8-Night Culinary & Castles of Ireland

Day 2

Accommodation

Elegant Eco-Hotel - Wicklow, County Wicklow

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00noon.
Free parking is available on site.

Included Unique Activities

Dinner at the Strawberry Tree

Enjoy a special dinner at The Strawberry Tree at Brooklodge Hotel & Macreddin Village. The multi-award winning Strawberry Tree Restaurant is Ireland’s first certified Organic Restaurant. The innovative cuisine is matched by the dramatic surroundings, which includes a walk-in Wild Foods Pantry, featuring much of the produce foraged and prepared by our crew, as well as a selection of meats, cured in our own Smoke House and great Irish cheeses.

Afternoon Tea in the Waterside Lounge at Brooklodge

Enjoy classic Afternoon Tea in the relaxing Waterside Lounge at BrookLodge & Macreddin Village. Afternoon tea is served from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM and features fine china and elegant tea accessories. Pair your tea with a selection of sandwiches, pastries and sweet loaves to round out your elegant experience.

Afternoon Tea is served in the Waterside Lounge Wednesday-Sunday from 2.30pm - 4.30pm.

Suggested Sightseeing

Wicklow, County Wicklow

On the Map: Wicklow Town is located on Ireland's eastern coast, approximately one hour south of Dublin City. The town is accessed via the N11 road that connects the cities of Dublin (to the north) and Wexford (to the south).

Known as “the Garden of Ireland”, Wicklow has wonderful scenery, with mountains, wooded valleys and lakes. It is fringed on the east by golden sandy beaches. Major routes to the east and west go through two of the highest passes in the country – Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap. Among its spectacular valleys are Glenmalure, Glencree, Glenmacnass, the Glen of Immal, and the most famous of all – Glendalough, the home of one of the country’s most famous early Christian sites. The county is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts for the range of activities it offers – walking, cycling, shore, coarse and game angling, golf, riding, watersports. There are also a number of historic gardens and houses to visit, Powerscourt House being the most famous and impressive.  Because of its wonderful scenery, the county has been used as a location for many films over the years, including Excalibur, Braveheart, Far and Away and Michael Collins. The very successful Irish television series Ballykissangel was made in the pretty village of Avoca.

Glendalough, County Wicklow

On the Map: Glendalough is located in County Wicklow, in the east of Ireland - just 1 hour south of Dublin City. Scenically nestled in the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough is served by a network of small country roads. From the northeast (Dublin), travel on the R755/R756, from everywhere else, arrive from the west on the R756.

Glendalough ("The Glen of the Two Lakes"), is the site upon which St. Kevin founded a unique monastic settlement in the 6th century. Most of what remains of the settlement is in ruins but the Round Tower at Glendalough, built as a refuge from marauding Vikings, is over a 1000 years old and is remarkably well preserved. The site itself is set next to two clear water lakes beneath the sheer cliffs of a deep glacial valley. It is one of the most serene and beautiful places in all Ireland and it is easy to see why the monks picked it for a place of prayer and contemplation. There are a myriad of walking trails throughout the area making it a truly invigorating place to spend the day.

Wicklow Mountains National Park, County Wicklow

Wicklow Mountains National Park covers part of a mountain range that extends over most of County Wicklow on the east coast of Ireland. The upper slopes and rounded peaks are blanketed with heath and bog. The open vistas are interrupted only by forestry plantations and the winding mountain roads. Fast-flowing streams descend into the deep lakes of the wooded valleys and continue their course into the surrounding lowlands.

The primary purpose of Wicklow Mountains National Park is the conservation of local biodiversity and landscape. The Park is also an invaluable recreational space for locals and visitors alike. Over one million visits are estimated to be made each year. The most visited area is the scenic Glendalough Valley where the ancient monastic settlement of St. Kevin is located. Escape from the summer crowds is possible for those coming properly equipped to explore the uplands on foot, where a sense of wilderness and isolation can readily be found.

