Haunted Ireland (8 Night Tour)

Pick up your rental car after arriving in Dublin Airport, before journeying to county Cavan. Begin your Irish adventure with a walk through Dún na Rí Forest Park, after checking in in Cabra Castle for the night. The forest is located along the banks of River Cabra and offers some truly stunning views and nature walks. The area is famous for being the mythical camping ground of Cú Chulainn, who stayed there while defending Ulster against the armies of Queen Maeve

Day 2 is devoted to exploring the eerie halls and interesting grounds of Castle Leslie. Castle Leslie is set amid 1,000 acres of breathtaking scenery and has been home to the Leslie family for over 3 centuries. Many famous faces have graced the halls of the castle through the years, including W.B. Yeats, Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger. Be sure to check out the infamous Red Room, a room said to be haunted by Norman Leslie who died during WWI. Apparently his mother Lady Marjorie was sleeping in this room one night and awoke to see his ghost standing near the foot of her bed, looking through some letters. After a while he allegedly turned to her, smiled, and then faded away. Many other anomalies have been reported by visitors of the castle, such as bells ringing by themselves and strange apparitions wandering down corridors.

On day 3 you’ll journey to your next overnight – the fabulous four-star Mount Falcon Country House Hotel. Located on the banks of the River Moy, the hotel is nestled in 100 acres of gorgeous woodlands and greenery. The hotel has been restored to its original glory over the past decades, and the area is famed for its salmon pools and fishing opportunities. Previous guests of the estate include Vivien Leigh and Tiger Woods.

Today you’ll tour Abbeyglen Castle, a fortification built in 1832 by John d’Arcy of Clifden Castle. The castle has a rich, colourful history and has been used as a parish house and a Protestant orphanage. Then you’ll visit Kylemore Abbey, undoubtedly one of the most famous abbeys in Ireland. The Benedictine monastery was erected in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, in Connemara, County Galway. The Abbey served as the backdrop for the plight of the Benedictine Nuns, who were forced out of Belgium during WWI.

Enjoy a tour of the haunting Adare Castle today, learning about the history of the area and of greater Limerick as you explore the halls and chambers. The castle was a stronghold of the Earl of Desmond, and includes a moat and banquet hall to roam around. That evening you’ll retire to The Mustard Seed, a luxury country house set in a converted 19th century convent in Adare. The country house sits on 10 acres of beautiful gardens and orchards, full to bursting with fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits that are all used in the kitchen of the hotel.

Today take a trip to Waterford Castle, an impressive building set on the banks of the River Suir. The castle was built in the 16th century and resides on its own island. Then it’s on to Waterford Crystal, where you can buy a souvenir of your trip. Then it’s on toe inarguably the spookiest part of your vacation – a tour of Leap Castle. The castle is rumoured to be home to many murderous ghosts and ghouls, with its lore dating back to an event called the “Bloody Chapel”. Tour the infamous chapel and a hidden dungeon located within the castle, complete with drop floor.

Today you’ll tour Meath and the Midlands, stopping by such sights as the Hill of Uisneach, a major stretch of background in some of the most famous lore in Irish history. The Hill was used in many rituals including the May Day ritual, and is said to be the place where St. Patrick and St. Brigid crossed paths. You’ll also take a tour of Dunboyne Castle and Loughcrew Cairns. The Cairns date back to Neolithic times and are a point of interest especially around the Autumnal Equinox.

Return to Dublin today to catch your flight after enjoying breakfast in Ireland for the last time… until the next vacation!