☘️LIVE LIKE A LORD -8 DAY SELF DRIVE -IRELAND CASTLES TOUR
Tour Description
This tour has you staying at Specially Chosen Irish Castles. You will tour the Irish countryside and gain in-depth knowledge of Irish history and culture. The best way to do this is to spend time in its charming towns and villages. Immerse yourself in the culture and the people of the land. You will also visit some of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions, such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Blarney Stone, and Kilkenny Castle!
Benny's Tip
**Guinness really does taste better in Ireland — plus local craft beers are worth trying too. ** Most places take cards, but small villages or pubs might prefer cash — have a little on hand. - Banks in Ireland generally open around 9:30am and close about 4:30, Monday through Friday. Most Banks have ATM’s
"Hi, I'm Benny, a native of Ireland, born and raised in Ireland."
Tour Highlights
- Trinity College
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Dublinia
- Guinness Storehouse
- Belvedere House, Park & Gardens
- Clonmacnoise
- Kylemore Abbey
- Sea Cruise Killary Fjord
- Rathbaun Farm
- Shannon Car Ferry
- Blasket Island Heritage Centre
- Blasket Island Ferry (Return Dunquin – Blasket Island)
- Hunt Museum
- Rock of Cashel
Tour Itinerary
FAMILY & GROUP RATES AVAILABLE – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US DAY -1/ WELCOME TO IRELAND After picking up your car, your will travel into Dublin and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent exploring this vibrant and historic capital city with its many historic buildings, Georgian streets and colourful gardens. Your first night is spent in Clontarf Castle, which can be dated back to 1172. Overnight: Dublin area DAY -2/ DUBLIN CITY Today...
FAMILY & GROUP RATES AVAILABLE – PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US
DAY -1/ WELCOME TO IRELAND
After picking up your car, your will travel into Dublin and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent exploring this vibrant and historic capital city with its many historic buildings, Georgian streets and colourful gardens.
Your first night is spent in Clontarf Castle, which can be dated back to 1172.
Overnight: Dublin area
DAY -2/ DUBLIN CITY
Today why not spend the day exploring some of Dublin’s fine Museums and Galleries? Trace the city’s history from early Viking origins, through to the medieval magnificence of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Visit Christchurch, which brings the turbulent History of medieval Dublin to life. You should also stop by the 16th Century Trinity College, founded by Elizabeth 1, home to the famous illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells. Don’t forget about the Guinness Storehouse for a tasting of this world famous ‘black stuff” before you return to Clontarf Castle for the night. Overnight: Dublin area
DAY -3/ GALWAY & CLIFDEN
Leave Dublin this morning and travel across the rich midland pastures. Why not visit Belvedere House, Gardens and Park? The magnificent early 18th century stately home of Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere, stands in 160 acres of parkland on the shores of Lough Ennell. Belvedere is one of the finest of Ireland's historic houses, and together with gardens and park has been exquisitely restored.
Before you cross the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, you can visit Clonmacnoise a 6th century Christian site. Arrive into Galway, which has long traded with Spain and the Spanish influences in the city are many. 
Of note is Spanish Arch, a gateway in the old city walls and the Spanish Parade, where wealthy merchants and their families enjoyed a stroll along the promenade.
Continue out into the wild and rugged Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery and on to Clifden where you shall be staying in the wonderful Abbeyglen Castle which has a panoramic view of Clifden and the bay with a backdrop of the Twelve Bens. Overnight: Galway area
DAY -4/ THE CONNEMARA REGION
Today travel through the wild and rugged Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery. Visit Connemara National Park, where Connemara ponies and Irish red deer roam freely through 5,000 acres of scenic mountains, bogs and grassland.
You can also visit the magnificent Kylemore Abbey - a beautiful mansion in a lakeside setting against a mountainous backdrop. Irish Benedictine nuns, with a tradition of over 300 years run this unique Abbey set in the midst of Connemara.
On your return, you can take a scenic drive through Leenane where you have an option to board the Sea Cruise through Killary Fjord which will reveal some of the many hidden Coastal and Mountain Scenery of Connemara. Killary Harbour is Ireland’s only true fjord, stretching 16 km inland from the Atlantic Ocean to the village of Leenane in County Galway. It forms the natural border between County Galway and County Mayo. Another night will be spent in Abbeyglen Castle.