Day 3

Accommodation

Elegant Eco-Hotel - Wicklow, County Wicklow

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00noon.
Free parking is available on site.

Included Unique Activities

Guinness Storehouse Tour

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable Irish welcome, delving deep into the wonder of world-famous Guinness! The brewery is located in the heart of Dublin at historic St. James Gate. Originally a small brewery, it is now a 7-story visitor experience that brings the history, story, and taste of the Emerald Isle’s iconic brew to life.

Imagine the world’s largest pint glass (Guinness did start the Guinness Book of World Records, after all) rising to the top of the building. Amazing. The dramatic story begins 250-years-ago and incorporates a family legacy handed down through generations. You’ll end your time here at the Gravity Bar, enjoying a complimentary pint of Guinness.  Relax and enjoy spectacular views of Dublin. Plan to spend 1 ½ to 2 hours here.

Suggested Sightseeing

Dublin, County Dublin

On the Map: Dublin, Ireland's Capital City is located on the east coast of the country, and is well served by infrastructure linking it to all parts of the Emerald Isle.

Dublin is a lively cosmopolitan city, filled with personality, pizzazz, and culture. You might spend time strolling the streets, soaking up the atmosphere, relaxing in cafes and pubs, or you could check out a world of historical, literary, and musical delights. A return visit to the Book of Kells, Phoenix Park (twice the size of Central Park), Georgian Dublin, Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle, the National Museum, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Hugh Lane Municipal Art gallery are all possibilities. Ramble through Grafton Street, a shopper’s paradise, or simply relax and remember this most wonderful tour of the Emerald Isle.

Rathfarnham Castle, County Dublin

On the map: Dating back to the Elizabethan period, Rathfarnham Castle (Ireland’s earliest fortified house) was originally built for Archbishop Adam Loftus - an ambitious Yorkshire clergyman who later became Lord Chancellor of Ireland. In the late 19th-century, the castle was remodeled by some of the finest architects of the day including Sir William Chambers. Today, the castle is open to the public for tours and rotating art exhibitions. Be sure to check the dates you will be visiting as the castle often hosts local events!

Day 4

Accommodation

Luxury Parkland Spa - Ballymena, County Antrim

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Included Unique Activities

Dinner at Galgorm Resort

Suggested Sightseeing

Titanic Belfast, County Antrim

Address: 1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Belfast BT3 9EP, United Kingdom. Titanic Belfast is located on Queen's Road in Belfast's northeastern 'Titanic Quarter'. The land on which it stands was formerly owned by the famous Harland & Wolff Shipping Company - builders of Titanic in 1912.

Opened on March 31, 2012, Titanic Belfast is a very impressive, state-of-the-art facility that covers more than 130,000 square feet. The striking building took more than 4 years to construct at a cost of GB 77 million pounds. It stands at 126 feet high - the exact same height as the hull of the famous, doomed ship. Titanic Belfast extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition, drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way; from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre.

Belfast Castle and Cave Hill, County Antrim

On The Map: Belfast Castle is located just 4 miles north of the city centre on the slopes of Cave Hill. It is well signposted from the nearby Antrim Road.

Belfast Castle Estate is adjacent to one of the highest spots in Belfast, Cave Hill - at 400 feet above sea level, the castle offers stunning views over Belfast Lough and the city. Built in the 19th century, Belfast Castle is a Scottish Baronial style castle featuring unrivaled views of the city of Belfast. While the area played host to two castles before the one that stands today, the current Belfast Castle was finished in 1870. After serving the Shaftesbury family, the castle and its surrounding estate was presented to the city of Belfast in 1934. Between 1945 and 1970s, the castle was a popular venue for weddings, dances and afternoon teas. After a period of refurbishment between 1978 and 1988, the castle reopened and continued to host weddings, business meetings, and events. Head to the castle to explore its grounds and enjoy a meal at the Cellar Restaurant. 

