Dreaming of Spring Sale

All of this SNOW is making us a little stir crazy! So we drummed up a huge sale on Spring and Summer departures of our favorite escorted tours to Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Germany and beyond. Check out our Dreaming of Spring sale to save up to $600 per couple




Rules & Restrictions may apply. Please visit sale for details.

6 Spas in Wales

Spa travel is the latest must-have experience. Here are a couple of distinctive hotels that offer unique spa experiences in Wales.

Bodysgallen Hall and Spa
An immaculately restored farmhouse within Bodysgallen's beautiful grounds. The centerpiece is a big 50 ft pool lined with blue mosaic tiles. Ranged around the pool there's the full complement of top-end spa facilities: bubbling spa bath, steam room, suna, large gymnasium and a wide choice of modern treatments.

Lake Country House and Spa
Like Bodysgallen, the Lake's Kingfisher Spa has a proper grown-up indoor pool. 50 ft long. Go swimming, chill out in the hot tub on the balcony overlooking the lake or use the sauna and gymnasium. Treatments and therapies include aromatherapy, reflexology, various massages, manicures, pedicures and facials.

Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa
The spa pool's ability to soak away your stress is aided and abetted by a jaw-dropping view of mountain ringed Lake Vyrnwy. Other features include a sauna, Japanese salt steam room, ice fountain, mist and monsoon showers, rasul therapy and exotic treatments from around the world.


Metropole Hotel and Spa
This hotel has the heritage - it played the leading role in Llandrindod Well's booming Victorian spa era. How times change. The Metropole's conservatory might be Victorian in style, but it houses a thoroughly modern spa with a 'fantastic and surprisingly large' 65ft heated pool. thermal suites, Jacuzzi, fully equipped gymnasium and wide range of holistic, beauty and therapy treatments.

Peterstone Court Hotel and Spa
Its old cellars have been imaginatively converted into a spa where beauty therapists offer a wide range of treatments, from luxury facials and relaxing massages to aromatherapy. There's also a stress-busting relaxation room finished in soothing red tones. Other facilities include a sauna, Jacuzzi, air-conditioned gymnasium and outdoor heated swimming pool.

St. Brides Spa Hotel
Its clifftop marine spa is breathtaking for at least two reasons - the seemingly infinite view across Carmathen Bay from its patly named infinity pool, and the range of contemporary spa experiences on tap at this dazzling coastal hotel. Features include aroma steam, rock sauna and treatment rooms, sensation shower, salt infusion room and ice fountain.

These are only a few of the amazing spa experiences to be had in Wales. Start planning your luxury vacation in Wales with Celtic Tours World Vacations

2014 Food Festivals of Wales

All foodies have heard of the Abergavenny Food Festival, possible the UK's top culinary gathering. But it's just one of the many in Wales, reflecting the country's passion for all things local and edible. Here's a run down of some of the best Food Festivals in Wales

Welsh Food Festival
Set in the beautiful gardens of Glansevern Hall, the Welsh food festival takes place at the beginning of September and hosts a range of events showcasing Welsh produce. Top chefs host a variety of cookery demonstrations, there’s an assortment of Welsh food to sample and buy at the food market and a full programme of entertainment the whole family can enjoy.

Abergavenny Food Festival
The Abergavenny Food Festival takes place over the third weekend of September. Featuring some of the brightest lights of the culinary world it occupies the centre of the town across six venues. Around one hundred and seventy stalls with produce from Wales, the Marches and further afield, together with a programme of individually ticketed masterclasses, tutored tastings and chef demonstrations (previous participants: Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, Clarissa Dickson-Wright, Anthony Bourdain).

Narberth Food Festival
This community event, entirely volunteer-run, won‘t get the biggest names, but it’s still one of the friendliest and most enjoyable food festivals around. Patrons are Angela Gray and Elizabeth Luard, so you can expect talks and demonstrations from those two luminaries, along with a variety of exhibitors, all sound tracked by live music. Narberth Food Festival takes place at the end of September.

