7-Night Luxury Holiday Getaway

Day 2

Accommodation

Elegant Castle Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin

Check in policies:

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

Luggage may be left at the hotel prior to check in. There is free parking available on site.

Suggested Sightseeing

Butlers Chocolate Cafe's, County Dublin

Butlers Chocolates began life in Dublin’s Lad Lane in 1932. The company was founded by a pioneering woman called Marion Butler. In addition to luxurious milk, dark and white specialty chocolate assortments, Butlers Chocolates produce creamy toffee, soft fudge, deliciously moreish chocolate filled and solid chocolate bars, enticing milk chocolate truffles delicately flavored with famous liquors, hot chocolate, and enchanting seasonal collections.

The very first Butlers Chocolate Café opened in 1998 in a beautiful corner building on Wicklow Street in Dublin’s city center. Visit their location on Wicklow Street or one of their many other locations dotted throughout the city.   

Grafton Street, County Dublin

Location: Grafton Street runs from Saint Stephen's Green in the south to College Green in the north

Grafton Street is without doubt Ireland's premier shopping street - in terms of retail rent, it's the fifth most expensive in the world! With beautiful historic buildings housing iconic Irish businesses such as Brown Thomas, Weir & Sons and Bewley’s Grafton Street Café, Grafton Street offers an experience that cannot be found elsewhere in the country. Since the 1980s, the street has been mostly pedestrianized, with the exception of a short stretch that runs between Nassau Street and College Green and contains the 18th century Trinity College Provost's House, home to the head of the college. If shopping's not your thing, Grafton Street is still worth checking out. It's a bustling, atmospheric spot, and high quality street performers including musicians, poets and mime-artists commonly perform to the shopping crowds.

National Botanic Gardens, County Dublin

On The Map: The National Botanic Gardens are located in Glasnevin - a suburb of Dublin, approximately 3.5 kilometres north of the heart of the city. The Gardens are close to the junction of Botanic Avenue and Botanic Road

The National Botanic Gardens were founded by the Royal Dublin Society in 1795, and is noted for its fine plant collections holding over 15,000 plant species and cultivars from a variety of habitats from all around the world. The Gardens, 19.5 hectares on the south bank of the River Tolka, offer many attractive features, including an arboretum, sensory garden, rock garden and burren area, large pond, alpine yard & extensive herbaceous borders. The Gardens are famous for their exquisitely restored and planted glasshouses, notably the Turner Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House. Both structures are recipients of the Europa Nostra award for excellence in conservation architecture, and notable specimens include a fine weeping Atlantic cedar & a lofty Zelkova from the Caucasus. Conservation plays an important role in the life of the Botanic Gardens and they are home to over 300 endangered plant species from around the world, including 6 species which are already extinct in the wild.

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.

Overnight Location

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.

Day 3

Accommodation

Elegant Castle Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin

Check in policies:

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

Luggage may be left at the hotel prior to check in. There is free parking available on site.

Daily Itinerary

Christmas Day Festivities

Today you'll enjoy an Artisan Breakfast accommpanied by chilled Prosecco, a sumptuous Christmas Day Lunch, and Festive Light Bites on Christmas Day evening. 

Overnight Location

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.

Day 4

Accommodation

Elegant Castle Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin

Check in policies:

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

Luggage may be left at the hotel prior to check in. There is free parking available on site.

Suggested Sightseeing

Temple Bar, County Dublin

Location: Temple Bar lies in the heart of Dublin City. Located on the south bank of the River Liffey, and just west of Trinity College and Grafton Street.

The lively and vibrant Temple Bar District - Dublin's Cultural Quarter, is well worth a visit. Best known for being Dublin’s major nightlife center, Temple Bar comes alive after dark, with many pubs, restaurants and nightclubs to choose from. For those visiting during the day, the area boasts a timeless charm, with narrow cobbled streets and a plethora of cultural organizations, such as the Irish Film Centre & Project Arts Centre. There are also a variety of small galleries and stores - perfect for a day of shopping. While Temple Bar after dark might not be for everyone, the area is the perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon. 

