Night 1 & 2: Ashford Castle Cong, Ireland Ashford Castle has the distinction of being named one of the best hotels in world by the readers of both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. Guests experience the royal lifestyle at this fairy-tale castle dating back to the 13th century. Stately Ashford Castle sits regally amidst a 350-acre private estate, surrounded by woodlands. Facilities include a championship nine-hole golf course, two outdoor tennis courts, a superb health and leisure center offering a plunge pool, whirlpool and a wide range of health and beauty treatments.
Night 3 & 4: Harvey’s Point Country Hotel Donegal Town, Ireland Set on the shores of Lough Eske at the foot of the Blue Stack Mountains in County Donegal, the Harvey’s Point Country Hotel showcases Ireland at its scenic best. Tastefully decorated guestrooms, designed to create a sense of lavish comfort and space, offer all the amenities that today’s sophisticated travelers expect. The Bar, warmed by an inviting fire, is the perfect place to enjoy a nightcap after a busy day of exploration and discovery
Night 5 & 6: Four Seasons Dublin Dublin, Ireland Set within the Royal Dublin Society showgrounds in a fashionable residential neighborhood, the deluxe Four Seasons Dublin offers easy access to the city. Accommodations are spacious and beautifully appointed, blending elegance and comfort. The lovely indoor swimming pool looks out over an outdoor sunken garden. The state-of-the-art Fitness Center offers a wide range of equipment and the spa provides a selection of massage, skin and body treatments. The elegant Seasons Restaurant is known for its fine contemporary European cuisine and its views of the magnificent garden courtyard. The readers of both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure regard the Four Seasons Dublin as one of the best hotels in the world.
Night 7: Mount Juliet Conrad Thomastown, Ireland The baronial Mount Juliet Conrad regally reigns over what once was Ireland’s largest estate. Operating as a luxury hotel since 1989, the opulent Georgian mansion that lies at the heart of the Mount Juliet Conrad is a grand tribute to 18th-century craftsmanship. The Mount Juliet Conrad features the only Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in Ireland as well The Spa, which offers a wide range of pampering programs. Leisure activities, such as angling, horseback riding and clay target shooting, tennis and croquet, are available. The Mount Juliet Conrad is included in the Condé Nast Traveler 2006 Gold List.
Night 8: Hayfield Manor Hotel Cork, Ireland Located just five minutes from the lively center of Cork, the Hayfield Manor Hotel has the look and feel of a centuries-old grand residence of the wealthy elite, surrounded by gracious gardens and ancient trees. Although the atmosphere is one of traditional charm, the hotel’s Leisure Facilities complex is state-of-the-art and offers a lovely indoor heated swimming pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi, gym and steam room as well as extensive spa treatment alternatives to soothe the body and the soul.
Night 9 & 10: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa Killarney, Ireland Located high on a hill in the midst of the emerald-green County Kerry countryside, the Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa offers a luxurious and serene ambience surrounded by the sweeping panorama of the Killarney’s lakes and mountains. Indulge yourself at the impressive Spa, take a swim in the lovely indoor pool, walk in the hills or in the gardens, play a game of tennis or fish for salmon and trout from the hotel’s nearby private stretch of riverbank.
Night 11: Dromoland Castle Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland In 2005, the readers of Travel + Leisure named Dromoland Castle the number 1 hotel in Ireland and the readers of Condé Nast Traveler voted it the number 2 hotel in all of Europe. One of the world’s most famous castle hotels, Dromoland Castle is magnificently steeped in history and tradition. In addition to all the pleasures to be found within the castle, to include the full-service spa and indoor pool, guests can enjoy superb golf, boating, shooting, fishing, tennis, walking and cycling within the extensive grounds of the estate.