Hotel Spotlight: Bellingham Castle Hotel

Bellingham Castle Hotel

Castlebellingham, Co. Louth : IRELAND : Phone 042-937-2176

After a full refurbishment Castle Bellingham Hotel will re-open in summer 2013 offering luxury accommodation.

Bellingham Castle Hotel is situated in the picturesque mediaeval village of Castlebellingham on the river Glyde in County Louth.

The castle sits high above the River Glyde and stone steps lead to the water’s edge and to a beautiful weir with footbridges and walkways. A millrace diverted from the river forms a long wooded island with a splendid weeping willow hanging over the weir. Sweeping lawns wrap around the castle and have been landscaped with herbaceous borders, cherry blossom trees and stud railing

Learn more about this Castle Hotel in Ireland

Hotel Spotlight: Cabra Castle

Cabra Castle

Kingscourt, Co. Cavan : IRELAND : Phone 042-966-7030

Cabra Castle Hotel boasts a proud history dating as far back as 1760...It's long history lends a mature, cultured air to the Castle which can be felt by one and all as they stroll along the Castle's magnificent hallways and stairwells.

Learn more about this Castle Hotel in Ireland

Featured Luxury Castle Accommodations in Scotland

Vacation like royalty when you stay in a castle hotel. With so many castles to choose from, it can be hard to choose. Here are a couple of featured luxury castle accommodations in Scotland.

Dalhousie Castle, Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH19 3JB
A fascinating 13th century fortress set within acres of wooded parkland on the picturesque banks of the river Esk. From the moment you arrive at Dalhousie Castle, one of the finest luxury hotels in Scotland, a warm Scottish welcome awaits. Whether relaxing in the The Spa, enjoying one of the library’s extensive collection of books and a drink from the ‘secret bar’ next to the open fire, dining in the ancient barrel vaulted dungeon on our exceptional cuisine or relaxing in your unique castle bedroom, you will always feel as welcome as the ‘Laird’. 

 Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SN
Inverlochy is Scotland's finest luxury hotel and restaurant uniquely located amongst the glens, lochs and mountains of the West Highlands of Scotland.At Inverlochy you will experience one of the most relaxing and exciting vacations of a lifetime, where every detail for your comfort and enjoyment has been carefully considered.

Glenapp Castle Hotel, Ballantrae, Ayrshire, Scotland KA26 0NZ
Imagine a fairytale castle, hidden in 36 acres of glorious garden and woodland on the rugged and beautiful Ayrshire coast in Ballantrae, Scotland. Spectacular views across the Irish Sea to the island of Arran and the massive granite rock of Ailsa Craig. Imagine exquisite rooms, outstanding cuisine, fine wines and exceptional service ~ a world apart. Glenapp Castle Hotel is a magnificently restored Scottish Baronial Castle, now a five star Relais & Châteaux Hotel.

Plan your royal vacation to Scotland with Celtic Tours World Vacations, add a castle stay at one of these luxury castle hotels to your self-drive tour of Scotland.

Scottish Castle Experience - Vacation like royalty

A truly unique experience, taking in the breathtaking beauty and charm of Scotland's Castles. Five special departures have been arranged with guaranteed departures and the small group experience, with no more than 16 passengers. This is truly the way to experience Scotland and Scottish Castles.

Your Scottish Castle Experience Tour Highlights:
• GUARANTEED DEPARTURES • Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes mini coaches
• Accomodations in Ardoe House (2 Nights) and Mansfield Castle (1 Night)• Breakfast daily, except on day of arrival 
• Private 3-course farewell group dinner at Mansfield Castle• Services of professional driver/guide
• Entrances at Falkland Palace, House of Dun, Castle Fraser, Crathes Castle, Leith Hall, Brodie Castle, Culodden, Dalwhinnie Distillery and Loch Leven Castle
• Touring per your itinerary
• Tips to your driver are not included, as they are considered personal

Take this once in a lifetime vacation to Scotland with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

Discover Medieval Ireland's Historic Legends

Step into Ireland’s lively and colorful Medieval past with a medieval themed vacation filled with castle banquet feasts, traditional music and art, spectacular cathedrals, medieval ruins, fully-restored 12th century houses and old world villages – you can even stay in a Medieval Castle and learn about the ancient art of falconry.

