Echoes of Stone – Discover Ireland’s Castles and Manors

Highlights of this tour include

Amazing 4 and 5 Star Accommodations, with full Irish Breakfast daily.

Featured Properties

• 2 nights – The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin 5-star
• 1 night – Cashel Palace, Cashel 5-star
• 2 nights – The Great Southern, Killarney 4-star
• 1 night – Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-On-Fergus 5-star Castle

Enjoy the comfort and convenience of your dedicated Irish driver guide.  Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will deliver a safe, informative, and fun vacation ensuring your experience is all that you expect.

• 4 Days Private Driver/Guide and Luxury vehicle with pick up on day 3, drop off at the end of day 6. Includes all driver’s costs – driver gratuity at your discretion is not included.

*Deluxe Room at Dromoland Castle. Price and room categories subject to availability. Ask about upgrades.

Suggested Itinerary

This chauffeur-driven tour is completely customizable and can be tailored to suit your preferences. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or as part of a larger group, we can adjust the itinerary to accommodate any number of participants. Additional nights, alternative accommodations, and extra sightseeing opportunities can be incorporated to ensure your journey through Ireland matches your interests and pace. Let us know what you want, and we’ll craft an itinerary that’s perfect for you.

Day 1: Arrival in Dublin

Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, you will transfer independently to the Fitzwilliam Hotel, a stylish and centrally located property near St. Stephen’s Green. After settling in, you may want to take a leisurely stroll through Grafton Street, Dublin’s lively shopping district, where street performers, boutique shops, and charming cafés create a vibrant atmosphere. St. Stephen’s Green itself is a wonderful spot to relax, with accessible pathways winding through beautifully landscaped gardens.

For a touch of history, consider visiting Dublin Castle, where the State Apartments and gardens provide insight into Ireland’s past. In the evening, you can enjoy dinner at one of Dublin’s renowned restaurants. Chapter One offers an elegant fine dining experience, while The Winding Stair, overlooking the River Liffey, serves refined Irish cuisine with a cozy ambiance.

Overnight: The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin (B)

Day 2: Dublin – Independent Exploration

With a full day to explore, you may wish to visit Trinity College, home to the famous Book of Kells. The stunning Long Room Library, lined with ancient books and towering wooden shelves, is a must-see for history lovers. If you’re interested in Ireland’s more recent past, a visit to Kilmainham Gaol offers a deeply moving look at the country’s struggle for independence.

For those who prefer to explore at a slower pace, the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology is an excellent choice, showcasing Viking relics, Celtic treasures, and the fascinating bog bodies.

If you’d like to experience Ireland’s world-famous brewing and distilling traditions, consider a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, where you can learn about the history of this iconic stout and enjoy a pint with panoramic views from the Gravity Bar. Alternatively, you may want to stop by one of Dublin’s whiskey distilleries, such as Teeling or Roe & Co, where you can explore the craft of Irish whiskey-making.

As evening falls, you might enjoy an Irish storytelling and music session at The Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub, or perhaps a performance at the historic Gaiety Theatre.

Overnight: The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin (B)

Day 3: Dublin to Cashel – The Rock of Cashel

Your driver will meet you at the Fitzwilliam Hotel, and you’ll set off on a journey through Ireland’s scenic countryside. As you travel south, rolling green hills and charming villages dot the landscape, making for a picturesque drive.

Upon arrival in Cashel, you’ll check into the luxurious Cashel Palace Hotel, a stunning property with a deep connection to Irish heritage. One of the highlights of the area is the Rock of Cashel, an extraordinary medieval site perched on a limestone hill. The ancient ruins, including high crosses and round towers, tell the story of Ireland’s past, and the panoramic views from the site are breathtaking.

We recommend dinner tonight at Bishop’s Buttery, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, where a seasonal menu showcases locally sourced ingredients in a refined setting.

Overnight: Cashel Palace, Cashel (B)

Day 4: Cashel to Killarney – A Journey Through County Cork

After breakfast, you’ll depart Cashel and begin your journey toward Killarney, with opportunities to stop along the way and explore some of Ireland’s most historic sites.

A short drive brings you to Cahir Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Ireland, dramatically set on an island in the River Suir. If you wish to continue exploring, Blarney Castle & Gardens is another fascinating stop. While you may or may not choose to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, the castle’s extensive gardens, hidden pathways, and tranquil waterfalls are well worth a visit.