Really Wild Festival
A truly unique event, this is the only festival in the UK that focuses on food and crafts originating from the wild. The festival takes place at the end of May so enjoy some wild talks on how to eat foraged foods, wild walks on where to find wild food and chef demonstrations using this food. To make sure things really are totally wild, they also have ferret and pig racing!

Neath Food and Drink Festival
Thousands of visitors enjoy the abundance of food stalls in and outside the Victorian market at Neath Food Festival which takes place at the beginning of October. Under the guidance of Le Crème Patisserie’s Ian Hindle, they have big ambitions for this event and you can expect Neath Food Festival to get bigger and better every year.

Pembrokeshire Fish WeekFantastic fish and shellfish, wonderful coastal activities, and plenty of family fun - it’s a recipe for success for Pembrokeshire Fish Week which takes place at the end of June. Enjoy the breathtaking Pembrokeshire coast in guided beach walks, boat trips, island rambles, and snorkel safaris. Sample fabulous seafood at local restaurants, join a cookery workshop, or be inspired by celebrity chefs such as Bryn Williams and Mitch Tonks, as they demonstrate delicious fish and shellfish recipes.

Gwledd Conwy Feast The Conwy Feast takes place over two days at the end of October and is now one of the largest and most successful in Wales. With a myriad of choice from local food producers and retailers on hand for you to try (and buy) their produce plus cooking demonstrations and much more, this is a day or weekend for all the family to enjoy.



The experience of a Welsh food festival is one not to be missed – our food festivals are outpourings of flavours, colours and smells. You will find a myriad of different stalls and activities, but the star attraction is the produce brought to you by people with a real passion and talent. Start planning your Wales Vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Irish Harmony 2014 - Escorted Tour of Ireland

Ireland Escorted Motorcoach Tour!

Experience the best of Ireland on this extra value tour. Your Irish Harmony tour combines all the comforts of a more expensive tour at a fantastic savings. Sightseeing includes Killarney, the crystal city of Waterford, Cork, Blarney and Dublin. Enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of Ireland and visit the famed Guinness Storehouse.New itinerary now includes 2-nights at Dunboyne Castle Hotel and dinner every night!

Your Tour Highlights:

• More meals - 10 meals with breakfast and dinner.
• Top Sights - with visits to Kilkenny, Wateford, Blarney, Killarney, Limerick, Kildare and Dublin.
• Relaxed and updated itinerary.
• Guaranteed Departures
• Top hotels, drivers and entertainment
• As always, no hidden extras when you choose Celtic Tours!

Your Irish Harmony Tour includes:

• First Class Hotels with private bath or shower for five nights.
• Full Irish breakfasts daily, except day of arrival.
• Five (5) hotel dinners.
• Daily sightseeing by luxury coach with the services of a Celtic Tours driver/guide, including tours to the Guinness Storehouse and Blarney Woollen Mills.
• Touring of the Ring of Kerry and panoramic tour of Dublin's fair city.
• Porterage of one suitcase per person.
• Optional pub entertainment.  
• Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included.
• Celtic Tours portfolio of travel documents.
   
  Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Hotel Spotlight: Wolfscastle in Wales

Wolfscastle

Woflscastle, nr Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 5LZ

The Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Allt yr Afon Restaurant, a former vicarage nestling in the lush Mid Pembrokeshire countryside, is still known locally by its original name "Allt yr Afon" ("Wooded Hill by the River").

Very much a family affair, in ambience and character, guests regularly compliment us on the hotel's warm welcome and friendly atmosphere which, combined with good service, comfortable bedrooms and delicious food, guarantees a memorable experience. Learn more about this Wales hotel

Start planning your vacation to Wales with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Wine Trail Wales

Wales is fast developing a reputation for wines of excellent quality. The hard work of dedicated viticulturists from Anglesey to Pembrokeshire and across to Monmouthshire is being rewarded with prestigious national and international awards, which have created headlines and put Wales on the world wine map.