Cave Hill Visitor Centre is located on the second floor of Belfast Castle. This intriguing museum is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 10pm, and Sundays from 9am to 5.30pm, and admission is free!

The Cellar Restaurant within the castle is open every day from 11am-5pm serving snacks, light refreshments, and lunch.

Castlewellan Castle, County Down

On the map: Castlewellan Castle is a 19th-century Victorian castle located in County Down in Northern Ireland, roughly one hour south of Belfast. 

Commissioned and built in 1856 by William Richard Annesly, 4th Earl Annesly, Castlewellan Castle is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture and craftsmanship. Today, the castle is a Christian Conference Centre, its facilities used by many churches and schools. While the castle plays host to numerous retreats, the grounds are stunning and worth a visit. The main features of the castle grounds are The Lake (constantly stocked with brown and rainbow trout), The Arboretum (which dates back to 1870), and The Peace Maze (covering nearly 3 acres with 2.18 miles of pathway). 

Killyleagh Castle, County Down

On the map: Killyleagh Castle is a 17th-century castle located in County Down in Northern Ireland, roughly 40 minutes southeast of Belfast. 

Believed to be the oldest inhabited castle in the country, with parts dating back to 1180, Killyleagh Castle is a beautiful sight to behold. The castle follows the architectural style of a Loire Valley Chateau and has been owned by the Hamilton family since the early 17th century. While the main part of the castle is home to Gawn Hamilton and his family, two of the towers are available as self-catering accommodation. For those who don’t have time to stay overnight, be sure to stop by and check out the amazing architecture!

Overnight Location

Ballymena, County Antrim

On The Map: Ballymena is located in County Antrim, in the northeast corner of the island of Ireland. Belfast is just 30 miles away to the south.

Ballymena, also known as the 'City of the Seven Towers', is an attractive town, with some notable features and history. The town was founded on land given to the Adair family by King Charles I in 1626. The King decreed that in return for the land, the town would hold two annual fairs and a free Saturday market in perpetuity. To this day, the town holds one of the largest two-day agricultural shows in Ireland each year, and the weekly Saturday market continues to run! Ballymena is located just 6 miles from distinctive Slemish Mountain (pictured), the legendary first home of St. Patrick in Ireland. After being brought to the country as a slave in the 5th century, St. Patrick reputedly worked for 6 years as a shepherd on the mountain. In more recent times, Ballymena has produced another famous Irish son in Liam Neeson - the well-known actor was born and raised in Ballymena, and was presented with the 'Freedom of the Borough' in 2013.

Day 5

Accommodation

Luxury Parkland Spa - Ballymena, County Antrim

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Included Unique Activities

Old Bushmills Distillery

Suggested Sightseeing

Bushmills, County Antrim

On the Map: Bushmills Village located just off the spectacular coast of Northern Ireland in County Antrim. The town is accessed via the A2 road, that connects the cities of Portrush (to the west) and Ballycastle (to the east).

Bushmills is the gateway to the Giant's Causeway, a unique rock formation formed 55 million years ago by cooling lava flows, although according to local legend the symmetrical columns were part of a bridge to Scotland built and then destroyed by the famous Irish giant, Finn McCool. Similar rock formations can be found on the Scottish coast. The Causeway visible today is all that remains of the bridge. If visiting the Causeway be sure to take the cliff walk route so that you descend to the water's edge and approach  the Causeway itself from the east. The views across to Scotland and west along the coast to the mountains of Donegal are magnificient. Bushmills is also famous as the home of the world's oldest whiskey distillery. The license to produce the famous malt whiskey was granted by King James I in 1608. Visitors can take a one hour guided tour which includes a tasting. Just west of Bushmills, the ruins of Dunluce Castle dramatically straddle sheer cliffs that plunge hundreds of feet into the sea. And of course you cannot leave County Antrim without testing your nerves on the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge which can be found just 6 miles east of Bushmills near the village of Ballintoy.

