((( SELF-DRIVE CAR TOURS ))) - Ireland hidden castles

SELF-DRIVE CAR TOURS

Self Drive Car Tours Ireland's Hidden Castles

Ireland is best to be explored with “wheels” . As we know the country like no other, TTI put together 3 self-drive car tours, which will enable you to get acquainted with this beautiful island. We carefully selected our routes and obviously our accommodations. All you will have to do is drive and enjoy.

Suggestion: Add a ferry to this self drive car trip. We suggest either the landbridge from Stena Line or the combination of Seafrance and Irish Ferries.

This delightful 8 day tour allows you to stay in some of Irelands oldest castles. These castles, the oldest dating back to the 12th century, have all been converted into hotels which offer you all the comforts of a hotel whilst retaining their original charm and character.

Locations Visited: Kildare x 2 nights / Connemara x 3 nights / Cavan x 2 nights

Itinerary:

Day 1	Kildare or Offaly Arrive in Ireland and if time allows it before your 2 hours drive to your castle, explore the wealth of treasures that Dublin has to offer. Highlights include Trinity College with the Book Of Kells, Christchurch Cathedral and Dublin Castle and its many galleries and museums. Make your way to either Kilkea Castle in Kildare or Kinnitty Castle in Co. Offaly for your first night of luxury in Ireland.
Day 2	Wicklow Full day tour of the nearby County Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland. Visit the beautiful Powerscourt Estate nestling at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains with its gardens, deer herd and waterfall. On to Glendalough, the 6th century monastic site. Continue south through the village of Avoca and the Meeting of Waters. Return to Kilkea Castle or Kinnitty Castle for overnight.
Day 3	Kildare or Offaly to Sligo Depart your chosen Castle and travel to the provincial town of Athlone which sits on the River Shannon. Continue North through the towns of Carrick-on-Shannon and Boyle to Collooney where you will overnight in Markree Castle.
Day 4	Sligo Full day tour of the Yeats region where the poet spent a lot of his life. Visit Lissadell House, Yeats’ grave in Drumcliffe, the lakes of Lough Gill and Arrow, and the many sandy beaches around the Sligo coast. It is possible to take a boat trip on Lough Gill from Parks Castle and capture the environment which so inspired the Nobel winning poet, W.B. Yeats. Return to Markree Castle for second overnight.
Day 5	Mayo Visit the wild rugged county Mayo, an area which has suffered much through emigration both in the last century and today. Travel through the towns of Ballina and Belmullet to the beautiful coastline of Mulrany Bay. Perhaps a visit to the windswept Achill Island where Gaelic is still the spoken language. Return to Markree Castle passing through Westport and Castlebar.
Day 6	Sligo to Cavan Depart Sligo travelling north to Donegal. One of Ireland’s least well known but most attractive counties. Travel to the fishing village of Killybegs and the folk park of Glencolmcille. Perhaps stop at Magee Tweed manufacturers in Donegal town. Travel south through Omagh, Monaghan and Carrickmacross to Kingscourt for overnight in Cabra Castle.
Day 7	Carlingford Depart Cabra Castle for Dundalk and drive north through the beautiful scenery of the Cooley Peninsula. Visit to Carlingford, capital of the Cooley peninsula which nestles at the foot of the Slieve Foy mountains overlooking Carlingford Bay and the Mourne mountains. It is a town of great character with its narrow streets and medieval town houses and castle. This coastline is the largest producer of oysters in Ireland. Return to Cabra for overnight.
Day 8	Goodbye to Ireland Final day in Ireland. Depart the castle and travel towards Dublin through the Boyne Valley stopping at Newgrange, Ireland’s most famous burial chamber, before making your way home.

Prices:

IRL Castles	Prices p. person, based on half twin, B&B for 2009
		Apr, Oct	May-Jun, Sep	Jul-Aug	Single suppl.
		€ 608.-	€ 662.-	€ 662.-	€ 343.-

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