Castles & Whiskey

Galway – Newmarket – Waterford – Cavan

Welcome to Ireland!

Castles and Whiskey

Highlights

Our Castles & Whiskey Tour is a perfect week-long package for those looking for an experience that’s truly uniquely Irish.  Staying exclusively in some of Ireland’s most stunning castle properties allows you to pamper yourself with luxury amenities, optional activities, and special dining venues.  Simultaneously, you’ll be able to savor whiskies from across the country and return home with a better appreciation for uisce beatha, Gaelic for the “water of life,”. 

Above all, consult with your Destination Specialist. We will ensure that the highlights of your trip are booked in advance so you won’t miss out on the fun!  Lots of time at leisure will be built in so you can explore on your own, and at your own pace. Let the journey guide you.

Read more about why we love this Castles & Whiskey tour.

Make it Yours

  • Accommodation – Ireland offers a wide range of accommodation styles including boutique hotels, charming B&B’s, and luxurious castle hotels.  Juniper will select where you stay based on your preferences.
  • Transportation – All of the dots will be connected based on your preferences and budget.  Airport transfers, car rentals, train passes, even private chauffeurs!
  • Day tours and entrance tickets – pre-scheduled tours and experiences for a seamless and enriching travel experience!
Castles and Whiskey Route

Castles and Whiskey Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Galway

Welcome to Ireland! Enjoy your week living luxuriously with castle and distillery tours tasting the famous Irish whiskey. Upon arrival, a private driver will meet you at the airport arrivals hall and take you to your castle accommodation in Galway. Check into Ballynahinch Castle and begin exploring this magnificent place.

Overnight in Ballynahinch Castle

Day 2: Galway

Enjoy the day with one of the numerous activities the castle has to offer from horseback riding along the beach to an island and lobster excursion. Spend the evening with a romantic picnic on the beautiful castle grounds. 

Overnight in Ballynahinch Castle

Day 3: Galway to Newmarket

Today you will head to your next destination in Newmarket. A private driver will be taking you to your next castle Dromoland Castle. Along the way, you will stop at Micil Distillery for a tasting and tour. Once in Newmarket, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at this 5-star accommodation.

Overnight in Dromoland Castle

Day 4: Newmarket to Waterford

There are numerous things to do at Dromoland Castle enjoy your morning here before heading to Waterford. There is everything from archery to falconry to a peaceful walk around the estate. Talk with your destination specialist about the perfect activity to choose from. In the afternoon a private driver will take you to your accommodation in the country’s oldest town, Waterford Castle. On the way, stop at the Waterford Distillery for a private tour and tasting. Enjoy your island getaway castle this evening. 

Overnight in Waterford Castle

Day 5: Waterford to Dublin to Cavan

Today you will be heading to your final destination, Cavan. On the way you will stop in Dublin for a day of sightseeing and tastings. Stop at one of the many Dublin distilleries and perhaps the famous Guinness Factory. Enjoy a private tour of the city before heading to Cabra Castle. 

Overnight in Cabra Castle

Day 6: Cavan

Spend your morning relaxing and taking in the beautiful property you are getting to experience. In the afternoon, tour and taste some Irish whiskey at nearby local distilleries.

Overnight in Cabra Castle

Day 7: Depart for Home

Say farewell to your amazing time in Ireland! A private driver will pick you up and take you to the airport departure hall for your return flight home. Hopefully, you picked some souvenirs up relive your time in Ireland at home!

Your Castles & Whiskey Tour at a glance:

Castles & Whiskey Highlights:

Selected activities based on your interests:

Why We Love this Tour

Your Self Drive Tour of Ireland is the perfect introductory tour of the Emerald Isle.  It offers the freedom and flexibility of a chauffeured experience with a price point closer to a group guided tour. You and your loved ones can have the best of Ireland!

We love this itinerary because it allows you to see the highlights of Ireland as a first-time visitor. Or you can relive the best of Ireland if you’ve been before.  By staying in Dublin, swinging down to Kilkenny, then continuing to the beloved County Kerry you’ll have many sightseeing and touring opportunities.

Why We Love Dublin

Ireland’s capital city of Dublin blends modern amenities with charming historic neighborhoods. A flourishing food scene for everyone to enjoy. Explore the iconic sites such as the Guinness Storehouse, the Glasnevin Cemetery, and the Kilmainham Gaol.  Enjoy a pint and live music in a pub in the famous Temple Bar neighborhood. Join a walking tour about the Easter Rising or Ireland’s rich literature, or take a day trip up to Belfast for a bit of Northern Ireland.

Why We Love Kilkenny 

Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s oldest cities, dating as far back as the 6th century.  On the way there take some time to hike the stunning Wicklow Mountains. Then visit Powerscourt Estate to see the impressive house and manicured gardens.

Why We Love Country Kerry

County Kerry is ideal for those partaking in a self-drive tour of Ireland.  The rambling roadways of County Kerry cut through patchwork fields. Drive alongside the dramatic and rocky coastline. It’s home to some of the most striking castle ruins and charming villages Ireland has to offer.
Make this independent adventure yours!  

Nights can be added or reduced, your route can be changed. Tours and activity options can be selected based on your interests and purpose of travel.  Having a rental car allows you to visit the pockets of Ireland that the train doesn’t reach. All of this without the expense of constraints of a private chauffeur.  Come and go as you please. You never know what you’ll discover when you’re exploring this special country at your own pace!

Your Destination Specialist knows Ireland and will take the time to learn what’s important to you.  Your itinerary will be designed just for you, to make the most of your time and experience in the Emerald Isle!

Get Ready to Travel!

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