Welsh vineyards produce around 100,000 bottles of wine each year and many welcome visitors for tours with tasting sessions as part of Wine Trail Wales. It’s a great way for viticulturists to share their passion and for visitors to learn about the complete winemaking process. Visit a vineyard and taste the quality.

1. TY CROES VINEYARD
Dwyran, Anglesey LL61 6RP
Come to Anglesey and enjoy a taste that is normally associated with sunnier climates… or stay longer in our family-run campsite.

2. PANT DU VINEYARD
Ffordd y Sir, Penygroes, Gwynedd LL54 6HE
Come and relax in our café with panoramic views and a bottle of Pant Du wine, cider or apple juice on the slopes of Dyffryn Nantlle.

3. PENARTH VINEYARD
Penarth House, Pool Road, Newtown, Powys SY16 3AN
Penarth Vineyard is situated in a riverside location in Montgomeryshire. Visit our delicatessen Quince’s in Newtown to taste our wines, chocolates and local produce.

4. KERRY VALE VINEYARD
Churchstoke, Powys SY15 6HU
Kerry Vale Vineyard was planted in 2010 by husband and wife team Geoff and June Ferguson. From July 2013 the vineyard will open its vineyard shop for tastings and tours.

5. LLAETHLIW VINEYARD
Neuadd Lwyd, Aberaeron, Ceredigion SA48 7RF
This new family run vineyard in sunny Aberaeron has great plans for the future, but meanwhile the vines need tending! Visit our facebook page for updates.

6. JABAJAK VINEYARD RESTAURANT & ROOMS
Banc Y Llain, Llanboidy, Whitland, Carmarthenshire SA34 0ED
West Wales vineyard with 5 star, Welsh Rarebit restaurant and rooms. Locally sourced food philosophy, great wines and civil ceremony licence for romantic weddings.

7. CWM DERI VINEYARD & ESTATE
Martletwy, Narberth, Pembrokeshire SA67 8AP
Working small-holding surrounded by Pembrokeshire National Park

8. MEADOWVIEW VINEYARD
Crossways, Llanblethian, Cowbridge CF71 7LJ
Rich clay loam soils and cosseted grapes allow this family run vineyard to produce unique sparkling wines by traditional methods.

9. GLYNDWR VINEYARD
Llanblethian, Cowbridge CF71 7JF
Hidden in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, this picturesque vineyard, the oldest established in Wales, produces an exciting range of quality wines…

10. LLANERCH VINEYARD
Hensol CF72 8GG
A laid-back, luxurious location just 20 minutes from Cardiff city centre, popular with locals, day-trippers and holiday makers alike.

11. BRYN CEILIOG VINEYARD
Beggan Farm, Leckwith CF11 8AS
A vineyard and cider apple orchard that forms part of three farms and woodland covering some 300 acres in the Vale of Glamorgan.

12. PARVA FARM VINEYARD
Monmouth Road, Tintern, Chepstow NP16 6SQ
Leave the crowds behind. Stroll among the vines with amazing views of the Wye Valley before trying our wonderful, award winning, Welsh wines.

13. WERNDDU ORGANICS
Wernddu Farm, Pen y Clawdd, Monmouth NP25 4BW
Escape to the country amongst the rolling hills set around an Organic Welsh Vineyard, relax and have a glass or three.

14. ANCRE HILL ESTATES
Rockfield Road, Monmouth NP25 5HS
Home of the Bollicine del Mondo world winner – visit our family run, biodynamic vineyard & taste our award winning, world class wines.

15. WHITE CASTLE VINEYARD
Llanvetherine, Abergavenny NP7 8RA
A dream has become reality with genuine red, white and rose-tinted glasses... come visit the passionate couple behind the reality of this tranquil vineyard!

