ADAMS & BUTLER
The Carriage House, 58 Foster Avenue
Co Dublin, IRELAND
Tel (+353 1 ) 2889355
E-mail ireland@irishluxury.com
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ADAMS & BUTLER The Carriage House, 58 Foster Avenue Co Dublin, IRELAND Tel (+353 1 ) 2889355 E-mail ireland@irishluxury.com |
Mystical Tour of Ireland
Ireland - enchanted isle of mist and mysteries. Where better to explore the ancient pagan rites of the druids, to visit altars where awful and unspeakable practices were performed in past eras, and to see the many abbeys, castles and country houses haunted by uneasy spirits of the past. Search out little country graveyards where those long buried rise up on Halloween. Hear tales of the paranormal from those who have experience of the inexplicable. Meet some of Europe's friendliest people and enjoy the beautiful and unspoilt countryside. Bask in the comfort of charming old inns, sample delightful food, and listen to seanachies tell tall tales of headless horses and phantom carriages, of pookas and fairies, of witches and enchantment.
Day 1
Arrive at Shannon Airport. Transfer toKinnity Castle, a gothic castle in the shadow of a Midlands
mountain range. Day at leisure in Birr and Roscrea, nearby heritage towns, with an optional afternoon tour
including a visit to wonderful gardens, renowned for their magnolias and trees, a haunted
house, built in 1710, and a castle built for King John, where shots still echo in the
execution yard; as well as a Cistercian monastery and graveyard where a strange ball of
fire is sometimes seen; and a couple of medieval castles, one still inhabited and the
other haunted by Anne Boleyn's sisters.
Day 2
To an O'Carroll Castle, once the most haunted castle in Ireland, then through the
mountains to Ballaghmore Castle, with its tales of Leprachaun gold. An
18th century owner was shot in the castle by a poacher, and has remained here
since. One of the flagstones is still discoloured by his blood. Then to
Mullingar to survey Lord Belvedere's "jealous wall", returning via the great Gothic
house of Charleville Castle - Surrounded by a 700 year old Oak forest, it has
been known for generations as one of the world's most haunted Castles.
The Oak was the Sacred Tree of the Druids and in the grounds the Druid’s Initiation Circle reminds us that this was a Sacred Ritual site. The castle was built in by Charles Bury, the 1st Earl of
Charleville. It is said that Bury was a devil-worshipper whose ghost still walks among the dungeons, catacombs and tower.For decades Charleville has been visited by parapsychologists, paranormal investigators and documentary makers hoping to capture photographic or video evidence of the many phenomena reported throughout the years. Orbs (spectral light balls) are frequently seen in the building and the grounds. Legends say the castle was built on the site of an ancient druid burial ground. During the plague in the middle ages the same spot was used as a burial ground, and sick people were buried alive to prevent the spread of the black plague. There are many different types of supernatural presences including the spirit of young girl who fell to her death from a staircase banister.
Overnight as day 1.
Day 3
Visit Cuffesborough House with its phantom horse. Via a pigeon haunted castle to
Kilkenny to seek out any shadows of the witch, Dame Alice Kytler. Lunch at leisure in
Kilkenny, medieval city and craft centre of Ireland. See where the Devil visits
at the Loftus Hall, said to have been haunted both by the devil and by the ghost of a young woman. The Redmond family built the original building in about 1350 during the time of the Black Death.
Check out the haunted Tintern Abbey. Overnight at a haunted Georgian manor
house.
Day 4
Visit the ruins of Castleboro house where Lady Carew still tries to rescue her needlepoint
from fire. Along the Slaney valley to the most haunted inhabited house in Ireland, with
plenty of phantoms in the locality. Return to New Ross through the Blackstairs Mountains.
Overnight as day 3.
Day 5
Through the remote Wicklow mountains by way of Aughanure, where the Hangman Hempenstall
walks, and Kilakee, the territory of a phantom Black Cat, en route to Dublin. Afternoon at
leisure to shop and explore Dublin. Stay at an excellent and characterful city centre
hotel. Evening free to dine at choice of restaurants.
Day 6
The ghosts of Dublin's fair city - a walking tour taking in the beauties of this fine
Georgian city. Explore a spooky house in Henrietta Street; check out the gruesome history
of the elegant Dublin Castle; survey the tombs of St. Patrick's Cathedral; spot Jonathan
Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, amongst the bookstacks of Marsh's Library. Visit St.