Despite violent incursions by the Vikings and the spread of Christianity, medieval Ireland maintained a distinctive identity due to its relative isolation by water. Much of this magical land with its many medieval treasures, were left intact. Today there are a plethora of medieval sites and experiences to be had, here are a couple of the ones that cannot be missed by those wishing to discover Ireland’s medieval legends.

Powerscourt
Powerscourt is one of the most beautiful country estates in Ireland. Situated in the mountains of Wicklow, it was originally an important strategic site for the Anglo-Normans who came to Ireland in the 12th century. By the year 1300 a castle had been built here and was in the possession of the le Poer (Power) family from which it takes its name. The succeeding centuries saw the castle held for different periods by powerful families such as the O'Tooles and the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Kildare.

Irish National Heritage Park
A visit to the Irish National Heritage Park is like no other you can imagine. Surprises await around every turn as you explore 35 acres of this remarkable heritage trail. From campsite to Ringfort, from mill to Fulacht Fiadh, from Crannog to Viking house, every activity is an unexpected adventure into 9000 years. The world you enter is an authentic recreation of Ireland’s heritage. Homesteads, places of ritual, burial modes and long forgotten remains will enlighten the casual visitor and interest the scholar.

Rock of Cashel
Eclipsed in legend, the Rock of Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century. According to local mythology, the Rock of Cashel originated in the Devil's Bit, a mountain 19 miles north of Cashel when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the Rock's landing in Cashel. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for hundreds of years prior to the Norman invasion.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Feast your eyes and spirits on St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland. Built in honor of Ireland’s patron saint, there has been a church on the site since the 5th century. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest church in Ireland with a 140 foot spire and is one of two Church of Ireland cathedrals.

National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology
The Medieval Ireland exhibition contains three galleries entitled Power, Work and Prayer, reflecting the three-fold division of medieval society - nobles, common people and clergy. The lifestyle of nobles is explored, while surviving arms and armor reflect the distinctive characteristics of warfare in medieval Ireland. The exhibition looks at the different forms of agriculture (pastoral and arable), which were practiced. Finds from urban excavations illustrate Ireland’s import trade and the various crafts and industries operating in towns. The Irish church changed fundamentally in the 12th Century, although many older church traditions survived. The exhibition also looks at religious practice and devotion as well as church furnishings, including a fine selection of late medieval reliquaries: book shrines, bell shrines and crosiers.

Adare, Old World Village
Renowned as Ireland's prettiest village, Adare is a major tourist destination with many tours of Ireland stopping off in Adare. The local heritage centre gives a deep insight into the history of the village and also hosts a number of craft shops and a restaurant. With thatched roof cottages and Tudor style houses, beautiful gardens and ivy clad medieval churches in beautiful surroundings on both sides of the street beside the river Maigue. For those who want to linger and learn more visit the Heritage centre and step back in time.

Trinity College and the Book of Kells
16th Century Trinity College is the home to the greatest surviving product of mid-8th century Irish monks, the illuminated Book of Kells. The illustrations and ornamentation of the Book of Kells surpass that of other Insular Gospel books in extravagance and complexity.

Bunratty Castle Banquet
The most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland, a colorful folk park and the famous Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquets. This is one tourist attraction you are not going to want to miss! Each night the Ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl of Thomond’s Butler, welcome guests from the four corners of the globe to dine at The Earl’s Banquet at Bunratty Castle. The entertainment provided by the world renowned entertainers is a fitting compliment to a mead reception in the Great Hall of the castle, a four course traditional feast and of course good wine.

Craggaunowen Castle
Craggaunowen Castle, built in 1550, is a fortified tower house located near Sixmilebridge, County Clare, Ireland. It was built by John MacSioda MacNamara, a descendent of Sioda MacNamara, who built Knappogue Castle in 1467. It stands on a crag overlooking the lake in the grounds of Craggaunowen Park, an archaeological open-air museum.

The Ancient Art of Falconry at Ashford Castle
Why not round off your Medieval Vacation with a stay at an authentic 13th century castle? Stay at medieval Ashford Castle, located deep in the heartland of Mayo and set against a spectacular backdrop of forests, lakes and mountains. The stately architecture, surrounded by magnificent gardens makes Ashford Castle, a place where time stands still.

