“There is no better time than May, with its long days to witness the bountiful change from spring into early summer with its myriad of blooming flowers and shades of green.”
“This is a very special tour as we will not only visit some extraordinary houses and gardens but also stay in one. For many years I have enjoyed developing trips to every corner of Ireland, often staying in some of the best hotels Ireland has to offer. For this exclusive tour we will be guests at Glin Castle, home to the Knights of Glin for over 800 years. Overlooking the River Shannon, the site has been the family home of the Fitzgeralds since the 13th century and through the centuries their tale of tenacity through rebellions, wars, famine and all manner of struggles is legendary.
From this wonderfully historic base in County Limerick our travels will take us to many great houses and gardens including Tarbert House, owned by the Leslie family since its construction in 1690 and known for its well-preserved 18th century interiors. Venturing further into County Kerry we visit Kells Bay Gardens. Here in this extraordinarily beautiful setting on the Ring of Kerry and overlooking Dingle Bay is a 20 hectare, dramatically positioned garden, a combination of a Robinsonian style enhanced by exotic plants and a tree-fern forest. There will be many other highlights including the Vandeleur Walled Garden and historic town of Ennis in County Clare, and in County Cork the stunning Doneraile House is the centrepiece of one of Ireland’s most captivating estates, and nearby the romantic garden at Annes Grove on the River Awbeg with its walled garden, woodland and glen.
On a more relaxing day we will drive the circular route around the dramatic Dingle Peninsula, possibly the most picturesque of all the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ including the dramatic scenery of Slea Head and the view of the Blaskets. We will break the journey with lunch at The Boatyard restaurant, overlooking the marina in the colourful fishing town of Dingle.
Our itinerary promises some extraordinarily picturesque land and seascapes together with visits to some of Ireland’s most splendid houses and gardens. There will of course also be time to enjoy Glin Castle which we will have exclusive use of for our stay, and the castle’s enchanting gardens. There is no better time than May, with its long days to witness the bountiful change from spring into early summer with its myriad of blooming flowers and shades of green.”
Andrew Cochrane, Noble Caledonia Founder & Director
Glin Castle
Sitting proudly overlooking the River Shannon is the home of Catherine Fitzgerald and her husband, actor Dominic West. The original castle was abandoned in the 17th century but in the 1780s the 23rd Knight of Glin, John Bateman Fitzgerald, built the present castle. This impressive Neo-classical building with the original long house forming the west wing saw its golden age in the late 18th century. It is famous for its plaster work ceilings, Corinthian columns and an elegant flying staircase lit by a stunning Venetian-style window. We have exclusive hire of the castle for six nights to enjoy its exquisite five reception rooms filled with a unique collection of Irish furniture and decorative objects. The fifteen luxury en-suite bedrooms are beautifully furnished with romantic views either over the Shannon or the formal gardens and parkland.
Dining here is a delight, and the view over the Shannon to the hills of County Clare is a marvellous backdrop to the fine food from the castle’s talented chef Eoin Ruane and his team. Much of the estate’s own produce will grace the dining room table, much of it organically grown in the walled garden.
The gardens here are a marvel, generations of the family have over the centuries moulded the land that benefits from a Gulf Stream micro climate. The women of the Fitzgerald family have over the years had the greatest impact on the gardens and today Catherine Fitzgerald, a practising landscape designer, keeps the tradition alive, developing a fresh and vibrant look each year.
The Fitgerald history is evident in every corner of the castle, some joyous, some melancholy, some celebrated heroes and some not so, but all fascinating, enhancing our stay with endless interest.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Shannon, Ireland.
Fly by scheduled flight to Shannon Airport and on arrival transfer to Glin Castle in County Limerick. Meet this evening for welcome drinks and dinner. (D)
Day 2 Tarbert House.
We will start the day with a relaxing breakfast and free time to explore the house and garden. After a light lunch drive to Tarbert House, a fine Georgian Queen Anne building, well preserved in its original form with furniture and pictures from the 18th century. Notable visitors have included Benjamin Franklin, Lord Kitchener, Winston Churchill, Charlotte Bronte and Jonathan Swift. Nearby is the Foynes Flying Boat Museum and a visit can be arranged for those interested. Enjoy dinner this evening at Glin Castle. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Kells Bay Gardens & Ard na Sidhe.
