Ireland Castle Tour

Kilkenny Castle, a stunning 12th-century Norman fortress in Kilkenny City, is a historic landmark symbolising centuries of power, especially for the Butler family. The Castle and estate offers opulent Victorian interiors, extensive parklands, and rich history from its founding by William Marshal to its current status as a major heritage attraction. Visitors can explore period rooms, the grand Picture Gallery, formal gardens, woodlands, and playgrounds, all set within 50 acres of grounds overlooking the River Nore.

House of Waterford stands proudly as Waterford’s flagship store and showcases Waterford’s key values of craftsmanship, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of Waterford from initial concept to final product. The factory is the beating heart of Waterford’s crystal manufacture and is where the most intricate, authentic, and masterful crystal pieces come to life. The factory is located in the heart of Waterford City in Ireland, a Viking city built in 914 AD, and is surrounded by a cluster of museums which detail the proud history of this great city.

Waterford Castle is a historic, 4-star luxury resort on a 310-acre private island in the River Suir, near Waterford City, Ireland. The island and castle are accessible by a short car ferry. It offers a 16th-century castle hotel with 19 rooms, modern self-catering lodges, an 18-hole championship golf course, fine dining, and activities like tennis and archery. Waterford castle is one of the most authentic Irish castles to tick off your Ireland bucket list as it perfectly combines medieval history with modern amenities for a unique island escape.

Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most recognisable historic landmarks, rising from woodland and waterways just outside Cork City. The present castle dates to the 15th century and was built by the MacCarthy dynasty, powerful regional rulers whose influence shaped much of Munster. Over centuries, Blarney Castle has become synonymous not only with medieval architecture, but with one of Ireland’s most enduring legends – the Blarney Stone – which is set high into the battlements of the castle. According to tradition, kissing the stone grants the “gift of the gab”, an ability to speak with charm, wit, and persuasion. Surrounding the castle is an extensive estate of gardens, parkland, woodland walks and waterways. Highlights include the Poison Garden, Fern Garden, and the atmospheric Rock Close, where ancient stones and shaded paths add a mythical quality to the grounds.

Killarney National Park in County Kerry, Ireland, is a stunning, vast protected area featuring mountains (McGillycuddy’s Reeks), the famous Lakes of Killarney, ancient woodlands (oak & yew), and waterfalls (like Torc). Its vast acres boast rich history, including Muckross House & Gardens, Ross Castle, and Bronze Age copper mines, offering activities like hiking, cycling, boat trips, and jaunting cars, all within Ireland’s first National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The Ring of Kerry (a scenic loop in Kerry) is one of Ireland’s most celebrated scenic drives, offering visitors a 179-kilometer journey through rugged coastline, rolling hills, charming villages, and historic landmarks. Located in County Kerry, this loop is an iconic exploration of the Iveragh Peninsula and a perfect way to experience Ireland’s natural beauty, culture, and heritage. The route is dotted with quaint villages, including Kenmare, Sneem, and Cahersiveen, where visitors can enjoy artisan shops, traditional music, and local cuisine.

The Dingle Peninsula (in County Kerry) is one of Ireland’s most dramatic and unspoiled coastal regions, renowned for its breath-taking views, rugged mountains, sweeping beaches, and cultural heritage. Each turn presents a new perspective of Ireland’s natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting. Dingle village itself is a vibrant cultural hub, known for its traditional music, artisan shops, seafood cuisine, colourful streets and friendly bottlenose dolphin, Fungi!

Dromoland Castle was the ancestral home of the O’Briens, all the way back to Brian Boru himself, Ireland’s most powerful High King. In the millennium between his time and ours, it has been the backdrop to grand romances, exciting dramas, and unforgettable events in Ireland’s history. With lavish décor, indulgent dining, fabulous views, on-site activities and magnificent bedrooms, this 5-star luxury castle and estate is the perfect place to feel at home during your time in Ireland.

Bunratty Castle in County Clare is a fully restored 15th-century tower house, recognised as the most ‘complete’ medieval fortress in Ireland. It is also known for its authentic furnishings, tapestries, and nightly medieval banquets. It’s part of the larger Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, which recreates 19th-century Irish rural life with historic buildings and a charming village setting, offering a rich historical experience from its Viking roots to its modern-day appeal as a top tourist attraction. The castle and grounds host events around key seasonal dates during the Spring, Summer, at Halloween and all throughout the Christmas; making it an enjoyable and magical day-tour in Ireland for adults and children alike.

