Dublin City Hotel

Upgrade one or more nights to a Dublin City Hotel. We recommend upgrading to a hotel if you wish to spend time in Dublin as there are no B&Bs in or near the city centre. You decide in advance which night(s) you want to spend in Dublin and we will reserve a city centre hotel for you. We recommend the following Dublin hotels:

• To be right in the heart of Dublin City, stay in the 3-star Trinity Capital Hotel. 
• For a property full of character and a short stroll from the center of town, stay in the 4-star Georgian Pembroke Townhouse.

After you have reserved your package online, let us know which hotel you prefer and we will reserve it for you on the night(s) of your choice.

Stay in a Castle

Upgrade one or more nights of B&B accommodation to a stay in a medieval Irish castle. The choice of castles is listed below. All you have to do is pick a castle and let us know what night you wish to stay there. We will pre-book it for you and provide you with a voucher to present for payment.

Choose from the following castles:

• Abbeyglen Castle, Clifden, Connemara
• Ballyseede Castle, Tralee, County Kerry
• Cabra Castle, Kingscourt, County Cavan
• Markree Castle, Sligo
• Lough Eske Castle Hotel, Donegal Town, County Donegal
• Clontarf Castle, Dublin
• Castle Leslie, Monaghan
• Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara

Medieval Banquet Dinner 2.5 hours

Join the Earl of Thomond in the splendour of the main guard of Bunratty Castle for a dinner experience not to be missed! Bunratty Castle, was built in 1425 by the Earl of Thomond. Following his tradition of hospitality, the world renowned Bunratty Medieval Banquet is held twice nightly throughout the year.

Since 1963, the Ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl's Butler, have welcomed guests from the four corners of the globe to dine at The Earl's Banquet at Bunratty Castle.  The entertainment provided by the world renowned Bunratty Singers is a fitting compliment to a mead reception, a four course meal, and of course good wine. More details>>

The Best Itineraries for Touring Ireland

Welcome to Ireland! Ok, you are not here yet, but we would like to give you a brief introduction to our beautiful country and its varied regions so you can plan your Go-As-You-Please itinerary with confidence. Bookmark this page for future reference. Below you will find suggested itineraries based on the number of days you plan to spend and your arrival and departure airport, and a Quick Guide to the best towns and villages in Ireland. 

4 Days: into/out of Shannon

1-2: Killarney or Kenmare
3: Dingle
4: Doolin

6 Days: into/out of Shannon

1: Doolin
2: Dingle
3-4: Killarney or Kenmare
5: Kinsale
6: Bunratty or Ennis

8 Days: into/out of Shannon

1: Galway
2-3: Westport or Clifden (castle option: Abbeyglen)
4: Doolin
5-6: Dingle
7: Kenmare or Killarney
8: Ennis or Adare or Bunratty

10 Days: into/out of Shannon

1-2: Doolin
3-4: Westport or Clifden (castle option: Abbeyglen)
5: Galway
6-7: Killarney or Kenmare
8-9: Kinsale
10: Bunratty or Ennis

4 Days: into/out of Dublin

1: Wicklow
2: Waterford
3: Kilkenny
4: Dublin (castle option: Clontarf)

6 Days: into/out of Dublin

1: Dublin (castle option: Clontarf)
2-3: Carlingford
4: Boyne Valley (castle option: Cabra)
5: Kilkenny
6: Wicklow

8 Days: into/out of Dublin

1: Dublin (upgrade option: Dublin Hotel)
2: Waterford
3-4: Kinsale
5-6: Killarney or Kenmare
7: Adare
8: Dublin (upgrade option: Dublin Hotel)

10 Days: into/out of Dublin

1-2: Dublin (upgrade option: Dublin Hotel)
3: Kilkenny
4-5: Killarney or Kenmare
6: Dingle
7: Doolin
8-9: Galway
10: Boyne Valley (castle option: Cabra)

4 Days: into Dublin/out of Shannon

1: Dublin (upgrade option: Dublin Hotel)
2: Galway
3: Clifden/Connemara (castle option: Abbeyglen)
4: Doolin

6 Days: into Dublin/out of Shannon

1: Dublin (upgrade option: Dublin Hotel)
2: Galway
3: Doolin
4-5: Killarney or Kenmare
6: Ennis or Bunratty

8 Days: into Dublin/out of Shannon

1-2: Dublin (upgrade option: Dublin Hotel)
3: Kilkenny
4-5: Kinsale
6-7: Killarney or Kenmare
8: Doolin, Ennis or Bunratty

10 Days: into Dublin/out of Shannon

1-2: Dublin (upgrade option: Dublin Hotel)
3: Carlingford
4: Belfast
5-6: Bushmills
7-8: Donegal
9: Sligo (castle option: Markree)
10: Doolin, Ennis or Bunratty

Recommended Places to Stay (clockwise from Dublin)

Here it is! Our Quick Guide to the best towns and villages in Ireland:

