9-Night Ireland & Wales Castle and Culinary Highlights

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.

Suggested Sightseeing

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.

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.

Avoca Village, County Wicklow

On the Map: Nestled in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, Avoca is reached via a network of country roads. 1 hour/ 66km south of Dublin City in eastern Ireland, Avoca is most easily accessed from the N11 road that runs parallel to Ireland's east coast. In Avoca Village, you will find the "Meeting of the Waters" - the point at which the Avonmore and Avonbeg Rivers come together to form the Avoca River. Avoca is home to Ireland's oldest woollen mill, Avoca Handweavers, established in 1723. This family-owned craft design company began at the Old Mill where weavers produced the beautifully woven fabrics which became Avoca's hallmark. In recent years, Avoca became famous for being the setting of the popular BBC soap opera "Ballykissangel".

Day 3

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

Smithwick's Experience, County Kilkenny

On The Map: The Smithwick's Experience is just a 5 minute walk north of Kilkenny Castle - located on Parliament Street in the heart of Kilkenny City. Smithwick's unique ale, with its rich ruby glow and creamy head, is the perfect marriage of innovation and tradition. It's infused with hints of caramel and biscuit, a tingle of orange marmalade and a finish so crisp you could snap it in two. The story of Smithwick's is as interesting as the ale itself - truly a beer forged in adversity... It arrives in your glass by way of a darkened medieval abbey, a reprehensible royal, heinous laws, two world wars, two fat turkeys and more! If you choose to take the Smithwick's tour, you will learn all about this crafty beer. The tale begins in 1231 when some clever monks discovered a way of turning water into ale. Find out how the brew gained worldwide notoriety in the 18th century, and in the Brewhouse portion of the tour, learn how the varied ingredients are combined to create a unique character and flavor. Finally, it's onto the Taste Room to sample a pint and insure that the secrets of Smithwick's wonderful brewing process have been applied with good effect!

Kilkenny, County Kilkenny

On the Map: Kilkenny City is located in County Kilkenny, in the southeast midlands of Ireland. Kilkenny is well-served by a good network of roads - the M9/N10 from Dublin (to the northeast) and N9/N10 from Waterford City (to the south). Kilkenny, or the Marble City as it is known, is one of Ireland's oldest towns, and proud of it. Its array of ancient buildings is unrivalled. It is renowned for being a vibrant cultural center, devoted to the musical and visual arts. Its two most impressive landmarks are Kilkenny Castle, founded in 1172 and privately owned until 1967, and St. Canice's Cathedral. The current structure of the cathedral dates from the 13th century, though this is nowhere near the beginning of its story, which is rich in folklore and legend. There is no shortage of pubs to explore and enjoy in Kilkenny and during the summer the city is always full of life. The summer also sees the city host an Arts Festival and a very highly regarded Comedy Festival called the Cat Laughs.

Rothe House & Garden, County Kilkenny

On The Map: Rothe House is located on Parliament Street in the heart of Kilkenny City

Rothe House & Garden, a historic house in Kilkenny in the South East of Ireland, is the only example of an early 17th century merchant’s townhouse in Ireland. It is an important element of Kilkenny’s heritage, with its historic garden and museum - one of the few private museums in Ireland. Rothe House is the centre for Irish genealogy in Kilkenny city and county, and you can research your Kilkenny family history here. Built between 1594 and 1610, Rothe is steeped in rich local and national history, and a visit is high on the list of things to do in Kilkenny. The House and Garden are owned by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, and managed by Rothe House Trust. The House is open to the public, displaying some of the 2,500 historic artefacts collected by the Society since its founding in 1947. These artefacts all relate to Kilkenny heritage throughout the ages and some date from pre-historic times. The Garden, open since 2008, is a reconstruction of an early 17th century urban garden.

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 4

Accommodation

Luxury Boutique 4-Star 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.
The hotel does not have parking facilities but the Parkrite public car park is situated directly opposite the hotel. This is open 24 hours a day except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and St Stephen's Day (December 26th). Inquire at hotel front desk for special rate information.  

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. 

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.

