Castle Tour Packages in Ireland
Get ready to immerse yourself in Irish culture on one of these Ireland castle tours. Explore clifftop castles cloaked in legend and wander the rambling estates of beautiful country manors. Your trip includes accommodation, car rental and personal recommendations.
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Book With ConfidencePlan your travels with peace of mind
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Trusted local travel expertsProfessional service from your travel consultant
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Car insurance includedYou’re covered with our reduced liability insurance
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You are in good handsOur 24/7 helpline means support is always close by
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Great reviewsWe are proud of our reviews and customer satisfaction
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Flexible tour optionsTailor your trip to fit your needs
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Full financial protectionQuick, secure payment and financial safety as standard
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Handpicked hotelsRest your head in carefully chosen hotels
Wonders of Ireland
Cliffs of Moher & the Ring of Kerry
3995EUR
3630EUR
Eur
Classic Ireland - Private
6690EUR
Eur
Complete Ireland - Private
9539EUR
Eur
Express Ireland - Private
4370EUR
Eur
Highlights of Ireland
4486EUR
4031EUR
Eur
Scenic Ireland & The South Coast
2264EUR
Eur
Express Scotland & Ireland – Private
7078GBP
Eur
Complete Scotland & Ireland – Private
Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye & Wild Atlantic Way
10614GBP
10224GBP
Eur
Complete Scotland & Ireland
3634GBP
Eur
Ultimate Tour of Scotland & Ireland
Scottish Highlands, North Coast 500 & Wild Atlantic Way
5481GBP
Eur
Express Scotland & Ireland
2817GBP
Eur
Wonders of Scotland & Ireland
Ultimate Celtic Adventure
5855GBP
5455GBP
Eur
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See contact choicesAbout Your Ireland Castle Vacation
Uncover tales of Ireland’s dramatic past on an expert-curated package where you can explore at your own pace. Visit historic Irish castles and manors, soak up incredible coastal scenery and experience Dublin’s lively music scene. You’ll also benefit from the insider knowledge of your regional travel consultant.
When you book a castle tour in Ireland with Nordic Visitor, you get:
• An authentic travel experience planned by an established and trusted agency
• A dedicated travel consultant to arrange your tour
• A detailed online personal itinerary and hand-marked map, with suggested highlights
• Handpicked accommodation for a comfortable stay
• 24/7 phone support for peace of mind
Nordic Visitor has made it easy to start planning your getaway. Simply follow these steps:
1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour
2. Confirm your package
3. Check your confirmation email
4. Book your flights
5. Get ready for your trip
Why Choose Nordic Visitor
Book With Confidence
Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.
Trusted local travel experts
Nordic Visitor has been crafting memorable trips in Northern Europe since 2002. We have carefully chosen the driving routes and castles on your tour to give you the best Irish experience. Your dedicated travel consultant knows the area well and will provide you with plenty of recommendations for your trip.
Car insurance included
Take the wheel with confidence, in the knowledge that all of our self-drive castle tours include car insurance and unlimited mileage as standard. This includes collision damage waiver insurance, third party liability, road fund licence and theft protection with a tried-and-tested car rental company.
You are in good hands
Embark on your Irish road trip free from worry. While travelling, you can reach a travel consultant 24/7 if any unexpected issues crop up. We will gladly rework your itinerary if needed, rearranging accommodation and activities with as little disruption to your trip as possible.
Great reviews
Our dedicated teams deliver excellent service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travelers say they would recommend us to friends and family.
Flexible tour options
Nordic Visitor created all Ireland packages to give guests the adventure of their dreams. Add extra nights, optional activities and car rental or accommodation upgrades as you go through the booking steps. If you'd like to personalise your itinerary further, be sure to ask your dedicated travel consultant.
Full financial protection
With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your holiday arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event that the company experiences insolvency.