Today will be a full day as we head south into County Kerry to the splendid Kells Bay Gardens overlooking Dingle Bay. Enjoy a guided walk in this sub-tropical paradise of river walks, waterfalls and the Ladies Walled Garden set over three levels. Here paths lead off in all directions under a canopy of tree ferns with stunning views. After a light lunch at Kells Bay, drive to the Hill of Fairies (Ard na Sidhe), a captivating Arts and Crafts hotel overlooking Caragh Lake with lovely gardens. A wonderful spot for our afternoon tea before we return to Glin Castle, where we will have dinner this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Doneraile Court & Annes Grove.
Heading east into County Cork we drive to Doneraile Court, built in the mid 1600s by the St Leger family and an outstanding example of Irish Georgian architecture. Thirteen generations of the St Leger family resided here including some notable family members among them Elizabeth St Leger who made history when she became the first woman Freemason in the world in 1712. The house sits in fine naturalistic parkland in the style of Capability Brown. After lunch, drive to nearby Annes Grove Gardens home to the Annesley family from the 1600s. In the late Victorian period the gardens were developed in the Robinsonian style supported by plant hunting expeditions to Tibet and across Asia and many of the exotics still survive. This evening we will be hosted in a pub in Glin village with dinner and music. (B, L, D)
Day 5 The Dingle Peninsula.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning at the castle. Depart in the late morning for a scenic drive to the Dingle Peninsula, a rugged stretch of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way with a coastline of dramatic headlands, sandy beaches and craggy cliffs. We will stop for lunch at the bustling fishing town of Dingle, then continue on to Slea Head with its magnificent Atlantic views out to the uninhabited Blasket Islands and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks on the Iveragh Peninsula. On our return drive, we stop for tea in Caherbreagh, Tralee. Dinner will be at the castle this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Vandeleur Walled Garden & Ennis.
Drive to nearby Tarbert for the ferry journey across the Shannon Estuary to Killimer in County Clare for a morning visit to the Vandeleur Walled Garden. Once forgotten, the garden was restored from the 1990s and is famous for its tree collection and unusual water features. After coffee in the Woodland Cafe continue on to the historic Clare county town of Ennis. Culturally rich, the town is famous for its music and food and we will enjoy lunch at one of Ireland’s most famous hotels, the Old Ground. After lunch there will be some free time to explore the town. This evening enjoy farewell drinks and dinner at the castle. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Shannon to London.
Check out after breakfast and transfer to Shannon Airport for your return scheduled flight to London. (B)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 12 to 18 May 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| First Floor Wing Room | £4195 | |
| First/Second Floor Room | £4395 | |
| First/Second Floor Room for sole use | £5595 | |
Tour Reference Code: LAIRISH
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Six nights accommodation at Glin Castle • Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) • Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Tour Leader • Guest Speaker • Excursions as described • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport Taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Please note: Glin Castle does not have a lift. All bedrooms are located on the first and second floors and are only accessible by climbing a number of steps. We therefore do not recommend this holiday for those with walking difficulties. Due to the historic nature of this property, there will be some variation in size and configuration of rooms.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
Glin Castle
Sitting proudly overlooking the River Shannon is the home of Catherine Fitzgerald and her husband, actor Dominic West. The original castle was abandoned in the 17th century but in the 1780s the 23rd Knight of Glin, John Bateman Fitzgerald, built the present castle. This impressive Neo-classical building with the original long house forming the west wing saw its golden age in the late 18th century. It is famous for its plaster work ceilings, Corinthian columns and an elegant flying staircase lit by a stunning Venetian-style window. We have exclusive hire of the castle for six nights to enjoy its exquisite five reception rooms filled with a unique collection of Irish furniture and decorative objects. The fifteen luxury en-suite bedrooms are beautifully furnished with romantic views either over the Shannon or the formal gardens and parkland.
