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Experience Ireland's medieval history through Ireland's castles of Fitzpatrick, Abbeyglen, Ballyseede, and Barberstown. Discover Irish history and its stunning landscapes
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Intermediate Tours require a moderate level of activity. On certain days passengers may encounter long travel days, while other days they will be standing or walking for extended periods of time (sometimes over difficult terrains) during sightseeing excursions.
Explore the stunning country of Ireland on this 8-day self-drive tour. Beginning in Dublin, guests will spend the first two nights at the Clontarf Castle hotel, parts of which date back to the year 1172 offering the perfect blend of a boutique and luxury hotel. After experiencing the vibrant city of Dublin, you will then drive west through the stunning countryside to County Galway, for two nights in the charming Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, nestled in the romantic setting of the Twelve Bens with beautiful views overlooking Clifden Bay. Enjoy exploring the beautiful Connemara region, before heading south through County Clare “the land of castles” to County Kerry. The following two nights will be spent at Ballyseede Castle, with a history dating back to the 1590’s, from here you can explore the Dingle Peninsula and perhaps take a trip to the unspoilt Blasket Islands. Heading back east you will spend your final night in a 13th century castle in the heart of the horse-breeding county of Kildare.
Please note: The prices shown are land-only, meaning international flights are not included.
To add international flights from any airport in the USA or Canada, simply select your preferred departure date below and click “Book Now.”
On the Booking Details page, you will be able to enter your departure city and see the updated total price including flights.
When you book your flights with us, we offer competitive and hassle-free airfare options, often with multiple choices to suit your schedule and preferences.
In addition, airport transfers are included at no extra cost when flights are booked through us.
Prices for this tour are per person, based on a twin / double room sharing basis.
Single supplement is available at $ 549 per person.
| Extra night pre tour in Dublin incl. breakfast & airport transfer | |
|---|---|
| Charges for 1 Day(s) |
+ $260 |
| Rooming Charges | |
| Twin/Double Sharing Basis | +0 |
| Single Supplement | + $190 / person |
*Any deviation to the group dates will involve an additional fee of USD 150
| Extra night post tour in Dublin incl. breakfast & airport transfer | |
|---|---|
| Tour Extension for 1 Day(s) |
+ $260 |
| Rooming Charges | |
| Twin/Double Sharing Basis | +0 |
| Single Supplement | + $190 / person |
*Any deviation to the group dates will involve an additional fee of USD 150
| Extra Services Selection | |
|---|---|
| Upgrade to Automatic Economy car (Group E) Volkswagen Up or similar | + $160 |
Make your own way to your selected gateway Airport for your international flight to Dublin. Enjoy inflight meals and services.
Welcome to Dublin International Airport, where you will pick up your rental car. Dublin is a vibrant and historic capital city with many historic buildings, Georgian streets, and colourful gardens.
Overnight in Dublin
Today, why not spend the day exploring some of Dublin’s fine museums and galleries? Trace the city’s history from its early Viking origins through to the medieval magnificence of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Visit Dublinia at Christchurch, where the turbulent history of medieval Dublin comes vividly to life. As part of many well-curated Ireland tour packages, a stop at the 16th-century Trinity College—founded by Elizabeth I and now home to the famous illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells—is a must. And of course, don’t forget about the Guinness Storehouse for a tasting of the world-famous ‘black stuff.’
Overnight in Dublin
Leave Dublin this morning and travel across the rich midland pastures. We recommend a visit to Belvedere House, Gardens and Park. The magnificent early 18th century stately home of Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere, stands in 160 acres of parkland on the shores of Lough Ennell. Belvedere is one of the finest of Ireland's historic houses, and together with gardens and park has been exquisitely restored. Before you cross the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, you can visit Clonmacnoise a 6th century Christian site. Arrive at Galway, which has long traded with Spain and the Spanish influences in the city are many. Of note is the Spanish Arch, a gateway to the old city walls and the Spanish Parade, where wealthy merchants and their families enjoyed a stroll along the promenade. Continue to Clifden where you shall be staying in the wonderful Abbeyglen Castle which has a panoramic view of Clifden and the bay with a backdrop of the Twelve Bens.