Giant's Causeway, County Antrim

Location: Bushmills BT57 8SU, United Kingdom. The Giant's Causeway is located in County Antrim on the northeastern coast of Northern Ireland. The Causeway is accessed via Causeway Road that runs north from the main A2 road (connecting Bushmills to the west and Ballycastle to the east).

The Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO Heritage site located in Northern Ireland. During the Paleogene period, County Antrim was subject to intense volcanic activity. As lava rapidly cooled, unique contraction and fracturing occurred, creating the distinctive hexagonal columns seen today. Irish legend of course has an alternate tale of the Causeway's creation!: The Irish giant Fionn MacCumhaill (Fionn McCool) built the causeway to walk to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart Benandonner. One version of the legend tells that Fionn fell asleep before he got to Scotland. When he did not arrive, the much larger Benandonner crossed the bridge looking for him. To protect Fionn, his wife Oonagh laid a blanket over him and pretended that the sleeping giant was actually their baby son. When Benandonner saw the size of the 'infant', he assumed the alleged father, Fionn, must be gigantic indeed. Benandonner fled home in terror, ripping up the Causeway in case he was followed by Fionn, and therefore only the Irish coastal steps remain.

Overnight Location

Ballymena, County Antrim

On The Map: Ballymena is located in County Antrim, in the northeast corner of the island of Ireland. Belfast is just 30 miles away to the south.

Ballymena, also known as the 'City of the Seven Towers', is an attractive town, with some notable features and history. The town was founded on land given to the Adair family by King Charles I in 1626. The King decreed that in return for the land, the town would hold two annual fairs and a free Saturday market in perpetuity. To this day, the town holds one of the largest two-day agricultural shows in Ireland each year, and the weekly Saturday market continues to run! Ballymena is located just 6 miles from distinctive Slemish Mountain (pictured), the legendary first home of St. Patrick in Ireland. After being brought to the country as a slave in the 5th century, St. Patrick reputedly worked for 6 years as a shepherd on the mountain. In more recent times, Ballymena has produced another famous Irish son in Liam Neeson - the well-known actor was born and raised in Ballymena, and was presented with the 'Freedom of the Borough' in 2013.

Day 6

Accommodation

Luxury Parkland Spa - Ballymena, County Antrim

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Included Unique Activities

Riverside Bathing Experience

Bring the serenity of nature to your mind and body in one of our award-winning Riverside tubs or Serenity Tubs. Feel restored from the stresses of modern day living, cleansed of pollution and relieved from restlessness & agitation during your 60 minute bathing experience. 

Our Riverside tubs boast a picturesque location along the River Maine, with our Serenity Tubs nestled among the orchard trees of the Thermal Spa Village.  These tranquil backdrops gives you time to enjoy with a loved one or catch up with a friend. The tubs are still and we’d like our guests to feel a little more stillness from spending time in them. Quiet and peaceful so you can enjoy the sound of river, connect with the person you’re sharing the tub with or relish some quiet time for yourself. 

Enjoy a signature Forest Bathing Cocktail in the comfort of your tub before making your way to Elements for lunch.

Suggested Sightseeing

Maynooth Castle, County Kildare

On the map: Maynooth Castle is a 13th-century earl’s home & grounds located in Co. Kildare in Ireland, roughly 30 minutes west of Dublin. 

Founded in the early 13th century, Maynooth Castle was the principal residence of the Kildare branch of the Geraldines. Today, the castle is a Heritage Site and is open to the public from June to October every year. If you would like to see the inside of the castle, you can join a guided tour, otherwise you can check out the grounds on your own. 

Overnight Location

Ballymena, County Antrim

On The Map: Ballymena is located in County Antrim, in the northeast corner of the island of Ireland. Belfast is just 30 miles away to the south.

