellbinding landscape.

Experience more with a visit to Kylemore Abbey! Enjoy the visitor centre in the main reception rooms and a video which takes us through the history of the house and its occupants. We will have time for lunch here (not included).

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Westport

We continue to Westport, County Mayo where we enjoy some afternoon tea at a local hotel – with a glass of bubbly included ! After our relaxing break, we can work off our afternoon tea with an hour's guided walking tour of Westport.

Check in to our hotel in Westport for the night. The evening is at leisure to spend as we wish.

Cruise on the Shannon

This morning we say farewell to Westport and commence our journey towards County Cavan. We stop for lunch (not included) in Carrick-on-Shannon.

After lunch we set sail on our cruise on the River Shannon, in a fully enclosed, heated cruiser. Let’s sit back and relax, and watch the beautiful scenery go by.

Discover the Shed Distillery

After our cruise, we experience more on a guided tour at the Shed Distillery, near Drumshambo, County Leitrim.  Whiskey, gin, and vodka are distilled here from wild grain, Irish flora, and exotic botanicals. Of course, the tour includes a sample taste, a convivial way to end our day!

We transfer onwards for one of the highlights of the tour, a stay in a castle in County Cavan. We check in to our hotel and relax in the splendid surroundings.  

Let’s soak up the special atmosphere and enjoy a relaxing evening as we gather for our final dinner together.

Visit Slane Castle and Distillery

This morning we depart Cavan and make our way towards Dublin's fair city.

We make a stop at Slane Castle, home to the Conyngham family since 1703. We uncover more on a guided tour as we marvel at the 18^th century interiors and learn about the family's colourful heritage and history. Afterwards,we make our way to the 250-year-old stables of the estate where the distillery is housed, and the guided tour reveals a history like no other! Discover the ancient art of whiskey making and learn about the different types of Irish whiskey. Enjoy a taste of ‘liquid gold’ as we raise a toast to the end of a wonderful journey - sláinte !

Arriving in Dublin in the late afternoon, we bid farewell to our group and guide as we conclude our memorable tour.