Handpicked hotels
Sleep soundly knowing that we have handpicked the hotels on your trip for their welcoming atmosphere, handy locations, and great reviews. Our travel experts have also visited each accommodation to make sure that it meets our high standards of comfort and cleanliness.
Castle Tour Customer Reviews
Check out our guest’s experiences of visiting Ireland.
SuzanneUnited States
Nordic Visitor offers a package for every type of traveller. Travel consultants are extremely helpful and steer... read more
Nordic Visitor offers a package for every type of traveller. Travel consultants are extremely helpful and steer travellers to the perfect package to meet their interests.
CaitlinUnited States
We had such an amazing experience with Nordic Visitor who hosted the "Wonders of Ireland" 8-day tour. The... read more
We had such an amazing experience with Nordic Visitor who hosted the "Wonders of Ireland" 8-day tour. The group was small, 16 people, so we could use a large van rather than the huge buses that take forever for people to load/unload at each stop. The hotels were top notch, the sites we visited were diverse and enjoyable (distilleries, castles, gardens, waterfalls). Our tour guide Brian was truly incredible. He had a wealth of knowledge about the history, music and folklore of Ireland. He made the trip both informative and fun, and helped the group come together with his warm and engaging personality. Melissa our driver was also fantastic - kind, helpful and chatty. They both went above and beyond to ensure everyone was cared for and enjoyed the journey. I was torn about which company to use, and am so grateful we went with Nordic Visitor.
Certificate of Excellence
Your Ireland Castle Vacation Highlights
Discover the history behind Ireland’s impressive castles, while driving scenic routes through rolling hills and exploring the rugged Irish coastline. Visit Ireland and soon you could...
- Take a tour of Dublin Castle, before enjoying a pint of Guinness in Dublin’s Temple Bar District
- Soak up the sights of County Dublin, including 800-year-old Malahide Castle, set in lush gardens
- Join in with the local tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, to get the “gift of the gab”
- See the jewels of County Clare, including 15th-century Bunratty Castle and the towering Cliffs of Moher
- Marvel at the ruins of Northern Ireland’s Dunluce Castle, while admiring the wild coastal scenery
- Step back in time as you wander among the remains of Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Roman castle in Ireland
- Experience the beauty of Killarney National Park, and visit Muckross House, a 19th-century Victorian manor
- Stroll along Galway Bay in the charming village of Kinvarra then go to Dunguaire Castle, a restored tower house
- Drive the famous Ring of Kerry, visit Minard Castle and relish Cork’s traditional Irish music scene
Advice About Holidays in Ireland
Prepare yourself for visiting Ireland with these practical travel guides.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
IRELAND CASTLE VACATION PACKAGES
Read on for answers to the most frequently asked questions about Irish castle tours. For more detailed information on booking and payment, check out our general FAQs and booking terms.
Find out more about how you can Book With Confidence with Nordic Visitor, and relax in the knowledge that the payments for your Ireland vacation are protected.
Nobody knows exactly how many castles there are on the island of Ireland. That said, the estimate is around an astonishing 30,000!
On your travels you’ll be able to explore plenty of lovingly restored castles that are now open to visitors. Soak up their history on your own or by joining a guided tour. Either way, discover the stories behind the fine manor houses, imposing towers, and noble castles dotted around Ireland.
While touring the countryside on an Irish self-drive trip you’ll also come across a number of picturesque ruined castles. Make sure to pause at the most atmospheric, and add to your collection of dreamy vacation snaps.
There are around 40 castles in Northern Ireland that are either relatively intact ruins or restored castles that are open to visitors. Although, the exact number is unknown.
When you are touring Northern Ireland, make sure you don’t miss out on visiting these notable sites:
- Carrickfergus Castle – Perhaps Northern Ireland’s most popular castle, and one of the largest, it is well worth a visit.
- Dunluce Castle – Another of Ireland’s most famous castles, its vast ruins stand proudly on a scenic clifftop.
