Traveling the southern route from Dublin to Galway is to experience a picture-postcard version of Ireland. Be it arid or lush, windy or sunny, each new landscape seems to have been created purely to take your breath away. There is a fresh surprise at every turn – from ancient dolmens to sublime golf courses, islands jutting dramatically into the Atlantic or nesting birds soaring overhead. This Route du Bonheur contains the quintessence of Ireland's wonders, whatever the season!
Dublin sits at the mouth of the River Liffey, facing the Irish Sea. Although you’ll certainly find its historic architectural riches bewitching, there's also a young, charming, and dynamic city waiting to be discovered. From Temple Bar to Smithfield to O’Connell Street, the ambiance is cheerful wherever you go. The true treasures, though, are people who live here, who make Ireland’s capital the friendliest city in Europe.
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Close to the property
Saint Patrick's Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece
One of the most important cathedrals in the country, it was built in 1192 in honor of Ireland's patron saint, Saint Patrick, on the spot where he baptized the first converts to Christianity. Restored and enlarged over the centuries, the cathedral has remained a beautiful example of Gothic architecture....
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Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland
Trinity College, considered one of the best universities in Europe, was inaugurated in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Among the campus' Victorian-style buildings, the old library still holds manuscripts that date back to the 15th century, as well as the Book of Kells. This 9th century manuscript is a masterwork...
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Saint Patrick's Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece
One of the most important cathedrals in the country, it was built in 1192 in honor of Ireland's patron saint, Saint Patrick, on the spot where he baptized the first converts to Christianity. Restored and enlarged over the centuries, the cathedral has remained a beautiful example of Gothic architecture....
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Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland
Trinity College, considered one of the best universities in Europe, was inaugurated in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Among the campus' Victorian-style buildings, the old library still holds manuscripts that date back to the 15th century, as well as the Book of Kells. This 9th century manuscript is a masterwork...
Hotel and restaurant in a park. “Yesterday, I saw a most delightful place indeed, much beyond any place I have seen in Ireland – Ballyfin”. The observation by an aristocratic 18th century visitor is still there today. The 600 acre demesne is a place of tranquility and great natural beauty. Created and refined over the past 400 years with its woodlands, lake, water features, grottos, follies and walled gardens, it provides an idyllic private world for guests to explore and enjoy a range of activities. At its centre is the late Georgian House which has been carefully and thoroughly restored to provide an exceptional level of comfort and luxury combined with all the facilities to be expected in a grand hotel.
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The Slieve Bloom mountain range is not very extensive but its wild look attracts a large number of hikers. They all follow a beautifully marked trail, 77 kilometers long, which crosses relatively gentle terrain with a succession of pastures and peat bogs, streams and forests. From Mount Arderin (527...
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Birr Castle
This fortress, built in County Offaly in the 12th century by the O'Carroll family, has always been inhabited. The wonderfully manicured grounds around its lake is alone worth the visit. It is also home to the Leviathan, the longest telescope in the world. This historic 19th-century instrument made the...
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Stroll along the Slieve Bloom Way
The Slieve Bloom mountain range is not very extensive but its wild look attracts a large number of hikers. They all follow a beautifully marked trail, 77 kilometers long, which crosses relatively gentle terrain with a succession of pastures and peat bogs, streams and forests. From Mount Arderin (527...
Read Moreless
Birr Castle
This fortress, built in County Offaly in the 12th century by the O'Carroll family, has always been inhabited. The wonderfully manicured grounds around its lake is alone worth the visit. It is also home to the Leviathan, the longest telescope in the world. This historic 19th-century instrument made the...
Read Moreless
On the route
Titanic Experience Cobh
The port of Cobh (formerly Queenstown) was where the Titanic made its final port of call on April 11th, 1912. 123 passengers were embarked before the liner set out again to sea. Three days later the Titanic would sink in the Atlantic. Titanic Experience guides us back to this piece of history. The museum...
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Blackrock Castle Observatory
Built in the 16th century to defend Cork City, the castle was redeveloped under a joint venture between the Cork Institute of Technology and the Cork City Council to create an observatory and interactive astronomy center. The castle visit and interactive “Cosmos at the Castle” exhibition will entice...
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Midleton Distillery
Every Jameson fan has heard of this place. Founded in 1825 by the Murphy brothers, the site remains a point of reference. With almost 20 million litres distilled annually, it is furthermore the country's biggest distillery. The old building is home to a museum where amidst the old stills, we learn about...
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Titanic Experience Cobh
The port of Cobh (formerly Queenstown) was where the Titanic made its final port of call on April 11th, 1912. 123 passengers were embarked before the liner set out again to sea. Three days later the Titanic would sink in the Atlantic. Titanic Experience guides us back to this piece of history. The museum...
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Blackrock Castle Observatory
Built in the 16th century to defend Cork City, the castle was redeveloped under a joint venture between the Cork Institute of Technology and the Cork City Council to create an observatory and interactive astronomy center. The castle visit and interactive “Cosmos at the Castle” exhibition will entice...
Hotel and restaurant on a river. Surrounded by purple heather-covered mountains, Kenmare is one of the spots in Ireland that the Irish themselves like best. Sheen Falls Lodge is not only perfectly placed for exploring the southwest, the Ring of Beara, Ring of Kerry and the famous Killarney Lakes, but it is also known for its piano-jazz ambience, its collection of old Irish whiskeys, and the dishes prepared with the salmon caught in the nearby river. There are unrivalled views of Kenmare Bay, the McGuillicuddy Reeks and cascading Sheen waterfalls. All of this, combined with outstanding Irish hospitality and Celtic legends, creates a sense of magic that pervades.
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There are so many ways to experience the incredible cliffs of Moher, whether along the paths that border their sheer drops, or by boat, below these 200-metre-high vertical ramparts. Eight kilometres long, these sandstone and black shale cliffs are home to a myriad of nesting birds. With an ever-present...
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Walk the Burren Plateau on the Wild Atlantic Way
At first glance, the landscape seems almost lunar. With a wide variety of flowers peppering its rocky crevices and peaty bogs, the geological wonders of Burren – a wild space with multiple archaeological remains – make this a magical site close to the western seaboard of the Atlantic Ocean. Come and...
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Hikes on the Cliffs of Moher
There are so many ways to experience the incredible cliffs of Moher, whether along the paths that border their sheer drops, or by boat, below these 200-metre-high vertical ramparts. Eight kilometres long, these sandstone and black shale cliffs are home to a myriad of nesting birds. With an ever-present...
Read Moreless
Walk the Burren Plateau on the Wild Atlantic Way
At first glance, the landscape seems almost lunar. With a wide variety of flowers peppering its rocky crevices and peaty bogs, the geological wonders of Burren – a wild space with multiple archaeological remains – make this a magical site close to the western seaboard of the Atlantic Ocean. Come and...
Hotel and restaurant in the country. Amidst the dreamy landscape of western Ireland, Ballynahinch Castle welcomes you for an exclusive stay surrounded by the stunning views that exemplify the region of Connemara. Set against a magnificent natural backdrop of rolling hills, this exceptional hotel is nestled between picturesque green forests and the tranquil waters of the Owenmore River, which flows at its feet. It is a setting made for magical walks, memorable bike rides and great fishing. A 19th-century edifice standing within an estate of nearly 700 acres, Ballynahinch Castle prides itself on being both majestic and warm, refined and simple. Its cosy rooms, with large windows to make the most of the views, provide the perfect accent to the surrounding Irish countryside. Its restored walled garden invites you to enjoy a sense of tranquillity, and its private collection of Irish art is truly one of the finest in the country.
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**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
Reservation Service
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges. Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
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