Overnight in County Galway
Today travel through the wild and rugged Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery. Visit Connemara National Park, where Connemara ponies and Irish red deer roam freely through 5,000 acres of scenic mountains, bogs, and grassland. You can also visit the magnificent Kylemore Abbey a beautiful mansion in a lakeside setting against a mountainous backdrop. Irish Benedictine nuns, with a tradition of over 300 years run this unique Abbey set in the midst of the Connemara, overlooking Pollacappul Lake. On your return, you can take a scenic drive through Leenane where you have an option to board the Sea Cruise through Killary Fjord which will reveal some of the hidden coastal and mountain scenery of the Connemara.
Overnight in County Galway
Leave Galway this morning, and travel south through Galway and into County Clare, known as the “land of castles”. Why not visit Rathbaun Farm and see the animals being tended or enjoy a traditional tea and scones break. Travel on through the strange lunar landscape of the Burren region or visit the Cliffs of Moher a spectacular 5-mile long cliff, which rises almost 200m above sea level. Stop in the heritage town of Kilrush, before boarding a ferry to Tarbert (ferry not included) in north County Kerry. Arriving in Tarbert continue through Listowel and on to Tralee and Killarney.
Overnight in Kerry
This morning breath-taking landscapes will unfold in front of your eyes as you drive around the Dingle Peninsula before arriving in Dunquin, on the westernmost tip of the peninsula, where you can visit the Blasket Islands Heritage Centre. This living history museum explores island living, from the land, the sea, and the language, to the weather and the seasons, as well as the distinctive character of the Blasket Islanders. Weather permitting you can embark on a 2 to 3 hour boat trip around the nine main Blasket Islands. The islands are remote, unspoilt, unpolluted, and spectacularly beautiful and home to an incredible number of breeding seabirds, with the surrounding seas home to dolphins, porpoises, Atlantic seals and even the occasional whale or orca.
Overnight in Kerry
This morning spend an hour or two in the medieval city of Limerick, either exploring its history and architecture or purchasing some of the splendid crafts on offer. Perhaps visit the Hunt Museum, exhibiting of one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and antiquities. Leave Limerick and travel eastwards towards Straffan in Co. Kildare. En-route, a small detour will bring you to the imposing Rock of Cashel which rises dramatically from the flat countryside. The rock is crowned by a group of buildings, both ecclesiastical and royal, including a round tower, a 13th century Romanesque chapel and the beautifully restored Hall of the Vicar Choral. Continue through rich pastures of Ireland’s midlands before arriving in Kildare for your overnight in Barberstown Castle, a 13th century castle, located in the heart of the horse breeding county of Kildare.
Overnight in Kildare
Today make your way back to Dublin International Airport in time to drop off the car before checking in for your onward flight.
The original house, Mount Mapas was built in 1740 by Col. John Mapas, although records show that a building or buildings stood here at a much earlier date. Killiney Castle exchanged hands again with the late Paddy and Eithne Fitzpatrick taking over the helm in the 1970's, transforming it into a first class hotel and re-naming it Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. Today their daughter Eithne Fitzpatrick Scott-Lennon owns the hotel and together with her family continues to guide the way to its continued success, whilst maintaining the original Castle charm and Irish welcome long associated with the Castle
Set in beautiful gardens in the heart of Connemara, the romantic Abbeyglen Castle Hotel has tennis courts, a spa bath and stunning views of Clifden and the Twelve Bens mountains. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel was built in 1832 and offers a new beauty and relaxation centre, and many indoor and outdoor facilities. Spacious rooms have a TV, DVD player and free Wi-Fi internet. The AA Rosette restaurant serves international cuisine and there are relaxing lounge areas to enjoy. The peaceful Abbeyglen has the Twelve Bens mountains as its backdrop, and is an ideal base for touring Connemara.
Immersed within its own parklands, this stunning 19th century country house is set on the edge of Killarney's National Park, only a 10-minute walk away from Killarney town centre. An area of outstanding natural beauty with its untamed landscape of mountains, lakes, and woodland, during your stay you can enjoy walks, hikes, horse-riding and cycling through the National Park. The on-site Herbert Restaurant, awarded 2 AA Rosettes, enjoys views of the gardens, and offers an extensive menu with all produce locally sourced. Herbert Restaurant is closed every Sunday when food service is available in the Cellar Bar. The approach to Cahernane House Hotel is through a tunnel of greenery which frames the long private avenue and instils a slower, sweeter tempo and a true sense of tranquillity.