Arriving in Killarney, you’ll check into the elegant Great Southern Hotel, a grand historic property that has been welcoming guests for generations. In the evening, you might take a short walk into town to explore its lively pubs and restaurants. Dinner within the hotel offers a refined experience, or if you prefer a more traditional atmosphere, Bricín serves excellent Irish cuisine with a warm and inviting ambiance.

Overnight: The Great Southern, Killarney (B)

Day 5: Discovering Killarney and the Ring of Kerry

Today can be a day to immerse yourself in the charm of Killarney at a relaxed pace. Killarney National Park is a wonderful place to start, offering scenic lakes, woodlands, and accessible pathways for those who wish to enjoy nature. A visit to Muckross House & Gardens provides a fascinating look at 19th-century Irish life, and the beautifully maintained gardens are a delight to explore. For those interested in something more leisurely, a jaunting car ride through the park is a fun and traditional way to take in the scenery.

Or, enjoy one of Ireland’s most breathtaking drives as you set off on a journey around the Ring of Kerry. The route showcases some of the country’s most stunning landscapes, from rugged coastal cliffs to rolling green hills and shimmering lakes.

A stop at Ladies View offers a spectacular panoramic vista over the lakes of Killarney, a scene that has captivated visitors for generations. The colorful town of Kenmare is a lovely place to pause, with its artisan shops and charming streets. As the journey continues, you’ll pass through coastal villages like Waterville and Caherdaniel, where the Atlantic Ocean crashes against the shore. Sneem, with its picturesque stone bridges and brightly painted houses, is another gem along the way.

The day’s journey brings you back to Killarney, where you can spend the evening relaxing at the hotel or enjoying live traditional music in town.

Overnight: The Great Southern, Killarney (B)

Day 6: Killarney to Dromoland Castle

Leaving Killarney behind, you’ll travel north toward Dromoland Castle, one of Ireland’s most luxurious country estates. Along the way, you might wish to stop in Adare, a postcard-perfect village known for its thatched cottages, medieval ruins, and charming boutiques.

Another option is to visit Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, where history comes to life in a beautifully preserved medieval castle and a living history village depicting 19th-century rural Ireland.

Upon arrival at Dromoland Castle you will say goodbye to your chauffeur driver.  At the castle, you’ll be welcomed into a world of elegance and history. Set on a vast estate, the castle offers opportunities to stroll through manicured gardens, unwind in the spa, or simply relax in the grandeur of the historic interiors. Afternoon tea in the drawing room is a delightful way to soak in the atmosphere, or you may prefer to enjoy a quiet evening by the fire.

Dinner at The Earl of Thomond, the castle’s fine-dining restaurant, could be a fitting finale to your journey through Ireland, offering a refined menu inspired by the finest local ingredients.

Overnight: Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-On-Fergus (B)

Day 7: Departure from Shannon Airport

This morning, you’ll bid farewell to Ireland as you take a taxi from Dromoland Castle to Shannon Airport. The short journey makes for an easy and relaxed departure, but if you wish to extend your stay, additional touring options can be arranged.

What to know about your vacation

Inclusions

• 4 Days Private Driver/Guide and Luxury vehicle with pick up on day 3, drop off at the end of day 6. Includes all driver’s costs – driver gratuity at your discretion is not included.
  6 nights in carefully selected hotels
  Full Irish breakfast daily

Elements NOT INCLUDED

• Travel insurance must be paid for at the time of deposit to cover any pre-existing conditions, if purchased after initial payment, pre-existing conditions are subject to exclusion.  Click here to buy insurance now from TravelGuard, or call our office for assistance.
• Airfare (optional)
• Private Driver gratuity is NOT included
• Transportation on arrival/departure – taxis are available or other transport can be arranged
• Meals, drinks, snacks, admissions, not indicated in the itinerary
• Beverages, including alcohol and soft-drinks, unless specified
• Tips, admissions, and other “out of pocket” items not designated in the itinerary
• Gratuity to hotel/wait staff, supplemental guides, attraction hosts,  etc.
• Items of a personal nature, including mini-bar, gift shop, room charges, etc.
• Airline upgrades, special seating requests, excess/overweight baggage, connecting flights, or club access

Terms and Conditions

Price is per person sharing based on double occupancy.  Price is based on availability and subject to sell out.

View our complete Terms and Conditions.

Call reservations at 800-237-9376