The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are possibly Ireland’s most iconic natural wonders, drawing visitors from around the world to the west coast of Ireland (along the Wild Atlantic Way). Rising up to 214 meters above the Atlantic, this dramatic stretch of coastline runs for about 14 kilometers, offering panoramic views that extend to the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and even the mountains of Connemara on clear days. Visitors arrive not just for the sheer height and power of the cliffs, but for the feeling of standing at the edge of ancient geological history. These cliffs were formed over 300 million years ago from layers of sedimentary rock, shaped by relentless Atlantic waves into the spectacular sea cliffs seen today. O’Brien’s Tower, built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O’Brien stands as an observation point at the edge of the cliffs.

The Burren is one of Ireland’s most extraordinary landscapes, where rugged limestone pavements meet hidden valleys, ancient monuments, and rare flora. Located in County Clare, this unique region is often described as otherworldly, with a distinctive karst terrain shaped over thousands of years. For visitors, it is a place where natural history, archaeology, and culture converge to create a truly immersive experience. Walking through The Burren, you will notice the intricate limestone pavement, known as clints and grikes, creating a maze-like terrain that supports a remarkable variety of plant life.

Ballynahinch Castle is a luxury hotel and estate in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. It is known for its stunning natural setting among woodlands, rivers, and the Twelve Bens mountains, and offering activities like fishing, hiking, and fine dining from its estate-grown produce. The castle and estate over 700 acres of private grounds have deep historical roots tied to local clans like the O’Flahertys, and operating as a Relais & Châteaux property. The current building dates back to the 18th century and has evolved into a luxury hotel and the castle was even once owned by an Indian Prince in the 1920s.

Connemara National Park offers stunning landscapes of mountains (including the Twelve Bens), bogs, heaths, forests and wildlife (such as mountain ship), with free entry and visitor facilities near Letterfrack. Key attractions include the Diamond Hill walk for panoramic views, historical sites like megalithic tombs, Connemara ponies, and various trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging hikes for experienced trekkers. The park, established in 1980, provides a diverse Irish experience, accessible via its Visitor Centre with amenities like a cafe, playground, and exhibitions.

Kylemore Abbey, nestled in Connemara, Ireland, is a stunning Victorian castle transformed into a Benedictine monastery, renowned for its beautiful Gothic chapel, restored walled garden, and serene lakeside setting, offering a rich history of romance, education, and spirituality under the care of nuns. Originally built as Kylemore Castle by Mitchell Henry as a romantic gesture for his wife, it became home to Benedictine nuns fleeing Belgium during WWI in 1920, who continue to run it as a non-profit attraction, preserving its heritage and supporting their monastic life through visitor revenue. Visitors can explore the Abbey’s period rooms, the vast walled garden, woodland walks, and learn its captivating story of love, loss, and resilience

Clifden,is known as the “Capital of Connemara” and is a picturesque coastal town in County Galway, Ireland. It is the perfect base exploring the rugged Connemara region, offering stunning scenery where mountains meet the Atlantic, and boasting colourful streets filled with traditional pubs, shops, and cafes. Clifden also attracts tourists for its history, lively atmosphere, and proximity to iconic sites like the Sky Road and Kylemore Abbey, all while being a key centre for agriculture – especially Connemara Ponies.

Sky Road near Clifden,  is a famous 11-16km scenic loop on the Wild Atlantic Way, offering stunning panoramic views of Clifden Bay, the Atlantic, islands, and rugged Connemara landscape, featuring both a higher, dramatic upper road and a lower coastal road, ideal for driving or cycling. It’s a short, beautiful drive (30-60 mins) with viewpoints and nearby attractions like Clifden Castle. 

The Book of Kells is a world-famous, exquisitely illuminated Gospel manuscript from around 800 AD. It was created by Columban monks, showcasing the four Gospels in Latin with intricate Celtic art, animals, and symbols, considered Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure and displayed at Trinity College Dublin. It’s renowned for its stunning, elaborate illustrations which blend pagan traditions with Christian themes. The Book of Kells serves as a ceremonial object for the mostly illiterate population because it tells the stories of the bible through visuals.

The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, located at the historic St. James’s Gate Brewery. The Storehouse (and brewery) offers a self-guided, seven-floor experience detailing the history, brewing process, and iconic advertising of Guinness. The experience culminates in a complimentary pint at the Gravity Bar with panoramic city views of Ireland’s Capital. During the tour, visitors can expect to learn about the four ingredients, the brewing story and even how to pour the perfect pint, making it an immersive journey from grain to glass.

Clontarf Castle is a historic (but restored and modernised) castle in Dublin, Ireland. Its origins date back to the 12th century and, therefore, the castle and grounds have accumulated a deep history linked to the Battle of Clontarf (1014), and later owned by Knights Templar and Vernon family. Today, it operates as a luxury 4-star hotel blending medieval architecture with modern amenities, unique bedrooms, fine dining (Fahrenheit Grill), and event spaces. The property is located just minutes from Dublin city centre, making it a luxury and locational base for exploring Ireland’s capital and the East.