Dining here is a delight, and the view over the Shannon to the hills of County Clare is a marvellous backdrop to the fine food from the castle’s talented chef Eoin Ruane and his team. Much of the estate’s own produce will grace the dining room table, much of it organically grown in the walled garden.
The gardens here are a marvel, generations of the family have over the centuries moulded the land that benefits from a Gulf Stream micro climate. The women of the Fitzgerald family have over the years had the greatest impact on the gardens and today Catherine Fitzgerald, a practising landscape designer, keeps the tradition alive, developing a fresh and vibrant look each year.
The Fitgerald history is evident in every corner of the castle, some joyous, some melancholy, some celebrated heroes and some not so, but all fascinating, enhancing our stay with endless interest.
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Hotel Directory
Hotel Directory
Glin Castle, located on the shores of the River Shannon, has belonged to the Fitzgerald family for over 700 years and was the seat of the Knights of Glin. We will have exclusive use of the castle which offers fifteen luxury en-suite bedrooms, all beautifully furnished with romantic views either over the Shannon or the formal gardens and parkland. Dining here is a delight, and the view over the Shannon to the hills of County Clare is a marvellous backdrop to the fine food. This wonderfully historic castle in County Limerick provides the perfect base for our exploration of Ireland’s finest houses and gardens.ADDRESS & CONTACT DETAILS
Glin Castle, Glin Demesne, Limerick, V94 VF68 Telephone: +353 87 442 6140
Email: enquiries@glin-castle.com
COMMUNICATIONS
Rooms and the individual properties do not have telephones. Please note that due to the remote location, mobile phone signal may be limited. We would suggest connecting to the Wi-Fi and using a service such as WhatsApp to send messages and make calls.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian and gluten free please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. We will endeavour to accommodate your needs. On arrival please speak to your Tour Leader before dinner on the first night to reconfirm your requirements.
DINING & DRINKING
Breakfast is served in the dining room and will include a selection of cereals, fruit, bread, pastries etc as well as a buffet of hot items. Dinners will be a three-course set menu each evening. House wine, beer and soft drinks are included with each lunch and dinner at the castle.
There is a small bar in the castle overlooking the terrace that will be staffed during the late afternoon and evening. The bar serves a selection of alcoholic drinks including beers, cocktails, wines and spirits as well as non-alcoholic options. Drinks from the bar can be purchased with a credit or debit card. Water is provided in the bedrooms and fresh tea and coffee can be requested at any time.
DRESS CODE
Whilst there is no set dress code you may wish to wear something a little smarter for the evening meals in keeping with the elegant surroundings.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Evacuation plans can be found on the walls in all bedrooms. In an emergency, please contact your Tour Leader. Contact details will be provided closer to departure.
END OF STAY QUESTIONNAIRE
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete the questionnaire that will be provided to you by your Tour Leader.
HOUSEKEEPING
A housekeeper will make the beds and refresh rooms once a day.
LAUNDRY
A laundry service is available on request for a nominal fee.
LIFTS & STAIRS
Glin Castle does not have a lift. There are 23 steps to rooms on the first floor and a further 23 steps to rooms on the second floor. First floor wing rooms can be reached by an alternative rear staircase with 18 steps. If you have any questions regarding mobility requirements for any of the accommodation, please contact the Noble Caledonia Reservations Department.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you check out, please check your room to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia directly. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.
PARKING
There is plenty of parking available at the rear of the castle. Cars are parked at owner’s risk.
PORTERAGE
Castle staff will be on hand on arrival and departure day to assist with taking your luggage to and from your room.
ROOMS
Glin Castle has 12 en-suite bedrooms located on the first and second floors and three bedrooms in the first-floor wing. Each bedroom is individually decorated and features original architectural details, period furniture, colourful rugs and comfortable, plump king-sized beds (some of which can be converted to twin beds). Please refer to the chart below for room specification.
SAFES
Safes are not provided and the castle has an open-door policy so please be aware that bedrooms cannot be locked.
SMOKING
All rooms and public spaces in the castle are strictly non-smoking.