Ireland’s First School of Falconry, at Ashford castle, offers visitors the chance to experience the ancient art of Falconry first hand on a private Hawk Walk. They specialize in lessons using beautiful Harris hawks, but in addition to hawks the school is home to a variety of eagles, owls and falcons. Within minutes of arriving, you will have a hawk on your glove and be setting off to fly your hawk or hawks in the gardens and woodlands surrounding Ashford Castle.

As you travel through the lush green countryside of Ireland, you can imagine the Ireland of centuries gone by: ladies at court, fine feasts, jousting knights and a world where magic was still very much alive. The turbulent history of Ireland with raiders coming from all directions will come alive before your eyes as you learn about historical events, the arts, religion and the multiple facets of life in medieval Ireland. Discover Ireland’s historic legends on a medieval tour of Ireland with Celtic Tours.

With many self-drive vacations to Ireland, let Celtic Tours help plan your medieval vacation to Ireland. Have a group of people that want to experience Medieval Ireland? Try a Celtic Tours group tour of Ireland. We can create a customized Ireland vacation to suit you and your groups needs! Give us a call today 1-800-833-4373 to start planning your group tour today!

Endless Possibilities Package

Celtic Tours World Vacations presents...
The 7-Night Endless Possibilities Package!

A Go-As-You-Please Vacation Package with an amazing price tag and endless possibilities...

With this package the choice is yours:

~Tour the modern and cosmopolitan city of Dublin with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass. This sightseeing bus stops at all of Dublin's major attractions. St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Zoo, the National Museum and Dublin's most fashionable shopping district Grafton St. are just a couple of options for your Dublin City Stay.

~Cash in on the savings with the Shannon Region 25% discount off entrance to the Shannon Regions top Attractions and Activities.

~Enjoy 4-nights B&B accommodations throughout Ireland - offering over 1700 B&B and farm homes to choose from.

~Enjoy a 1-night luxurious stay at the Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara, County Galway (Other Castle choices available).

~Tour Ireland with a 6-day compact automatic car rental - Includes CDW Insurance!

~Take advantage of our optional tours of the Aran Islands and the Ring of Kerry. Or we can arrange a round of golf or other tours for you.

This package includes full Irish breakfast and hotel taxes!

Prices are based on Land Only Twin/Double Per Person Cost

Airfare is not included - but can be added to your package at the current airfare rates.

Hotel availability is on a first come first serve basis and is on request. Should the need arise, based on demand, substitute hotels may be offered.

This package includes:

* 4-Nights open B&B vouchers, 1-Night Deluxe Accomodations, 2-Nights Dublin City Stay
* Full Irish Breakfast Daily (except day of arrival)
* 6 Day Car Rental-Compact, Automatic, Includes Insurance (Larger groups will need to upgrade to larger vehicle)
* 1 Hop-On Hop-Off Dublin Bus Pass
* 1 Transfer from Hotel to Airport
* FREE Celtic Tours 5-Minute Phone Card

Let Celtic Tours design your perfect self-drive vacation to Ireland today! Visit our website or give us a call 1-800-833-4373 to start planning today!

Castle Hotels in Ireland

Castle hotels in Ireland offer visitors the chance to take a magical step into Ireland’s past, with all the amenities you expect from a luxury hotel with modern conveniences. With many castle hotels in Ireland to choose from, here is a short list of our favorites.

Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon, Ireland
The 4 Star Abbey Hotel County Roscommon, is a charming 18th Century Manor House Castle Hotel in Ireland, set idyllically on it's own private grounds and gardens. The accommodation at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon Town, County Roscommon has been individually designed and decorated to an exceptional standard, giving a classically luxurious edge.

Adare Manor, County Limerick, Ireland
Situated in the heart of Adare Village in County Limerick, Ireland – Adare Manor, a luxury Five Star Hotel and Golf Resort is both steeped in history and surrounded by medieval ruins. Far removed from generic trappings of ordinary hotels, the Manor’s hallmark experience offers unique accommodation, the best of contemporary food and an impeccable approach to hospitality that brings guests back, time and time again
.

Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland
Dating back to 1228 and once the estate of the Guinness family, the luxurious 5 Star Ashford Castle first opened as a hotel in 1939.

