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Irish Castles and Manors

“Ireland is a country known for its stunning landscapes, ​ vibrant colourful villages, ancient Celtic relics, lush green valleys and abandoned castles. As an ocean 'outpost' at the western edge of Europe, Ireland has a natural character quite different to the Continental landmass. Its geology is remarkably varied, with rocks that range back over 2,500 million years. Once, long ago, Ireland was covered by ice, and the track of the glaciers can be read in the dramatic shapes of the mountains and the little drumlins hills of the countryside. “

VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

Relax and enjoy a fully customised tour with a private driver/guide service in a luxury touring vehicle

Stay in five star luxury properties throughout

Enjoy the scenic drive on the Dingle Peninsula

Walk along the world famous Cliffs of Moher

Discover the unique landscape of the Burren

Marvel at the rugged beauty of Connemara

DAY 1 Céad Míle Fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes!) This morning, you will arrive into Shannon ​ ​ Airport. You will be met by a private driver and transferred to your luxury vehicle. Your driver will ​ ​ remain with you for the duration of your vacation and escort you on your tour of Ireland. Departing Shannon,, you will travel to Adare.

Snuggled in a lush countryside setting, Adare is widely regarded as being Ireland’s prettiest and most picturesque village. You will spend three nights at the five-star Adare Manor Hotel and Golf ​ Resort. ​

Adare Manor is set on a magnificent 840 acre estate in the heart of Adare village. Enjoy a dip in the pool, a quiet spell in the golf driving range, or a brisk walk across the vast stretch of the Manor estate. If that’s not enough try something a little more unique, like a falconry lesson, archery or clay pigeon shooting.

DAY 2 Today take a trip to the Dingle Peninsula, which extends into the Atlantic Ocean. The town of ​ ​ Dingle enjoys a superb situation on its almost landlocked harbour, but the town itself has no traces of antiquity. However as one proceeds from the town of Dingle to Slea Head, the road commands fine views of the Atlantic and the Blasket Islands which are a group of iron-bound islands, uninhabited since 1953. The ‘Slea Head’ drive offers stunning coastal scenery and views of Ireland’s highest mountain- Macgillacudy Reeks.

Return to Adare Manor for overnight.

DAY 3 Travel to the Cliffs of Moher; Ireland’s most visited natural attraction with a magical vista that ​ ​ captures the hearts of up to one million visitors every year. Standing 702 feet at their highest point, they stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic coast. O’Brien’s Tower stands near the highest point and has served as a viewing point for visitors for hundreds of years.

Perhaps visit Bunratty Castle & Folkpark. The most complete and mediaeval castle in Ireland, and ​ the only example restored as a faithful picture of 15th and 16th century life. Lord Gort's wonderful collection of early furniture, tapestries and works of art can be seen in the castle. In the grounds of the castle is a folk park consisting of a number of farmhouses and craft shops re-erected and furnished as part of a display of 19th century Irish life.

Return to Adare Manor for overnight.

DAY 4 Travel north to Galway today. Galway City, at the mouth of Galway Bay, is a picturesque and lively city hosting a fantastic mix of locally owned shops, pubs and restaurants. Stroll around visiting areas such as Eyre Square, Lynch’s Castle, St. Nicholas’ Church, O’Brien’s Bridge, Spanish Arch, ​

the Famous Claddagh, beautiful Galway Bay, Salthill Promenade, University College, Salmon Weir Bridge, Court House and the Municipal Theatre. ​ ​

Arrive in the pretty village of Cong. Cong was the filming location for John Ford’s 1952 ​ Oscar-winning film, The Quiet Man, featuring John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara and Barry Fitzgerald.

Spend two nights at Ashford Castle, a 5* deluxe property situated on Lough Corrib, near the village ​ ​ of Cong. The stately baronial castle was the country estate of the Guinness family for almost a century, until it was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1939. The public rooms and reception rooms are elegant and stylish ranging from a majestic dining room to a dungeon bar.

DAY 5 Discover the wild and beautiful region Connemara today. Connemara is renowned for its stunning ​ ​ mountains, lakes, tumbling streams, undulating bog and unspoiled beaches. We recommend a visit to Kylemore Abbey & Walled Gardens, ‘Ireland’s most romantic castle’, originally built as a ​ wedding gift in the 19th Century and is now the only home of the Benedictine nuns in Ireland. The Gothic Church, set in the grounds of the Abbey, is the jewel in the crown of Kylemore. It has been lovingly restored and any visit would not be complete without seeing it.

Alternatively, you might like to take the Killary Cruise and enjoy the splendor of Ireland’s only Fjord. Experience uninterrupted views of the spectacular scenery which make Killary Fjord such a ​ ​ unique place. Setting off towards the west you cruise to the mouth of the Fjord, before turning to make your way back to Nancy’s Point. The cruise offers a great way to take in the dramatic sweep of the landscape, as you pass between the Twelve Bens and the Maam Turk mountains to the south.

Return to Ashford Castle for overnight.

DAY 6 After breakfast, a private driver will collect you & transfer you to Shannon Airport for your flight ​ ​ back to the United States. Slán Abhaile! (Safe Home!)

Cliffs of Moher

Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort Ashford Castle