TELEVISION
In order to maintain the period charm of the property, bedrooms do not have televisions. If you may wish to watch TV during your stay, then you should bring a device to stream chosen TV or entertainment via the Wi-Fi network.
TOILETRIES
All en-suite bathrooms are supplied with Ortigia shower gel, soap, shampoo and conditioner. Bathrobes, hairdryers and shower caps are also provided.
WI-FI
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
Travelling with You
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Robert O’Byrne
A former Vice-President of the Irish Georgian Society, Robert O’Byrne is today one of Ireland’s best-known writers and lecturers specialising in the country’s historic houses and gardens. He is the author of more than a dozen books, among them Luggala: The Story of a Guinness House; Romantic Irish Homes and The Irish Country House: A New Vision. For many years a contributor to Apollo Magazine, The Burlington Magazine and the Irish Arts Review, during 2021/22 Robert curated a number of events, including exhibitions, lectures and a conference, all on the theme of Ireland’s country house gardens for the Irish Georgian Society. In Autumn 2021, his series on the same subject ‘Ireland’s Historic Gardens’ was shown on Irish television. Since 2012 Robert has written an award-winning blog called The Irish Aesthete chronicling Ireland’s architectural heritage. An exhibition of his photographs was held in the Irish Architectural Archive in December 2022 and in May 2024 a book – The Irish Aesthete: Buildings of Ireland, Lost and Found - was published by Lilliput Press.
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Chantal Cookson
Chantal was born in Suffolk very near the sea and now lives in Northumberland where her husband farms and when possible, they go to their cottage in Suffolk. Chantal has been associated with Noble Caledonia since the company was founded in 1991 and was part of the Expedition Team for many years on the MS Caledonian Star and has led tours, be it cruising or land, all over the world, including the Antarctic in 1999, aboard the Caledonian Star on her first voyage there and in 2017 was aboard the MS Island Sky on her first voyage to the Antarctic. Chantal’s initial experience of cruising was in British waters in 1991 when Noble Caledonia did the first cruise around the British Isles, which was a ground breaking voyage and led to a very successful and popular concept. Though her main job for over 25 years was working for Sotheby’s, she is now a Travel and Fine Art Consultant intertwining in her busy life still working periodically as part of the Noble Caledonia Expedition Team and also as a Tour Leader on Land Tours. From the Arctic to the Antarctica, South America to Australia, Africa, India, The Seychelles, Indonesian Islands and many other destinations including many times the West Coast of Scotland, she has been able to pursue her love of the oceans, zodiacing and photography. Chantal is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
Also of Interest
Gardens of the Eastern Heartlands
A five-night tour in association with London Festival Opera staying at The Jockey Club, Newmarket in aid of the Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust
Itinerary at a glance
- Newmarket / Bressingham Hall Gardens / Wyken Hall Gardens / Chippenham Park / Fullers Mill Garden / Cambridge University Botanic Garden / Jesus College / Peckover House / Ely Cathedral & Gardens
Great Houses, Castles & Gardens of Ireland's Ancient East
Explore Ireland’s Garden Counties of Wicklow, Carlow & Beyond with Mike Nelhams, Chantal Cookson & the Music of London Festival Opera
Itinerary at a glance
- Dublin / Huntington Castle / Altamont Gardens / Kilmacurragh Botanic Garden / Mount Congreve / Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Garden / Hunting Brook Garden / Mount Usher / Dublin
Great Houses & Gardens of North Yorkshire
A five night escorted tour staying at the historic Middlethorpe Hall with London Festival Opera, Alan Mason & Chantal Cookson
Itinerary at a glance
- York / Harewood House / Beningborough Hall / Castle Howard / Ripon / Richmond / Ripon / Richmond / York
Opera & Gardens in the Kingdom of Kerry
A six night escorted visit to the beautiful Parknasilla Resort with performances by London Festival Opera
Itinerary at a glance
- Cork / Derreen Gardens / Beara Peninsula / Derrynane House / Kenmare / Lakes of Killarney / Muckross House / Garnish Island / Bantry House / Cork
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000