17 Must-See Sites in Ireland
Ireland is an island of enchanting history and Folklore, breathtaking scenery, and a fun-loving culture supported by friendly locals. See below for 17 can’t-miss sites on the Emerald Isle.
1. Limerick, County Limerick
Firstly, Limerick is located South West of Dublin, in the Midwest Region. It is driveable from Dublin and on the way to Killarney (see below). The city lies on the River Shannon, with the historic core of the city being King’s Island. It is a large, urban city with a large population compared to many other cities you may visit during your time in Ireland.
2. Adare, County Limerick
Secondly, Adare is a small village in the county of Limerick, located farther Southwest (and enroute to Killarney) from the city of Limerick. It is known as one of Ireland’s prettiest towns, with idyllic moss-covered buildings and colorful doors. In addition, it is designated as a heritage town by the Irish government.
3. Killarney, County Kerry
Killarney is a town located in the county of Kerry in southwestern Ireland. The town’s heritage, history, and location on the Ring of Kerry make it a very popular tourist destination and resort town. It is extremely picturesque and clean, with many things to see and do.
4. Muckross House, County Kerry
Muckross House is a 65-room Tudor-style mansion, built in 1843. Killarney National Park and Muckross Lake surround the gorgeous castle. This structure is the base for exploring this breathtaking landscape.
5. Ross Castle, County Kerry
Also located within Killarney National Park is Ross Castle. It is the ancestral home of the O’Donoghue clan. It is open to the public with guided tours available.
6. Blarney Castle, County Cork
The Blarney Stone is located at Blarney Castle. Blarney Castle has a long history, originating as a timber house from before the year 1200.
7. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, County Clare
Located near the town of Shannon on the Ratty River. The current structure dates back to 1425, with history even before this date. Today the castle is a major tourist attraction, in addition to the Folk Park. Both the castle and Bunratty House are open to the public. The castle is famous for its medieval banquets. Bunratty Folk Park is an open-air museum featuring 30 buildings including the Ardcroney Church of Ireland.
8. The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
Theses sea cliffs run nearly 9 miles (14 km) along the Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland and they are also recognized by UNESCO. The cliffs consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone, and it is possible to see 300-million-years-old river channels cutting through the base of the cliffs. The views are, of course, stunning!
9. Kylemore Abbey, County Galway
Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery that was founded in 1920 in order to house the nuns who fled Belgium due to WWI. It is on the grounds of Kylemore Castle.
10. Knock Shrine, County Mayo
Knock Shrine is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site. According to legend, there was a “Marian apparition” (aka a “reported supernatural appearance”) here in 1879. It said that the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint John the Evangelist, angels, and Jesus Christ all appeared at the shrine. A number of cures and favors are associated with those who visit Our Lady of Knock Shrine, and those who have claimed to be cured here still leave crutches and sticks at the spot where the apparition is believed to have occurred.
11. Ashford Castle, County Galway/Mayo border
Ashford Castle is a medieval and Victorian castle-turned five star luxury hotel. Located near the city of Cong, the castle was once owned by the famous Guinness family. Many famous people have stayed here over the years including King George V, John Lennon, George Harrison, Oscar Wilde, Ronald Reagan, Robin Williams, Brad Pitt, and more.
12. Ireland’s School of Falconry, located on the grounds of Ashford Castle in County Galway
The oldest established Falconry School in Ireland. Here you can fly a Harris hawk around the spectacular grounds of Ashford Castle in a one-hour private Hawk Walk.
13. The Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim (Northern Ireland)
The Giant’s Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. These columns formed due to an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. It is now a World Heritage Site (UNESCO), in addition to a national nature reserve. According to legend, the columns are the remains of a causeway built by a giant.
14. Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, County Antrim (Northern Ireland)
Carrick-A-Rede is a famous rope bridge that links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-A-Rede. It is 66 feet long and rises 98 feet above the rocks below. The bridge is open all year round and people may cross it for a fee.
15. Antrim Coast and Glens, County Antrim (Northern Ireland)
Antrim Coast is an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This area includes the coastline running from Ballycastle in the north to Larne in the south, in addition to Rathlin Island.
16. Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast is a monument that opened in 2012 in order to honor Belfast’s maritime heritage. It is built on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard in the city’s Titanic Quarter where the actual RMS Titanic was built. Inside you will find nine interpretative and interactive galleries about Belfast and, of course, the sinking of the Titanic.
17. Guinness Storehouse, Dublin
Lastly, the Guinness Storehouse contains seven floors that surround a glass atrium shaped in the form of a pint of Guinness. Here you can learn about the history of Beer through various interactive exhibition areas including ingredients and brewing, in addition to transportation and delivery, advertising, etc.
Call us today at 402-281-3022 in order to speak to on of our Ireland specialists!
Travel to Ireland and experience the breathtaking natural beauty, friendly people and a rich history of culture and tradition. We based this nine-day sample itinerary off of a trip that our travel specialist Teresa planned and led for 12 people in May 2018. Follow along on her adventure through the Emerald Isle.
Day One: Arrive in Dublin
You’ll actually need ten days for this trip when you factor in travel time. We suggest you try to arrive in Dublin in the morning to take advantage of this 9-day Ireland tour.
Teresa and her group took a coach bus Southwest from Dublin, stopping first in Limerick. The city of Limerick lies on the River Shannon. This large, urban city has a big population compared to many other cities this group visited on their tour. One of the top sites to see here is King John’s Castle, a 13th century Castle that has been restored and reopened with interpretive activities and exhibitions, and a cafe to take in the views.
