My husband and I, along with another couple, would like to visit Ireland and stay in castle hotels along our journey. Do you know of any tour groups that have several castle hotels on their tour
My husband and I, along with another couple, would like to visit Ireland and stay in castle hotels along our journey. Do you know of any tour groups that have several castle hotels on their tours? Neither couple wants to drive and would prefer travelling by coach.
I'm so glad someone posted this! I'm looking for a castle hotel too! We're not looking for a tour -- we're going to be booking into a castle for one night only during our three-week Ireland stay/roadtrip. Since it will only be for one-night, we want to make it good. It can be anywhere in Ireland as we've rented a car. So far, the one that looks the coolest is Ashford Castle -- but I definitely want some other suggestions. Any help? Thanks :)
You're going to be there a while so don't go out of your way for the castle, choose the one along your route. You can stay in two 4-star properties for the cost of one night in a 5-star. And while the 5-star is over-the-top luxury, they can be a bit stuffy so I usually recommend them for a last night in Ireland or special occassion. Otherwise the 4-star is typically business casual and more comfortable.
We toured Ireland last year with Insight Tours. The #1 preference for us was staying in Ashford Castle. It was wonderful, looks like a castle, has great food, lovely location in Cong, Mayo County where the Quiet Man with Maureen O'Hara & John Wayne was filmed, etc. There are many optional activities at the Castle. My husband did Falconry & it should not be missed. Where else could you do that, what an experience. I accompanied him & took photos. We also took a boat ride to an adjacent island that was very interesting as well. St. Patrick visited the island & his nephew is buried there. Walked to Cong & enjoyed this lovely little village. Our tour included a night's stay & dinner & breakfast. It happened to be on the day of our wedding anniversary - what a treat. Another suggesion is Powerscourt Estate near Wicklow. It's relatively close to Dublin, we took the South Coast & Gardens Tour, www.DublinBus.ie The Gardens are amazing, great cafe - we actuallly were able to eat outside on the patio, & the drive to & from was picturesque. There's a Ritz Carlton adjadcent to the Estate.
There are also lots of luxury boutique guesthouses (not castles) around Ireland, and they provide a local and intimate Irish experience - quite charming.
Also check the Ireland tourist website where you can also find deals. You can always check out Tripadvisor.com We stayed our last evening in Dublin @ The Conclarf Castle Hotel. Wow - Incredible. Built around an old castle, but the rooms are incredibly modern & luxurious & their restaurant truly great plus they always have good deals! Have a great time. Ireland is great. Can't wait to go back. Hint - wear layers and a coat with a hood!
There is a Castle and Manor Tour of Ireland currently posted on Groupon. It might be worth looking at. I have no idea whether it would meet your needs or whether it is a good deal.
