For a ghoulish adventure, take a haunted castle vacation. Enchanted Ireland offers six-night accommodations at three different castles or manors. The package includes daily breakfast and a compact car rental with unlimited mileage. Some of the destinations include Ireland's oldest lived-in castle, Kilkea. The structure dates back to 1180, and legend states that a wizard haunts its rooms. It also offers lavish, antique furnishings and gourmet cuisine. The 11th Earl of Kildare is also rumoured to stalk its hallways. Leap Castle is another common destination. An alleged murder occurred there during the 1600s in the chapel during high mass. The castle also houses a dungeon where workers found piles of skeleton in the early 20th century. At one time, the castle sat locked up for over 70 years. During this period, locals reported flickering candlelight in the windows at night. Prices vary depending on the time of year you go. They run from $1300 pp to $1500 pp (as of September, 2010). Packages are customizable, and you can add extra days. Note that non-haunted castles and manors may be substituted during your trip, depending on when you go.
Enchanting Ireland
5410 Woodbine Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19131
800-659-3800
enchantingireland.com
Ashford Castle was founded in 1228 by the de Burgo family. The castle stayed in the family's hands until 1589, when British Lord Bingham defeated the de Burgos. Later, a French chateau was added to the castle, as were thousands of trees and Victorian add-ons. Some of the stars of John Ford's classic film "The Quiet Man" stayed at Ashford during the shooting.
The castle offers elegant hotel accommodations and activities, including a golf course, fishing, a 300-acre garden, and organized recreational activities. Themed packages are available, like the Hogwart's Family Midterm. This one-night vacation includes an event-packed stay with a breakfast, family treasure hunt, visit to the Castle's own owl, a kids' cooking class, movie night, art appreciation class, and a "wizardry" class. The package costs $495 EUR per person, depending on the time of year.
Ashford Castle
Cong, Co
Mayo, Ireland
353-94-954-6003
ashford.ie
For an excursion that will take less than a day's time, consider the guided or audio tours at Malahide Castle. The Talbot family occupied the castle from 1185 until 1975, almost 800 years of tenure.
During your tour, a guide will take you through the 800-room Dublin structure, recounting historical events. The price is right, ranging from 4.70 pp for a child to 18 pp for a family (as of September, 2010). Combined tickets to visit the castle's other attractions (several museums, a model railways, and George Bernard Shaw's birthplace) are also available.
Malahide Castle
Malahide Co. Dublin, 8462184
353-1-846-2184
malahidecastle.com