Michan's Church where the first performance of Handel's Messiah took place, and the bodies
of people who died in the 15th century are perfectly preserved for all to see. Take in
Kildare Street, where Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, lived. Overnight as day 5.
Day 7
A tour to the North of Dublin. Passing Gormanston, with its doom laden foxes, to the
ancient tumuli of Newgrange, burial place of stone age kings, and the Abbey of Mellifont.
Lunch at a thrice cursed house, below the witch's mountain. Visit the scene of the
appearance of the devil at the largest Palladian mansion in Ireland. Overnight
as day 6.
Day 8
Departure from Dublin Airport.
Your tour includes:
The visits on this itinerary are all subject to availability. Should certain private houses be unavailable on the day, clients will be informed in advance and a suitable alternative found.
With groups of 10 or more lunches and dinners can be included.
Click here for an alternative ghostly itinerary
E-mail us for booking information.
Or fax us within the US at 1(800) 894 5712,
from outside the US at (+353-1) 288 9355
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Days 1 & 2
Kinnitty Castle
The majestic Kinnitty Castle, surrounded by a 1000 acre estate, lies at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains near the historic town of Birr in County Offaly. The original Castle was built by the Normans in the 13th century and later became the seat of the O'Carroll clan. The Bernard family had the castle renovated in the 18th century by the architect-brothers Pain, whose other work also included Dromoland Castle. Today the castle offers all the comforts of a modern hotel. Beautiful antiques adorn the elegant interior, which features a Louis XV-style drawing room and the Library Bar with its antiquarian books. The decor of the bedrooms is in keeping with the period style, each with views over the estate. The spacious Georgian restaurant seats 60 while 2 separate suites are suitable for small business groups. Horse-lovers are well-catered for here with trekking in the mountains, riding lessons, cross-country and hunting all being organised by the Equestrian Centre. Clay pigeon shooting and tennis are available on the estate while fishing and golf trips can be organised. Activities in the Spa and Leisure Centre complete the range available.
Days 3 & 4
Ballyduff House
Breda Thomas’s lovely 18th century house overlooking the River Nore would make a good base - surrounded by its own farmland and grounds, it is blessed with an utterly restful location. Breda is a relaxed host who enjoys sharing her home with guests, and offers exceptionally spacious and comfortable accommodation in large period bedrooms with generous bathrooms and beautiful views over the river or gardens. Guests also have the use of large well-proportioned day rooms furnished with family antiques - and many return often, finding this rural retreat a warm and welcoming home from home. Fishing (salmon, trout), riding, hunting and other country pursuits can be arranged and there are beautiful walks on the estate.
OR
Woodbrook House
Woodbrook in the north of
Or Similar
Days 5, 6 & 7
The Dylan
It feels as if it's in a peaceful backwater, yet this splendid Victorian building is just yards from one of Dublin's busiest city centre roads.
Arrival at the gates of Dylan is an experience in itself, especially in the evening, when it is magically lit by old fashioned lamps outside the main entrance, where doormen greet you.
A modern wing sits comfortably with the original building and the lobby offers a foretaste of the edgy design beyond: leather padded walls, over-sized floral motifs and tactile wallpaper along with ultra-modern seating and creative lighting are just some of the quirky elements that create an atmosphere of decadent elegance.
The Dublin hotels edgy look continues in the individually designed bedrooms, which are fitted to a very high specification. Standard rooms are laptop compatible and include a plasma screen TV, MP3 players, safes, cordless phones with voicemail and speakerphone, customised 7th Heaven Beds, Frette linen, air conditioning, under floor heated bathrooms, power showers, robes & slippers, Etro toiletries, mini bar and twice daily housekeeping.
Even the most demanding international traveller would be hard pressed to complain at this five star boutique hotel.
Prices per person for 2010
2 people self drive €1450
2 people driver guide €3400
3 people (in a triple room) self drive €1244
3 people (in a triple room) driver guide €2544
3 people (2 rooms - double and single) self drive €1535
3 people (2 rooms - double and single) driver guide €2835
4 people self drive €1560
4 people driver guide €2266
6 people self drive €1520
6 people driver guide €1890
This includes 7 nights accommodation in 4 * hotels and historic manor houses with breakfast, service and tax, and all admissions as on the itinerary.