Their next stop was the village of Adare, one of Ireland’s most beautiful towns. Here you’ll find idyllic moss-covered buildings and colorful doors. It is designated as a heritage town by the Irish government.
Finally, the group arrived in Ireland’s premier resort town of Killarney. The town’s heritage, history, and location on the Ring of Kerry make it a very popular tourist destination and resort town. It is extremely picturesque and clean, with many things to see and do. The entire journey from Dublin to Killarney took about five hours including breaks. The group spent 2 nights at the charming Gleann Fia guest house.
Day Two: Full Day Tour on The Dingle Peninsula
Dingle is Ireland’s westernmost peninsula. It is a breathtaking area with much to explore, including many fascinating remnants of prehistoric Ireland. The peninsula is about 30 miles around, making it a great size for a day-long driving tour. Teresa’s group took advantage of this fact and spent the day visiting some of the sites the Peninsula has to offer, including Muckross House, Ross Castle, and Blarney Castle.
Muckross House is a 65-room Tudor-style mansion, built in 1843. The gorgeous castle is surrounded by more beauty, including Killarney National Park and Muckross Lake. Muckross House is the base for exploring this breathtaking landscape.
Ross Castle is the ancestral home of the famed O’Donoghue clan. It is open to the public with guided tours available. Finally, the group ended their day tour at Blarney Castle. The Blarney Castle is the medieval stronghold where the Blarney Stone is held.
Day Three: Cross the River Shannon to Bunratty Folk Park and The Cliffs of Moher
Teresa’s group checked out of Gleann Fia guest house after their second night and for their third night they stayed at Imperial Hotel Galway.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is located near the town of Shannon on the Ratty River. The current structure dates back to 1425, with history even before this date. Both the castle and Bunratty House are open to the public. The castle is famous for its medieval banquets. Bunratty Folk Park is an open-air museum featuring 30 buildings including the Ardcroney Church of Ireland.
The Cliffs of Moher run nearly 9 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. Not only are the cliffs one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Ireland, they are also recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The views speak for themselves and the cliffs can absolutely not be missed!
Day Four: Travel day through the counties Galway and Mayo
After one night at the Imperial Hotel Galway, Teresa and her group of twelve traveled north through Galway and onto the county of Mayo. They made stops at Kylemore Abbey and the Marian Shrine at Knock.
Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. It was founded in 1920 in order to house the nuns who fled Belgium due to WWI.
Knock Shrine is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site, which, according to legend, is the site of a “Marian apparition” (aka a “reported supernatural appearance”) that took place in 1879. Legend claims that the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint John the Evangelist, angels, and Jesus Christ all appeared at the shrine. A number of people who visit Our Lady of Knock Shrine report cured illnesses or answered prayers.
The group then checked in for a 1-night stay at Ashford Castle. This medieval and Victorian castle-turned five star luxury hotel is where the movie “The Quiet Man” was filmed, which John Wayne fans will appreciate. Many other famous people have stayed here including Ronald Reagan, Robin Williams, and Brad Pitt.
Some members of Teresa’s group also booked tours at Ireland’s School of Falconry, located on the grounds of Ashford Castle. Here you can fly a Harris hawk around the spectacular grounds in a one-hour private Hawk Walk.
Day Five: Travel to Northern Ireland
Teresa’s group continued their adventure with a visit to the Giant’s Causeway, which gets its name from the legend that the columns you’ll find here are the remains of a causeway built by a giant. The columns actually formed from an ancient volcanic fissure eruption, but the name still stuck.
Carrick-A-Rede is a famous rope bridge that links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-A-Rede. It is 66 feet long and rises 98 feet above the rocks below. The bridge is open all year round and people may cross it for a fee.
Here the group stayed one night at the Inn on the Coast Portrush.
Day Six: Driving Tour of Antrim Coast
Antrim Coast has the official classification of an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”. The area encompasses the coastline that runs from Ballycastle in the north to Larne in the south. It also includes Rathlin Island.
The group spent much of day six exploring the Titanic Centre in Belfast. Titanic Belfast is a monument that opened in 2012 in order to honor Belfast’s maritime heritage. It is built on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard in the city’s Titanic Quarter where the actual RMS Titanic was built. Inside you will find nine interpretative and interactive galleries about Belfast and, of course, the sinking of the Titanic.
After an afternoon exploring the Titanic, the group checked in for a 1 night stay at Clayton Hotel Belfast.
Day Seven: Two hour transfer to Dublin to see the famous Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse is one of Ireland’s most-visited tourist attraction. Visitors will find seven floors surrounding a glass atrium shaped in the form of a pint of Guinness. Here you can learn about the history of Guinness through various interactive exhibition areas. After their tour, they checked in for their last 2 nights in Ireland at the North Star Hotel.
Day Eight: Day spent exploring The Liberties area in Dublin
The Liberties Dublin is a colorful and eclectic district. This is where Old Dublin meets New Dublin. You’ll find an historic city quarter with a rich heritage, as well as media and tech hubs and universities.
Day Nine: Fly from Dublin to Edinburgh, Scotland
That concludes Teresa’s trip to Dublin, but check back for a separate post on the group’s time in Scotland, coming to the blog soon.
Call us today at 402-281-3022 to speak to one of our Ireland specialists or get started here.
Our Europe travel specialist Graci and our manager Kyle just returned from an amazing tour of Ireland with Lynchpin Tours. Along with their spouses, they toured Dublin, Kilkenny and Cashel, Kinsale, Cork, Kerry, Killarney, and Galway.
Check out their itinerary, including everything they saw and where they stayed, below.