Dromoland, County Clare, Ireland
With an extraordinary history stretching back to the 5th Century, the Dromoland Castle, was originally the ancestral home of one of the few families of Gaelic Royalty; direct descendants of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland. Approached by a meandering drive that passes acres of magnificent lawns, this Irish 5 star luxury Castle Hotel overlooks its own Championship Golf Course and a glistening lake which commands the panoramic beauty of the surrounds.

Contarf Castle, County Dublin, Ireland
Clontarf Castle, reborn and redesigned, is the choice of interesting people the world over. Forget what time it is, Clontarf Castle Hotel is an imaginary world, no longer the past, not quite the future. When you arrive, time becomes yours.

Ballyseede Castle, Tralee, Ireland
Ballyseede Castle, Tralee Ireland, is an impressive building and has a history dating back to the 1590’s. Wonderfully transformed into a hotel in 1965, Ballyseede Castle offers 23 ensuite-bedrooms, three function rooms and beautiful reception rooms complimented by enchanting formal gardens.

Waterford Castle, County Waterford, Ireland
Situated on its own private Island, Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort offers luxurious Castle accommodation in Ireland. One of the leading luxury hotels in Ireland which boasts superb 4 star hotel facilities, you can enjoy the 18 hole Championship Golf Course in Waterford, or choose to stay in one of the Castle Gardens holiday homes.


Visit Celtic Tours website for more information about castle stays in Ireland.

The Ancient Art of Falconry

The ancient art of Falconry is reputed to be the oldest sport in the world. Evidence suggests that the art of falconry may have begun in Mesopotamia, China or Mongolia around 2000BC, as a means of catching food for yourself and your family.

Falconry spread westwards reaching the shores of Europe long before the end of the first millennium. Historically, Falconry was a popular sport and considered a status symbol among the nobles of medieval Europe and Asia. It was largely restricted to the noble classes due to the commitment of time, money and space. Falconry continued to be symbolic of status in art, long after it was popularly practiced.

Falconry is an art that requires long hours, constant devotion, finesse, subtlety and skill. The falconer must train a bird of prey to fly free, hunt and then return to captivity. A beginning falconer should begin with knowledge; learning about the various gaming birds, their stages of life, characteristics, prey, car, feeding and suitability for the falconer and the hunting environment.

Ireland’s First School of Falconry, at Ashford castle, offers visitors the chance to experience the ancient art of Falconry first hand on a private Hawk Walk. They specialize in lessons using beautiful Harris hawks, but in addition to hawks the school is home to a variety of eagles, owls and falcons. Within minutes of arriving, you will have a hawk on your glove and be setting off to fly your hawk or hawks in the gardens and woodlands surrounding Ashford Castle.

Ashford Castle is a medieval castle, located deep in the heartland of Mayo and set against a spectacular backdrop of forests, lakes and mountains. The stately architecture, surrounded by magnificent gardens makes Ashford Castle, a place where time stands still. Ashford Castle was built in 1228 for the de Burgo family, whose surname became the Burkes or Bourkes. They owned the castle for 3 and a half centuries until it was purchased by Noel Huggard in 1939. He opened the estate as a hotel, which became renowned for the provision of its country pursuits, such as angling, shooting and falconry.

In 1951, Ashford Castle played the backdrop to The Quiet Man starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. In its time, the castle has played host to many notable guests including: John Lennon, George Harrison, King George V of the UK, Oscar Wilde, Ronald Reagan, Ted Kennedy, Brad Pitt, Princess Grace and Pierce Brosnan to name a few.

While staying at Ashford Castle, you can enjoy a wide range of relaxing or exciting activities. Book a Spa treatment or Fly a Hawk in the School of Falconry, take a Picnic in the Walled Garden or catch Wild Trout or Salmon here, in one of the most famous fisheries in Ireland. Just 40 minutes from Galway city, and within easy driving distance of Shannon International Airport, Ashford Castle is perfectly situated to welcome all ages of visitors, from every corner of the globe.

Enjoy the majesty of staying in a medieval castle with Celtic Tours. Ashford Castle is a featured hotel on many of our Ireland vacations, including our Deluxe Deluxe Self Drive Vacation.

