When we talk about "The Stuff of Legends," it has to start somewhere, so why not with you, and why not here, in the two most exceptional 5-star castle hotels in all of Ireland on one magical trip? These ancient seats of history and power turned elegant lands of luxury have joined their might for a gentler purpose: Indulgent, inclusive and immersive travel, only through Brendan Vacations.
The Castles
This is how you truly experience the royal treatment. Few things compare to a luxury vacation stay in one of these castles. These are places with deep histories complimented by equally legendary hospitality, beautiful estates filled with activities to suit any guest need, indulgent gourmet dining, tranquil spas and character at every turn. Driven by pride of place, a sense of purpose, this is where you come to take your seat at the highest degree of luxury.
One contemporary, one classic, both offering immersive comforts within their walls and elegant escapes on the grounds. Nothing is out of reach.
DROMOLAND CASTLE; Co. Clare, Shannon Region
A stay in one of Europe’s finest authentic castle hotels, it has married the original structures into an inspired and chicly modern stay abounding with the comforts of traditional Irish hospitality. Relax next to crackling fires, play on champion golf courses, enjoy outdoor activities and fine dining.
ASHFORD CASTLE; Co. Mayo Galway & The West
Once the home of brewing royalty, the Guinness family, this is the ultimate Castle Experience to discover the West of Ireland. Unrivalled service, warm Irish hospitality and five-star luxury awaits at this 350-acre jewel of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
Your Castle Stay Vacation, Explained
Brendan Vacations has brought the very best castle properties together with our favorite experiences led by our local specialists and facilitated by our exceptional private chauffeurs, taking care of all the details to present our Legendary Castle stay vacation. This is the ultimate way to experience a luxury immersive vacation in Ireland.
Legendary Castle Stays
Two legendary castles on one itinerary with our local experts connecting you to the Celtic culture, people and sense of fun.
Ashford Castle and Dromoland Castle never close their gates, welcoming you to their opulent estates all year round. While the Celtic Isle are always magical to visit, staying in one of these castles is a level of service, access and relaxation you cannot find elsewhere. On this trip, you’re touring Ireland with your private chauffeur at your beck and call, staying in the very best properties, seeing and tasting the best of Galway with an expert local specialist and touring the streets of Dublin guided by one of its most venerable historians.
You’ll connect with the seasons in a different way when you experience it on a castle estate. Watch as autumn changes the acres, revel in the festive coziness of winter’s quiet sparkle by a centuries-old fireplace, get the first blooms of brilliant spring to yourself walking the gardens and grounds, or connect with the bright and bustling pace of summer outdoors. There’s exceptional fine dining, wide-ranging activities of every kind on the castle grounds, luxuriant spas or curling up with your favorite drink by the fire, your Legendary Castle stay is one you'll never forget.
Personal Private Chauffeur
A personal driver and expert guide in one, your private chauffeur is with you throughout your trip, giving you flexibility to stay on the estate or head out on a whim to explore local gems such as The Burren or Connemara National Parks.
For Brendan Guests Only
Those who book our Legendary Castle Stays vacation are treated to an exclusive ‘Legendary’ cocktail from the famed mixologists at Dromoland and a hand-crafted chocolate sculpture created exclusively at Ashford by Global Director of Chocolate and Patisserie Paula Stakelum.
Connect with Locals
For experiences beyond the castle grounds, guests will connect with our local specialists. Explore the best of Galway’s culture and flavors with our local specialist Sheena on a delicious Galway Food Tour, and learn the depth of Dublin's varied history as delivered by our famed local expert Pat Liddy.
Castle Estate Activities
We want you to experience everything, which is why we provide an activity credit per castle estate to let you indulge in an activity of your choice. Take the opportunity for a walk in the woods learning falconry, try a relaxing treatment at the spas, enjoy horse riding across the grounds and more to fully immerse in and excite your stay.
What You'll Do
For your time away from the splendors of the luxury castle estates, we have hand-picked iconic activities for your Ireland vacation.