Guided Tour with Lynchpin Tours
The first four days of the trip included an itinerary with Lynchpin Tours. Graci, Kyle and their spouses left Omaha on Wednesday, March 20th at 12:15 PM on United Airlines. They arrived in Dublin on Thursday, March 21st at 7 AM. Keep in mind that Dublin is 6 hours ahead of Omaha.
Day One
On their first day, their driver and tour guide, David, collected them at the Dublin Airport in a 7-seat Galaxy SUV.
From there they drove to Kilkenny and Cashel and then spent the night at a great farm bed and breakfast called Glasha Farmhouse, pictured above. It is run by a woman named Olive and located in the countryside about 25 minutes from Waterford. At Glasha, homemade breakfast was included. In addition, you can sample the apple porridge, which is Olive’s specialty.
Day Two
On the second day, the crew visited Waterford Cystal which is a brand new visitor’s center. Here they learned that Waterford makes many of the crystal trophies for major sporting events. A couple of specific ones they named were the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am trophy, Phoenix Open, and AFCA National Championship trophy.
After that, they headed to Midleton Distillery, pictured above, which included a walk-through tour and side by side tasting.
On the second night, they stayed at Trident Hotel in Kinsale. This is about a 35-minute drive from Cork and the hotel had gorgeous views of the harbor. In addition, there was a great restaurant on-site.
Day Three
On the group’s third day in Ireland, they drove through scenic Cork and Kerry to reach Ireland’s tourism capital: Killarney. In Cork, they visited Cobh which was the last port of the titanic. Here they have a visitors center with tons of information on this.
In Killarney they stayed at a terrific guest house, Gleann Fia Country House, pictured above. The guest house is located about 5-10 minutes from Killarney town and included a full made-to-order breakfast featuring honey from hives right in their backyard.
Day Four
On day four the group crossed the Shannon and road through The Atlantic Way. Then, they headed onward to Galway, where they spent the night at a lovely country house hotel on the shores of the Atlantic called Renvyle House Hotel & Resort, pictured above. Renvyle House is a cozy lodge-style hotel with a bar and restaurant on-site.
Day Five
On the fifth day the group returned to Dublin. This was the end of the itinerary with Lynchpin Tours. Graci and her husband stayed in Dublin for the remainder of their stay in Ireland, while Kyle and his wife spent time in Dublin and Belfast. First, the group stopped at the Guinness Storehouse. This is known as Dublin’s #1 tourist attraction, and here you can learn all about the history of Guinness. In addition, you’ll get to see everything that goes into making that perfect pint of Guinness. And of course the tour would not be complete without sampling a Guinness for yourself!
Graci’s stay in Dublin
After this, the group parted ways and Graci and her husband headed to Trinity College Dublin. For the remainder of their trip, they stayed at The Alex Hotel, pictured above, which is near Trinity College.
The historic campus of Trinity College is set in the heart of Dublin’s city center. In addition, Graci and her husband toured the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is an exhibition in the Long Room, or library, of Trinity College (pictured above). The exhibition displays the Book of Kells, which is a 9th century manuscript that documents the four Gospels of the New Testament. It is known as Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure. In addition, the Long Room itself is one of the world’s most beautiful libraries and houses over 200,000 of Trinity College’s oldest books.
In addition to Trinity College, Graci and her husband visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral, pictured above. This magnificent cathedral houses Jonathan Swift’s remains (he wrote Gulliver’s Travels) and it is the only remaining cathedral in Ireland with daily sung services.
After St. Pat’s, they headed to the Oscar Wilde Memorial in Merrion Square. The memorial is a collection of three statues which commemorate the Irish poet and playwright.
They also visited Temple Street, or Temple Bar as it is sometimes referred. Temple Street is a bustling area with pubs, galleries, restaurants and music, all squeezed info a few cobble-stoned blocks. In addition, it is known as the cultural heart of Dublin.
Kyle’s Stay in Dublin & Belfast
After Kyle and his wife parted ways with Graci, they had dinner at Sophie’s in Dublin. Sophie’s is a modern glasshouse restaurant featuring 360 degree views of Dublin. You can see everything in the city and far out into the countryside. Their menu is described as New York – Italian – Irish. Additionally, they visited Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head, pictured above. The Brazen Head dates back to 1198. After that they checked into the Ashling Hotel, which is our owner Lori’s favorite hotel in Ireland.
The next day, they took the rail in order to get to Belfast. Here they met their tour guides for a city tour by car. While they were in Belfast, they stayed 2 nights at the Ramada Encor.
For breakfast the next day, they went to Alan’s Causeway Cafe. Here they serve your quintessential traditional Northern Irish Breakfast. Then they met their tour guides for a tour of Northern Ireland. This tour included famous Game of Thrones locations, Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. In addition, they saw the waterfalls of Glengariff Nature Reserve, and Antrim Coast.
After their long day tour they headed back to Belfast’s city center for dinner at Holohan’s Irish Pantry and drinks afterward at Kelly’s Cellars.
The next day they had breakfast and took an early afternoon train back to Dublin. For their last night they stayed at the Hilton Dublin Airport Hotel. Finally, it was time to go home. They took the 9 Am flight from Dublin. With the time change, they arrived to Omaha at 6:15 PM the same day.
Call us today in order to speak to Graci or Kyle about their stay in Ireland and book your own tour with Lynchpin Tours! You can reach us at 402-390-9291 or get started here.
