• Swimming Pool
• Hot Tub
• Spa
• Fitness Center
• Restaurant & Bar
• Free Parking

Through our collaboration with Ireland’s two most exceptional, 5-star castles, Ashford Castle and Dromoland Castle, we are excited to offer a fully-customizable, immersive castle experience. Made to fit your desires, your trip becomes an exclusive gateway into the grandeur of both historic places.

The choice is yours. Decide the pace of how you experience each castle, when you travel, what activities you want to do within each estate and how much you simply want to relax and indulge in the refinements of castle life.

We’ve created a sample itinerary to spark your imagination of what your vacation could look like. The keys to the castle are yours... what will your Legendary Castle Stay story be?

For an unmatched experience, visit the ancient Ashford Castle and see the oldest falconry school in Ireland. As you venture through the extraordinary charm of the castle and its woodlands, you’ll experience majestic hawks in flight. Watch these spectacular creatures soar into the sky from the perch of an arm.

Duration:  1 hour and 30 minutes

Type: Family, Active

Discover the enchanting beauty of Ashford Castle and its sprawling estate by bicycle. This unique experience offers guests an opportunity to explore the 350-acre estate at their own pace, enjoying the natural splendor and historical charm of one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. Equipped with your bicycle, you can navigate the picturesque trails that wind through lush woodlands, along serene lakeshores, and past meticulously manicured gardens. The gentle terrain is suitable for riders of all ages and skill levels, making it an ideal activity for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike. As you pedal through the estate, you'll encounter a variety of sights, including the enchanting walled gardens, the tranquil Lough Corrib, and the majestic castle itself. Each turn offers a new perspective on the estate’s rich history and breathtaking scenery. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as deer and rare birds, which add to the charm and tranquillity of the experience. Taking to the paths of the Ashford Castle estate by bicycle provides not just a mode of transport but a ticket to an immersive journey through time and nature. Whether you're seeking a leisurely ride or an active adventure, this experience promises unforgettable moments in one of Ireland's most beautiful settings.

Type: Active, Family

Dinner in the Dungeon at Ashford Castle offers an enchanting and immersive dining experience within the depths of one of Ireland's most prestigious castles. Set in the medieval dungeon of this 800-year-old fortress, guests are transported back in time as they dine amidst stone wPrivate Chauffeur, Rail Vacation, Self-Drive, Lux Self-Drives, vaulted ceilings, and flickering candlelight, creating an intimate and atmospheric setting. The dinner experience features a carefully crafted menu that highlights the finest local and seasonal ingredients, blending traditional Irish flavors with modern culinary techniques. Each course is artfully presented, offering dishes of succulent meats, fresh seafood, and locPrivate Chauffeur, Rail Vacation, Self-Drive, Lux Self-Drivey sourced vegetables, paired with an extensive selection of fine wines. What makes the experience even more magical is the rich history that surrounds you. The castle has hosted royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries, and its dungeons, once used for defense and imprisonment, now serve as a luxurious dining space where stories of the past come to life. Dinner in the Dungeon at Ashford Castle is perfect for those seeking a unique, historic, and unforgettable dining adventure. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a memorable meal, the combination of exquisite food and a captivating setting makes for an extraordinary evening.

Duration:  1.5 - 2 hours

Type: Food & Drink

Afternoon tea has been a tradition at Ashford Castle since 1868. Served in the splendid Connaught Room or in the castles Drawing Room, flanked by large windows offering spectacular views across the estates manicured gardens and Lough Corrib, this experience is as much about the setting as it is about the menu. Captivating guests with grand chandeliers, and panelled oak walls this is an impressive space to enjoy the delights on offer during your afternoon tea. Settle in for a delightful selection of speciality teas, delicate finger sandwiches with traditional fillings, fresh warm scones and handmade pastries, all served on a fine tea set to elevate your experience. Take time to admire the original silver tea set on display which was presented to Lord and Lady Ardilaun in celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary in 1896. A truly decedent experience, Afternoon Tea at Ashford Castle is not to be missed when visiting Ireland.

