Leave Dublin this morning and travel across the rich midland pastures. Before you cross the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, you can visit Clonmacnoise, a 6th-century Christian site. Arrive into Galway, which has long traded with Spain and the Spanish influences are many in the city. Of note is Spanish Arch, a gateway in the old city walls and the Spanish Parade.

Continue on from Galway to nearby Cong to your overnight hotel.

The magnificent five-star Ashford Castle is set on 350 acres, on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib. Dating back to 1228, the castle now enters a new chapter in its history, as part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection. With 83 spectacular rooms, suites, and a Lakeside Cottage, a wealth of activities, and plenty of thoughtful touches, guests will enjoy acclaimed Irish hospitality on a grand scale.

Today, embark on a tour of the wild & rugged Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery. Irish is still widely spoken here. Why not visit the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful mansion in a lakeside setting against a mountainous backdrop? You can also visit Connemara National Park at Letterfrack, where the indigenous wild Connemara ponies roam freely through the rugged landscape.

The magnificent five-star Ashford Castle is set on 350 acres, on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib. Dating back to 1228, the castle now enters a new chapter in its history, as part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection. With 83 spectacular rooms, suites, and a Lakeside Cottage, a wealth of activities, and plenty of thoughtful touches, guests will enjoy acclaimed Irish hospitality on a grand scale.

Today, you leave Ashford Castle & travel through Galway City and into County Clare. Travel through the strange lunar landscape of the Burren region or visit the Cliffs of Moher a spectacular 5-mile long cliff, which rises almost 700 feet above sea level. You can also visit the 15th-century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Stop at some of the many small towns and villages that Ireland is famous for.

Welcome to Armada Hotel with the Sights, Sounds and Tastes, of West Clare on the Atlantics edge. It has been over 55 years since things kicked off at the Armada, and what an adventure it’s been! They have learned a few things in that time, they know how lucky they are to be in West Clare and that reflects in so much of what they do.

Today, travel south and pass through the medieval city of Limerick. Stop in the pretty village of Adare, whose Heritage Centre allows you to experience the area’s unique history, spanning from 1233.

Continue on to Kenmare, voted Ireland’s tidiest town.

Cahernane Country House Hotel is beautifully situated on its own private estate, at the edge of the renowned Killarney National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty with an untamed landscape of mountains, lakes and woodland walks. Situated on the outskirts of Killarney, off the N71 near Muckross Park, Cahernane House Hotel is conveniently located a mere 10min walk from Killarney Town Centre where you can enjoy all the charms of this bustling town. The castle offers two restaurants and several types of luxury rooms with large beds, private marble bathrooms and turn down service.

Today, why not relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities or visit Kenmare with its many craft and antique shops. Alternatively, tour the West Cork region travelling over the spectacular Healy Pass before arriving in Glengariff where you can take a short boat trip to Garnish Island to see the “sub-tropical” gardens. Because of a unique Gulf Stream influence, you can see many plants you would normally expect to see in much warmer climates.

Cahernane Country House Hotel is beautifully situated on its own private estate, at the edge of the renowned Killarney National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty with an untamed landscape of mountains, lakes and woodland walks. Situated on the outskirts of Killarney, off the N71 near Muckross Park, Cahernane House Hotel is conveniently located a mere 10min walk from Killarney Town Centre where you can enjoy all the charms of this bustling town. The castle offers two restaurants and several types of luxury rooms with large beds, private marble bathrooms and turn down service.

Leave Kenmare and travel through the rich rolling pastures of Ireland’s Golden Vale region. Why not stop in Cork, Ireland’s second largest city or perhaps visit the world famous Blarney Castle and nearby Blarney Woollen Mills? Continue on to the medieval city of Kilkenny where you can stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways or visit Kilkenny Castle or some of the other heritage sites.

Perfection is difficult to achieve, impossible to describe and rarely forgotten once experienced. The essence of great hotels lies not in the things you can touch, taste or see, but in how simply being there makes you feel. The luxury, sophistication and style of Lyrath Estate Hotel are unsurpassed among Kilkenny hotels. Set in 170 acres of mature parkland, complete with picturesque lakes and Lady Charlotte's historic gardens, Lyrath Estate Hotel Kilkenny is the definitive country resort. Lyrath Estate is a multi-award winning 5 star hotel, spa and luxury wedding venue offering some of the finest accommodation, dining, and conference facilities in Ireland.

Travel to Dublin Airport for the return flight home.