Hopefully you’ve read our recent blog post detailing everything our travel experts did during their stay in Ireland with Lynchpin Tours. This post listed everywhere our agents stayed and ate, and let me tell you they stayed at some great hotels! Let’s take a more detailed look at everywhere they stayed, from Waterford to Dublin and everywhere in between.
Glasha Farmhouse, Tippery (Waterford)
Glasha Farmhouse is located in the countryside, about 25 minutes from Waterford, Ireland. The idyllic farm bed and breakfast is run by a friendly woman named Olive. Breakfast is included here, and you won’t want to miss Olive’s specialty: apple porridge. The secluded location is ideal for a quiet holiday, away from the hustle and bustle. You won’t hear or see any highways or busy traffic while you’re here. Instead, you’ll hear birds chirping and see lambs playing in the fields during spring time.
The traditional decor will make you feel like you are indeed in Ireland, and a bit like you traveled back in time to something unique, refined, and comfortable. Check out some of our agents’ photos below, and head to their website for an interactive 3D tour of the property, including the garden, the conservatory, the dining room, accommodations, and more.
Trident Hotel, Kinsale
The next home base for our agents during their tour of Ireand with Lynchpin Tours was Kinsale. Here they stayed at Trident Hotel. This property is located about 35 minutes from Cork by car. A great selling point to this hotel is the gorgeous views of the Kinsale harbor. In addition, you’ll find a lovely restaurant on-site that also boasts spectacular harbor views. This hotel is a bit more updated and modern than Glasha Farmhouse, but still offers the idyllic setting for a relaxing holiday. Plus, you’re right in the middle of the action of Kinsale with tons of activities and nearby restaurants and bars to peruse.
Gleann Fia Country House, Killarney
On their third night with Lynchpin Tours, our agents stayed at a terrific guest house in Killarney. Gleann Fia Country House is located about 5-10 minutes from Killarney’s town centre, at the gateway to the Wild Atlantic way in the ancient kingdom of Kerry, as their website boasts. Your stay includes a full made-to-order breakfasting, including honey from hives located right in the house’s backyard!
The four acre site is as charming and idyllic as it gets, with beautiful gardens surrounding a Victorian style country home. The boutique property is open year-round and ideally situated at the edge of a wooded river valley known as “The Fairy Glen”.
Renvyle House Hotel & Resort, Galway
In Galway, our travel experts stayed at Renvyle House Hotel & Resort. This lovely country house hotel sits on the shores of the Atlantic. The cozy lodge-like property has a bar and restaurant on-site. Roisin Dubh rsetaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bar snacks daily. In addition, you’ll find plenty of leisure activities including a gorgeous swimming pool and tennis courts. The property is also home to a private freshwater lake, a beach on the Wild Atlantic Way, woodlands and gardens. You can also play croquet or enjoy the walking trails on the property.
The Alex Hotel, Dublin
After the four day tour through Ireland with Lynchpin Tours, our travel experts headed back to Dublin and parted ways (after a few pints at the Guinness Storehouse of course!). Graci and her husband stayed at The Alex Hotel. The Alex Hotel boasts impeccable style and stunning decor, in addition to luxurious bedrooms. The chic boutique-style hotel has a bar and restaur. ant, a coffee shop complete with a pastry and sandwich menu, and a gym.
The location of The Alex Hotel is also ideal for travelers. It is located in Merrion Square, an eclectic area that has grown immensely in the last few years. It is also close to Trinity College’s campus, which Graci and her husband spent a day exploring.
Ashling Hotel, Dublin
Our travel expert Kyle and his wife Kat stayed at the Ashling Hotel during their time in Dublin. Here you’ll find Iveagh Bar and Chesterfields Restaurant, both great dining and drinking choices located on property. Check out their menus here. It is conveniently located near Dublin City Centre. You can get there via a scenic 20-minute walk along the picturesque River LIffey. Alternately, you can hop on the Luas tram which will take you directly to City Centre in just 5 minutes.
Ramada Encor, Belfast
Kyle and Kat also spent some time in Belfast. They traveled to Belfast by train from Dublin. While in Belfast they stayed at the Ramada Encor, located in the City Centre and Belfast’s “Cathedral Quarter”. There is much to explore and do in this area, and a great place for Belfast first-timers to stay. The three-star hotel overlooks St. Anne’s Square with plenty of popular bars and restaurants just steps from the property’s doors. It is also just a 2 minute walk from Belfast’s shopping district, Castle Court and Victoria Square. In addition, Ramada Encor is within walking distance of many tourist attractions like Belfast Cathedral, City Hall and the MAC theater.
Want to hear more about these properties or book your own adventure in Ireland? Call us today to speak to our Ireland travel specialists. You can reach us at 402-390-9291 or get started here.
Game of Thrones has come to an end, with their series finale airing on HBO last Sunday, May 19. Don’t despair! If you identify as a true GOT fan, you can visit these real-life Game of Thrones sets in Ireland. Our travel expert Kyle Smith and his wife Kat visited a few of these sites, but there are several dotted throughout all of Europe. Check out some of our favorites in Ireland below.
Kyle & Kat’s Ireland Tour: Game of Thrones
The Canal at Carnlough Harbour – Canal Steps in Braavos
Here, the Waif stabs Arya in episode 7 of season 6 (The Broken Man). If you remember, Arya jumps into the freezing water to escape and crawls up the steps into the streets of Braavos. This is a very recognizable scene thanks to the stairs and we can attest to the fact that the water is absolutely freezing!