Deluxe Deluxe: Ireland Vacation Package

Deluxe Deluxe!
6 Nights Accommodations; 2 nights at the beautiful Lakeside hotel, 2 nights Ashford Castle, 1 night Dromoland Castle and 1 night at the Westbury Hotel in Dublin
+ car rental, breakfast and hotel taxes!
 based on twin room sharing at excellent properties -
pre-booked at no charge!

No hidden charges - no small print!

Package Highlights:This leisurely self-drive vacation brings you excellent properties - pre-booked at no additional charge! Bringing you the best of Ireland at a comfortable pace!

This package offers the following hotel accommodations:2-nights at the beautiful Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe
2-night deluxe 5-star renowned Ashford Castle1-nights at the deluxe 5-star Dromoland Castle
1-night at the deluxe 5-star Westebury Hotel

Should availability demand, the hotel order may be altered to accommodate availability and/or hotels may be substituted with equal or greater value hotels, where necessary.

This package also includes:
Standard Shift Group A Car Rental for entire package. Upgrades to larger cars and/or option to include Collision Damage Waiver are available.
FREE Ireland Admission Discount book to over 100 sites throughout Ireland.
FREE Celtic Tours 5-minute phone card.
Please note, this package is already discounted and further discounts and promotions do not apply to this package.

Learn more about this and other great Celtic Tours Vacations

5 of Celtic Tours Most Romantic European Vacations

5 of Celtic Tours Most Romantic European Vacations

Planning to surprise your loved one by whisking them away this Valentine’s day to a truly romantic spot? Here you will find a list of 5 of our top Romantic European Vacations to get your inner cupid working.

1. Endless Possibilities Package – Enjoy this wonderful 7 Nights self-drive tour, and see the most romantic spots of Ireland. With 2 Nights in Dublin, tour the city and pay homage to St. Valentine himself at Whitefriar Church. 4 Nights open B&B vouchers allow you to choose where you want to go: visit Galway, with its wild, windswept vistas and charming villages filled with cozy pub charm; or the Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow, a glittering jewel of the Emerald Isle; marvel at the mighty Cliffs of Moher. Put the finishing touch on your romantic Ireland Vacation with a castle stay!

2. Castles and Gardens of South England – What could be more romantic than a self-drive tour of South England. Visit Scotney Castle, a hidden gem and fairytale 14th-century moated ruined castle, surrounded by stunning gardens; Brighton the most enchanting, exciting, extraordinary seaside city in Britain; prehistoric Stonehenge and the medieval city of Salisbury.

3. Dublin & Rome City Stay Package - This 2 Spectacular City Stay Package of Ireland and Italy starts in the eternal city of Rome and ends in cosmopolitan Dublin. Rome-the home of great lovers like Casanova and Romeo and Juliet, makes the perfect first stop on this romantic vacation. Dublin is a wonderful city for romantics to visit. With endless possibilities for romance: art, theater, music, famous gardens and Guinness!

4. Paris City Stay – Paris is easily one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Try romantic spots such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Luxembourg Gardens and the Arc de Triomphe.

5. In a Tuscan Villa – Celtic Tours Tuscan Villa Stay features an authentic Italian Villa stay for four nights, a perfect romantic base for touring and tasting the Tuscan region while enjoying the warmth and charm of Villa Casagrande!



These are just a sampling of Celtic Tours offerings, learn more about Celtic Tours World Vacations.

Scotney Castle

Scotney Castle

Scotney Castle is a country house with formal gardens south-east of Lamberhurst in Kent, England. It is one of the exciting stops on Celtic Tours new Castles and Gardens Tour of South England. Known for its picturesque and romantic gardens and the ruins of a medieval, moated manor house, you can see why no trip to South England would be complete without a stop to Scotney Castle.

Scotney Castle was built in the 14th century, during great turmoil in the South of England. An interesting feature of the castle were Priest Holes, secret chambers that could be used for hiding priests fleeing state persecution, because Catholicism was illegal in England at the time. The castle is perhaps most famous for the 16th century activities of Father Richard Blount. Father Blount was a Jesuit priest who secretly lived in the castle and conducted religious services for local Kent Catholics. In the late 16th century his location was betrayed and the authorities attempted to capture him. The priest holes of Scotney hid him well and the authorities spent many days looking for him. Blount eventually escaped over a rear wall and out through the moat.