Howth Head Walk, County Dublin

Howth Head, a peninsula 15 kilometres northeast of Dublin City, has long been immortalized in James Joyce’s Ulysses. Howth Town is a bustling village that offers visitors a myriad of attractions, including Howth Castle, The National Transport Museum, the Martello Tower and the Baily Lighthouse. Howth Head arguably offers the best walk within the environs of Dublin City. If travelling from the city center, grab a 30 minute DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport train) from Tara Street Station (on the River Liffey, just east of O’Connell Bridge) to Howth on Dublin’s north side. Walk to the end of Howth along the waterfront, following the road up and to the right at the end of the harbour. Keep following the coast and you will find yourself on a wide unpaved path that runs right around Howth Head. You can double back at any time or continue all the way to Sutton (2 - 3 hours) from where you can catch a DART back to the city centre. The cliff-side walk to 'The Summit' boasts splendid sea views and is guaranteed to clear away any big city cobwebs! The views of Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye, as well as Dublin Bay are spectacular. The cliffs also offer great bird-watching opportunities and you may even spot a grey seal frolicking in the water. Reward yourself with some of Dublin’s best seafood at King Sitric Fish Restaurant in Howth.

Overnight Location

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.

Day 5

Accommodation

Picturesque Spa Hotel - Westport, County Mayo

Check in policies:

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

Included Unique Activities

Dinner at La Fougère Restaurant

La Fougère is a multiple award-winning restaurant, perched on the hill side overlooking Clew Bay & Croagh Patrick. Seamus Commons, one of Ireland’s most respected chefs, heads up the team at this Westport restaurant and the food is impeccable; with fresh fish, caught and landed daily, locally reared beef and lamb with fruit & vegetables grown in Knockranny’s gardens. Eating at La Fougère is all about relaxed fine dining, great food chosen from local producers and an interesting wine list – in great company.
 
Inspired by the cinematic drama unfolding outside the windows, Knockranny House Hotel in Westport Mayo has just unveiled the stylish and sophisticated new look of its beloved La Fougère restaurant.  With a nod to 1920s and 30s movie-star glamour and big screen elegance, La Fougère has been transformed with subtle touches, all designed to make the most of those amazing vistas over Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay. 
 
Designed and overseen by Westport-based interiors talent Emma Minish, she worked closely with local tradesmen as well as sourcing some of the additions to this cosmopolitan décor from various other sources at home and abroad. The overall achievement has been to create a restaurant with intimate spaces without compromising the proportions of the rooms, creating atmosphere while giving a timeless, luxurious feel to La Fougère.

Suggested Sightseeing

Westport, County Mayo

On the Map: Westport enjoys a coastal location in County Mayo, in the west of Ireland. The town is accessed via the N59 road from Clifden (to the south), or N5 road from Castlebar (to the east).

Westport is a postcard-pretty town with as lovely a main street as you'll be likely to find anywhere in Ireland. The town lies in the shadow of Croagh Patrick with Clew Bay and its 365 islands just to the west. While in Westport be sure to visit Westport House and climb at least a little of Croagh Patrick. Westport House dates from 1730 and offers everything from a dungeon to a zoo! Croagh Patrick is a 765-meter hill where St. Patrick is said to have banished the snakes from Ireland. This hill is climbed (often barefoot) by thousands of Catholic pilgrims each July. South of Westport are some stunning scenic drives leading into the Connemara region. A trip northwards will bring you to remote Achill island which is accessible by a small bridge. Even further off the beaten path is Belmullet in the northwest corner of County Mayo. Westport also boasts a great selection of traditional pubs, among them Matt Molloy's of the Chieftains. 

Enroute Sightseeing

Athlone, County Westmeath

On the Map: Athlone is situated in the very middle of Ireland. The N6/M6 road connecting the cities of Dublin (in the east) & Galway (in the west) passes right by Athlone's town centre.