Ballymena, also known as the 'City of the Seven Towers', is an attractive town, with some notable features and history. The town was founded on land given to the Adair family by King Charles I in 1626. The King decreed that in return for the land, the town would hold two annual fairs and a free Saturday market in perpetuity. To this day, the town holds one of the largest two-day agricultural shows in Ireland each year, and the weekly Saturday market continues to run! Ballymena is located just 6 miles from distinctive Slemish Mountain (pictured), the legendary first home of St. Patrick in Ireland. After being brought to the country as a slave in the 5th century, St. Patrick reputedly worked for 6 years as a shepherd on the mountain. In more recent times, Ballymena has produced another famous Irish son in Liam Neeson - the well-known actor was born and raised in Ballymena, and was presented with the 'Freedom of the Borough' in 2013.

Day 7

Accommodation

Enchanting Castle Resort - Castledermot, County Kildare

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00noon.

Free parking is available on site.

Suggested Sightseeing

Gosford Castle, County Armagh

On the map: Gosford Castle is a 19th-century castle located in County Armagh in Northern Ireland, roughly one hour southwest of Belfast. 

Built in the 19th century for The 2nd Earl of Gosford, Gosford Castle was occupied until 1921 until it was purchased by the Ministry of Agriculture to form Gosford Forest Park. After some deterioration, the castle was sold to a development company in 2006 and was converted into private dwellings. Today, the castle acts as a home and was used as a filming location for several Game of Thrones episodes. While some of the private dwellings are currently being lived in, there are still some available for purchase. Stop by and take a look at the castle that could be your next home!

Newgrange, County Meath

On the Map: Newgrange is located just north of Dublin City in County Meath in the east of Ireland. Newgrange is reached via the N51 road, which intersects with the main M1 motorway (connecting Dublin & Belfast) near the town of Drogheda.

Newgrange, in County Meath, crouches on a rise just north of the River Boyne. It is the focal point for a ceremonial area and megalithic cemetery that is 5,000 years old.  The tombs' passage is perfectly aligned to mark the Winter Solstice. Newgrange is one of the best examples in Western Europe of the type of monument known as a passage-grave or passage-tomb. According to the most reliable Carbon 14 dating techniques, Newgrange was constructed around 3200BC. This means it is at least 600 years older than the Giza Pyramids in Egypt, and 1,000 years older than its British counterpart, Stonehenge. If you are interested in visiting Newgrange during summer months, we highly recommend planning to arrive very early in the morning to guarantee entrance to this extremely popular site!

Trim, County Meath

On The Map: Trim is located in County Meath in the Boyne Valley region of eastern Ireland. The town is accessed via the N3 & R154 from Dublin City (to the southeast) or via the R162 from Navan town (to the north).

The name Trim comes from the Irish 'Baile Atha Troim', which translates as 'the town of the ford of the alder trees' and its origin dates back to the 5th century A.D. Among its more recent claims to fame, is the filming of a major part of 'Braveheart' at Trim Castle (pictured). Trim is part of the Boyne Valley, located on the east coast of Ireland in County Meath, which contains the largest and most decorated megalithic sites in all of Ireland. It has been described as "the largest and most important expression of prehistoric megalithic art in Europe". The large Megalithic sites were built over 5000 years ago between 3800 and 3200 BC - built before both Stonehenge in England and the great pyramids in Egypt! Within a three square mile radius in the Boyne Valley are grouped more than 30 prehistoric monuments including the great passage tombs and their satellite structures, standing stones, barrows and other enclosures. The great sites of the Boyne Valley include Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth, Loughcrew, Fourknocks and the Hill of Tara. Neolithic communities built these sites over earlier sacred spots and it is suspected that they were used for a combination of different purposes, including burial tombs, sacred temples and astronomical observatories.

Boyne Valley, County Meath

On the Map: The Boyne Valley is a fairly large region located in the east of Ireland in County Meath. Only 30 minutes/ 20km north of Dublin City, the Boyne Valley is accessed via the N2 or N3 roads heading northwest from the city.