Scotney Castle is not really a castle, but a country house. And Scotney Castle is not one but two house. At the top of the hill is the new house, built in 1837 in Elizabethan style. At the bottom of the valley are the romantic ruins of a medieval castle and moat. The romantic ruins of Scotney Castle serve as a focal point for the Picturesque Style gardens.

The Scotney Garden is considered one of Englands most romantic gardens with a superb display of rhododendrons and azaleas, woodlands and parklands to explore and an 18th century thatched ice-house.

This is enchanting country hose and formal gardens are not to be missed on your exciting Castles and Gardens Tour of South England.Learn more about Celtic Tours self drive tours of the UK

Castles and Gardens of South England Tour

Castles and Gardens of South England Tour

Your Castles and Gardens of South England Tour Includes:

* 5 Nights Accommodations
* Breakfast daily, except day of arrival
* Car Rental: Group C Standard Shift Car*

Your Castles and Gardens of South England Tour Itinerary:

Day 1 Morning arrival at one of the London airports. Pick up your hire car and travel towards Kent. En-route visit Wisley Gardens, one of Britain's best loved gardens with 240 acres offering a fascinating blend of the beautiful with practical and innovative design and cultivation techniques. For many, it is the beauty and tranquility of the garden that captures the imagination, with its richly planted borders, luscious rose gardens and the exotica of the glasshouses. Enjoy the flowers and gardens in Spring and Summer. Overnight accommodation in Canterbury/Ashford.

Day 2 This morning we recommend a visit to the magnificently manicured gardens of Sissinghurst. This famous garden was created by Vita Sackville- West and Harold Nicolson from 1930 onwards and became the most admired English Garden of its time. Few great gardens live up to their reputations so effortlessly as this. Sissinghurst is a large connoisseurs' garden consisting of a series of small romantic areas enclosed by the surviving parts of an Elizabethan mansion. It has the power of enchantment, but is also an unending source of inspiration for all gardeners. Continue to Tunbridge Wells to visit Scotney Castle, a hidden gem and fairytale 14th-century moated ruined castle, surrounded by stunning gardens. Visitors to Scotney Castle will experience a whole new aspect to their visit as further rooms of the Victorian country house are opened to the public for the first time. There will be time to explore Tunbridge Wells before returning to your hotel in Canterbury/Ashford area.

Day 3 The spectacular gardens at Hever Castle were laid out between 1904 and 1908 by Joseph Cheal & Son, turning marshland into the spectacular gardens you might see today. One of the most magnificent areas of the gardens is the Italian Garden, which was worked on by over 1,000 men, digging out the 35 acre lake at the far end of the Italian Garden - taking two years to do so! The garden is only now reaching its full maturity and includes the colourful walled Rose Garden which contains over 3,000 plants. There are many water features around the gardens and other areas that you can stroll through, include the Tudor Garden, Rhododendron Walk and along Anne Boleyn's Walk with its collection of trees planted over 100 years ago. Overnight in Canterbury/Ashford area.

Day 4 Today depart Canterbury/Ashford area for Winchester. The capital of the ancient kingdom of Wessex, the city of Winchester was also the headquarters of the Anglo-Saxon kings until the Norman Conquest. You can visit the famous Winchester Cathedral, originally a Benedictine monastery, much of the Norman architecture remains despite its being modified repeatedly until the early 16th century. Travel along the beautiful coast with stop at Beachy Head and Brighton. Brighton is the most enchanting, exciting, extraordinary seaside city in Britain - however brazen that may sound, it is no exaggeration. With its cosmopolitan air, oodles of restaurants, cultures, the place defies comparison with anywhere else. This cosmopolitan city has something to offer everyone. Beachy Head, with its dramatic white cliffs and gently undulating downs, is an area of outstanding natural beauty and tranquility which belies its proximity to the busy south eastern towns of England. It is a haven for those who like to walk or cycle. There are many historic sites in the area, as well as pretty villages with good pubs, shops and restaurants to visit, and all within easy reach of the main towns of the region. For a complete change, visitors are welcome to spend some time at the farm or the sheep centre. Overnight in the Winchester area.