16. SUGARLOAF VINEYARDS
Dummar Farm, Abergavenny NP7 7LA
Our picturesque vineyard nestles in amongst the rolling Welsh hills – taste and tour in glorious surroundings whilst listening to the hum of the babbling brook.



Fancy Welsh Wine? Start planning your vacation to Wales with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Hotel Spotlight: Bodysgallen Hall and Spa in Wales

Bodysgallen Hall & Spa

 Llandudno LL30 1RS, Wales

Bodysgallen Hall & Spa lies at the end of a winding drive in 200 acres of wooded parkland and beautiful formal walled gardens. Magnificent views encompass the sweep of the Snowdonia range of mountains and the hotel looks down on the imposing medieval castle at Conwy. A true historic house with historic gardens too. Bodysgallen Hall is now a National Trust property. Immaculate in all ways - luxurious, stylish and supremely comfortable, with accomplished cuisine. Superb facilities with a magnificent spa and pool. Learn more about this Wales hotel.

Travel to Wales with Celtic Tours World Vacations

5 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a precious landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are absolutely outstanding. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty have varied landscapes ranging from rugged coastline to water meadows to gentle downland and upland moors. There are 38 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales and an additional 8 in Northern Ireland. Created by the legislation of the National Parks Access to the Countryside Act of 1949, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty represent 18% of the Finest Countryside in England and Wales. We are sure you will fall in love with these 5 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales:

The Anglesey Coast
Almost the entire 201 km coastline of Ynys Mon, the ancient Isle of Anglesey, is designated as an AONB. The island contains a great variety of fine coastal landscapes. The AONB coincides with stretches of Heritage Coast. Some of the oldest rocks in Britain, the pre-Cambrian Mona Complex, form the low ridges and shallow valleys of Anglesey's sea-planed plateau. Holyhead Mountain is its highest point (219m) with superb distant views to Snowdonia. Low cliffs, alternating with coves, pebble beaches and tucked-away villages, line the island's northern shores. The east coast's sheer limestone cliffs, interspersed with fine sandy beaches, contrast with the south's wilderness of sand dunes that roll away down to Aberffraw Bay.

Clwydian Range
The Clwydian Range is a 35 km long chain of undulating hills, rising between the Vale of Clwyd to the west and the Dee Estuary to the east. Often known as the northeastern rampart of Wales, the steep western escarpment and switchback skyline of the range contrast with the lush green vales at its feet.

Gower
Chosen for its classic coastline and outstanding natural environment, Gower was the first AONB to be designated. Except for the small, urbanised eastern corner, the entire Gower peninsula is an AONB. Complex geology gives a wide variety of scenery in a relatively small area. It ranges from the south coast's superb carboniferous limestone scenery at Worms Head and Oxwich Bay to the salt-marshes and dune systems in the north. Inland, the most prominent features are the large areas of common, dominated by sandstone heath ridges including the soaring sweep of Cefn Bryn. Secluded valleys have rich deciduous woodland and the traditional agricultural landscape is a patchwork of fields characterised by walls, stone-faced banks and hedgerows.

The Llyn Peninsula
Nowhere is far from the sea on the long, low peninsula of Llyn, which is famous for the unspoilt beauty of its coastline. The AONB, covering a quarter of the peninsula, is largely coastal, but extends inland to take in the volcanic domes which punctuate the plateau.

The Wye Valley
The Wye Valley, winding sinuously down from Hereford to Chepstow, is both one of the finest lowland landscapes in Britain and one of the few lowland AONBs. In the north, the river meanders through the broad meadows, dotted woods and hedgerows of the Hereford plain. Its most dramatic limestone scenery, including the famous Symonds Yat, lies downstream from Ross-on-Wye. Deeply incised meanders have cut into the plateau to form sheer wooded limestone cliffs with superb views down to the valley floor. Between the gorges are broader valley reaches, with rounded hills and bluffs and a gently rolling skyline.

