Getting to the Castles on Ireland's Atlantic Coast

By Eric Hagerman, October 2009 issue  |  Subscribe to the magazine

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(Map by Lucinda Rogers)

The starting point of this trip is Ballinalacken Castle Hotel, and the closest international airport is in Shannon, about an hour's drive south. You could also fly into Dublin, which is only three hours away. (Ireland isn't that big.)

Ballinalacken Castle Hotel
Doolin, Co. Clare, 011-353/65-707-4025, ballinalackencastle.com, from $184 with breakfast, dinner entrées from $27

Cliffs of Moher
011-353/65-708-6141, cliffsofmoher.ie, $11 per vehicle

The Burren Perfumery
Carron, Co. Clare, 011-353/65-708-9102, burrenperfumery.com, lunch from $11

Dunguaire Castle
Kinvara, Co. Galway, 011-353/61-360-7888, shannonheritage.com, admission $8.50, medieval banquet $71 if you book online (otherwise $79)

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Recess, Co. Galway, 011-353/95-31006, ballynahinch-castle.com, from $170 with breakfast, two-course meals $50 per person

Markree Castle
Collooney, Co. Sligo, 011-353/71-916-7800, markreecastle.ie, from $168 with breakfast, dinner entrées from $25, three-course prix fixe menu $50

Strandhill Surf School
Strandhill, Co. Sligo, 011-353/71-916-8483, strandhillsurfschool.com, two-hour lesson $43

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Note:This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
 

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