Gathering accolades and distinctions from centuries of distinguished guests, Barberstown Castle's rich and colorful heritage makes it an Irish treasure with more than 800 years of stories to recite next to its glowing fireplaces. From Lord Dunsaney to Arnold Palmer, from Sean Connery to Bob Dylan, this historic castle is where discriminating travelers embark on journeys through Irish history that combine comfortable yet elegant accommodations with explorations of the Emerald Isle. Barberstown Castle's historic accommodations inspire travelers to reach beyond known worlds and to indulge themselves with authentic Irish culture and hospitality, dine on exquisite cuisine, and experience moments that are to be treasured, remembered, and never forgotten.
Please refer to the following link(s) for important information about your specific destination.
Island of Ireland | Island of Ireland Car Rental T&C
Click here to check our recommended travel protection plan.
All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age for children on escorted tours is 8. Minimum age on Safaris is 8. Minimum age for game drives in Kruger National Park (South Africa) is 12. Minimum age for Uganda programs is 15.
Please note that many countries have adopted practices to prevent international abductions of children. If a person under the age of 18 years will be travelling with an adult other than his/her parents, or with only one parent, a notarized letter, granting authorization to travel, including the dates of travel should be carried.
We offer many Solo-Friendly trips with no mandatory single supplement. For all other tours, a single supplement will apply for solo travelers.
For the rates on these tours, please refer to the Price and Dates section on each tour page.
Please refer to the following link(s) for important information about your specific destination.
Island of Ireland | Island of Ireland Car Rental T&C
How do I book a tour with Indus Travels?
You can review How to Book a Tour page for more details.
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Go to our website and click on the register button found on the upper right hand side to create your Indus Travel account and start booking tours!
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Click the Forgot Password? link in the login form and it will lead you to a form to change your password. Simply enter your registered email address and you will be emailed a link to reset your password.
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You will not be able to access your invoice immediately upon booking. You will be notified by email when it is available for you, normally within 48 business hours of booking. You can find your invoice and all other details of the tours you booked by logging on to your account and going to the Tour Booking History page.
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Simply login to your Indus Travel account, go to your tour of choice and click on Book Now. You will then confirm the details and your preferences about the tour and finally pay through our secure online payment platform.
What forms of payment does Indus Travel accept?
We accept US & CA Dollar check, bank check, money order, direct deposits, wire transfer, Visa, and Master credit cards. Third-party credit cards are not acceptable. Payments made by wire transfer must include an additional $30 wire transfer fee. There is a $50 fee for returned checks.
Where do I mail a cheque?
Cheque payments should include your Reservation number in the memo section and be made payable to Indus Travels Ltd and mailed to:
233 - 11951 Hammersmith Way,
Richmond, BC, V7A 5H9,
Canada
When is my final payment due?
Your exact final payment date is indicated on your invoice which may be viewed by signing into your account. In general, final payment is due 75 days prior to departure with some exceptions where payment is due earlier.
How much is my final payment?
The amount of your final payment will be noted on your invoice and can be accessed by logging into your account online.
Can I send a bank cheque or money order?
Yes. Indus accepts US & CA Dollar cheque, bank cheque, money order, direct deposits, wire transfer, Visa & Master credit cards. Third-party credit cards are not acceptable. Payments made by wire transfer must include an additional $30 wire transfer fee. There is a $50 fee for returned cheques.
To whom should I write the cheque?
Cheque payments should include your Reservation number in the memo section and be made payable to Indus Travels Ltd.
Can I pay with a debit card?
No. Indus does not accept payments with Debit card.
How do I know if Indus received my payment?
You will be notified by email that your payment was received and applied to your reservation. You may also access your reservation by logging into your account online
When will I receive my e-Documents?
Once final payment has been received and processed, documents will be sent via email approximately 21 days prior to the beginning of your tour services.
Can I get paper documents?
Paper documents may be sent upon passenger request. There is a shipping and handling fee of $30 for each set of paper documents: These paper documents will be delivered between 14-21 business days prior to the beginning of your tour. In some instances, a paper voucher/ticket is required by our vendor. In these instances, the costs for shipping and handling will be shouldered by Indus Travels.
How do I access and print my documents?
Your documents may be accessed by logging into your Indus Travel account and checking your Tour Booking History.
Do I receive anything else with my e-documents?
Indus e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
How do I know where to find my airline ticket?
