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Ireland B&Bs & 5-Star Castle Stay (Self-Drive)

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Brian Whitacre, Travel Agent in Gresham, OR

Brian Whitacre

Gresham, OR Travel Agent

Brian Whitacre

Gresham, OR · 7 Years of Experience

Whitacre Travel, an independent agent with WorldVia, a Travel Leaders Agency
5.0
(7)
100% Recommended
Brian was very helpful from the beginning stages of planning our trip, all the way through the very last day when we had last minute questions... Read More >
COUNTRIES VISITED:Ireland
PLACES VISITED:Cong, Dublin, Wicklow
SUGGESTED DURATION:10 Days
Explore Ireland in 10 days. This itinerary showcases the diverse sides of Ireland with stays at luxurious 5-star castles and cozy bed and breakfasts, offering a blend of royal elegance and authentic local charm. Travelers enjoy the ultimate freedom with a self-drive rental car, crafting their own adventure.
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DAY1
Dublin
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Arrival and Dublin Highlights
Arrive at Dublin Airport at 7:10 AM, pick up your automatic rental car with GPS and VIP insurance, and check into your Ireland hotel. Immerse yourself in Irish history at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, explore the historic halls of Trinity College, raise a toast with a stout at the Guinness Storehouse, stroll vibrant Grafton Street, and savor a delightful meal at a local restaurant.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Raise a pint at Guinness Storehouse.
Wander the hallowed halls of Trinity College
DAY2
Ireland
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Cozy B&B Start
Check out from your Dublin hotel and drive your rental car to a carefully chosen Irish B&B, where you can craft a flexible itinerary. Enjoy a home-cooked breakfast and gather local insights from your hosts about attractions, pubs, and hidden gems. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the surrounding countryside at your own pace.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Relish a homemade breakfast
Uncover the charm of local villages
DAY3
Ireland
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Countryside Exploration
After a hearty breakfast, take the wheel and explore the countryside, seeking out abandoned castles, visiting farms, or enjoying scenic drives based on your B&B's location.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Discover abandoned castles
Take in breathtaking scenic drives
DAY4
Ireland
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Free Day in Countryside
Enjoy a free day to drive to iconic landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher or Blarney Castle, depending on your B&B's region, with the freedom to set your own schedule.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Marvel at the majestic Cliffs of Moher
Kiss the legendary Blarney Stone
DAY5
Ireland
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Relaxed Scenic Day
Spend another free day soaking in Ireland's rugged coastlines, lush hills, and tranquil lakes around your B&B, all at your leisure with your rental car.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Admire the rugged coastlines
Unwind by serene lakes
DAY6
Cong
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Luxury Castle Experience.
Check out from your B&B and drive to Cong for a lavish stay at the 5-star Ashford Castle, a historic gem once owned by the Guinness family. Indulge in unique rooms, dine exquisitely at George V Restaurant, and try activities like falconry, golf on a private nine-hole course, or fishing on Lough Corrib.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Soar with hawks at Ireland's first falconry school
Tee off on the private golf course
DAY7
Ireland
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Next B&B Adventure
Check out from Ashford Castle and drive to your next chosen B&B, using your rental car to explore at your own rhythm. Spend the afternoon discovering local activities with host recommendations.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Embark on a guided walking tour
Stumble upon hidden local pubs
DAY8
Ireland
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Full Day Exploration.
Use your B&B as a home base for a full day of self-driven exploration, potentially visiting more iconic sites based on your location.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Discover nearby attractions
Benefit from host-provided insights
DAY9
Wicklow
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Garden of Ireland Retreat
Check out from your B&B and drive to Wicklow, checking into the luxurious Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort. Enjoy spa treatments, championship golf, fine dining at Hugo's, and must-see attractions like Powerscourt Gardens, Glendalough, and the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Stroll through the stunning Powerscourt Gardens
Hike the rugged Wicklow Mountains
DAY10
Dublin
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Departure Day
Check out from Druids Glen, drive back to Dublin Airport to return your rental car, and depart at 9:20 AM, with an option to extend your stay.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Reflect on Ireland's diverse beauty
Consider an extra day to linger
FINAL THOUGHTS
This self-drive journey unveils Ireland's dual allure, blending the opulence of luxurious castles with the warmth of cozy B&Bs, all while giving you the freedom to explore at your pace. Let the Emerald Isle's magic and memories endure forever.