Two of the best: Limerick and Clare | Family Trip Ireland

To begin your luxury Irish vacation on the ‘right foot’, go straight from the airport to nearby Dromoland Castle, for refreshments fit for a King and Queen!  Even if you are not choosing to stay there during your trip, this exquisite castle will help you unwind after travelling. It is a 5 star luxury hotel but also steeped in history that dates back to the 5th Century. Kings of Thomond descendants of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland, once lived here and you get a sense of the royal lineage throughout this magnificent castle and grounds.

After some relaxation in Dromoland your private chauffeur in Ireland will bring you the short distance to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Bunratty means the ‘end of the ratty’ (river) in Irish and the river can be seen surrounding the castle. The castle was built in 1425 and is a very popular tourist attractions. It hosts a medieval banquet, guests dine at banquet tables in the castle while drinking traditional Irish mead and listening to historical Irish music.  The folk park is like stepping back in time, there are a number of houses all decorated to an older day and highlight the difference in living standards.  Right beside Bunratty is Blarney Woolen Mills were you can indulge in some duty-free shopping for some original Irish gifts to bring home.

Your private tour of Ireland is the ideal opportunity to tour more of County Clare, the Banner County.  Starting with a trip to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and then onto the fantastic Ailwee Caves and Birds of Prey exhibition.

The gigantic Cliffs of Moher are 702 feet tall and stretch over 8 kilometers along the Atlantic coast. There is a safe path that leads the way and on a fine day you can take in the breath-taking views of scenery near and far. It’s the perfect view-point of the Southwest. On site there is also a visitor centre with a cafe and shop, the centre hosts interesting artefacts and information on local history.

The Burren National Park from the Irish word ‘boireann’ meaning rocky place, and it certainly is! Mainly formed of limestone rock the Burren stretches over 15,000 Acres and is the smallest National Park in Ireland. There have been many tombs found around the Burren, made from the rocks, the famous being the Portal Dolmen, proving people have lived in the Burren for over 5,000 years. It’s a very different landscape during your trip to Ireland as there’s no lush green grass and it’s easy to forget the the vast area of rock landscape is still the Emerald Isle.

Aillwee Caves are remotely located in the heart of the Burren and is one of the oldest caves in Ireland.  Opened in 2008 the Birds of Prey Sanctuary at Ailwee Cave is an impressive addition.  Allow yourself to be entertained by the flying exhibitions of some of the world’s most beautiful eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls.  If you stick around long enough you could be lucky and witness the unique ‘meals’ these amazing winged creatures feast on, not to be missed!

Next the tour will bring us to the beautiful city of Limerick, The Treaty City. It was awarded the City of Culture 2014 and is a magnificent cultural city steeped in medieval history. It’s awash with places and buildings of huge historical and architectural significance. Limerick is also home to the very famous Munster Rugby Club, all you need for a family tour in Ireland! We have have selected the very best features that Limerick has to offer tourists in terms of sightseeing gems, accommodation, dining and so much more.