Ballintoy Beach and Harbor – Pyke, the Iron Islands & Dragonstone
Ballintoy Harbor is a very recognizable location, as it was the set of five episodes in Game of Thrones. It has served as Pyke and the Iron Islands. In addition, this is the filming location for Dragonstone in several episodes including:
- Season 2, Episode 2: The Night Lands
- Season 2, Episode 3: What is Dead May Never Die
- This is where Theon’s bapistm was shot.
- Season 4, Episode 2: The Lion and the Rose
- Season 6, Episode 2: Home
- The funeral scene in this episode was shot here.
- Season 6, Episode 5: The Door.
- This is where the drowning and rebirth of Euron was filmed as well as Yara and Theon’s escape in The Door.
The village of Ballintoy and its harbor are a great stop-off point along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Murlough Bay – Renly’s Canp, the Stormlands, Slaver’s Bay and Essos
This is the set for Renly’s Camp, the Stormlands and Slaver’s Bay, as well as Essos. It is located in North East Country Antrim. This is where Tyrion and Jorah are accosted by slavers in Season 5, Episode 6. It is also the location of Renly’s camp in Season 2, Episode 4.
In real life, the bay offers great views across the sea to Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.
Other Game of Thrones Sites in Northern Ireland
Downhill Beach – Dragonstone
Downhill Beach is one of Ireland’s most gorgeous beaches. This 11 kilometer stretch of beach is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and a Special Area of Conservation. It is known for the tiny temple of Mussenden perched dramatically on the 120 foot cliff top overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
This is where Stannis Baratheon’s rejection of the Seven Gods of Westeros was filmed in Season 2, Episode 1.
Binevenagh
Game of Thrones fans know Binevenagh as the Dothraki Gasslands, North of Meereen and Essos. This is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (officially), as well as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI). On the top of the mountain, you can catch great views of Roe Valley, the Sperrin Mountains and the North Coast, in addition to Lough Foyle to Donegal.
This is where Season 5, Episode 10 filmed. In this episode, the Dothraki horde spots Daenerys as she is looking for food.
Portstewart Strand – Coast of Dorne
Portstewart Strand is most recognizable as the filming location in Season 5, Episode 4. Game of Thrones fans know it as the Coast of Dorne. This is also an ASSI. This is where Jaime and Bronn come ashore on Dorne and kill the Dornish men. It is during the scene when they go to recover Jaime’s niece Myrella and bring her back to King’s Landing. You may also recognize it as the place where Ellaria and the sisters plan to start a war with the Lannisters.
The Dark Hedges – The Kingsdroad, North of King’s Landing
Close to the village of Armoy is one of the most iconic Game of Thrones filming locations: the Dark Hedges. This tree-lined avenue is a famous Northern Ireland landmark in its own right. This is the filming location of Kingsroad in Season 2, Episode 1. You may recognize it from the scene where Arya Stark escapes King’s Landing in the back of a cart when she is disguised as a boy.
Want to see these Game of Thrones filming locations for yourself? If so, call us today to speak to one of our Ireland travel specialists. You can reach us by calling 402-390-9291 or get started here.
Call Enchanted Travel today to book our post-game Nebraska Football Ireland 2021 versus Illinois game in Dublin. The game will take place on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. For $1,975 per person, enjoy a 6 night tour through Ireland following the Nebraska versus Illinois game in Dublin.
Nebraska Football Ireland 2021 Full Itinerary!
Sunday, August 29
On Sunday, August 29, you will go from your Dublin hotel in a deluxe motor coach to start your scenic tour of Ireland. The first stop will be in Kilkenny. Kilkenny combines the medieval and the modern. Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195 by the Normans and the Kilkenny Design Center showcases the best of modern Irish design. After that, we will drive through the rollings hills of the southeast to Waterford. Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, founded by Viking invaders. That night we will stay at the family-run Granville Hotel.
Monday, August 30
On Monday, August 30, enjoy a morning visit to the Waterford Crystal Experience to see glass cutting and engraving at it’s finest – and possibly buy some of the world-famous crystal! Waterford Crystal made the crystals for the New Year’s Eve Ball in New York City’s Time Square.
The Cork Road along the Copper Coast brings us to Midleton – home of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery – where we stop for a tour to see the alchemy which combines water, barley and yeast to produce the “water of life”: usica beatha. Tastings are optional!
On Monday night we stay overnight at the Trident Hotel at World’s End, Kinsale. Kinsale is one of the most picturesque Irish towns full of quaint shops and winding streets. It also styles itself as “The Gourmet Capital of Ireland” with numerous wonderful restaurants to tempt the traveler.
Tuesday, August 31
On Tuesday, we travel to Ireland’s “tourism capital” Killarney by one of 3 routes. All routes pass through the beautiful region of West Cork & the mountains of the “Kingdom of Kerry” – some of the most scenic routes in Ireland. Set in spectacular countryside, Killarney has a rich heritage & a modern vibe. Then we will spend two nights at the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney, once the Victorian Railway Hotel.
Wednesday, September 1
On Wednesday, enjoy a full day tour of the Ring of Kerry (aka the Iveragh Peninsula) with stops in Waterville and Kenmare. This 111 mile-long tourist route follows narrow, twisting roads and offers classic views of the Irish countryside. Then we will overnight again at the Great Southern Hotel. Killarney has many attractions, pubs and restaurants to suit all tastes.
Thursday, September 2
On Thursday, we head north through Adare, which is one of Ireland’s prettiest villages. Adare is well known for its medieval monastery, immaculate thatched cottages and many antique shops.
Then on to view the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. These sea cliffs, combined with The Burren, form a UNESCO Global Geopark. The cliffs are one of Ireland’s most visited sites. Then we will overnight at the Park House Hotel in the center of Galway, the “City of the Tribes”.