Athlone in County Westmeath, has been a strategic crossing point on the River Shannon for many centuries. Because of this position Athlone has played a prominent role in many Irish battles. Today Athlone is a busy boating centre as cruising on the Shannon has become very popular in recent years. During the summer months there is a constant stream of crafts of all size navigating up and down the river and through the loughs in the town. This makes Athlone seem more like a bustling port than an inland town. The town also has some great shopping with a vast array of knitwear, celtic crafts and souvenirs can be found. The town's most imposing historical feature is Athlone Castle situated on the west bank of the Shannon. It was built by the Normans in 1210 on the site of an older wooden fort. Also, do not miss the impressive monastic site of Clonmacnoise which is situated on the banks of the Shannon south of Athlone in County Offaly and dates back almost 1,500 years. St. Ciaran, the son of an Ulsterman who had settled in Connaught, chose the site in 545 AD because of its ideal location at the junction of river and road. You will see that he chose wisely.

Clonmacnoise, County Offaly

On the Map: Clonmacnoise is located on the banks of the River Shannon in the very middle of Ireland. The major town of Athlone is only a few miles to the north, through which the main M6 road passes. The M6 connects Dublin City (to the east) and Galway City (to the west)

The ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise is situated at the crossroads of Ireland in County Offaly and dates back almost 1,500 years. St. Ciaran, the son of an Ulsterman who had settled in Connaught, chose the site in 545 AD because of its ideal location at the junction of river and road travel in Celtic Ireland. The location borders the three provinces of Connaught, Munster and Leinster. The monastery is on the east side of the River Shannon, in what was then the Kingdom of Meath, but occupying a position so central it was the burial-place of many of the kings of Connaught as well as those of Tara. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (10th  -13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian grave-slabs in Western Europe. The original high crosses and a selection of grave-slabs are on display in the visitor centre. The long and varied history of Clonmacnoise is recounted in an audiovisual presentation shown in the visitor centre. There are also exhibitions that are dedicated to the flora, fauna and landscape of the region.

Overnight Location

Westport, County Mayo

On the Map: Westport enjoys a coastal location in County Mayo, in the west of Ireland. The town is accessed via the N59 road from Clifden (to the south), or N5 road from Castlebar (to the east).

Westport is a postcard-pretty town with as lovely a main street as you'll be likely to find anywhere in Ireland. The town lies in the shadow of Croagh Patrick with Clew Bay and its 365 islands just to the west. While in Westport be sure to visit Westport House and climb at least a little of Croagh Patrick. Westport House dates from 1730 and offers everything from a dungeon to a zoo! Croagh Patrick is a 765-meter hill where St. Patrick is said to have banished the snakes from Ireland. This hill is climbed (often barefoot) by thousands of Catholic pilgrims each July. South of Westport are some stunning scenic drives leading into the Connemara region. A trip northwards will bring you to remote Achill island which is accessible by a small bridge. Even further off the beaten path is Belmullet in the northwest corner of County Mayo. Westport also boasts a great selection of traditional pubs, among them Matt Molloy's of the Chieftains. 

Day 6

Accommodation

Picturesque Spa Hotel - Westport, County Mayo

Check in policies:

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

Included Unique Activities

Westport House Admission & Guided Tour

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

Set in the Connemara mountains, Kylemore Abbey is a legendary, Neo-Gothic marvel. Given its picture-perfect setting, Kylemore is often touted as Ireland’s most romantic castle. Built in 1868 by the English industrialist, Mitchell Henry, visitors are moved by its history, romance, and tragedy. Henry built the recently reopened church in 1877 as a memorial to his wife, following her untimely death. The church, called a “Cathedral in Miniature”, is a center of prayer and reflection for many.

In 1920, Kylemore Castle was sold to Benedictine nuns, fleeing war-torn Belgium during World War I. Today, visitors are invited to explore the 6 acre Victorian walled garden, complete with restored buildings. Feel free to discover woodland walks, lakeshore strolls, and nature trails throughout the estate.

