7-Day Irish Castle Tour with Luxury Stays and Scenic Heritage Sites

Please note this itinerary is a guide only and can be customised according to the castles you would like to stay in and the places you wish to see along the way.

On arrival, you will be welcomed to Ireland by your friendly driver, who will escort you to your awaiting vehicle.

To start your castle tour, you will be taken to Clontarf Castle, just outside Dublin, where you will have the opportunity to sample a delicious full Irish breakfast or a hearty lunch or supper, depending on your time of arrival.

Continuing from here, you will make your way into Dublin City and experience a panoramic driving tour of the capital of Ireland.

From Dublin, you will travel south and, depending on the group's interests, this can include a drive through the scenic Wicklow Mountains and a stop at the monastic site of Glendalough.

From here, you will make your way to the first castle hotel of your tour, Kilkea Castle, one of Ireland's oldest castles dating back to the 12th century.

After your night in the lovely Kilkea Castle, your driver will pick you up and you will start the day by driving to the medieval city of Kilkenny, where you can explore one or more of the following attractions: Saint Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower; walk the Medieval Mile; visit Kilkenny Castle; explore the exciting Dunmore Caves; take a tour of the Smithwicks Brewery; or enjoy some shopping at the Kilkenny Design Centre, located just opposite Kilkenny Castle.

After lunch at the infamous Kyteler's Inn, a historic pub with great atmosphere, music, and food, established in 1324, you will make your way down to the Viking City of Waterford, where you will check into Waterford Castle, located on a 310-acre private island and accessed by a car ferry over the King's Channel.

After setting back over onto the mainland, you will make your way to the Rock of Cashel, a historic site perched on an impressive hill with numerous ancient buildings such as a round tower, historic cathedral, and Celtic high cross - a fabulous photo opportunity not to be missed!

Leave the Rock of Cashel and make your way to King John's Castle in Limerick, a 15th-century castle located on the banks of the River Shannon. Here, you may partake in one of the medieval activities in the castle's courtyard.

From here, it is just an hour's drive to another one of Ireland's best castle hotels - Dromoland Castle.

Today, you can choose to make use of the castle's fabulous amenities or, if you prefer, another day of touring is also an option: a beautiful coastal drive via the Burren to the famous Cliffs of Moher.

En route, a possible photo stop is Dunguaire Castle, and a quick visit to Poulnabrone Dolmen is also an option.

If the weather does not cooperate, a visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, with its 15th-century castle and authentic old Folk Park, is a great alternative.

After lunch in Doolin (Cliffs of Moher option) or at the famous Durty Nelly's Tavern (Bunratty Castle option), you will make your way back to Dromoland Castle, where you can enjoy some quality time making use of the beautiful facilities this castle has to offer.

After your last night at the fabulous Dromoland Castle, your driver will pick you up, and you will start the day by driving to the city of Galway, an excellent stop to stock up on some well-needed Irish gifts.

There will also be an opportunity to tour the city, visit Galway Cathedral, and walk along Salthill Promenade.

Then, you will have lunch in the city before making your way to Connemara by first driving to the little village of Moycullen, home of the green Connemara Marble.

Continuing from here, you will experience the ruggedness of the beautiful mountains of Connemara, the serene lakes, and of course everybody's favourite - plenty of sheep along the way, or on the road in fact!

An early check-in at Ashford Castle is recommended, as this surely will be the highlight of your castle tour of Ireland.

In the morning, your driver will pick you up from Ashford Castle after a leisurely breakfast, and for those of you who like movies, you will get the opportunity to have a photo stop at the scene of the opening of the film 'The Quiet Man'.

From there, several options are available, depending on the group's interests: Ireland's only fjord, Killary Fjord; the beautiful fishing villages of Roundstone and Clifden; Kylemore Abbey and its walled gardens; a walk on Diamond Hill; and many more attractions along the way.

At the end of the day, there is always the opportunity to visit the closing scene of 'The Quiet Man' en route back to Ashford Castle.

Before you leave Ashford Castle, enjoy one last stroll through the castle grounds and say goodbye to the resident Irish wolfhounds on site.

Then, transfer to Dublin Airport or to a hotel of your choice in Dublin and bid farewell.