Friday, September 3
On Friday, the morning is free to explore Galway. Then we will head across Ireland to its capital city, Dublin, and overnight in the Ashling Hotel. Dublin is a cosmopolitan European city which is always busy and there is much to do there.
Saturday, September 4
On Saturday, you’ll have a morning transfer to the airport for return flights to the USA. You can clear US Customs and Immigration in Dublin Airport.
Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Destination Travel | Best Packages
For more information, contact Enchanted Travel at 402-390-9291. Cost is $1.975 per person. Game tickets are not released to the general public until February 14th, 2021. Includes 6 night hotel stay + transfers to and from cities and attractions. To secure a spot, a $300 non-refundable deposit per person is due. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to travel.
Contact us today to book your next getaway get started here. In addition, follow us on Instagram at @enchantedtravel_ and on Facebook for the latest travel news updates and stories.
Ask one of our Enchanted Travel agents about our exclusive room block with Ballsbridge Hotel Dublin in 2021 for the Nebraska v.s Illinois football game. From August 26 through 29, 2021, we are offering double occupancy rooms at Ballsbridge Hotel for $290 per night.
For our complete post-game itinerary, read our blog post here: Nebraska Football Ireland 2021.
Read on for full details on Ballsbridge Hotel Dublin below!
Ballsbridge Hotel Dublin
Location
Ballsbridge Hotel Dublin is a 4-star hotel conveniently located in south Dublin city center. It is an 8-minute walk or 7-minute drive to Aviva Stadium, where the Huskers will play Illinois in on August 28, 2021. From the airport, Ballsbridge Hotel guests can hop on the Aircoach which stops just outside the front door. A taxi or Airbus takes just 30 minutes.
The Dubliner Pub & Raglans Restaurant
The Dubliner Pub is popular with locals and hotel guests. It is a great place to enjoy the game with several big screens if you do not have tickets and the perfect place to meet for a drink pre or post match. There are several big screens throughout the bar. It is well known for its atmosphere and bar food. The Dubliner Pub is open daily for lunch and dinner. They also offer a selection of private dining options for special occasions or events. View The Dubliner Pub menu here: The Dubliner Pub Food Menu.
Raglans Restaurant is also located at Ballsbridge Hotel. It is available for private bookings and events only and holds up to 200 guests. These private event bookings are available for lunch or dinner. View Raglans Restaurant 3-Course Set Menu here: Raglans Restaurant 3-Course Set Menu.
Ballsbridge Hotel Dublin is also home to Red Bean Roastery, which offers freshly brewed coffee and specialty teas, light snacks, sandwiches and pastries. View their menu here: Read Bean Roastery Menu.
Finally, Ballsbridge Hotel also offers daily breakfast. You can find all of your traditional Irish favorites, plus continental classics and a selection of healthy options to start your day. Read more about their special ‘Vitaly Breakfast’ options here. Breakfast is available Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 10:30 AM and every Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 11 AM.
Rooms
Ballsbridge Hotel has 400 elegant rooms in many categories to fit your needs. Choose from double, twin and double & single bedrooms (note that the $290 per night room block is valid for double occupancy classic rooms only).
Executive rooms are also available for a bit more space. These are located in the Towers area of the hotel. They are also equipped with a comfortable seating area.
Suites are available with a queen-sized bed and a separate living area from the bedroom.
Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Destination Travel | Best Packages
For more information on our exclusive hotel block with Ballsbridge Hotel for August 26 through August 29, 2021, call us at 402-390-9291. You can also get started here.
Kem & Lori traveled to Amsterdam, Scotland, and Ireland last month. If you missed part 1 with their time in Amsterdam, catch up here: Amsterdam in October. You can also catch up on part 2, their stay in Scotland here: Four Nights in Scotland.
Stop #3: 8 Nights in Ireland
On their final night in Scotland, Kem & Lori stayed in Glasgow. The next morning, the group headed to Belfast, the capital and largest city of Ireland.
Europa Hotel – City Center
Kem and Lori arrived by ferry and started the trip with a full city tour. That night, they stayed at the Europa Hotel in the city center.
Giants Causeway & Bishop’s Gate Hotel
On their first full day in Ireland, they had a full-day excursion along the Antrim Coast to Giant’s Causeway. This is one of the most famous and stunning sites throughout the United Kingdom. Giants Causeway is made up of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns.
It is now a World Heritage Site (UNESCO) and a national nature reserve. According to legend, the columns are the remains of a causeway built by a giant.
After a busy and full day, Kem and Lori rested up for one night at the Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry/Londonderry.
Grianan Aileach, Sliabh Liag, & Miller Park Hotel
The next day was another busy one! The group toured Grianan Aileach in Donegal, a Neolithic hillside fort. The views are the main attraction here!
The group also toured one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets: Sliabh Liag, home to the highest Sea cliffs in all of Ireland. You can expect outstanding views from this site as well.
That night, they retired to the Mill Park Hotel in Donegal Town for one night.
Foxford Woollen Mills & Park House
The next day they headed to the Foxford Woollen Mills. This is Ireland’s oldest working mill and the maker of world-famous woven rugs and scarves for over a century.
That night, they stayed at the Park House Hotel in Galway for one night.
Cliffs of Moher & Gleann Fia Country House
For their next day in Ireland, the group headed to the Cliffs of Moher. You have surely seen the stunning photos of these sea cliffs along the Atlantic Ocean! The cliffs are iconic in Ireland and are also recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. Words don’t do it justice, but photos almost do!