Suggested Sightseeing

Croagh Patrick, County Mayo

On The Map: Croagh Patrick is a 764 metres mountain, located just 8 kilometres southwest of Westport town in County Mayo. Croagh Patrick is Ireland's sacred mountain, and has been since ancient times. In pre-Christian Ireland it was the focus of the harvest festival of Lughnasa, traditionally held around August 1. The mountain was especially important for women, who would sleep on the summit during Lughnasa to encourage fertility. According to Christian tradition, St. Patrick went up the sacred mountain at festival time in 441 AD. After fasting at the summit for 40 days, he banished all the snakes and demons from Ireland. The site quickly became an important place of Christian pilgrimage & a stone oratory dating from between 430 and 890 AD was recently discovered on the summit. Nowadays, as many as one million pilgrims and visitors make the trek to the top to pray at the stations of the cross, participate in Mass, do penance (in which case the rocky journey is undertaken barefoot!) or simply to enjoy the spectacular view.

Connemara National Park, County Galway

On The Map: Connemara National park is located in County Galway in the west of Ireland. The main park entrance is close to the village of Letterfrack on the main N59 road that connects Clifden to the south, and Westport to the northeast.

Connemara National Park covers some 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Connemara arguably provides the best walking or hiking in Ireland. Some of the Park's mountains, namely Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght, are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range. Connemara National Park was established and opened to the public in 1980. Much of the present Park lands formed part of the Kylemore Abbey Estate and the southern part of the Park was at one time owned by Richard 'Humanity Dick' Martin, who helped form the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals during the early 19th century. The Park has a Visitor's Centre (open March to October), that offers an audio-visual presentation about the region. 4 rewarding hiking trails begin at the centre, and a tea-room, playground and picnic area are also available. As well as its great natural beauty, many remains of human presence can be found in the Park. The oldest are megalithic court tombs some 4,000 years old. There is also an early 19th century graveyard about which little is known. Ruined houses, a disused lime kiln, old sheep pens, an ice house, drainage systems and old walls in various parts of the Park, are all evidence of a greater population and more extensive use of these lands in the past.

Great Western Greenway, County Mayo

Westport House and Gardens, County Mayo

Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park has welcomed over 5 million visitors with its range of heritage, family-fun, camping and adventure activity offerings. It truly offers something for everyone in the family - from grand-parents, to mum & dad, teens, young ones and even toddlers.18th Century Westport House is privately owned and operated by the Browne family, who are direct descendants of Grace O’ Malley, the famous 16th Century Pirate Queen of Connaught.   From small beginnings of 2,700 visitors in 1960, it has become one of Ireland’s best loved attractions and was recently voted one of the Best Family Visitor Attractions in Ireland by Primary Times magazine. The jewel in the crown of the West, you cannot visit Mayo without stopping in.

Kylemore Abbey, County Galway

On the Map: Kylemore Abbey is located in County Galway, in the midwest of Ireland. The Abbey is accessed via the N59 road that connects the towns of Clifden (to the southwest) and Westport (to the northeast). 

Set in the Connemara mountains is Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful neo-Gothic Castle. Given it's picture-perfect location, Kylemore is often touted as Ireland's most romantic castle. Built by the English industrialist Mitchell Henry in 1868, visitors to the three reception rooms in the Abbey are touched by its history steeped in romance and tragedy. Kylemore Castle was sold to Benedictine nuns fleeing war-torn Belgium in 1920 and the Castle became an Abbey. The Community of Nuns re-opened their International Boarding School here and also established a day school for local girls. Mitchell Henry built the recently re-opened Neo-Gothic Church (under restoration) between 1877 and 1881 as a memorial to his wife following her untimely death. The Church, a ‘cathedral in miniature’, is a centre of reflection and prayer for many visitors. Visitors can also see the Mausoleum where the original owners are buried.

Overnight Location

Westport, County Mayo

On the Map: Westport enjoys a coastal location in County Mayo, in the west of Ireland. The town is accessed via the N59 road from Clifden (to the south), or N5 road from Castlebar (to the east).

