Meath and Kildare
Explore Meath and Kildare with your Driver/Guide
Duration: 4 Nights
Uncover the rich heritage and pastoral beauty of Ireland’s Ancient East on this four-night private tour through Meath and Kildare. With your personal driver-guide, explore sacred sites, stately homes, and timeless countryside at a relaxed and luxurious pace.
Highlights include the Hill of Tara, Newgrange, and the Curragh, paired with elegant accommodations and cultural experiences. This itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking a deeper connection to Ireland’s history, mythology, and rural charm.
All tours can be customised to include more or less nights and added to any of the other tour experiences on the site to extend your time in Ireland.
Luxury Accommodation Options:
- Killeen Castle Estate & Golf Resort
- Carton House, A Fairmont managed hotel
- Johnstown Estate Hotel & Spa
- The K Club, Ireland’s Premier Golf & Spa Resort
Tour Highlights
- Newgrange
- The Hill of Tara
- The Irish National Stud Farm
- Russborough House
- An Gobha Iron Works
- Trim Castle
- Slane Whiskey Distillery
- Castletown House
Ireland's Ancient East - Meath and Kildare
Please click on each of the numbered tabs below to explore each day of the itinerary
Day 1
Discover Ireland's Prehistoric and Sacred Sites
Begin your journey with a scheduled visit to Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most significant Neolithic monuments. Continue to the Hill of Tara, ancient seat of Ireland’s High Kings, followed by a stop at Monasterboice, renowned for its Celtic high crosses and early Christian heritage.
Brú na Boinne Visitor Centre & Newgrange. Ireland’s most historical site, a 5200-year-old passage tomb located in the Boyne Valley built by Stone Age farmers
The Hill of Tara. Though best known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the Hill of Tara has been an important site since the late Stone Age when a passage-tomb was constructed there. Tara was at the height of its power as a political and religious centre in the early centuries after Christ. Attractions include an audio-visual show and guided tours of the site.
The Monastic site at Monasterboice dates back to the 6th century when it was founded by St Buite. Nothing remains of the original monastery but there are remains of two 10th century churches. The remains consist of an old graveyard, two churches, three sculptured crosses, two early grave slabs and a sundial. Of particular interest here are the 3 Celtic Crosses and the Round Tower.
![Sunrise At Newgrange, Co Meath [700Px]](/media/roijaotd/sunrise-at-newgrange-co-meath_-700px.jpg)
Day 2
Equine Elegance & Artistrocratic Estates
Explore the Irish National Stud & Gardens, home to world-class thoroughbreds and serene Japanese gardens. Then enjoy a private tour of Russborough House, a Palladian mansion filled with fine art and history. Optional visit to Castletown House, Ireland’s largest and earliest Palladian-style estate.
Irish National Stud Farm. The farm at Tully was purchased from the Fay family in 1900 by Colonel William Hall Walker. Hall Walker became the most successful breeder of the age, enjoying his finest hour when King Edward VII led Minoru, born and raised at Tully, into Epsom’s winners’ enclosure following a famous victory in the 1909 Derby. In 1915 the farm and all its stock was gifted to the Crown and became The National Stud under the leadership of Sir Henry Greer. The success continued with the farm producing the winners of all five Classics. In 1942 Sun Chariot, born and bred at Tully, earned herself an indelible place in racing history when landing the fillies’ Triple Crown – the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks and St. Leger – for King George VI.
Russborough House. Nestled in the heart of County Wicklow, Russborough stands as a testament to Ireland’s rich architectural heritage and the legacies of the families who called it home. From its grand Palladian design to the meticulously crafted interiors and expansive Parklands, Russborough offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of the 18th and 19th Centuries. Surrounding the house, the Parklands were designed to complement the Palladian elegance of Russborough. Initially laid out in a formal style, the grounds featured terraced lawns, ornamental lakes, and carefully planned vistas. Over time, elements of the naturalistic style popularised by landscape designers like Capability Brown were incorporated, blending formal gardens with rolling meadows and wooded areas. Today, visitors can explore these historic landscapes, which include a walled garden, ice house, and serpentine lakes.
Castletown House. When it was built in the 1720s, Castletown set a radical precedent and it is an extraordinary part of our cultural inheritance. Now, as the OPW breathes contemporary life into Ireland’s earliest and finest Palladian house, it is trailblazing once more. Access to the house is by guided tour only. Join one of our knowledgeable guides for a tour of Castletown House that takes you from the eighteenth century, when building commenced, right up to the present day.