• Dublin City - the capital, never a dull moment whether its shopping, pubs or history you are after.
• Enniskerry, Wicklow - pretty mountain village, ideal base for walking, exploring Glendalough and the Wicklow mountains.
• Wicklow Town, Wicklow - picturesque but bustling little coastal town, lovely beaches and Wicklow mountains nearby
• Kilkenny City, Kilkenny - medieval inland city, Ireland’s best preserved. Great pubs and shopping, galleries and unique crafts
• Waterford City, Waterford - home of Waterford Crystal, great beach nearby at Tramore
• Dunmore East, Waterford - cute little fishing village, friendly pubs, great food. A hideaway.
• Cork City, Cork - more handsome than Dublin, better pubs, and friendlier!
• Kinsale, Cork - culinary capital, picturesque fishing town with many great restaurants and pubs.
• Baltimore, Cork - peaceful little harbor village, great seafood. A retreat. Boats to Sherkin Island and Cape Clear island.
• Kenmare, Kerry - another culinary hotspot. Immaculate little town on Ring of Kerry scenic route
• Killarney, Kerry - tourist Mecca amid Ireland’s finest scenery. Starting point for Ring of Kerry scenic drive.
• Waterville, Kerry - seaside village famous for golf and wild sea views. Charlie Chaplin was a regular visitor.
• Dingle, Kerry - everyone’s favorite Irish town. Great scenery, food, pubs and people. 
• Listowel, Kerry - home of annual writer’s festival, close to famous Ballybunion Golf Club.
• Adare, Limerick - postcard pretty village with thatched cottages. Close to Shannon airport.. Close to Shannon.
• Ennis, Clare - bustling market town with deserved reputation for traditional Irish music
• Bunratty, Clare - home of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Medieval banquets are held in the castle. Close to Shannon.
• Killaloe, Clare - pretty village on Lough Derg. Fishing and water sports center
• Lahinch, Clare - Seaside village famous for golf and surfing
• Doolin, Clare - next to Cliffs of Moher, traditional music sessions 7 nights a week. Ferry to Aran Islands.
• Ballyvaughan, Clare - cute harbor village on the edge of the Burren overlooking Galway Bay
• Galway City, Galway - the Party City. Festivals all summer long. Book early!
• Clifden, Galway - capital of Irish speaking Connemara region. Great in the summer.
• Roundstone, Galway - one-street fishing village and crafts centre next to two fine beaches. A hideaway.
• Aran Islands, Galway - Irish-speaking islands off the Clare coast. Beautiful and unique. Ferry from Rossaveal, County Galway or Doolin in Clare.
• Westport, Mayo - great little town in this scenic part of Mayo. Recommended.
• Achill Island, Mayo - wild scenic splendor on this island linked by bridge to mainland. Fabulous beaches,

Is a Go-As-You-Please package suitable for me?

If you are an independent-minded traveller, then this is the ideal package for you. If you are willing to plan your itinerary and book your own accommodation then you can save significantly by opting for a Go-As-You-Please package. You can book your accommodation in advance if you know the places you want to visit, or you can "go as you please" and book your accommodation each day while you are in Ireland.

When is the best time to come? What will the weather be like?

There are a number of factors to consider when deciding when to visit Ireland. The three main ones are cost, the weather and how busy it will be. October to April is the least expensive period and the quietest, but the weather can be less than pleasant, though early October and late April have been surprisingly warm in recent years. November to February is for hardy travelers. May and September are more expensive and reasonably busy, but the weather while probably not hot can be very pleasant. June to August are the peak months and so are the busiest and most expensive, even though good weather is by no means guaranteed. It is definitely warmer than the other months, but not necessarily drier. Best bet: May, September and early October.

Can I travel anywhere in Ireland with a Go-As-You-Please Vacation package?

Yes. The vouchers we provide are redeemable at almost 2,000 bed and breakfasts and farmhouses all over Ireland, north and south. However, if you wish to spend one or more nights in Dublin, Cork or Belfast you must add a city hotel upgrade as there are no good quality B&Bs in or near these cities.

I know nothing about Ireland. How do I decide where to visit or stay?

Please see our Sample Itineraries section for the best places to visit and advice on planning your own itinerary.

I know where I want to go in Ireland. How do I find B&Bs in each area?

We provide you with a comprehensive property guide listing all the available B&Bs. There are almost 2000 B&B & Farmhouse B&B properties to choose from! The guide is organized alphabetically by town in each county so regardless of where you are in Ireland you will be able to find a B&B nearby. The guide contains pictures, descriptions and a list of facilities at each B&B along with their websites and contact information. This guide qill be available to you in a pdf file as soon as you purchase your package so you don't need to wait until you receive it in the mail to get started planning your vacation!

How do I book a B&B?

The easiest way to book your accommodation is to email the B&B directly letting them know that you will be paying with Town & Country vouchers. Owners will generally respond confirming your reservation within 24 hours. Some B&Bs will ask for credit card information to secure the booking. This is for security purposes only. Once you let them know you will be paying with Town & Country vouchers they will not charge your credit card.

Do B&B bedrooms have private bathrooms?