We are sure you will fall in love with these Areas of Outstanding Beauty in Wales. Start planning your outstanding vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Heart of Ireland 2014 - Escorted Tour

Ireland Escorted Motorcoach Tour!

The Heart of Ireland tour is a great tour at a great price. A new and updated itinerary gives you a more relaxing itinerary (2 consecutive overnights in Galway, Killarney and Dublin) with more historic and scenic tours

Your Tour Highlights:

• More meals - 10 meals with breakfast and dinner.
• Top Sights - with visits to Galway, Killarney, Dingle, Blarney and Dublin.
• Relaxed and updated itinerary - with 2 night stays in each location.
• Guaranteed Departures
• Top hotels, drivers and entertainment
• As always, no hidden extras when you choose Celtic Tours!

Your Heart of Ireland tour includes:

• Excellent hotels with private bath or shower for six nights; 2 nights in Galway, 2 nights in Killarney and 2 nights in Dublin.
• Full Irish breakfasts daily, except day of arrival.
• Dinners daily, except in Dublin.
• Tea/coffee and Irish Farmhouse scones at an actual Irish working farm where we see sheep shearing and watch the sheepdogs maneuver the flock.
• Daily sightseeing by luxury coach with the services of a Celtic Tours driver/guide, including visits to Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey, Celtic Crystal, Blarney Woollen Mills, Dingle Peninsula, Connemara, Whitefriars Church, Trinity Collage and the Book of Kells and the Guinness Brewery Storehouse.
• Porterage of one suitcase per person.
• Optional Dinner and Irish Entertainment at great venue in Dublin - only $79 per person!
• Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included.
• Celtic Tours portfolio of travel documents.
  
  Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales

The beauty of Britain’s only coastal national park hasn’t gone unnoticed. National Geographic Traveler magazine in the US recently rated the Pembrokeshire Coast one of the top two coastal destinations in the world. No wonder its visitors keep returning, year after year.

The Pembrokeshire coastline is an intricate ribbon of weather-worn cliffs, dazzling beaches and secret coves, jewelled with rock pools. Here, where land, sea and sky combine, walkers, surfers, kayakers and sailors are in their element.

In spring, you can explore woodlands carpeted with bluebells or meadows bursting with samphire, cowslips, harebells and campions. In summer, butterflies dance through arches of honeysuckle and over clouds of thrift and gorse.

And if, come autumn or winter, you feel like an outdoorsy break, the coast is the perfect place to blow the cobwebs away. You’ll find plenty of pubs and other cozy retreats within range when you’re ready to rest up and thaw out.

The national park is fantastic for wildlife-watching, too. From the first little bursts of warm weather in spring, the clifftops are alive with crickets and ladybirds. Overhead, seabirds wheel, screech and soar. Every year, puffins and Manx Shearwaters return to the islands of Caldey, Grassholm, Skokholm, Skomer and Ramsey to nest, while rabbits graze companionably and seals snooze in the sun. And occasionally, half-hidden by the waves, a pod of dolphins will come frolicking by.

Start planning your vacation to Wales with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Brecon Beacons National Park

From the depths of its limestone caves to the grandeur of Pen y Fan and Cribyn, its highest peaks, there’s plenty to explore in this gem of a national park. By day, there are moorlands, trails and towns to discover, while by night, you can feast your eyes on the stars.

Carved out in the Ice Age, the mountains, hills and valleys of the Brecon Beacons National Park have been moulded by nearly eight millennia of human activity. Many dozens of prehistoric monuments dot these weathered slopes. There’s a rich agricultural tradition in and around the park and the region’s one of a kind towns – outdoorsy, walker friendly Crickhowell, jazzy Brecon, food-loving Abergavenny and book mad Hay-on-Wye – are genuinely refreshing.