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

Luxury Boutique 4-Star 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.
The hotel does not have parking facilities but the Parkrite public car park is situated directly opposite the hotel. This is open 24 hours a day except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and St Stephen's Day (December 26th). Inquire at hotel front desk for special rate information.  

Included Unique Activities

Guinness Connoisseur Experience

You’re invited on a tasting and storytelling journey, delving deeper into the origins and tastes of Guinness. As part of a small, intimate group, you share stories over beers brewed right here at St. James’s Gate. A Guinness beer specialist will reveal the nuances, distinct aromas and flavours of famous Guinness varieties and more. To finish off your unique experience, you’ll learn the enviable skill of pouring your own pint. The self-guided Guinness Storehouse experience is included with this ticket. At the Gravity Bar, take in the view over Dublin City and enjoy a pint of Guinness, one of our other Guinness beers or a non-alcoholic drink included in your ticket. 

Suggested Sightseeing

Trinity College, County Dublin

On The Map: Trinity College is located in the heart of Dublin City. Just south of the River Liffey, the campus grounds are bordered by Grafton, College, Pearse, Nassau & Leinster Streets.

Time spent in Dublin would not be complete without a visit to Trinity College. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st, it is one of the oldest universities in the British Isles, and the very oldest in Ireland. Standing on a self contained site in the very heart of Dublin, the College itself covers some 35 acres of cobbled squares and green spaces surrounded by buildings which represent the accumulated architectural riches of nearly three centuries. Although Trinity offers much of interest to the visitor, the crown jewel is without doubt the Book of Kells. The Book is an 'illuminated manuscript', globally celebrated for its lavish decoration. The manuscript contains the four Gospels in Latin based on a Vulgate text, written on vellum (prepared calfskin), in a bold and expert version of the script known as 'insular majuscule'. Written in the 9th century, it has been on display in the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin from the mid-19th century, and attracts over 500,000 visitors a year.

O'Connell Street, County Dublin

On The Map: Located in the heart of Dublin city, the street's layout is simple but elegant. Within O'Connell Street and it's side streets you'll find endless historical monuments, dining choices and shopping districts, both traditional and high street. O'Connell Street has often been centre-stage in Irish history, attracting the city's most prominent monuments and public art through the centuries, and formed the backdrop to one of the 1913 Dublin Lockout gatherings, the 1916 Easter Rising, the Irish Civil War of 1922, the destruction of the Nelson Pillar in 1966, and many public celebrations, protests and demonstrations through the years – a role it continues to play to this day. State funeral corteges have often passed the GPO on their way to Glasnevin Cemetery, while today the street is used as the main route of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, and as the setting for the 1916 Commemoration every Easter Sunday. It also serves as a major bus route artery through the city centre.

Attractions:

General Post Office (GPO), Statue of Daniel O'Connell, The Spire, Staute of James Stewart Parnell, Clery's Department Store, Major Shopping Districts.

Christ Church Cathedral, County Dublin

Christ Church Cathedral is a leading visitor attraction and has been a place of pilgrimage for almost 1,000 years. Located in the heart of Medieval Dublin and renowned for its beauty, architecture and exquisite floor tiles, Christ Church Cathedral was founded in 1030 by Sitric, King of the Dublin Norsemen. In 1152 it was incorporated into the Irish Church and eventually led by the famous Archbishop and patron saint of Dublin, Laurence O’Toole. The cathedral is home to the famous 12th-century crypt, one of the oldest and largest in Britain and Ireland. The restored crypt houses the important Treasures of Christ Church exhibition which features manuscripts and artefacts that give visitors some impression of nearly one thousand years of worship in the cathedral and nearby churches.The Treasury also plays host to a rare 14th century copy of the Magna Carta Hiberniae.

Dublin Castle, County Dublin

Since its foundation in 1204, Dublin Castle has been at the heart of the history and evolution of Dublin.  Today, spanning an area of over 44,000 square meters (11 acres), the site contains 2 museums, 2 cafés, an international conference centre, 2 gardens, Government Buildings and the State Apartments (the most important state rooms in the country). The grounds of the Castle are free to explore, as is the Chapel Royal, the Chester Beatty Library, the Garda Museum and the Revenue Museum.  Access to the State Apartments is by guided tour only and tickets may be purchased from the Apartments in the Upper Castle Yard.

