Ireland Castle Tours Customized for You
Custom Ireland Castle Tours can be taken as a Self-Drive Ireland Tour or why not take it as a Chauffeur Driven Ireland Tour – just relax and let one of our wonderful driver/guides steer you through the stunning scenery – you can focus on the landscape and not the road. Also see our Escorted Ireland Castle Tours for a new way to see Ireland.
You can also combine elements from our Scotland Castle Tours as well as our England Castle Tours to extend your stay in the British Isles. We also have some Castles in Wales if you would like to include those in your Castle Tour.
Day 1: Waterford Castle, Waterford, Ireland
Arrive in Ireland at Dublin Airport. At arrivals meet your driver/guide or alternatively you can pick up your self-drive car rental and head South for Waterford. Stop in Kilkenny for lunch and a visit to Kilkenny Castle. Continue on to your first night in an Irish Castle, Waterford Castle is located on its very own island.
Day 2: Ballyseede Castle, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Leaving Waterford, head for County Cork and Blarney Castle. Kiss the famous Blarney stone at the top of this iconic Castle before strolling through the gorgeous grounds here. Stop into the Blarney Woolen Mills for some shopping and a spot of lunch before continuing on to Tralee and Ballyseede Castle where you will spend 2 nights getting to know the resident Irish Wolfhound.
Day 3: Ballyseede Castle, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Today is the day for the Ring of Kerry. Tour the famous scenic drive ending up in Killarney. Spend the afternoon in this bustling Irish town where you can visit Muckross House & Gardens, Muckross Farms, Ross Castle or just take a stroll through Killarney National Park. If you’re feeling energetic there are some lovely hikes around Torc Falls. If you prefer to take the road less traveled swap this itinerary for a day exploring the Dingle Peninsula, equally scenic if a little less well known.
Day 4: Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare, Ireland
Have a leisurely start to the day before departing Ballyseede Castle. Stop in the nearby village of Adare, perhaps lunching at Adare Manor. Continue on to Bunratty to visit the Castle and Folk Park. Get to Dromoland Castle early enough to spend some time taking advantage of all the amenities this luxury 5* resort has on offer.
Day 5: Ballynahinch Castle, Co. Galway, Ireland
Head for the Irish Coast and view the dramatic vista of the Cliffs of Moher. Drive through the unique Burren, stopping to view the dramatic underworld at the Aillwee Caves. Stop for lunch and perhaps some shopping in colorful Galway city, home of the Claddagh ring, before continuing on to Ballynahinch Castle in the heart of Connemara where you will enjoy a 2 night stay.
Day 6: Ballynahinch Castle, Co. Galway, Ireland
Today you can choose between a trip to the Aran Islands or a day touring Connemara. Or kick back and go fishing – you won’t even have to leave the grounds of the castle. If you do decide to go further afield Kylemore Abbey is well worth a visit or take the Sky Road, a circular route from the nearby town of Clifden which offers spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 7: Markree Castle, Co Sligo, Ireland
This morning travel as far as Westport where you might like to visit Westport House – kids in your group (even big ones) will love the activities in the attached “Pirate Park”. Or for the hikers amongst you Croagh Patrick makes for a good climb with wonderful views over Clew Bay from the top. This is also a hill of Pilgrimage for those seeking a more spiritual experience. In the evening continue on to Sligo and check in to your next Castle accommodations.
Day 8: Ballygally Castle, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Get an early start and take the road for Derry. This will take you into Northern Ireland and while you won’t even notice you have crossed into another country it’s good to have some sterling pounds in your pocket although your credit card will see you through in most cases. Stop for lunch in Derry. After lunch continue on to the Antrim Coast to visit such sights as Dunluce Castle and the Giants Causeway. You can also stop at the Bushmills Distillery to see how this famous Whiskey is made. Spend the night at the coastal Ballygally Castle at the foot of the famous Green Glens of Antrim.
Day 9: Castle Leslie, Co. Monaghan, Ireland
Just half an hour’s drive will take you into Belfast city. Take a Black Taxi tour to discover the cities unique history and how they have overcome the Troubles to become the vibrant modern city you see today. After lunch visit Titanic Belfast before continuing on to your next Castle stay in the heart of Co. Monaghan.
Day 10: Clontarf Castle, Dublin, Ireland
Today make your way South back towards Dublin. Stop off in the Boyne Valley to visit the Bru na Boinne center and take a tour of one of the ancient tombs there – Newgrange is the most famous but Knowth is also well worth a visit. You may also like to stop off for a walk on the Hill of Tara before continuing on to Dublin and your final Castle stay in the coastal region of Clontarf just 2 miles from the city center.
Day 11: Clontarf Castle, Dublin, Ireland
This morning take the bus into the city center (you can grab a taxi but the bus is a great way to soak up the local atmosphere and see some of the locals up close). Visit Trinity College to do some last minute shopping and be sure to visit the Oliver St John Gogarty’s pub in Temple Bar where there is live traditional music from 1.30pm to 1.30am.
Day 12: Depart Ireland for Home
Dublin Airport is just 20 minutes from Clontarf Castle so after a short drive you can return your car with time to relax before your flight home. Or if you are on a Chauffeur Driven Tour we will arrange a transfer to get you to the airport in good time for your flight.
Sheenco Travel Castle Tours include all of your fantastic accommodations, breakfast every day and car rental or luxury transport with private driver/guide. Our tours are personalized to suit your specific needs so additional items can be added to suit your itinerary at any stage. You can also utilise our concierge service for any extras before your trip as well as 24 hour support while you are on tour.