Day 5 Leave Winchester in the morning to visit Stonehenge, built in several stages from about 3000BC. Stonehenge is Europe's most famous prehistoric monument and we can only guess at the rituals that took place here. The alignment of the stones leaves little doubt though that the circle is connected with the sun and the passing of the seasons. The medieval city of Salisbury was founded in 1220 among the lush water meadows where the rivers Avon, Nadder and Bourne meet. The famous Salisbury cathedral was built mostly in the early 13th century over the remarkably short space of 38 years. Its magnificent landmark spire - the tallest in England - was an inspired afterthought added in 1280-1310. Overnight in the Winchester area.

Day 6 There might be some more time to spend in Winchester before travelling to the London airport for departure.

Learn More about this tour of England

The Endless Possibilities Package

The ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES Package!

Amazing Price Tag and Endless Possibilities

7 Night Stay land starting at $559 PP Sharing

With this package the choice is yours:

~Tour the modern and cosmopolitan city of Dublin with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass. This sightseeing bus stops at all of Dublin's major attractions. St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Zoo, the National Museum and Dublin's most fashionable shopping district Grafton St. are just a couple of options for your Dublin City Stay.

~Cash in on the savings with the Shannon Region 25% discount off entrance to the Shannon Regions top Attractions and Activities.

~Enjoy 4-nights B&B accommodations throughout Ireland - offering over 1700 B&B and farm homes to choose from.

~Enjoy a 1-night luxurious stay at the Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara, County Galway (Other Castle choices available).

~Tour Ireland with a 5-day compact automatic car rental - Includes CDW Insurance!

~Enjoy a luxurious stay at the Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara, County Galway.

~Take advantage of our optional tours of the Aran Islands and the Ring of Kerry. Or we can arrange a round of golf or other tours for you.

The Endless Possibilities package includes:

• 7 nights stay throughout Ireland: 2 Nights Dublin City Stay, 1-Night in luxury at the Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara and 4 Nights Your-Choice B&B accommodations
• Full Irish Breakfast Daily
• 5 Day Car Rental-Compact, Automatic, Includes Insurance (Larger groups will need to upgrade to larger vehicle)
• 1 Hop-On Hop-Off Dublin Bus Pass
• 1 Transfer from Hotel to Airport 
• FREE Celtic Tours 5-Minute Phone Card
• Shannon Region 25% discount off entrance to the Shannon Regions top Attractions and Activities

Learn More

Have you ever wanted to stay in a castle?

Think Indulgent Thoughts

At Clontarf Castle Hotel, 111 guest rooms and hotel suites range from the luxurious to the truly extravagant, with design that mesmerizes your senses, and all the in room touches you need to ensure the perfect nights rest.

From the fashionable style and comfort in their deluxe bedrooms to the definitive in opulence in their individually designed executive rooms and suites, many with four-poster beds and views of the Dublin mountains.

Nearby Attractions:

The Birthplace of Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker, author of the world famous novel, “Dracula” was born in Clontarf in November 1847. This Gothic Horror novel was only outsold by the Bible and has been hugely successful in theatre and cinema productions to date. Stoker died in April 1912, after a successful life as novelist and columnist for newspapers such as the Dublin Daily Mail. The Bram Stoker Park commemorates him, at his ancestral home at number 15 The Crescent, in close proximity to Clontarf Castle Hotel.

Guinness Storehouse
As you wander up through Guinness Storehouse, you'll discover what goes into making the Black Stuff- the ingredients, the process, the passion.

Old Jameson Distillery
The Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield Village is in the heart of Old Dublin.Irish whiskey can trace its history back to the 6th century. Almost like a tour of a working distillery you can follow the fascinating craft of whiskey making.

Croke Park Stadium in Dublin
The GAA Museum at Croke Park Stadium is designed to facilitate an experience of an integral part of Irish life and heritage through an exploration of its culture, history and unique national sports. Croke park is the proposed setting for the famed Notre Dame vs Navy 2012 Rematch.

Trinity College in Dublin
Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland.The college is famed for the great treasures it has the honour to be guardian of. These include the Book of Kells, a 9th century illuminated manuscript, the books of Durrow and Armagh and an early Irish harp.

Learn More About Celtic Tours Dublin Vacations on Sale Now!