Day 6

Accommodation

Award-winning Country House - Menai Bridge, Wales

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

Ferry from Dublin to Holyhead

Travel by ferry to Dublin and Holyhead and get away the easy way to Ireland and Wales. Enjoy the best travel experience on the Irish Sea onboard the Stena Adventurer or Stena Estrid Superferries travelling 8 times daily between Dublin and Holyhead in only 3 hours 15 minutes.

Private Transfer to/from Dublin Port, Dublin

Your tour includes a luxurious private transfer to or from Dublin Port. If arriving at Dublin Port; once you have collected your luggage, proceed through the Piers, and look for your driver. He/She will be holding an iPad with your name thereon, and will quickly escort you outside, where your ride awaits. Before you know it, you will have arrived at your Dublin City Center Hotel, and your Irish adventure can truly begin! If departing from Dublin Port, we will ensure you arrive in plenty of time to check in for your ferry. Just the perfect part of a well-deserved, relaxing vacation... All part of our Authentic Vacations 5-star Customer Service!

Should you have any difficulty making contact with your driver, please use any Courtesy Phone or contact us.

Suggested Sightseeing

Holyhead to The Menai Strait, Wales

Upon arrival in Holyhead, you will head to the Menai Strait. Along the way, take time to stop at Llanfair PG for a photo with the sign that displays the longest location name in Europe. In the afternoon, perhaps enjoy lunch at Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens - a large restoration of a previously hidden garden never before seen by the general public. You may also wish to take a saltcote tour - complete with a tutored salt tasting - on the nearby grounds of Halen Môn Sea Salt.  In the evening, may we suggest dinner at the Michelin-star awarded Sosban & The Old Butchers restaurant - a renowned restaurant that is often booked out a year in advance (so be sure to get reservations early). The restaurant is run by a husband and wife team and surprises guests with a menu featuring dishes made with local produce foraged that day. Dine on dishes like Scottish salmon with ginger, carrot and cucumber. If the restaurant is fully booked, don’t worry, there are plenty of other dining options in the area. 

Overnight Location

Anglesey, Wales

On the map: The Isle of Anglesey is the largest island in England and Wales, with an area of 261 square miles, separated from the North Wales mainland by the Menai Strait.

Anglesey island is known for its ancient history and prehistoric and Celtic remains, as well as stunning landscapes, unspoilt coastlines and picturesque towns and villages. Miles of scenic walks on the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path and cycle paths await the active traveler, and much of the coastline has been declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, boasting beaches that offer vast stretches of sand, safe swimming, and windswept bays.

Day 7

Accommodation

Historic Heart of Conwy Hotel - Conwy, Wales

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11:00am.

Included Unique Activities

Rib Boat Safari

Join us for an action-packed 60 minute RIB trip and experience some of the most magnificent sights along the Menai Strait. Departing from St George’s Pier in Menai Bridge, your skipper will be your fun guide as you travel beneath the impressive Menai suspension bridge, into the world famous Swellies. Rest assured you will be in safe hands, as your Skipper skilfully navigates through the channel. The Swellies is rich in history, and you’ll be kept entertained with tales of shipwrecks, fish traps and lions!

After reaching Britannia Bridge and saluting Nelson, you’ll turn around for a second spin through this amazing stretch of water before travelling up the Menai Strait to Beaumaris. Along the way you’ll pass the spectacular houses of Menai Bridge, known locally as Millionaire’s Row, many of which have their own fascinating and sometimes chequered history.

Then it’s a flyby of Garth Pier, the second longest in Wales and onto The Gazelle, a waterfront pub where people once gathered to wait for the ferry to take them from Anglesey to the mainland. The ferry is long gone, but the slipway remains. Onwards from The Gazelle discover the gruesome history of Gallows Point before the colourful and cheery houses of the seaside town of Beaumaris come into view. As the Menai Strait opens out enjoy stunning views of the Eryri mountain range (weather permitting!).