The Boyne Valley contains the largest and most decorated megalithic sites in all of Ireland and has been described as "the largest and most important expression of prehistoric megalithic art in Europe". The large Megalithic sites were built over 5000 years ago between 3800 and 3200 BC, built before both Stonehenge in England and the great pyramids in Egypt. Within a three square mile radius in the Boyne Valley are grouped more than 30 prehistoric monuments including the great passage tombs and their satellite structures, standing stones, barrows and other enclosures. The great sites of the Boyne Valley include Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth, Loughcrew, Fourknocks and the Hill of Tara. Neolithic communities built these sites over earlier sacred spots and it is suspected that they were used for a combination of different purposes, including use as burial tombs, sacred temples and astronomical observatories. The nearby towns of Trim, Slane and Navan make ideal bases from which to explore the area.

Overnight Location

Castledermot, County Kildare

On The Map: Castledermot is an inland village in the south-east of Ireland in County Kildare, about 75 km from Dublin, and 10 km from the town of Carlow. The old N9 road from Dublin to Waterford passes through the village. Castledermot may be small, but its the ancient ruins and remains found there indicate just how important this town once was. There are various sites to explore in the town, including a round tower (pictured), two well-preserved granite high crosses and the ruins of a Franciscan friary. 5 km away lies Kilkea Castle, once the residence of the Duke of Leinster, but now a hotel and golf resort. The castle was built by the famous English Norman Hugh de Lacy in 1180, and later passed to the Fitzgeralds. Gerald FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Kildare, is said to have practised magic in Kilkea Castle. His interest in alchemy caused much interest among his neighbours, and earned him the nickname 'The Wizard Earl'. The Earl died in 1585 and supposedly returns to haunt the castle every seventh year, mounted on a silver-shod white charger.

Day 8

Accommodation

Enchanting Castle Resort - Castledermot, County Kildare

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00noon.

Free parking is available on site.

Included Unique Activities

Falconry at Kilkea Castle

A noble and ancient sport, falconry offers a unique and memorable experience. Enjoy the majesty of Falcons, Owls and Hawks amidst the backdrop of our historic Castle. Your falconry experience will be lead by a resident falconry expert to ensure that you get the most out of this amazing encounter. 

Archery at Kilkea Castle

The classic Castle pursuit. Archery has been around for 15,000 years and now, Kilkea Castle makes for an amazing backdrop for your very own version of Game of Thrones. Discover how to properly execute this ancient sport during the Kilkea archery experience. This unique experience is great for adults and families! Your archery experience will last between 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Dinner at Restaurant 1180 at Kilkea Castle

Tonight you will enjoy a 3-Course Dinner at Kilkea Castle. For something a little unique we offer our guests a fine dining experience in our private dining room located in our amazing 12th Century Castle. This exquisite restaurant overlooks the rose garden and our signature 18th hole.

Overnight Location

Castledermot, County Kildare

On The Map: Castledermot is an inland village in the south-east of Ireland in County Kildare, about 75 km from Dublin, and 10 km from the town of Carlow. The old N9 road from Dublin to Waterford passes through the village. Castledermot may be small, but its the ancient ruins and remains found there indicate just how important this town once was. There are various sites to explore in the town, including a round tower (pictured), two well-preserved granite high crosses and the ruins of a Franciscan friary. 5 km away lies Kilkea Castle, once the residence of the Duke of Leinster, but now a hotel and golf resort. The castle was built by the famous English Norman Hugh de Lacy in 1180, and later passed to the Fitzgeralds. Gerald FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Kildare, is said to have practised magic in Kilkea Castle. His interest in alchemy caused much interest among his neighbours, and earned him the nickname 'The Wizard Earl'. The Earl died in 1585 and supposedly returns to haunt the castle every seventh year, mounted on a silver-shod white charger.

Day 9

Depart From

Depart from Dublin Airport, County Dublin

Return to Dublin Airport at least 3 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.

After check-in and passenger security, browse the array of shops on offer at 'The Loop' in Dublin Airport. With an extensive range of stores, bars and cafes, any spare time you have will fly!