Separated from Snowdonia by the 40-mile-long Cambrian Mountains, its uplands stretch almost as far from west to east as Snowdonia National Park does from north to south, but have a quite different atmosphere. While the rocky remains of long-dead volcanoes dominate much of Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons National Park is full of grassy moorlands, heather-clad escarpments and Old Red Sandstone peaks, softened by weather and time.

Start planning your vacation to Wales with Celtic Tours World Vacations

3 National Parks of Wales

Together, the three Welsh National Parks – Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire Coast and Brecon Beacons – protect an impressive 20 percent of Wales, including precious landscapes, habitats, villages and heritage sites. They’re perfect for active weekends and holidays in the glorious outdoors. 

The Brecon Beacons National Park

The grassy, heather-clad mountains of the Brecon Beacons National Park have been moulded by nearly eight millennia of human activity. Today, this is a fantastic place for an activity holiday, with superb walking, mountain biking and horse riding trails, caves, forests and a historic canal – plus characterful towns, pubs, farmers markets and Michelin-starred restaurants.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

The Pembrokeshire coast is wild, gorgeous and beautifully looked after. For family activity holidays, it’s a nature lab one minute and an adventure playground the next. It’s heaven for wildlife-watching, watersports and walking, and lovely for romantic escapes, too. When you’re ready to chill out after all that fresh air, there are cozy pubs, spa treatments and fabulous sunsets to enjoy.

Snowdonia National Park

With wild landscapes and villages steeped in history, Snowdonia National Park is a breathtaking destination for activity holidays, short breaks or days out with family and friends. It’s best known for hiking, but there’s plenty more to enjoy, from waterfalls, lakes and world-class mountain biking to a vintage steam railway that climbs the highest peak in Wales.


Start planning your vacation to Wales with Celtic Tours World Vacations

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ireland

Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Ireland is full of natural and cultural Ireland here are the ones recognized by UNESCO:

Skellig Michael
This monastic complex, perched since about the 7th century on the steep sides of the rocky island of Skellig Michael, some 12 km off the coast of south-west Ireland, illustrates the very spartan existence of the first Irish Christians. Since the extreme remoteness of Skellig Michael has until recently discouraged visitors, the site is exceptionally well preserved.

Brú na Bóinne
The three main prehistoric sites of the Brú na Bóinne Complex, Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, are situated on the north bank of the River Boyne 50 km north of Dublin. This is Europe's largest and most important concentration of prehistoric megalithic art. The monuments there had social, economic, religious and funerary functions.

Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast
The Giant's Causeway lies at the foot of the basalt cliffs along the sea coast on the edge of the Antrim plateau in Northern Ireland. It is made up of some 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea. The dramatic sight has inspired legends of giants striding over the sea to Scotland. Geological studies of these formations over the last 300 years have greatly contributed to the development of the earth sciences, and show that this striking landscape was caused by volcanic activity during the Tertiary, some 50–60 million years ago.

Check out these amazing UNESCO world heritage sites on your next Ireland vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Celtic Interlude 2014 - Shortbreak Escorted Tour of Ireland

Premier Escorted Motorcoach Tour

An excellent itinerary for those with limited time in Ireland. A great tour featuring Limerick, Killarney, the famous Ring of Kerry, Waterford, Kilkenny and Dublin.!

Celtic Interlude - Escorted Tour Highlights

• 9 Meals - Breakfast and Dinner
• Top Sights - with visits to Adare, Killarney, Cobh, Waterford and Dublin
• Relaxed and updated itinerary for 2014
• Guaranteed departures
• Top Hotels & Entertainment
• No Hidden Extras

Celtic Interlude - Escorted Tour Includes

• Excellent Hotels - with First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout
• Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival
• Dinner each including traditional Irish entertainment and dinner in Dublin
• Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach
• Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout
• Scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry
• Visits to: Cobh, House of Waterford Guinness Brewery Storehouse and Jameson Whiskey Distillery tour
• Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person
• Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included 
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents
  
  Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Adare Castle, Ireland

Adare Castle
Adare, Co Limerick, Ireland

Adare is regarded as a fine example of the medieval fortified castle in Ireland and is one of a number of outstanding castles situated in County Limerick. It is sited on the north bank of the River Maigue in a strategic position on a substantial earlier ringwork where it was able to control traffic on the river. It was an important stronghold of the Earls of Desmons. A strong, square keep forms the defensive core of the castle that stands within a wallled ward surrounded by a moat. Beside the river is the great hall, with early 13th century windows looking out on to the river and nearby is a kitchen and a bakery.

A major program of conservation and restoration works has been completed and access to the site is available by guided tour. Access to Adare Castle is managed in partnership with the Adare Heritage Center located at Main Street, Adare. Guided tours to Adare Castle operate from the Adare Heritage Center by means of a shuttle bus service to and from the castle.

Start planning your Ireland vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Trim Castle, Ireland

Trim Castle
Trim, Co Meath, Ireland

Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, was constructed over a thirty year period by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. Hugh de Lacy was granted the Liberty of Meath by King Henry II in 1172 in an attempt to curb the expansionist policies of Richard de Clare, (Strongbow). Construction of the massive three storied Keep, the central stronghold of the castle, was begun c 1175 on the site of an earlier wooden fortress. This massive twenty-sided tower, which is cruciform in shape, was protected by a ditch, curtain wall and moat.

Please note that this is a very bust site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months. Access cannot be guaranteed. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Access for visitors with disabilities is very restricted. Please note that some of the stairs in the Keep are very steep and narrow. The Keep is not accessible for visitors with disabilities and these is restricted access to the grounds only. There are interpretation panels in the grounds of the castle which allow for self-guiding.

Start planning your Ireland vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Clonmacnoise, Ireland

Clonmacnoise
Shannonbridge, Athlone, Co Offaly

An Early Christian site founded by St. Ciaran in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches dating back to the 10th -13th century, two round towers, three high crosses, and the largest collection of Early Christian graveslabs in Western Europe. The original high crosses and a selection of graveslabs are on display in the Visitor Center.

The long and varied history of Clonmacnoise is recounted in an audiovisual presentation shown in the visitor center. There are also exhibitions that deal with the flora, fauna and landscape of the region.

Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, Ireland

National Botanic Gardens
Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland

Founded in 1795, the National Botanic Gardens are noted for their fine plant collections, holding over 17,000 plant species and varieties from around the world. Famous for their beautiful landscaped gardens and exquisitely restored and planted glasshouses, notable the Turner Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House, both recipients of the Europa Nostra award for excellence in conservation architecture. Visitors can enjoy such features as the herbaceous borders, rose garden, woodland garden, the ponds, rock garden, arboretum and an organic fruit and vegetable garden.

National Botanic Gardens' mission is to ensure that plant diversity is cherished and nurtured in Ireland and throughout the world. The mission is achieved by extensive programs on 'biodiversity' in Ireland and overseas in science, conservation, education and horticulture. Conservation plays an important role in the life of the botanic gardens and Glasnevin is home to over 400 threatened plant species from Ireland and around the world.

Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Celtic Delight - Escorted Motorcoach Tour of Ireland

Premier Escorted Motorcoach Tour

An excellent itinerary for those with limited time in Ireland. A great tour featuring Limerick, Killarney, the famous Ring of Kerry, Waterford, Kilkenny and Dublin.!