Overnight: Galway area
DAY -5/ CLARE & KERRY
Leave Clifden this morning, and travel south through Galway and into Clare, known as the “land of castles”.
Why not visit Rathbaun Farm and see the animals being tended, or enjoy a traditional tea and scones break?
Travel on through the strange lunar landscape of the Burren region or visit the Cliffs of Moher a spectacular 5-mile long cliff, which rises almost 200m above sea level.
Stop in the heritage town of Kilrush, before boarding a ferry to Tarbert (ferry not included) in north County Kerry. Arriving in Tarbert and continue through Listowel and on to Tralee to Ballyseede Castle for overnight. Ballyseede Castle Hotel, located in Tralee, County Kerry, is Ireland’s only castle hotel, offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury.
The Castle is situated just a short drive from Tralee, making it an ideal base for exploring the Ring of Kerry and other local attractions. The castle's secluded grounds ensure a peaceful and private retreat. Overnight: Kerry area
DAY -6/ THE DINGLE PENINSULA
This morning breath-taking landscapes will unfold in front of your eyes as you drive around the Dingle Peninsula before arriving in Dunquin, on the westernmost tip of the peninsula, where you can visit the Blasket Islands Heritage Centre.
This living history museum explores the dimensions of island living, from the land, the sea, and the language, to the weather and the seasons, as well as the distinctive character of the Blasket Islanders.
Weather permitting you can embark on a 2 to 3 hour boat trip around the nine main Basket Islands. 
The islands are remote, unspoilt, unpolluted and spectacularly beautiful and are home to an incredible number of breeding seabirds, with the surrounding seas home to dolphins, porpoises, Atlantic seals and even the occasional whale or orca. The Blasket Islands, located off the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland, are a captivating archipelago renowned for their rich cultural heritage, dramatic landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Return to Ballyseede Castle for the night.
Overnight: Kerry area
DAY -7/ LIMERICK TO DUBLIN
This morning spend an hour or two in the medieval city of Limerick, either exploring its history and architecture or purchasing some of the splendid crafts on offer. Why not visit the Hunt Museum, an exhibit of one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and antiquities.
Leave Limerick and travel eastwards towards Straffan in Co. Kildare. En route a small detour will bring you to the imposing Rock of Cashel which rises dramatically from the flat countryside.
This site has the best set of varied monuments in any Irish site. The rock is crowned by a group of buildings, both ecclesiastical and royal, including a round tower, a 13th century Romanesque chapel and the beautifully restored Hall of the Vicar Choral. Continue through rich pastures of Ireland’s midlands before arriving in Kildare for your overnight in Barberstown Castle, a 13th century castle, located in the heart of the horse-breeding county of Kildare.
Overnight: Kildare area
DAY -8/ DUBLIN DEPARTURE
Travel to Dublin Airport for your return flight home.
Show Full Itinerary... Hide Full Itinerary...About this trip
Immerse yourself in Irish history and charm by staying in specially chosen castles that offer more than just a place to rest — they offer a journey back in time.
Each castle has its own unique story, filled with centuries of legends, noble families, and historical intrigue. During your stay, enjoy exclusive tours and curated events that bring the past to life, giving you a deeper understanding of the castle’s heritage and the fascinating lives of those who once called it home.
Explore The Castle and Manor Houses enchanting grounds — from manicured gardens and ancient woodlands to serene lakes and hidden pathways. Whether you're strolling under ivy-covered towers or sipping tea in a grand hall, this is a truly unforgettable way to experience Irish culture, history, and hospitality.
Why Choose this Tour
**Flexibility to wander wherever you wish during your visit
**Visit Ireland's most famous bucket list destinations
**Stress-Free Planning – All the details are handled, so you can relax and fully enjoy the experience
**Experience Dublin City
**Enjoy the stunning Southwest of the Island
Additional Info
Price Includes:
*7 nights sharing a double/twin room at specified properties (Prebooked Accommodation)
*Room with private facilities
*7 full Irish breakfasts
*Service Charges & taxes at exiting rates
*Heritage Island Touring Guide & Explorer Coupon
Hotels (or Similar):
*Dublin -4* Clontarf or Fitzpatrick’s Castle
*Galway - 4*Abbeyglen Castle
*Kerry - 4* Ballyseede Castle
*Kildare - 4* Barberstown Castle
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