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Belfast Castle – Rebuilt in the 1700s, it is now located in Cave Hill Country Park, known for being rich in local wildlife.
Discover more attractions and places to visit in Northern Ireland.
This is a good question, as castles often go hand-in-hand with royalty. However, despite having no royal family at the time when most of them were built, Ireland still has lots of castles. Why is this?
Many of Ireland’s castles date from the 11th to 15th centuries, when Irish clan chiefs were defending their lands against Anglo-Norman invaders. Before this time defensive structures tended to be stone and earthen forts. That said, much sturdier structures were soon required by both sides as their battles intensified.
Towards the end of the 1400s, many clan chiefs were building their own defences in the same Anglo-Norman style of their invaders.
A couple of centuries later, powerful families began constructing large manor houses, resembling castles, as a show of wealth. So today you’ll also find castles, or manor houses, in the Gothic, Victorian and Scottish Baronial style dotted across the country.
Find out what else Ireland has to offer in this blog: 10 reasons why you should visit Ireland.
Yes, you can go inside many of Ireland’s castles. At most of the well-known castles, it’s possible for you to opt for a guided tour, giving you a more in-depth visitor experience. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy exploring at your own pace.
If you plan to join a guided tour, we always recommend booking ahead of your visit to avoid any disappointment.
For a taste of luxury, why not visit a castle hotel in Ireland for afternoon tea in decadent surroundings? Or treat yourself and opt for an overnight stay, perfect for a romantic retreat. For more extra special trip ideas with your loved one, check out this blog on adventurous honeymoons in Europe.
Happily, there are castles in most counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Castles were normally built as defensive structures, so you will tend to find them in strategic natural locations. This means you’ll be able to enjoy excellent views from their clifftop, seaside, riverbank or hilltop positions.
Ireland is also home to many manor houses and stately homes. These are often surrounded by rambling country estates and manicured gardens.
Neighbouring Scotland is also home to a number of iconic castles. Why not combine your Irish adventure with a trip to Scotland and go on a self-drive holiday to Ireland and Scotland?
Check out this guide to the 12 best Scottish castles for inspiration. And find out what else you'll love about visiting Scotland and Ireland in this blog.
Absolutely! Add a touch of opulence to your trip and stay in a castle. Ireland is dotted with a number of castles and manor houses that have been beautifully converted into hotels.
A castle stay in Ireland is an experience you will never forget. Many of Ireland’s luxurious castle hotels have spa and wellness facilities where you can relax in lavish surroundings. Alternatively, you could take a stroll through lush grounds or book onto an outdoor excursion.
As for the rooms, think sumptuous suites with four-poster beds, roll-top baths and glittering chandeliers.
Get in touch with us to discuss including a castle stay in your itinerary. One of our knowledgeable travel experts will help you choose the right one for you.
Wondering how to decide where to go on your Irish adventure? Let this blog on the best places to visit in Ireland inspire your trip.
With around 30,000 historical castles in Ireland, it’s difficult to know where to start.
However, these are some of the top recommended castles that you can visit throughout Ireland:
- Bunratty Castle - Known for being the most complete castle in Ireland, it was carefully restored by the 1960s.
- Rock of Cashel - The castle’s existing structure dates from the 12th century, but the history here goes back to the time of St Patrick.
- Dunluce Castle - Featured in Game of Thrones, the castle's atmospheric ruins teeter on the rugged coastline.
- Blarney Castle - Here you can enjoy woodland walks, see the famous Blarney Stone, and visit a gothic mansion nearby.
- Ross Castle - A largely intact 15th-century fortress surrounded by the beauty of Killarney National Park.
- Malahide Castle - Just a short drive from Dublin city, the castle houses the National Portrait Gallery and has beautiful gardens.
- Trim Castle - The largest Anglo-Roman castle in Ireland, built on the site of a 5th-century monastery in the quaint town of Trim.