Note: Occasionally the skipper may run this trip in reverse order.

Suggested Sightseeing

Menai Strait & Welsh Castles, Wales

Start your day with a Rib boat ride along the Menai Strait. RibRide is a Blue Flag Sustainable Boat Tour Operator award winner and gives guests the adventure of a lifetime! After the boat ride, may we suggest stopping at Dylan’s, Menai Bridge for lunch. You may also wish to save time for visits to Penrhyn Castle (an enormous 19th-century neo-Norman castle that sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait) and Caernarfon Castle (perhaps the best preserved of King Edward I’s “Ring of Iron,” four medieval castles built to conquer the Welsh).  

Menai Bridge, Wales

Overnight Location

Conwy, Wales

Conwy is a true one-off. Well-preserved ancient walls, the most intact in Europe, enclose a town of narrow cobbled streets, nooks and crannies chock-full of historic buildings. And that’s just the half of it. The walls radiate out from a gritty, dark-stoned castle that, even after all these years, still preserves an authentic medieval atmosphere – and still has the power to dominate. Conwy Castle, a World Heritage Site, was a key part of the ‘iron ring’ of fortresses built around Snowdonia in the 13th century by Edward I to contain the Welsh. The views from the battlements, with the mountains of Snowdonia one way, the Conwy Estuary the other, are stunning. And it’s from here that the entire town comes into perspective, ringed by a circuit of walls over three-quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers. A Conwy ‘must-do’ is a walk along these walls, before venturing into the streets below and visiting places like Plas Mawr (the UK’s best-preserved Elizabethan town house) and the dinky Smallest House (see if you can fit inside). There are plenty of other historic sites, little shops, and places to eat all packed inside the ancient walls. 

Day 8

Accommodation

Historic Heart of Conwy Hotel - Conwy, Wales

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11:00am.

Suggested Sightseeing

Full Day Exploring Conwy, Wales

The day is yours to explore as you wish! Perhaps start with a visit to Conwy Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Walk along the walls of the castle and marvel at the gateways and towers. After the castle visit, may we suggest stopping for lunch at Bodnant Food Centre, set in the heart of the Conwy Valley and surrounded by the stunning scenery of Snowdonia. You will also have the opportunity to visit Bodnant Garden while you are here. In the evening, you may wish to dine like the Welsh at Erskin Arms - a traditional Georgian coaching inn nestled within the walls of Conwy Castle. 

Day 9

Accommodation

4-Star City Center Hotel - Manchester, North West Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.

Suggested Sightseeing

Full Day Exploring Llandudno, Wales

Your last full day allows time to explore Llandudno. Perhaps visit the Great Orme and take a cable car up to the top (weather permitting). After, take a stroll on the pier and enjoy the nautical views. For lunch, may we suggest dining at The Seahorse Restaurant & Bistro or Lawton’s Cafe Grill.   

Overnight Location

Manchester, North West Region

On The Map: Manchester is located in the northwest of England, just 35 miles east of Liverpool.

Manchester's origins can be traced to the Roman fort of Mamucium, which was established circa AD 79. Interestingly, the city's residents are still referred to as Mancunians! Manchester's development exploded at the turn of the 19th century, as a direct result of the booming textile industry, when it became the world's first Industrialized City. Manchester boasts a great variety of architectural styles - from Victorian to Contemporary. Manchester Town Hall (pictured), was built in the Gothic Revival style, and is one of the most important Victorian buildings in England. Manchester's two squares (Albert & Piccadilly Gardens) host the majority of the city's public monuments. The Manchester music scene is globally recognized, having produced many celebrated bands including The Smiths, Oasis, Happy Mondays & The Stone Roses, to name but a few. Manchester is also synonymous with sport, boasting two of the biggest teams in football (soccer!). Manchester United is the most successful club in English history, with Manchester City becoming League Champions in 2014. A deep-rooted and bitter rivalry exists, insuring that high-stakes games between the two are always overflowing with tension and drama!

Day 10

Depart From

Depart from Manchester Airport, North West Region

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