Day 3
Castles, Craftsmanship & Whiskey Tasting
Step into medieval Ireland with a guided tour of Trim Castle, the largest Norman castle in Ireland. Experience traditional Irish craftsmanship with An Gobha Iron Works, a blacksmithing demonstration by Tom King. End the day with a premium tour and tasting at Slane Whiskey Distillery, or opt for a factory tour at Newbridge Silverware, known for Irish design and fashion.
Trim Castle. The largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, was constructed over a thirty-year period by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. Hugh de Lacy was granted the Liberty of Meath by King Henry II in 1172 in an attempt to curb the expansionist policies of Richard de Clare, (Strongbow). Construction of the massive three storied Keep, the central stronghold of the castle, was begun c.1176 on the site of an earlier wooden fortress. This massive twenty-sided tower, which is cruciform in shape, was protected by a ditch, curtain wall and moat.
‘An Gobha’: We will take you to ‘An Gobha’ an immersive experience of traditional iron age metal forging, demonstrated by Tom King, a local Blacksmith. This experience is delivered with theatre, stories, myth, history, and a bit of ‘craic’. Tom King specialises in the reproduction of early Celtic Ironworks. Here the ancient skill of metal forging is kept alive. Throughout history, blacksmiths were considered somewhat of mythical figures, with the ability to place curses with the help of an anvil and cure the sick. Tom has fascinating stories to tell.
Slane Whiskey Distillery. A tour of Slane Distillery takes visitors through the heritage room, barley room, cooperage, and maturation warehouse before a final stop that provides a view of the pot stills and production areas. The tour concludes in the best way possible with a taste of the signature triple casked blend, Slane Irish Whiskey.
![Trim Castle [1920Px]](/media/zhykmyfc/trim-castle_-1920px.jpg)
Day 4
Leisure & Lifestyle – Your Day, Your Way
Enjoy a free day for relaxation or adventure. Choose from spa treatments or activities at your hotel. You may like to add a round of golf at championship courses like The K Club, Carton House, Portmarnock or The Island Golf Club. Or possibly attend a thrilling Irish horse racing event at Fairyhouse, The Curragh, Naas or Leopardstown. A private driver-guide is available if required for any transport requirements.

Day 5
Departure or Extend Your Irish Journey
Transfer to Dublin Airport to depart or extend your time in Ireland with a custom tour of Dublin City, Northern Ireland, or the Wild Atlantic Way. Add extra nights in Dublin to explore Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, and vibrant Georgian architecture.
Prices and Details
All itineraries are subject to availability. The price range covers all of the accommodations listed for 4 nights with bed and full Irish breakfast each day. Please note High Season is from April to October.
Price Per Person staring from (seasonal rates apply)
2 passengers from €3,495 to €4,995 per person sharing
4 passengers from €2,795 to €4,295 per person sharing (2 rooms)
6 passengers from €2,595 to €4,195 per person sharing (3 rooms)
Let us know if you need prices for a different party-size. A single supplement will apply for single rooms and please note all transport costs will apply if you’re travelling solo.
What is included
Hotels: You’ll enjoy 4 nights’ bed and full Irish breakfast in the most sumptuous rooms at ONE of the following hotels
- Killeen Castle and Golf Resort
- Carton House
- Johnstown Estate and Spa
- The K Club
Driver-Guide Services
You’ll have exclusive use of our professional driver-guide services for 4 days. One driver-guide will accompany you for the touring part of your trip. You’ll be safely returned to the airport on your return.
A party of up to two passengers will travel in a luxury saloon vehicle. We’ll provide a luxury minivan for three to five passengers. For a larger group, we’ve got many luxury vehicles to suit your needs. For 2 guests is a luxury Saloon Car and for 4 guests in a Luxury Mercedes Viano.
We also include hotel taxes and fees, communication costs and the help of our local travel experts throughout your trip; 24/7.
We simply want you to focus on having an incredible time. It’s that simple.
Entrance fees are included to the following sites:
- Newgrange UNESCO Site
- The Hill of Tara
- Monasterboice Abbey
- The Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens
- Russborough House
- Trim Castle
- An Gobha Traditional Blacksmith Experience
We simply want you to focus on having an incredible time. It’s that simple.
What's Not Included
• Your flights to and from the USA or Europe
• Gratuities and tips to driver-guides and local guides
• Anything that we’ve not mentioned above

Book This Tour
Whatever your requirement, simply provide your contact details and we'll be in touch shortly. We can adjust any of the services included to meet your wish list, requirements and your budget.
Custom-Design Your Own Itinerary
It's a stress-free way to create your magical Irish adventure with our hospitality experts. We can adjust any of the services included to meet your wish list, requirements and your budget.
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