Ireland has a lot of castles – near 30,000 actually. Some are the ghostly footprints of structures long gone; some are educational resources rebuilt for visitors but some… some are luxurious retreats tucked away in the Irish countryside.  

And, probably the most requested “dream vacation” item we hear about is “Getting to stay in a castle when visiting Ireland.” 

It’s that highlight travel combination where a daydream indulgence aligns with opulent luxury, all housed in local legends. It’s also exactly what the Brendan Vacations’ Legendary Castle Stay trip brings to life. 

It’s a Private Chauffeur journey through Ireland that offers more than just elegant accommodation at two award-winning 5-Star castle stays. This is an Ireland luxury vacation that invites you to live the legacy of the Celts in the halls, rooms and grounds of   Ashford Castle and Dromoland Castle. 

Legendary Castle: Ashford Castle 

Each step of the way and every stone in the wall holds a story, and every experience is wrapped in history and heritage. Your adventure begins at Ashford Castle, an opulent 800-year-old retreat in County Mayo, Ireland.  

Once the estate of Ireland’s brewing royalty, the Guinness family, this sanctuary on the shore of Lough Corrib offers unparalleled hospitality with falconry, horseback riding, and fine dining in a setting fit for royalty. Its rich wood paneled walls house elegant rooms, suffused in warmth and classic style.  

Its origins date back to the 13th century, when it was a medieval fortress. Over the centuries, it has changed hands and purposes, style and shape and evolved into a world-class castle stay filled with splendor. From private lake cruises and falconry lessons to horseback rides through storybook trails, every experience is curated with regal flair. Inside, the suites are wrapped in antique textiles and bespoke furnishings, while the award-winning spa, nestled beneath stone-vaulted ceilings, offers a sanctuary of serenity. And then there’s the George V Dining Room—where glittering chandeliers, white-glove service, and a menu that celebrates the finest of Irish ingredients turn every meal into a celebration of taste and tradition. With its rich heritage and cinematic charm, Ashford doesn’t just host guests—it crowns them. 

Legendary Castle: Dromoland Castle 

Nestled in the heart of County Clare, Dromoland Castle offers a refined escape where centuries of Irish nobility meet modern indulgence. Once the ancestral home of the O’Brien clan—direct descendants of Brian Boru, the last High King of Ireland—this 16th-century castle now delivers 5-star sophistication with an unmistakably regal approach. 

Here, the historic castle fortification walls have been built into the halls of the hotel, where classic spaces ease into chic, contemporary suites and rooms. Among that many activities that can be enjoyed on the parkland estate grounds are falconry, golf on a tournament level course filled with challenges, archery, horseback riding and more. 

 Then, for more quiet pursuits in a castle stay, you can partake in afternoon tea in the drawing room, unwind at the castle’s serene spa, where the treatments blend traditional techniques with contemporary luxury. Whether savoring seasonal fare at the Michelin-recommended Earl of Thomond Restaurant or retiring to opulent rooms steeped in old-world charm, a stay at Dromoland feels less like a getaway and more like a homecoming fit for royalty. 

You deserve to be a legend too 

If you’ve ever dreamed of living like royalty, the Legendary Castles itinerary from Brendan Vacations is your calling. This journey isn’t just about where you sleep—it’s about how you feel while you’re there.  

Wrapped in the elegance of historic estates like Dromoland and Ashford Castles, you’ll find yourself savoring gourmet meals in chandelier-lit dining rooms, toasting with fine Irish whiskey in ancestral libraries, and waking to misty mornings on manor grounds that have witnessed centuries.  

Each moment is elevated, personalized, and steeped in Celtic charm. For travelers who believe luxury lies in the experience, not just the amenities, this is Ireland at its most enchanting.