7 Night Irish Castles and Manors Gold Tour

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. 

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.

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.

After arriving at Dublin Airport meet with your professional driver/guide who will transport you into the city for a short orientation tour by DUKWs, World War 2 amphibious vehicles. You will tour the Georgian area of the city, seeing sights such as St Patricks and Christ Church cathedrals, Trinity College, Government Buildings and Georgian Dublin. The climax of the tour sees the Viking DUKWs splash into the water at the newly developed Grand Canal Docklands where the recording studio of U2 and much more are located. Following the tour, visit Trinity College Library, where the priceless 8th century Book of Kells is housed.  After lunch (not included) visit one of Irelands most popular attractions, Guinness Storehouse. Here you will discover how this world famous drink has been produced for over 250 years and sample a pint in their 7th floor Gravity Bar whilst enjoying 360 degree panoramic views of the city. The remainder of the day will be free for further sightseeing and shopping. There are several museums, including the Leprechaun Museum, in Dublin.  Dinner will be at the hotel.  Overnight Dublin DBB

After arriving at Dublin Airport meet with your professional driver/guide who will transport you into the city for a short orientation tour by DUKWs, World War 2 amphibious vehicles. You will tour the Georgian area of the city, seeing sights such as St Patricks and Christ Church cathedrals, Trinity College, Government Buildings and Georgian Dublin. The climax of the tour sees the Viking DUKWs splash into the water at the newly developed Grand Canal Docklands where the recording studio of U2 and much more are located. Following the tour, visit Trinity College Library, where the priceless 8th century Book of Kells is housed.  After lunch (not included) visit one of Irelands most popular attractions, Guinness Storehouse. Here you will discover how this world famous drink has been produced for over 250 years and sample a pint in their 7th floor Gravity Bar whilst enjoying 360 degree panoramic views of the city. The remainder of the day will be free for further sightseeing and shopping. There are several museums, including the Leprechaun Museum, in Dublin.  Dinner will be at the hotel.  Overnight Dublin DBB

After arriving at Dublin Airport meet with your professional driver/guide who will transport you into the city for a short orientation tour by DUKWs, World War 2 amphibious vehicles. You will tour the Georgian area of the city, seeing sights such as St Patricks and Christ Church cathedrals, Trinity College, Government Buildings and Georgian Dublin. The climax of the tour sees the Viking DUKWs splash into the water at the newly developed Grand Canal Docklands where the recording studio of U2 and much more are located. Following the tour, visit Trinity College Library, where the priceless 8th century Book of Kells is housed.  After lunch (not included) visit one of Irelands most popular attractions, Guinness Storehouse. Here you will discover how this world famous drink has been produced for over 250 years and sample a pint in their 7th floor Gravity Bar whilst enjoying 360 degree panoramic views of the city. The remainder of the day will be free for further sightseeing and shopping. There are several museums, including the Leprechaun Museum, in Dublin.  Dinner will be at the hotel.  Overnight Dublin DBB

After arriving at Dublin Airport meet with your professional driver/guide who will transport you into the city for a short orientation tour by DUKWs, World War 2 amphibious vehicles. You will tour the Georgian area of the city, seeing sights such as St Patricks and Christ Church cathedrals, Trinity College, Government Buildings and Georgian Dublin. The climax of the tour sees the Viking DUKWs splash into the water at the newly developed Grand Canal Docklands where the recording studio of U2 and much more are located. Following the tour, visit Trinity College Library, where the priceless 8th century Book of Kells is housed.  After lunch (not included) visit one of Irelands most popular attractions, Guinness Storehouse. Here you will discover how this world famous drink has been produced for over 250 years and sample a pint in their 7th floor Gravity Bar whilst enjoying 360 degree panoramic views of the city. The remainder of the day will be free for further sightseeing and shopping. There are several museums, including the Leprechaun Museum, in Dublin.  Dinner will be at the hotel.  Overnight Dublin DBB

After arriving at Dublin Airport meet with your professional driver/guide who will transport you into the city for a short orientation tour by DUKWs, World War 2 amphibious vehicles. You will tour the Georgian area of the city, seeing sights such as St Patricks and Christ Church cathedrals, Trinity College, Government Buildings and Georgian Dublin. The climax of the tour sees the Viking DUKWs splash into the water at the newly developed Grand Canal Docklands where the recording studio of U2 and much more are located. Following the tour, visit Trinity College Library, where the priceless 8th century Book of Kells is housed.  After lunch (not included) visit one of Irelands most popular attractions, Guinness Storehouse. Here you will discover how this world famous drink has been produced for over 250 years and sample a pint in their 7th floor Gravity Bar whilst enjoying 360 degree panoramic views of the city. The remainder of the day will be free for further sightseeing and shopping. There are several museums, including the Leprechaun Museum, in Dublin.  Dinner will be at the hotel.  Overnight Dublin DBB