Celtic Delight - Escorted Tour Highlights

• 10 Meals - Breakfast and Dinner
• Top Sights - with visits to Limerick, Adare, Killarney, Cobh, Waterford and Dublin
• Relaxed and updated itinerary for 2014
• Guaranteed departures
• Top Hotels & Entertainment
• No Hidden Extras

Celtic Delight - Escorted Tour Includes

• Excellent Hotels - with First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout
• Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival
• Dinner each including a traditional medieval castle banquet and traditional Irish entertainment and dinner in Dublin
• Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach
• Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout
• Scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry
• Visits to: Cobh, House of Waterford Guinness Brewery Storehouse and Jameson Whiskey Distillery tour
• Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person
• Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents
  
  
  Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Altamont Gardens, Ireland

Altamont Gardens
Tullow, Co Carlow, Ireland

Altamont Gardens is a large, beautiful old world garden, Robinsonian in style with a strong emphasis on the information tradition of combining a good plant collection within the natural landscape of its environment. Lawns and clipped yews slope down to a lake surrounded by rare trees and shrubs. A profusion of roses both ancient and modern, and herbaceous plants scent the air. There is a steep descent through the "Ice Age Glen" to a beautiful river walk.

Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, Ireland

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
Carrowmore, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is the largest cemetary of megalithic tombs in Ireland and is also among the country's oldest, with monuments ranging from 5500 - 6500 years old. Archaeologists have recorded over 60 tombs of which 30 are visible. A restored cottage houses an exhibition relating to the site.

Access to the tomb may be difficult for people with disabilities. Visitors are advised to wear shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.

Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Sligo Abbey, Ireland

Sligo Abbey
Abbey Street, Sligo, Co Sligo

Known locally as the Abbey, this Dominican Friary was founded in the mid 13th century by Maurice Fitzgerald. The site contains a great wealth of carvings including Gothic and Renaissance tomb structure, well preserved cloister and the only sculptured 15th century high altar to survive in any Irish monastic church. This enigmatic friary will inspire and enlighten its visitors. Access to site is by a stairway.

Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Iveagh Gardens, Ireland

Iveagh Gardens
Clonmel Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

The Iveagh Gardens are amoung the finest and least known of Dublin's parks and gardens. They were designed by Ninian Niven, in 1865, as an intermediate design between the 'French Formal' and the 'English Landscape' styles. They demonstrated the artisitc skills of the landscape architect of the mid 19th century and display a unique collection of landscape features which include Rustic Grotto's and Cascade, sunken formal panels of lawn with Fountain Center Peices, wilderness, Woodlands, Maze, Rosarium, Archery Grounds, Rockeries and Rooteries.

The conservation and restoration of the Gardens commenced in 1995 and to date most of the features have been restored, for example the Maze in Box hedging with a sundial as a center peice. The resotred Cascade and exotic tree ferns all help to create a sense of wonder in the ;Secret Garden'. The pre 1860s rose varieties add an extra dimension to the Victorian Rosarium.

Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Celtic Sojourn - Escorted Motorcoach Tour

Premier Escorted Motorcoach Tour

A fresh itinerary for 2014, with added attractions. A scenic and unforgettable journey through Ireland from Belfast to the Ring of Kerry. Enjoy Titanic Belfast, the Giants Causeway, scenic Donegal and Galway Bay.

Celtic Sojourn - Escorted Tour Highlights

• 13 Meals - Breakfast and Dinner
• Top Sights - with visits to Dublin, Belfast, Donegal, Galway and Limerick
• Relaxed and updated itinerary for 2014
• Guaranteed departures
• Top Hotels & Entertainment
• No Hidden Extras

Celtic Sojourn - Escorted Tour Includes

• Excellent Hotels - with First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout
• Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival
• Dinner each evening except for one night in Dublin, including a traditional medieval castle banquet.
• Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach
• Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout
• Visit to Rathbaun Farm to see an actual working farm, including coffee/tea and Irish Farmhouse scones
• Panoramic city tours of Dublin, Belfast and Derry/Londonderry
• Scenic drive in Donegal
• Visits to: Whitefriar Church, Trinity College, Monasterboice, Titanic Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Glenveagh Castle, Slieve League Cliffs, Belleek China Showroom, Rathbaun Farms and Cliffs of Moher
• Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person
• Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents
  
  
  Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations