Clontarf Castle is included in this fabulous trip!The Castles of Ireland package is a unique Ireland vacation that combines popular areas of Ireland with a unique experience of spending the evenings in Castle Hotels.
Travelers will spend two nights each in the capital city of Dublin at Clontarf Castle! Discover hidden gems in the mid-west part of Ireland as well, including Kilronin Castle and Bunratty Castle, a perfect base to explore the west of Ireland.
Edinburgh Castle
By Rick Steves, Tribune Media Services
(Tribune Media Services) -- Edinburgh is the cultural heart of Scotland. Once a medieval powerhouse stretching below its mighty castle, today it's one of Europe's most lively and festive cities.
Scotland's capital has two distinct halves: a medieval old town and an 18th-century new town. Weather blows in and out -- bring your sweater and be prepared for rain. Locals say the bad weather is one of the disadvantages of living so close to England.
Top 10 Treasure-Hunting Hot Spots
The United States is home to a wealth of treasure hunting possibilities. From gemstones to meteors, discover Travel Channel's picks for America's top 10 treasure hunting hotspots.
Thunder Eggs/Geodes
Deming, New Mexico
Scanning New Mexico’s soil is a profitable pastime. Rockhound State Park is a prime spot for hunting thunder eggs aka geodes. Thunder eggs look like muddy rocks and can be popped open to reveal valuable crystals such as amethyst, rose quartz and hematite. To distinguish a geode from a regular rock, look for a spherical external shape, often cauliflower-like in texture. You may need a hammer or chisel to break open the rock. Visitors are allowed to leave the park with 15 lbs. of rock to add to their personal collection.