With a few exceptions, international airline tickets are issued electronically. The airline confirmation number and ticket numbers stated in your documents represent your airline "ticket(s)." Some domestic Arline tickets which can only be issued at destination will be given to you upon your arrival in the local destination.
If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
Please note: Passengers who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa.
How do I know if I need a visa?
Please check the Before You Book section found on every tour to access the country specific Know Before You Go document to know about Visa and other important information about the countries you will be visiting.
How do I obtain a visa?
A visa may be obtained by using a visa service or by contacting the embassy or consulate of the nation you are visiting prior to departing from your home country.
Please check the Before You Book section found on every tour to access the country specific Know Before You Go document to know about Visa and other important information about the countries you will be visiting.
How much does a visa cost?
There will be different costs that will be specific per embassy/consulate and whether you have used a visa service or not. These costs often change with little notice. We recommend that you contact the appropriate embassy or consulate directly for the most up to date information.
You may find the contact information for consulates/embassies in the Visa section of the Know Before You Go document available for the country you will be visiting.
What are optional sightseeing tours?
Optional tours are offered to travelers interested in additional experiences, sightseeing, meals or activities to supplement the included components of our tours. You may choose to participate in some, all or none of the optional tours which are priced individually. Complete descriptions and prices for each optional tour are listed on the itinerary section of the tours on our website.
When can I add optional tours?
Optional tours are available for purchase any time up to 45 days before departure.
Can I purchase optional tours locally?
Yes. When traveling on an escorted tour, optional tours may be purchased locally from the Tour Manager. However, Indus cannot guarantee the rate and availability of these services when purchased locally. Please note that tours purchased locally are subject to current exchange rates and may cost up to 10% more.
Can I add optional tours for only select individuals on my reservation?
Yes. For assistance on this matter, please contact Indus Travel sales and reservations staff.
What coverage does Travel Insurance provide?
For complete details on Travel Insurance, check our Travel protection page.
When can I purchase Travel Insurance?
American Residents can purchase Trawick Insurance with us at the time of booking or anytime prior to departure. After booking, Canadian Residents will receive an email with a referral to TuGo Insurance which can be purchased anytime prior to departure.
When is Travel Insurance active?
Travel Protection coverages will take effect on the later of 1) the date the plan payment has been received by the Policyholder; 2) the date and time you start your Covered Trip; or 3) 12:01 A.M. Standard Time on the Scheduled Departure Date of your Covered Trip.
I need to cancel my trip and have not purchased insurance, what do I do?
Penalties for cancellation will depend on the tour you have purchased and how close to departure you are at the time of cancellation. For more information, visit our terms and conditions.
Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport when booking a tour?
Due to increased travel security and policies around the world, it is now a requirement that your airline ticket matches your first and last name exactly as it reads on your passport. Please note that any changes to the details of your air booking, could be subject to a change fee, penalties or cancellation.
Can I reserve a seat assignment?
For our packages that include flights, we do not usually assign seats. In most cases, you can request specific seats, but this may incur a small fee payable to the airline. For more information, contact our sales and reservations staff.
Once confirmed, are airlines seats always guaranteed?
In most cases, seat assignments are firm. However, airlines may sometimes reassign seats for operational reasons. This often happens at the last moment and is controlled by airline staff, with Indus Travel not being notified. Passengers are encouraged to reconfirm their seat assignments and any other special requests directly with their airline prior to departure.
Should I check-in online?
It always recommended and more convenient to check in online. It will shorten your waiting time at the airport, secure your seat assignments and other reservations.
Can I request a special meal on the flight?
Requests may be made for special meals. These requests will be sent on your behalf to the airline so long as Indus receives these request prior to your documents being issued. The availability of special meals will be based upon the specific airlines and will be at their discretion.
Can I use my frequent flier miles?
Accrued frequent flier miles cannot be used toward the purchase of Indus Travels’ airfare or used for class upgrades. However, airfare purchased through Indus Travels may qualify to earn you additional miles.
What is required when I check-in?
Ticketed passengers must show correct identification at check-in. Children must have a parent present at check-in and all tickets must be in each passenger's name.
What is required with International travel?
An international trip may require valid travel documents such as passport, visa, re-entry permit, health certificate, inoculation record, a ticket for the return journey or continuance of your trip, or ANY combination thereof. Passengers are responsible for the proper documentation. Concerns about the required travel documents may be resolved by contacting the appropriate consulate or embassy.
