Silver Irish Castles and Manors

Your tour also includes;

• Car rental (manual) for 6 days - including our special comfort pack complete with GPS, additional driver and super cover for peace of mind driving.
• 7 nights luxury accommodation with private bath and full Irish Breakfast daily
• Tickets for the Smithwick’s Brewery Tour Experience in Kilkenny
• Ferry tickets to the Aran Islands.
• Irish House Party Traditional show plus dinner
• 2-Day Dublin Hop on Hop off Bus tickets
• Our renowned customized sightseeing guide
• Services of experienced Irish based travel planner
• 24/7 support while on tour

Day 1 – Dublin Airport to Kilkenny

Upon your arrival (Dublin Airport) collect your Hertz Car Rental and your Castle’s and Manor Tour of Ireland will commence. Your first day’s drive is a short one, bringing you to the southeast of Ireland, from Dublin to Kilkenny.
Your first stop is the National Stud and Japanese Gardens where you can visit 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 located in the grounds of the Stud Farm and were created between 1906 and 1910. They were designed to symbolize the 'Life of Man' from the cradle to the grave. 
On to Kilkenny city- which has been long renowned as Ireland’s Medieval Capital. The popular city’s origins date back more than 1,500 years. Kilkenny Castle is a 12th-century castle remodeled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands. Also located 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 this tour, tickets for the ‘Smithwick’s Experience’ are also included. This famous Irish Ale was first produced in Kilkenny by monks in 1231 and this tour culminates with a pint of this now world-renowned Ale

Day 2 – Kilkenny to Ballyseede, County Kerry

This morning, travel from Kilkenny to the Kingdom of Kerry in Irelands spectacular South West. Your first stop 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 and converted the local King, Aenghus, here in the 5th Century.
Next, you will visit Cahir Castle. Cahir Castle was once an important stronghold of the powerful Butler family, it is one of Ireland’s best-preserved castles. Then, you will venture on to Killarney. With its three famous lakes and majestic mountain ranges, The Killarney National Park is 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 of Tralee where you will be spending 2 nights.

Day 3 – Ring of Kerry/Dingle Peninsula

Today you may choose to relax in Ballyseede Castle and the nearby town of Tralee or take in a day’s touring of either the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula to the west of Kerry. 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 spectacular views over the lakes of Killarney from Moll’s Gap as well as numerous colorful 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. Next, continue your journey on to Slea Head and here you will see Dun An Oir (Fort of Gold). Here in 1580, after a three-day siege, over 600 Irish and Spanish soldiers surrendered to Lord Grey only to be massacred by his troops.
Nearby is the Gallarus Oratory, which is one of the best-preserved early Christian churches in Ireland. Back to Tralee town where you can relax in the luxurious surroundings of Ballyseede Castle.

Day 4 – To Adare, Bunratty and the Cliffs of Moher

Today's tour brings you to the west coast of County Clare. First stop will be the popular Village of Adare in County Limerick. Adare is regarded by many a seasoned traveler as Ireland’s prettiest village with charming thatched cottages, manicured public park, and ancient church. From Adare continue towards Limerick City of ‘Angela’s Ashes’ fame and home to King Johns Castle.
Shortly after this drive, you arrive at Bunratty Castle. Built-in 1425, the castle was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor. Within the grounds of the Castle is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th-century Irish life is vividly recreated.
Continuing on to the magnificent ‘Cliffs of Moher’. The majestic Cliffs of Moher are without doubt one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights and overlook the Atlantic Ocean. You then arrive at the village of Doolin. Doolin is famous for its wealth of Irish folk music. Just north of the Cliffs Of Moher you then have the lunar-like Burren region and the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen Tombs.

Day 5 – Ferry trip to Aran Islands

Drive to Doolin pier and take the ferry to the Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. Aran will take you back to an Ireland of Celts and Early Christians. Take a pony and trap, or a guided tour from the pier up the island to the stone fort of Dun Aonghus. The fort is situated on top of a 300 ft high sea cliff and is one of the finest prehistoric monuments in Europe.
For whatever reason, should you prefer not to take the ferry to the islands, then perhaps take a stunning cliff walk high above the Atlantic Ocean with stunning views of the Burren and Aran Islands.
Travel to the lunar-like Burren Region and the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen Tombs. Also on route, you will have a chance to visit Dunguaire which was built in 1520 by the O'Hynes clan on the shores of Galway Bay. This evening travels the short distance to Doolin village or Lisdoonvarna to enjoy the best of traditional Irish music in one of the many excellent pubs.

Day 6 – To Dublin via Historic Meath

Today’s tour brings you east to our capital city of Dublin. A slight detour will also allow you a visit to the megalithic tombs of Newgrange. One of the great wonders of the ancient world, Newgrange is older than Stonehenge, Mycenae or even the Pyramids of Egypt and is foremost among the passage-tombs of Europe. Also in this area are the Hill of Tara (seat of Ireland’s ancient High Kings) and Trim castle, featured in the famous movie ‘Braveheart’.
Depending on whether you took any detours earlier, you may have time to shop or sightsee in Dublin City Center. Close to your hotel are many of the city’s most historic attractions including Dublin Castle, The Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and the National History Museum.

Day 7 – In Dublin

Using the Hop-on Hop-off Bus ticket we provided you, in Dublin, you will be able to visit many of Dublin’s most renowned and historical locations. Amongst other sites, you will see the Guinness Storehouse, the National Museum of Art and the historic Kilmainham Gaol.
For a more light-hearted experience, maybe a visit to the Irish Leprechaun Museum would be worth taking in. In the evening, there are many great Irish plays on in Dublin if that is to your taste. Of course, the authentic Dublin pub or literary tours are also freely available.
In the evening you will attend the Irish House Party. The Irish House Party is unique in Dublin. Unlike any other traditional Irish music night in the city, it is organized and hosted by All-Ireland Champion traditional Irish musicians and dancers in an intimate and homely setting.

Day 8 – Homeward Bound

Regrettably, this morning it is time to leave for the airport unless you are one of the lucky ones who has planned post night stays in Dublin or Belfast City.