Type: Food & Drink

Horse riding on the Ashford Castle Estate will captivate novice and experience riders alike. The setting is an ancient forest steeped in history with beautiful woodland paths and gorgeous scenery. You will make your way, by means of an easy walk, to the estates equine centre where you will saddle up and set off on an adventure in this magical setting. Traversing wild woodland, small country lanes and perfectly manicured avenues and gardens, this activity suits all ages and abilities thanks to the expert guides ability to tailor the experience to suit you and your parties experience and needs. Your guide will offer some tuition before you head out on the trail ensuring your comfort and safety. Bring your camera so you can take advantage of some of the many photo opportunities along the way.

Type: Active, Wildlife & Animals

Choosing where to stay in Ireland and Scotland is an important part of your travels – it's your home away from home. It’s where you rest at the end of an adventure-filled day, it’s where you start every new exploration. From hotels, castles, manors and even bed-and-breakfasts, you’ll find the very best places to stay in Catherine’s Collection, selected for you based on our intimate knowledge of our homelands.  This is us taking you personally.

Hotels

Only the best for you, our friends. We’ve carefully curated a roster of the top hotels in Ireland and Scotland, selected for service, quality and style. Find your perfect pick amongst our expert recommendations.

Castles

It’s the dream to stay in a castle – and we can help make it a reality. From classic aesthetics with plush modern comforts to contemporary luxury and chic interiors tucked inside stately castle walls, your options for elegance are endless.

Estates & Manors

All the charms and comforts of elevated countryside living, meet the hospitality and service of top-tier hotels. Relax on expansive estates, explore the surrounding regions and experience the recreation and activities that each has in store.

Bed and Breakfasts

Cozy, comfortable and classically Celtic. Staying at a Bed & Breakfast brings you closer to the daily life of your destination. Our personally-vetted picks combine charm, character and hospitality for an experience you’ll always remember.

Who should travel to Ireland and Scotland? We may be biased, but we think everyone – and we can’t wait to meet you all (honestly). Families, solos, groups and every person under the rainbow (of which Ireland has many) will find a travel experience that perfectly fits their needs and desires. Our Celtic Experts can recommend the best places to stay, top activities and the ideal way to travel around our homelands based on who’s traveling with you.

Couples

The roads of Ireland and Scotland are marked with milestones, so why not commemorate your own on a vacation here with us? Anniversaries, honeymoons, proposals and everything in between, our Celtic Experts will help you find the perfect trip and plan those special moments to celebrate your love.

Families

Family travel in Ireland and Scotland is exciting, bonding and brilliant. With activities to suit every generation of your family and brilliant stays to relax in, we’ve got everything you need to start writing your Celtic story together. So gather your clan and prepare for a lifetime of memories.

LGBTQIA+

Everyone in and under the rainbow is welcome here in the Celtic Isles. From friendly faces and friends you’ll meet, to an open culture known for cheer and hospitality, this is where to go when flying solo, on a romantic adventure, traveling with your chosen family or bringing the whole community together.

Groups

Take your group on an unforgettable trip to Ireland and Scotland with Brendan Vacations. Whether you're traveling with family or friends or organizing a group event, our Celtic Experts will create a custom itinerary just for you. Choose from our flexible itineraries or work with us to design the perfect experience for your group.

Your next vacation deserves to be filled with unforgettable experiences – and with us, it’s all about the personal connection to our Celtic homelands. There are so many things to do in Ireland and Scotland, and you'll find the very best in Catherine’s Collection. We’ve hand-selected a variety of activities based on our intimate knowledge of our homelands and can help recommend experiences for your next vacation. This is us taking you personally.

Trace Your Irish and Scottish Ancestry

With nearly 120+ million people across North America who can claim Irish or Scottish heritage, seeking a link through history is a deeply important aspect of travel for so many of our guests. We want to help you build the bridge to your personal history, reconnecting you to your Celtic Roots. However deep you wish to explore, our Celtic Experts can arrange private and prescheduled genealogy and ancestry consultations. We will take you personally every step of the way.

The History & Culture & of Ireland & Scotland

Our Celtic homelands are a rich tapestry of heritage, myths and legends. Meet amazing and warm people who are the beating heart of what makes a Celtic welcome so unique. Experience traditional music and dancing, the glories of storytelling and the tales of times gone by. Ireland and Scotland have some of the best histories in the world and you feel it as you walk around.

