Ireland Travel Deals

Calling all Ghost Hunters!

Meet the spirits on your vacation to Wales!

Ghost-hunting season runs through March at many haunted sites and lodgings in Wales.  For a getaway that’s affordable, convenient and has a touch of intrigue and mysticism, consider spending a week on a self-drive vacation to Wales for a thrilling experience.

The “must see” ghost-spotting destination in Wales is Llancaiaich Fawr Manor, recently named one of the Top Ten haunted buildings in Britain.  Their living history museum transports visitors to the year 1645  and is reported to be inhabited by no fewer than eight former residents including soldiers, children and a maid - all of whom freely roam the house and gardens.  Unnatural occurrences have been reported in almost every room and hallway of the building.

Guided tours by candlelight, with a commentary on the most notable supernatural activities, are held on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:00 and 8:30 pm and last for approximately 1 1/2 hours.  Visitors are cautioned that there is no guaranty that spirits will be present, as nothing is done to enhance the experience.

For those who wish to learn about the paranormal research done at Llancaiaich Fawr, you can join the Friday night dinner which includes a discussion of the research activities, followed by a candlelit tour of the building.  Advance reservations are mandatory for all of these tours.

If you’d like to spend the night in one of the more haunted hotels on your vacation to Wales, consider Maesmawr Hall in the Severn Valley conveniently located in mid-Wales.  The hotel is a picturesque half-timbered house built before 1600;  reports of paranormal activities include sightings of Robin Drwg, half man, half beast, who is ritually cast into the lake. The ghosts of the Grey Lady and the specter also have been spotted walking the grounds.

In North Wales, Gwydir Castle is one of the more haunted places to spend the night on your vacation to Wales.  Sightings of ghosts in this 1500s Tudor courtyard home have been recorded since the 19th century - these spirits are present for the long-haul!

The most significant ghost is a white or gray woman who haunts the North Wing and the paneled corridor between the Hall of Meredith and the Great Chamber.  Her appearance is associated with a drop in temperature and overpowering aroma, which is always in the same location.   Other sightings include Sir John Wynn (allegedly the murderer of a serving maid in the 17th century), crying children, a ghost dog, a short Elizabethan lady in a yellow dress and a night torch-lit procession on the Great Terrace.

Two rooms are available at Gwydir Castle on a bed and breakfast basis.

We can assist you in planning your vacation to Wales to include additional haunted lodgings and notable spirit sightings -  Lady Grey of Ruthin Castle Hotel, named for a woman who was executed for murdering her husband’s lover and was never properly buried; Caerphilly Castle’s Green Lady, colored green because of her husband’s fatal envy; and the former librarian of Raglan Castle who beckons visitors where the library once stood.

Contact us to book your vacation to Wales and experience some of these totally haunting paranormal sites.

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Breathtaking views, luxurious surroundings - these are but a few of the adjectives that describe the private Loch Lomond lodges at the Cameron House estate.

Enjoy spectacular views while staying at Loch Lomond lodges

photo credit: selkovjr

For an escape to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty, with convenient access to an amazing array of facilities, consider planning  Scotland vacation packages by including one of these fantastic lodges.

The Cameron House Lodges are located throughout the estate in secluded settings.  They range in size from 1-bedroom bungalows to spacious 4-bedroom lodges that will sleep up to 8 people - perfect for small family gatherings or a group of friends.

Carrick Lodges offer more variety in layouts.  Ranging from 2-bedroom apartments to multi-bedroom lodges to a coach house or detached farmhouse, these Loch Lomond lodges can accommodate up to 8 guests.

Each lodge is equipped with a full kitchen;  on nights when you prefer not to cook, a choice of excellent restaurants are on the property - or you can arrange for a chef to serve meals in the comfort of your lodge.

The Cameron House estate has had a varied history:  originally a baronial mansion, it was transformed into a wildlife safari park before its present day status as one of  Scotland’s finest luxury hotels.

Many fascinating tales are based on the property - of the  famous Scottish rebel Rob Roy, who over 200 years ago may have hidden from the English army nearby and the smuggling activities for illegal hard liquor from the islands around Loch Lomond.

All guests at the Loch Lomond lodges have access to the  Cameron House Hotel’s spectacular rooftop spa, swimming pool, sauna, fitness center and squash court.  Numerous walking trails around the estate offer a choice for a relaxing stroll or secluded picnic.  Champagne cruises on the Loch aboard the hotel’s yacht are an excellent way to view the sunset’s myriad colors.