Galway Food Tour
Taste the best of Galway with our local specialist Sheena on a Galway Food Tour. Walk the winding streets of this vibrant city, stopping into local shops, markets, classic pubs and fine dining restaurants to get a taste of the food and flavors of this unique city by the sea.
Dublin Walking Tour
Surround yourself in Dublin's varied history, street by street on a detailed walking tour, as delivered by our local expert, Dublin historian Pat Liddy, who once gave this tour to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Strokestown House, Roscommon
A visit to Strokestown Park House, its beautiful gardens and the National Famine Museum uncovers the intimate and intriguing links between dramatically different Irish lives of the poor and the landed gentry.
Guinness Storehouse, Dublin
No trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Discover the age-old secrets of Guinness, visit the tasting rooms, learn to pull the perfect pint and take in the breath-taking views of Dublin at the top-floor Gravity Bar.
Optional Days
Ireland has even more natural beauty beyond its famed green countryside. Take your pick of amazing scenes that are regional to each legendary castle and have your private chauffeur drive you.
The Burren Walking Tour
A guided walk with a local specialist takes you through this unique landscape on Ireland’s coast that is a rare ecosystem for exceptional wild flora.
The Cliffs of Moher
Walk Ireland’s edge above the Atlantic on the towering Cliffs of Moher. These iconic cliffs are the backdrop of many memorable film and television moments, and also your unforgettable Ireland castle vacation.
Connemara Experience with Kylemore Abbey
Travel through the ever-changing countryside of Connemara’s rolling hills, peaty bogs and shifting landscapes to arrive at the beautiful Kylemore Abbey and its wooded lakeside walks and gardens.
Sip and Savor
Whether you're tasting the rich flavor of Galway on a walking culinary tour, done up in your best for Ashford's classic fine dining at the George V restaurant or engaging your senses with the panache served at Dromoland's Earl of Thomond, there's no end of tempting ways to indulge in dining on this trip. Your castle estate credits can also be used towards the many dining options, afternoon teas and sip & savor experiences at both destinations, making sure your plate is always filled with new options to experience.
George V Restaurant
A deeply classic fine dining experience. Built in 1905 by the Guinness family for a visit from the Prince of Wales who became George V of England, this special dining room still bears his name. Traditional, classic fine dining featuring the culinary expertise of Chef Liam Finnegan's flair highlights local produce, estate ingredients and perfectly executed plates. Rich, panelled walls and twinkling Waterford Crystal chandeliers set a warm ambiance for elegant meals worthy of a regal guest.
Earl of Thomund
Celebrated is for its panache, its elegance and innovation, a fine dining experience here is delightfully relaxed. From the creative direction of Chef David McCann, classical techniques are married with the most outstanding Irish produce from sea and land to highlight exquisite local flavours. This is an authentic taste of Ireland surrounded by Venetian silk, sparkling chandeliers and sweeping views of the estate.
Ideal Travel
Romance
Secluded in a castle, driven by private chauffeur, fine dining and service that attends to your every whim – this is how you wrap yourself in a romantic story all of your own.
Golf
Dromoland is home to the KPMG Women’s Irish Open with its Ron Kirby and JB Carr designed course. Ashford's parkland course, designed by Eddie Hackett, is sure to charm. Each castle offers the ideal retreat for a western Ireland links vacation for their home courses and access to the famed courses nearby.
Family
Arrive and relax with the family. We handle the driving, the appointments, the activities and all you need to do is enjoy the quality time spent, strengthening bonds, relaxing and making memories together.
Solo Travel
This is the ultimate trip to treat yourself with. With a private chauffeur making all things possible and passionate staff abounding, you’ll be the center of attentive service everywhere you go.
LGBTQIA+ Travel
Be treated like the kings, queens or monarch of the estate at the height of luxury, comfort, peace and indulgence.
Luxury
This trip is the perfect luxury experience and is brought to life by our Private Chauffeur's who are the finest at their craft. We offer flexibility as needed should you wish to change your vacation to suit your pace and personality.
GET STARTED WITH US
call us at 800-687-1002 or contact your Travel Agent.