Westport is a postcard-pretty town with as lovely a main street as you'll be likely to find anywhere in Ireland. The town lies in the shadow of Croagh Patrick with Clew Bay and its 365 islands just to the west. While in Westport be sure to visit Westport House and climb at least a little of Croagh Patrick. Westport House dates from 1730 and offers everything from a dungeon to a zoo! Croagh Patrick is a 765-meter hill where St. Patrick is said to have banished the snakes from Ireland. This hill is climbed (often barefoot) by thousands of Catholic pilgrims each July. South of Westport are some stunning scenic drives leading into the Connemara region. A trip northwards will bring you to remote Achill island which is accessible by a small bridge. Even further off the beaten path is Belmullet in the northwest corner of County Mayo. Westport also boasts a great selection of traditional pubs, among them Matt Molloy's of the Chieftains. 

Day 7

Accommodation

Scenic Luxury Hotel - Maynooth, County Kildare

Check in policies:

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

Complimentary car parking on resort for all guests and visitors. Valet parking available upon request, subject to additional charge.

Included Unique Activities

Afternoon Tea at Carton House

As you join us for Afternoon Tea, you are seated in the rooms that originally would have entertained aristocratic visitors to Carton House. As you gaze up at the gilded ceiling of the Gold Salon, the exquisite coving of the Drawing Room, or out into the floral abundance of the Rose Garden beyond, these are the same views that have captivated visitors for over 200 years.

Enjoy the aroma of specialty Jing Tea, the finest tea sourced from artisan tea gardens across Asia. Take a sip from your bespoke bone china cup and be transported to days gone by, when tea was a ritual to be truly savoured, a special occasion to be shared with those closest to you. Here, we recapture and reinterpret that sense of ceremony for you, our guest.  

Enroute Sightseeing

Kilbeggan Distillery, County Westmeath

Address: Lower Main St, Aghamore, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath, Ireland

Kilbeggan Distillery is the world's oldest whiskey distillery, established in 1757 and still makes one of Ireland’s finest whiskeys.  From the creaking timber water wheel, to our giant steam engine, a guided tour of this distillery will transport you back two centuries and captivate your senses. It is the quintessential Irish whiskey distillery, with whitewashed walls, weathered slate roof, brick chimney stack, creaking timber water wheel and even regular ghost sightings! Prebooking is suggested if you are interested in visiting.

Galway, County Galway

On the Map: Galway is a coastal city, located in County Galway in the west of Ireland. Galway is well-served by a good network of roads - the M6/N6 from Dublin (to the east) and M18/N18 from Limerick & Cork (to the south).

In a recent nationwide survey the people of Galway were found to be Ireland's happiest! And visiting Galway City, the capital of their county it is not hard to see why. It is a lively university city of narrow streets, quaint shopfronts, bustling pubs and stunning surrounding scenery. It has always attracted a bohemian mix of musicians, artists and intellectuals and that attitude is palpable as you walk the streets. Galway has been commercially important since the 11th century when it was a centre for trade with Spain and Portugal. In 1477 Christopher Columbus paid a visit. Galway earned the title “City of the Tribes” around that time, when it was ruled by 14 wealthy merchant families. Today it is lively, with loads of things to do, and is so popular that it can get very crowded in summer, especially during the annual Galway Races. The annual Arts Festival also attracts thousands, especially for its street parade, organized by the multi-award winning production company, Macnas. Its famous Druid Theatre produces and stages plays and has toured internationally, winning awards, including Tonys on Broadway.

Overnight Location

Maynooth, County Kildare

On the Map: Maynooth is located in County Kildare, inland from the eastern coast and approx. 30 minutes west of Dublin City. The town is just off the M4 motorway that connects the Dublin to Galway and Sligo.

County Kildare is home to the National Stud and three racecourses, at The Curragh, Naas & Punchestown.  This inland county has areas of low-lying bogs on its western bountary.  To the east, the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains meet its unique fertile plain, the Currage, which has 6,000 acres of grassland and; if up in the early morning, you can see beautiful throoughbred racehorses excerising. Visitors to Kildare can walk the countryside, play golf, fish, ride or cruise its waterways.  One of the best ways of exploring this county is by following the canals, either walking their towpaths or cruising their waters.  Away from the main roads, its a peaceful county with plenty of wild fowl, birds and animals in its river valleys, bogs, woodlands & canals.

Day 8

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!