Food & Drink

How do you get the bold flavor of Celtic culture? You taste it. Follow your appetite through the Celtic Isles. Eclectic and modern, traditional and hearty, walking food tours and Michelin-star sit downs, Ireland & Scotland are rich lands for foodies. With herds of Shepherd’s Pies to try, seaweed’s umami flavors to explore and plenty of pints to be pulled, prepare your palate and raise a glass for tasteful journeys through the full-bodied flavors of our homelands. 

Outdoor Adventures in Ireland & Scotland

Bold highlands, kinetic coastlines, rolling green hills and serene forests – call us biased but there’s no better place for outdoor experiences than in Ireland & Scotland. Whether you want something leisurely-paced or are prepped and packed for a fully active adventure, you'll always find just the right activity for you and your group here in the Celtic Isles. Jaunt through the beautiful, red deer-filled spaces of Killarney National Park, walk the footsteps of giants on the Causeway Coast or take to the rugged spaces of Scotland’s Isle of Skye – we've got the right fit for your active travel. 

Ireland & Scotland – a Golfer’s Paradise

Test your swing in the homeland of golf. From the most hallowed and historic Scottish links to the vibrant rolling greens of Ireland, there’s no better place to enjoy the great game than in the place where it was born. We are proud to offer custom, handcrafted golf vacations that show off the best golf courses in Ireland and Scotland, filled with history, style and challenges for every level of skill. Your transportation, accommodations, tee-times and off-the-course activities are all taken care of. All you have to remember is to pack two pairs of pants, in case you get a hole in one.

Travel that Matters in Ireland & Scotland

Connect more deeply with Ireland and Scotland through experiences that give back. Sprinkled throughout all our activities are our carefully selected and culturally vivid MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. These deeply special activities share with you who we are, what we are protecting and where we’ve come from, while ensuring your travels have a tangible and positive impact on the people you connect with, the planet you walk on and the nature you experience. 

We are working to ensure that a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is included across our tours, and cannot wait to match you to one that illuminates your travels in the Celtic Isles. 

Guided Vacations

Our carefully-crafted Guided Tours allow you to experience the best of Ireland and Scotland with everything taken care of, from driving and accommodations to daily activities and iconic sightseeing. Departures are defined throughout the year, and our expanded range of itineraries now includes returning Signature favorites, Premium Tours and new Small Group Tours. Discovering the Celtic Isles has never been easier, all you have to decide is which vacation is best for you.

Small Group Tours

Our Small Group Tours offer all the ease of a Guided Vacation with a more intimate travel experience. Traveling with no more than 24 guests, you'll enjoy authentic local connections, unique experiences and access to hidden gems throughout Ireland and Scotland. With accommodations, transportation and sightseeing all included, discovering the Celtic Isles has never felt more personal.

Private Driver

Combining their navigation with your relaxation, our Private Driver Vacations in Ireland and Scotland are fully customizable and include exclusive access to experiences and activities, as well as stays at incredible accommodations. Enjoy your ride at your own pace, while in the comfort of a luxurious, private car. This is the ideal way to explore the Celtic Isles, learning the history, legends and local culture that defines every stretch, bend and turn on the way. 

Self-Drive

Your Celtic road trip, our Celtic expertise. If you want total independence (but still need support from the experts), look no further than a custom Self-Drive trip. With Brendan’s local connections and expertise, you get access to the best places to stay, the right activities and the top experiences that will make the road to your Self-Drive vacation in Ireland and Scotland smooth, seamless and tailored specifically for you. Just bring your driver’s license…your Celtic roadtrip starts here. 

Lux Self-Drive

Privacy, luxury and freedom are top of the list on our Lux Self-Drive trips in Ireland. All you need to do is pick up the keys to your pre-reserved luxury vehicle and go. Start with an existing itinerary to build on or craft a trip entirely unique to you. Our Celtic Experts will guide you and help arrange exclusive activities like private tastings, connoisseur tours, ancestry tracing, outdoor activities and more. The best part? You have complete independence to travel at your own pace.

Rail Vacations

Rail Vacations blends an independent travel style with local support. We’ll help you select your must-see cities in Ireland and Scotland, favorite accommodations and incredible experiences, and when you arrive at your destination, an expert Local Host will greet you with a treasure trove of ideas on what to do, where to eat, drink, shop and what not-to-miss.