And not to forget golf!  The Carrick on Loch Lomond, designed by Doug Carrick, is considered one of the finest new golf courses in the UK. The course offers stunning views from the greens as it  meanders between highland heath and the lowland banks of the Loch.   The par-71 championship layout is a test to players of all abilities and recently hosted the PGA Cup in Scotland.  For a quick round, you can give a go on the “Wee Demon,” a tricky 9-hole challenge.

There is something for everyone  - including relaxation, nature walks, fine dining, pampering spas and a world-class fitness center - by including a stay at the Loch Lomond lodges on the Cameron House estate.

Save on Ireland trip packages when you travel between now and the end of this year.  Check out this affordable 7-day Irish vacation with a few luxury touches that will make you feel like royalty for the freedom to explore on your own and the benefits of an escorted tour and guide for day trips.

Your package begins when you arrive in Dublin airport to be met by your private driver in a Mercedes limo and escorted to the centrally located O’Callaghan Mont Clare Hotel for a 3-night stay.  From the hotel’s Merrion Square location, you’ll be in the heart of the business, cultural and shopping districts and set to explore the delights of the city.

The next morning, you’ll have use of a 2 day Dublin Pass for fast track access and free entry to over 30 of Dublin’s top attractions and special offers in restaurants, shops, tours, theaters and more.  In the afternoon, join an escorted tour to head out into the countryside to visit the 14th century Castle at Malahide and stroll through the charming village of the same name.    The tour will follow the coastline to the fishing village of Howth for spectacular views of Dublin Bay from Howth Head before returning to Dublin along the coast.

Take in the views from Howth on Ireland trip packages

photo credit: infomatique

On your final day in Dublin, the choice is your to take full advantage of the attractions available through the Dublin Pass including a choice of day trips from Dublin or to leisurely explore this vibrant city, including Dublin pub tours in the evening.

On day 4, your private driver will escort you to the train station for your first class accommodation on the 2 1/2 hour ride through the countryside to Galway, Ireland’s fourth largest city and the hub for visits to West Ireland.  You’ll be met at the station by a private driver who will take you to the Galway Harbour Hotel, conveniently near shops, pubs, restaurants, and theaters, for a 3-night stay.    Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the many shops and attractions in this bustling, multi-cultural city.

For the hearty, you might enjoy the views across Galway Bay during a 1.5 mile walk along the seashore in the early morning.  Then enjoy a hearty Irish breakfast before departing on a full-day escorted tour to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren on day 5.  The tour will stop at the fishing village of Kinvara for a visit to Dungaire Castle before continuing into the Burren.  You’ll be able to see many of the ancient monuments, including the Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb, the 5,800 year old Poulnabrone Dolmen and Ballyalban Fairy Fort before arriving at the Cliffs of Moher for a guided tour and several hours to enjoy the sites.  Returning to Galway in the late afternoon, the evening is yours to explore on your own.

The next day, you’ll depart for a full-day excursion to the wild landscape of Connemara with stops at Ross Errily Friary,  an atmospheric 14th century monastery and Cong Village, for a guided walking tour through Cong Woods to see Ashford Castle, on the way.  You’ll be awe-struck by the stark beauty of the hidden valley of Connemara as you head toward the coast.  The tour  continues to Kylemore Abbey before returning to Galway in the late afternoon through the picturesque Inagh Valley.

On day 7, your private driver will escort you to Galway Airport to connect to your return flight home.

Through December, pricing for Ireland trip packages as described above, begins at $1,970 per person based on double occupancy; airfare is additional.  Contact Ireland travel deals at 1-888-825-4529 for more information on this great deal.

If you’re looking for romantic hotels in Scotland for your next getaway, look no farther than Cringletie House, a short drive from Edinburgh but light-years from the stress of the city.

Secluded in a 28 acre sanctuary of wood lands and gardens, Cringletie House defines romance and luxury.  It is a romantic baronial mansion near Peebles, where the sheep outnumber the humans, in Scotland’s Border region.  The existing castle-style mansion dates to 1861 and combines the romance of history with the luxurious conveniences of the 21st century.

From now through December 21st, you can relax and unwind for a few days at this magnificent romantic hotel for £415 per night for one couple with breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Unwind at one of the most romantic hotels in Scotland near a town where the sheep outnumber the people.

photo credit: gingiber

Vacation to Scotland in the fall to see the landscape in an assortment of greens, reds and yellows.  Wander along the walking trails near Cringletie or enjoy a day of spa treatments to unwind.  And enjoy the quiet moments at one of the most romantic hotels in Scotland.

Contact Ireland Travel Deals for more information on including Cringletie in your Scotland vacation package.