After this, Kem and Lori crossed the Shannon to stay two nights at Gleann Fia Country House in Killarney.
Ring of Kerry
Next up, they had a full-day excursion on the Iveragh Peninsula – known to most as the “Ring of Kerry“. It is one of the most scenic places in Ireland, with classic views of the Irish countryside next to the stunning blue waters. It gets its name from the 2,000-year-old walls of the Leacanabuaile Ring Fort. These are shrouded in mystery, making for a very interesting tour!
They stayed for a final night at Gleann Fia in Killarney and the next day they headed to Dublin.
Dublin & Ashling Hotel
The transfer to Dublin is four hours from Killarney. Upon arrival, they had a great city tour and then checked in for two nights at the Ashling Hotel near the Guinness Brewery.
In Dublin, the group visited the gorgeous Trinity College. Here they marveled at the amazing Old Library and saw the Book of Kells in person. The Book of Kells contains the original four Gospels of the New Testament.
They also visited the stunning St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Best Places to Visit in Dublin, Ireland
You don’t want to miss these two very lively areas in Dublin: Temple Bar and Grafton Street.
Temple Bar is an actual bar but it also refers to a lively neighborhood in the heart of the city. It is often described as Dublin’s “bohemian quarter”. It is full of great bars and restaurants, and also one of the best places to hear live Irish folk music.
Grafton Street is one of the busiest shopping streets, not only in Dublin but in all of Europe. Both the Temple Bar area and Grafton Street are great places to do a walking tour.
Don’t miss parts 1 and 2 of Kem and Lori’s trip:
Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Destination Travel | Scotland
Call us today to speak to one of our Travel Specialists. You can reach us at 402-390-9291 or get started here. In addition, you can email us at info@enchantedhoneymoons.com.
Join our Ireland and Scotland Fall 2023 Group Trip! We are excited to tell you more about this opportunity to spend 15 days in Ireland and Scotland. Our travel advisor and manager, Krete Bullington, is working with Goway Group Travel to plan an amazing itinerary for this exclusive trip. The Ireland and Scotland trip will include hotel accommodations for 15 nights, breakfast every day, plus seven dinners during your stay. It also includes entrance fees to several tours and tourist attractions throughout Ireland and Scotland. Read on for more details about our Ireland and Scotland Group Trip on the itinerary.
Join our Ireland and Scotland Group Trip!
Ireland and Scotland: Fall 2023
Wednesday, August 30th: Arrive in Dublin & check into the hotel. The group will be staying at Jurys Inn Parnell* for three nights.
Thursday, August 31st: Enjoy a full-day city tour of Dublin including Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Guinness Visitor Center.
Friday, September 1st: On Friday, the group has a half-day tour of the Jameson Distillery including a private tasting. The rest of the day you will be free to explore Dublin.
Saturday, September 2nd: The group will travel from Dublin to Kilkenny to visit Kilkenny Castle. Then, travel to Waterford to see the House of Waterford Crystal. After that, the group heads to Cork where you will stay overnight for one night at Maldron Hotel Cork.
Sunday, September 3rd: On Sunday, you will tour Blarney Castle and then travel from Cork to Glengariff. Here you will visit the Ilnacullin Gardens on Garinish Island. Then you will travel to Killarney where you will stay overnight for two nights at Scott’s Hotel.
Monday, September 4th: On Monday, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Killarney. You will have a local guide for the full-day tour which includes a visit to St. Mary’s Cathedral. Then you will drive to Muckross to see the Muckross House Gardens & Traditional Farms, as well as Muckross Abbey.
Tuesday, September 5th: On Tuesday, the group travels from Killarney to Limerick where you will have a short walking tour to view the main sights of Limerick. Then you will travel to Ennis to see the Ennis Friary. After that, the group heads to Galway where you will stay two nights at Jurys Inn Galway.
Wednesday, September 6th: This is an exciting day as the group heads to the Cliffs of Moher. You will have the rest of the afternoon free in Galway and stay overnight again at Jurys Inn.
Thursday, September 7th: On Thursday you will have a morning tour of Galway. You will explore medieval Galway including Eyre Square, the Spanish Arch, Kirwan’s Lane, and Galway Cathedral. Then you travel from Galway to Belfast where you will stay overnight for two nights at Jurys Inn Belfast.
Friday, September 8th: On Friday, you have a half-day city tour of Belfast which includes your entrance to Titanic Belfast.
Saturday, September 9th: On Saturday, the group travels from Belfast to Larne and then takes a ferry to Cairnryan. You will then transfer to Glasgow and stay overnight for one night at Jurys Inn Glasgow.
Sunday, September 10th: On Sunday, the group heads to Dumgoyne to tour the Glengoyne Distillery and have a private tasting. Then you will travel to Stirling to visit Stirling Castle. After the castle, the group heads to a local wool store in Callander. Then you have dinner and stay overnight for one night at Murrayshall Country Estate in Perth.
Monday, September 11th: On Monday, the group travels from Perth to Aberdeen and you start the day off with a walking tour of Aberdeen. You will view the main sights of the city including St. Machar’s Cathedral, Brig o’Balgownie (Scotland’s oldest bridge), and St. Andrew’s Cathedral. The group will then check into Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel for one night.
Tuesday, September 12th: On Tuesday, the group travels from Aberdeen to Balmoral for a tour of Balmoral Castle. Then you head to St. Andrews where you will have free time to explore. From there you head to Edinburgh where you will stay overnight for two nights at Mercure Haymarket.
