Stay in a Castle in Ireland!

One of the extra-special things to do while on a trip is to stay in unique places. So, while in Ireland, stay in an Irish Castle!

There are several Irish castles you can stay in so take advantage of that and try to stay in a couple while you're visiting that country. Ashford Castle, Cabra Castle and Waterford Castle are just a few that will welcome you.

Ashford Castle, harkens back to the 13th century, and boasts of 350 acres of private woodland surrounding the castle. Ashford Castle is situated on the shores of Lough Corrib about 45-50 minutes from Galway City. The resident golf instructor can explain the type of game which is played on their 9-hold course; he's also available for private instruction. Two all-weather tennis courts are also on the ground. In addition to those activities you may wish to go fishing, enjoy falconry, archery, shooting, or go horseback riding and/or cruising on the lake. A spa is also on the grounds. Each guestroom is uniquely designed and has all the modern amenities including broadband connectivity and interactive TV. Ashford Castle's main dining room is the George V of England room and it's here where you can enjoy breakfast and a table d'hote dinner menu. Other eateries include the Connaught Room, the Cottage Room and you'll find two lounges also.

Cabra Castle is a more "modern" edifice, dating back to the mid-sixteen century and is located about an hour's drive from Dublin. Each of it's 80 guestrooms is richly appointed and full of history yet offer modern amenities such as satelite TV and coffee/tea makers. The rooms are located in the main castle building, renovated outbuildings and they offer large cottages with 2-4 bedrooms in each. A 9-hole golf course is on the grounds and golf is complimentary during your stay. Tennis courts are also located on the premises. Shooting, fishing and horseback riding are all available nearby. Cabra Castle has an excellent restaurant where you can enjoy specialties ranging from loin of venison to duck breast and a myriad of other options. Imagine cream filled meringue nests filled with seasonal berries for dessert. An excellent wine list accompanies the restaurant menu.

Waterford Castle is on a private island in Waterford, Ireland. Adjacent to the castle hotel is the 18-hole championship golf course with Castle Garden Holiday Homes for rent nearby. The 800 year-old Waterford Castle has 19 spacious and elegantly appointed guestrooms with all the amenities you'd expect at a luxury hotel. Enjoy boules, croquet, or lawn cricket out on the lawn for play a game of tennis on their outdoor court; cycling, shooting and archery are all available on the grounds along with nature trails wending throughout the 300+ acres. Enjoy Waterford Castle's award winning Munster Dining Room with superb seasonal menus and excellent cellar. A pianist plays in the Munster Dining Room many evening and a rather dressy garb is requested. The Fitzgerald Room offers a daily afternoon tea and lighter fare until 9pm; there are also several private dining rooms on the premises.

Come enjoy your own castle stay at the Cabra Castle during KMJ's upcoming trip to Ireland. Skip Essick, KMJ Radio's program director will lead a group of travelers through Ireland in May, 2009. Skip has been to Ireland over 10 times and knows it very well - be sure to join him on his pub crawl in Dublin! Collette Vacations offers this motorcoach trip - leaving Fresno on May 10, 2009 and returning to Fresno on May 19, 2009. Here's what your trip includes -

Motorcoach to/from SFO/LAX
Round Trip Air to/from Ireland
10 Nights Lodging (including one night at the above-mentioned Cabra Castle
13 Meals - 8 breakfasts, 5 dinners
Escorted tour with guide
Jaunting Car Ride*
Hotel Transfers

$3408.00 per person**, based on double occupancy

**THE FINE PRINT: Prices can change until a deposit is made and is dependent on availability at the time of the deposit. Fuel surcharge may increase. Insurance is highly suggested and not included in the above price.
* Weather permitting

If interested, please call me at 559-284-9710 or email me at perfectvacation@sbcglobal.net. I've met Skip and his wife and I assure you, a good time will be hand by all. (I've had friends go on Collette trips and they were very, very pleased with everything.)


Happy travels!!!!!!