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Dunguaire Castle - A restored 16th-century tower house with literary ties, located nearby the charming fishing town of Kinvarra.
Wherever you visit you’ll love learning about the tumultuous histories attached to Ireland’s fortified castles, crumbling ruins, and elegant baronial mansions.
For more inspiration, check out the best castles to visit in Ireland on our experts' blog.
To get the most out of your castle tour, we recommend an Ireland self-drive package. This will allow you to explore at your own pace, while choosing the castles and attractions that you would like to visit along the way.
For instance, you could follow the Wild Atlantic Way along Ireland's west coast, and combine castle visits with soaking up breathtaking views.
All of our self-drive itineraries are curated by experts to take in the most scenic driving routes. You can also choose from a variety of tour durations. Whether you are looking for a short break or a longer adventure, we have something for you.
To get the inside scoop on your castle visits, we suggest opting for a guided tour at those you are most fascinated by. Many of Ireland’s restored castles offer group tours with an experienced local guide or historian. Where possible, it’s best to book guided tours in advance online to avoid disappointment.
Check out this blog on the best road trips in Ireland for more self-drive trip ideas.
Yes, we provide you with everything you need for a hassle-free trip. This is why car rental and CDW insurance with a reliable local partner are included in the price of your tour.
Your Nordic Visitor car rental and insurance package includes the following as standard:
- Unlimited mileage
- GPS navigation system
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
- Third party liability
- Road fund licence
- Theft protection
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24/7 emergency roadside assistance
Please check your individual tour details to see what is not covered in the car rental package. For example, the cost of fuel and optional ferry journeys are not included.
If you would like to upgrade your rental car category, you can do so easily when booking your tour online by choosing from the options listed.
Find out more about driving in Ireland in our helpful Ireland Travel Guide.
Yes, our self-drive Ireland castle tours are available from April to October. After choosing the right tour for you, simply select your preferred date on the tour’s online availability calendar.
Spring, summer and autumn are all great times to travel in Ireland. You can read this insider guide to the best time to visit Ireland to help you decide when to go.
Our Irish castle tours have been crafted to ensure you get the best out of your time in Ireland. That said, your self-drive package can easily be tailored to suit your needs.
Why not treat yourself to a hotel upgrade, or add exciting optional excursions to your days touring the Irish counties? You can choose from activities like a Guinness Storehouse tasting experience, and a “pony and trap” tour on the Aran Islands.
It’s also possible to tailor tours combining Scotland and Ireland. Speak to your dedicated travel consultant about extending your time in either country by adding extra nights.
Customise your tour when you book online, or get in touch with us if you have something specific in mind.
Please note, it’s best to hold off on booking flights until your tour is confirmed. We advise checking flight availability for your preferred travel dates before selecting your arrival day and booking your trip.
You will normally hear from a travel expert 2 working days after booking your trip online. Once everything is ready to go, they will let you know so that you can go ahead and finalise your flights.
Due to its position alongside the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish weather is known for being changeable. This means it’s best to be prepared for rain and shine on your trip.
Our castle tours are available from spring through to autumn, so you’re likely to experience mild to warm, dry weather along with some wet and windy conditions. Thankfully the Gulf Stream means that even towards the end of autumn, you are unlikely to experience temperatures below freezing.
Don’t forget to pack these essentials for your trip to Ireland:
- Walking boots or shoes with good grip
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Insulated jacket
- Woollen jumper or fleece
- Lightweight base layers
- Quick-drying trousers or leggings
- Casual clothes
- Swimwear
- Rucksack
- Warm scarf, hat and gloves
- Warm socks
- Sun hat or cap
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Sunglasses
Read this guide for more information on what to pack for Ireland depending on the season you are visiting in.
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Our dedicated travel consultants will answer any questions you may have about castle tours in Ireland. Whether you’re ready to book or would like to customise an itinerary, get in touch to start planning an unforgettable adventure.
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