Wednesday, September 13th: On Wednesday, you have a full-day city tour of Edinburgh where you will see the main sights of the city including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, St. Gile’s Cathedral, and Greyfriars Kirk.
Thursday, September 14th: That ends your amazing stay in Ireland and Scotland! The group will travel home from Edinburgh Airport on Thursday, September 14th.
Pricing Information
Pricing is as follows:
$4,575 per person for a double occupancy room.
$6,225 per person for a single occupancy room.
The above pricing includes hotel accommodations for 15 nights, breakfast every day, plus 7 dinners during your stay. It also includes entrance fees for several attractions and tours throughout Ireland and Scotland. This price does not include airfare but we can help you book all of your air and transportation.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience for a great price, all planned and organized by our expert team!
Learn More About the Ireland and Scotland Group Trip – Fall 2023
We would love to have you join us on this exciting tour of Ireland and Scotland this upcoming Fall! If you are interested, please give us a call at 402-390-9291 and ask for Krete. You can also Get Started Here. In this form, select “Yes” under “Do you know where you want to go?”. Then, under “If yes, let us know where you want to go here:”, enter: “Ireland and Scotland Group Trip Fall 2023”. You can also reach Krete via email at Krete@enchantedhoneymoons.com.
*All hotels are subject to change. The final itinerary will be provided before the August 2023 departure.
Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Group Travel | Ireland and Scotland
Call us today to speak to one of our Travel Specialists. You can reach us at 402-390-9291 or get started here. In addition, you can email us at info@enchantedhoneymoons.com.
Join us on one of our exclusive Europe group travel opportunities with Collette Tours! Choose from three amazing itineraries: Greece Island Hopper, Best of Italy, or Shades of Ireland. We are hosting Collette at our office on Thursday, October 5, 2023, for more detailed information on all three itineraries. Ask questions, start planning your trip, enjoy a few snacks, and mingle with others who are interested as well! Additionally, our Europe Travel Expert Team will be there to help you get started!
Read on for more details on these three amazing Europe group travel itineraries with Collette Tours!
Greece Island Hopper: April 3 – 13, 2025
Join this 11-day trip through Greece with Collette Tours! Book now and save $100 per person on this Europe group travel package. Highlights include Athens, the Taverna Dinner Show, Acropolis, and the Parthenon. The itinerary also includes Mykonos Old Town, Santorini Island, Oia Village, Ancient Akrotiri, and wine tastings!
This package is available with an optional three-night Istanbul post-tour extension.
Base per person rates: Double $4,949; Single $5,949; Triple $4,899.
This price includes flights from Eppley on April 3, 2025. It also includes 14 meals, nine breakfasts, one lunch, and four dinners. In addition, all of your tour entrance fees, transportation, and hotel accommodations are included.
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE:
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Day 2 & 3: Titania Hotel Athens, Athens
Days 4 – 6: Porto Mykonos, Mykonos
Days 7 – 9: El Greco Hotel, Santorini
Day 10: Titania Hotel Athens, Athens
*On some dates, alternate hotels may be used.
Best of Italy: September 8-19, 2024
Join this 10-day trip through Italy with Collette Tours! Highlights include Venice, a gondola ride, a classical music concert, Po River Delta Wetlands, Republic of San Marino, and the Culinary Arts & Agriculture Vocational School. In addition, the itinerary also Florence, Chiusi Etruscan Museum, Labrynth of Porsenna, Rome, and the Trastevere Food Tour.
Base per person rates: Double $6,649; Single $7,749; Triple $6,599.
This price includes flights from Eppley on September 8, 2024. It also includes 17 meals, 10 breakfasts, two lunches, and five dinners. In addition, all of your tour entrance fees, transportation, and hotel accommodations are included.
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE:
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Days 2, 3: Maison Venezia UNA Esperienze, Venice
Day 4 – 6: Borgo Conde Wine Resort , Forli
Days 7, 8: Grand Hotel Cavour Florence, Florence
Days 9 – 11: Ponte Sisto Hotel, Rome
*On some dates, alternate hotels may be used.
Shades of Ireland: June 27 – July 6, 2024
Join this 10-day trip through Ireland with Collette Tours! Book now and save $450 per person. Highlights include Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Blarney Castle, and Killarney. The itinerary also includes the Ring of Kerry, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, a Sheepdog Demonstration, Galway, and Castle Stay!
This package is available with a three-night London pre-tour extension. Additionally, it is available with a three-night Edinburgh post-tour extension. You can’t go wrong with either of these two great extension options!
The base per-person rate is $4,399 for a double occupancy. Additionally, single and triple rates are also available. Single $4,999; Triple $4,369.
This price includes flights from Eppley on June 27, 2024. It also includes 13 meals, eight breakfasts, and five dinners. In addition, all of your tour entrance fees, transportation, and hotel accommodations are included.
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE:
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Days 2, 3: Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, Dublin
Day 4: Granville Hotel, Waterford
Days 5, 6: Killarney Avenue, Killarney
Days 7, 8: The George Hotel Limerick, Limerick
Day 9: Cabra Castle, Kingscourt
*On some dates, alternate hotels may be used
We are excited to welcome you to our office on October 5, 2023, to gather more information about these exclusive Europe group travel itineraries! Lastly, please reach out to our team with any questions. You can reach us at 402-390-9291. In addition, you can RSVP for the event by emailing support@enchantedhoneymoons.com. We look forward to meeting you and getting started!
Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Family Travel | Europe Group Travel
Call us today to speak to one of our Travel Specialists. You can reach us at 402-390-9291 or get started here. In addition, you can email us at info@enchantedhoneymoons.com.