Virtually all B&Bs in Ireland now have private bathrooms as standard. However, when booking you should request an “ensuite room” just to be sure. We only supply B&B vouchers that include ensuite facilities, so there is no extra cost for this.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. The pre-paid vouchers entitle you to a full Irish or continental breakfast. Breakfast is also included with all our castle and hotel upgrades.

What happens if I cannot find an available B&B in the area I want to stay?

Because there are so many B&Bs (2.000) you will always find one. However, on weekends during high season (June, July and August) you may have to try a number of B&Bs before finding one with availability. For this reason we recommend booking in advance where possible during these peak months. If you have unused vouchers left at the end of your vacation, you can return them to us for a partial refund.

Are there any other busy periods I should know about?

Yes. There are a number of "holiday weekends" throughout the year that are very busy and should be booked in advance if possible:

• March 17 – St Patrick’s Day
• Easter
• First weekend of May
• First weekend of June
• First weekend of August
• Last weekend of October

Galway city is very busy throughout the summer so we always recommend booking stays here well in advance.

Why are the Go-As-You-Please packages not available over Christmas?

Virtually all B&Bs in Ireland close for Christmas and the New Year so a Go-As-You-Please Vacation is not possible at this time of year. For this reason we do not accept bookings with an arrival date between December 10 and January 5. If you really want to spend Christmas in Ireland we suggest staying in a vacation rental.

How does the Dublin hotel upgrade work?

If you intend spending a night in Dublin, we recommend upgrading to a hotel as there are no good quality B&Bs in the city. The hotels we receommend are all 3 & 4-star and are located in the city center within walking distance of all major attractions. You decide which day you want to stay in Dublin and Authentic Ireland will book it in advance for you. We will provide you with a voucher to present for payment.

How do the castle upgrades work?

Similar to the hotel upgrades, you decide in advance which day you want to stay in a castle and Authentic Ireland will book it for you. We offer a range of castles for you to choose from:

Abbeyglen Castle, Clifden, Connemara

Ballyseede Castle, Tralee, County Kerry

Cabra Castle, Kingscourt, County Cavan

Markree Castle, Sligo

Lough Eske Castle Hotel, Donegal Town, County Donegal

Clontarf Castle, Dublin

Castle Leslie, Monaghan

Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara

Where do I pick up my rental car?

Authentic Ireland will book your rental car in advance and provide you with a voucher for payment. Your vehicle can be collected at Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports or at the city center rental office in Dublin. If spending your first night (or two) in Dublin we recommend picking up your car in the city center before you leave the city. You will not need a car while in Dublin and you will also save on parking.

Do I need an international drivers license?

No. All that is required is a valid U.S. (held for at least 2 years) or international license. You will also need a credit card in the driver’s name and you must be aged between 25 and 74.  Drivers aged 70-74 are subject to a supplemental insurance charge of €10/$13.00 per day. Some of the larger rental vehicles have a higher minimum age requirement as follows:

• Full-size vehicles  - minimum age is 27
• Minivans or larger - minimum age is 28

Is insurance included with the car rental?

Yes. All our self-drive vacation packages come with third party insurance, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), unlimited mileage and 24-hour roadside assistance. The following deductibles apply:

• Compact and mid-size - EUR900.00
• Full-size  - EUR1,300.00
• Minivan or larger - EUR1,500.00

These amounts are your maximum liability should the car be damaged. You can reduce this potential liability to zero by purchasing Supplementary Liability Insurance (SLI) from the car rental company when you pick up the car. Costs are as follows:

• Compact and mid-size - EUR10.22 per day
• Full-size  - EUR10.22 per day
• Minivan or larger - EUR14.19 per day

Please note that if you choose not to purchase the additional insurance, the rental company will 'authorize' the relevant CDW amount on your credit card. This hold will be released once the car has been returned undamaged.

Can more than one person drive the car?

Yes, although your quote only includes one driver, additional drivers can be added when collecting your vehicle.  The cost is EUR9.02 per additional driver per day for most vehicle types.

The Go-As-You-Please Vacation price I was quoted looks too good to be true. Are there any extra fees or taxes I should know about?

No. The price quoted is the price you will pay. There are no hidden fees or taxes whatsoever.

Will I need a cell phone?

A cell phone is very handy when traveling in Ireland. This is especially true with a Go-As-You-Please Vacation. It allows you to call B&Bs to check availability and make reservations while on the road.  You will also be able to call ahead to reserved B&Bs to advise them of a potentially late or early arrival at their home – a courtesy that B&B owners very much appreciate! Your U.S. cell phone will not work in Ireland unless it is a GSM phone. Check in advance with your provider. If you do not have a GSM phone you can rent one for the duration of your stay in Ireland. More information here.

Do the rental cars have GPS or Sat Nav?

GPS does not come as standard, but you can rent one from the car rental company. The cost is EUR10.00 per day or EUR50.00 per week, whichever is less. We can reserve one in advance for you, or you can decide when you pick up your rental vehicle.

Still have a question?

Complete the simple contact form below and we will answer your question within 24 hours. Alternatively call us toll-free: 1-888-771-8350 (US) or 0808-101-4366 (UK) and one of our agents will be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

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