6 days/4 nights "Dream Castles of Ireland"

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Detailed Trip Description

Ashford and Dromoland Castles are two of the Europe’s most prestigious five star castle hotels, where many of the world’s famous politicians, royalty and entertainers have enjoyed a few nights relaxation. Both castles are ideally located along the west of Ireland, perfectly situated to some of the finest sightseeing Ireland has to offer and of course many of its world-renowned golf courses. Both five star castles offer award winning restaurants, outdoor activities, spa treatments and much more. Dromoland and Ashford Castle are the ultimate in luxury treating you to what Irish hospitality is all about!

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - On the Plane

 
Depart USA for Shannon Ireland (overnight flight)
Commercial Flight

overnight flight from JFK to Shannon Ireland


Day 2 - Shannon

 
Shannon/Ashford Castle, Cong, Co Mayo

Arrival in Shannon, transfer to rental car and check into Ashford Castle. The rest of the day is at leisure to view the Cliffs of Moher or stay at the castle to partake in such activities as fishing for salmon or trout on the banks of Lough Corrib, one of the most famous fisheries in all of Ireland. Or join Ashford Castle’s historian and cruise captain Patrick on his award winning voyage of discovery to the island of St. Patrick. Patrick takes you to the monastic site on Inchagoill Island to see St. Patrick’s Church built by St Patrick in 450 AD, view Europe’s second oldest Christian inscription (470 AD) and a ornate Augustine church built by monks of Cong in 1178. Later this evening, enjoy a romantic dinner at Ashford Castle to finish up this lovely day

Shannon picture

Day 3 - Galway

 
Shannon/Ashford Castle/Co Galway

After breakfast, book a spa treatment or fly a hawk in the School of Falconry. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city of Galway, just 30 minutes away. Visit the Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre, Arts Centre and the beautiful Galway Cathedral. Indulge in local fare for lunch at any of the local pubs or fine eateries such as McDonagh’s Fish & Chips. A local favorite, this eatery has a “fast & cheap” section and a more traditional restaurant. Try their “Galway Oysters” (in season October to April) or any of their seafood specialties, located 22 Quay Street. Or head to the wild Atlantic coast to Connemara Smokehouse to taste award winning smoked salmon, roast and honey roasted smoked Irish salmon prepared using only traditional methods. Of course enjoy a pint or two of Guinness!

Galway picture

Day 4 - Shannon

 
Shannon/Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-On-Fergus, Co Clare
Hotel

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Newmarket-On-Fergus and check into Dromoland Castle. The remainder of your day is at leisure to wander and explore this castle dating back to the 5th Century. (For something a little bit more unique during the day, the chef will be happy to prepare a special picnic basket for a relaxing lunchtime stroll across the Castle grounds). Dromoland was originally the ancestral home of one of the few families of Gaelic Royalty; direct descendants of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland. Relax this evening at Dromoland with wonderfully decadent dinner.

Shannon Hotel picture

Day 5 - Shannon

 
Shannon/Dromoland Castle/the Burren/Aran Islands

Enjoy breakfast at your castle. Spend your day at leisure with a trip to the unique rugged landscape of The Burren. Spanning across 100 square miles, this extraordinary limestone plateau is an ever-changing landscape of grey majestic mountains and green rolling hills. Showcasing an amazing combination of flora and fauna and over 2,500 examples of prehistoric remains (pre-dating the Pyramids of Egypt) in the form of megalithic tombs and monuments, including the 5,000 year-old “Poulnabrone Dolmen”, The Burren continues to be an area of major interest to walkers, nature enthusiasts, anthropologists and geologists alike. Refresh yourself at Vaughn’s Pub in Kilfenora, near The Burren, with a nice lunch. Or take a short ferry trip from Doolin (an Irish music mecca) near The Burren & Cliffs of Moher over to the Aran Islands, Europe’s westernmost point and the subject of many an artists’ and writers’ work for centuries. Consisting of 3 islands: Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer, there’s a stark beauty about these islands and the simple lives its inhabitants eke out from only six inches of topsoil and a mean sea. You can view the islands via mini bus tours from the piers of each island.

Shannon picture

Day 6 - On the Plane

 
Drop off car & return flight home
Commercial Flight

Depart for JFK from Shannon Airport


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