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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.

20 tours available

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Prices per adult based on bookings for two

1089 EUR
12378 EUR
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Ireland
10-15% OFF IN 2024
Best seller
Guided Groups
8 days / 7 nights
4.6
Apr - Oct

Wonders of Ireland

3624EUR

3080EUR

Eur

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10-15% OFF IN 2024
Best seller
8 days / 7 nights
Apr - Oct

3624EUR

3080EUR

EUR

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Ireland
Best seller
Self-drive
8 days / 7 nights
4.9
Apr - Oct

Scenic Ireland

1758EUR

Eur

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Best seller
8 days / 7 nights
Apr - Oct

1758EUR

EUR

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Ireland
Best seller
Self-drive
10 days / 9 nights
4.8
Apr - Oct

Classic Ireland

2136EUR

Eur

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Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
Apr - Oct

2136EUR

EUR

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Ireland
Best seller
Privately Guided
10 days / 9 nights
Apr - Oct

Classic Ireland - Private

6412EUR

Eur

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Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
Apr - Oct

6412EUR

EUR

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Ireland
Privately Guided
8 days / 7 nights
Apr - Oct

Scenic Ireland - Private

5112EUR

Eur

View map
8 days / 7 nights
Apr - Oct

5112EUR

EUR

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Ireland
Privately Guided
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

Complete Ireland - Private

9125EUR

Eur

View map
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

9125EUR

EUR

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Ireland
Best seller
Self-drive
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

Complete Ireland

3081EUR

Eur

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Best seller
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

3081EUR

EUR

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Ireland
Best seller
Self-drive
17 days / 16 nights
4.6
Apr - Oct

Grand Tour of Ireland

3818EUR

Eur

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Best seller
17 days / 16 nights
Apr - Oct

3818EUR

EUR

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Ireland
Self-drive
7 days / 6 nights
Apr - Oct

Express Ireland

1565EUR

Eur

View map
7 days / 6 nights
Apr - Oct

1565EUR

EUR

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Scotland & Ireland
Guided Groups
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

Wonders of Ireland & Scotland

5519EUR

Eur

View map
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

5519EUR

EUR

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Ireland
Best seller
Privately Guided
7 days / 6 nights
Apr - Oct

Express Ireland - Private

4202EUR

Eur

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Best seller
7 days / 6 nights
Apr - Oct

4202EUR

EUR

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Guided Groups
10 days / 9 nights
Apr - Oct

Highlights of Ireland

4764EUR

4049EUR

Eur

View map
10-15% OFF IN 2024
10 days / 9 nights
Apr - Oct

4764EUR

4049EUR

EUR

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Ireland
Self-drive
10 days / 9 nights
Apr - Oct

Scenic Ireland & The South Coast

2183EUR

Eur

View map
10 days / 9 nights
Apr - Oct

2183EUR

EUR

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Scotland & Ireland
Best seller
Guided Groups
16 days / 15 nights
Apr - Sep

Best of Ireland & Scotland

7315EUR

Eur

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Best seller
16 days / 15 nights
Apr - Sep

7315EUR

EUR

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Ireland
Self-drive
5 days / 4 nights
Apr - Oct

Scenic Ireland Express

1089EUR

Eur

View map
5 days / 4 nights
Apr - Oct

1089EUR

EUR

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Scotland & Ireland
Free upgrade
Privately Guided
12 days / 11 nights
Apr - Oct

Express Scotland & Ireland – Private

6986GBP

Eur

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Free upgrade
12 days / 11 nights
Apr - Oct

6986GBP

GBP

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Scotland & Ireland
Free upgrade
Best seller
Privately Guided
17 days / 16 nights
Apr - Oct

Complete Scotland & Ireland – Private

Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye & Wild Atlantic Way

10586GBP

Eur

View map
Free upgrade
Best seller
17 days / 16 nights
Apr - Oct

10586GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland & Ireland
Free upgrade
Self-drive
17 days / 16 nights
Apr - Oct

Complete Scotland & Ireland

3577GBP

Eur

View map
Free upgrade
17 days / 16 nights
Apr - Oct

3577GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland & Ireland
Free upgrade
Self-drive
25 days / 24 nights
Apr - Oct

Ultimate Tour of Scotland & Ireland

Scottish Highlands, North Coast 500 & Wild Atlantic Way

5354GBP

Eur

View map
Free upgrade
25 days / 24 nights
Apr - Oct

5354GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland & Ireland
Free upgrade
Best seller
Self-drive
12 days / 11 nights
4.8
Apr - Oct

Express Scotland & Ireland

2786GBP

Eur

View map
Free upgrade
Best seller
12 days / 11 nights
Apr - Oct

2786GBP

GBP

Close map view

About 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

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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 insurance free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

Book With Confidence

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Customisable tour options

Enjoy the best that Ireland has to offer when you go on an Irish castle tour designed by our experts. Book with us and get personal recommendations tailored to your interests from your dedicated travel consultant. You can also customise your itinerary by adding extra nights and optional excursions.

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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.

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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.

S

StephanieUnited States

Overall, we had a great experience. Anytime we had questions our advisor did a great job answering them in a timely... read more

Overall, we had a great experience. Anytime we had questions our advisor did a great job answering them in a timely manner. In country, we only had to call customer service one time, when the accommodation had misplaced our welcome packet. The agent on call worked with the hotel and they found it and she called back to confirm that we had everything we needed.

V

VivienneAustralia

We were very happy that a really good map of Ireland was provided, which had our hotels highlighted, with the dates... read more

We were very happy that a really good map of Ireland was provided, which had our hotels highlighted, with the dates annotated, and our route and recommended places of interest also highlighted. Most hotels were centrally located and we had some lovely accommodation. The "Wild Atlantic Way" itinerary was really enjoyable, we were directed to some marvellous places & have some great memories. Our bound copy of the guide, together with the Touring Map of Ireland, are great mementoes of a wonderful holiday.

1000+ reviews on TripAdvisor
Certificate of Excellence
See the reviews

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...

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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.

Get in touch with us for personal recommendations and to ask about customising your trip.

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
  • 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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