Best of Ireland Tour

Accommodation – The Merrion Hotel, Dublin
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – Tour through Dublin.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your friendly private driver. Your luggage will be taken care of and a gift bag will be waiting inside your vehicle. Your Irish adventure is officially underway and you will take a short driving tour of Dublin.

As you weave through the city, you will see the Garden Of Remembrance, a commemoration for those who died fighting for Irish freedom.
You will then pass the General Post Office on O’Connell Street, the site of one of the most important battles in Irish history.
Your driver will then take you past The Custom House. This architectural masterpiece defines neoclassical buildings and now houses various government departments.

After getting a tantalising taste for this magnificent city, you will be taken to The Merrion Hotel. Perfectly positioned in the heart of Dublin, this luxurious 5-star hotel is within walking distance of The National Gallery and National Museum of Ireland, as well as the Golden Mile of bars, shops, and cafes. Timeless luxury and elegant décor are wrapped in Irish charm. The hotel has a fine array of services on offer, such as fitness suites, swimming pool, spa, not one but two period gardens, and numerous restaurants and bars, including the renowned, 2-Michelin star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud where you will be served food of the utmost quality. We promise you will not be disappointed.

Accommodation – The Merrion, Dublin
Transport – Walking Guide.
Activities – Walking Tour of Dublin.

After a luxurious breakfast, you will embark on a morning walking tour of Dublin. Your walking guide will meet you at reception and your Dublin adventure will begin. The first stop of the day will be Dublin Castle. The castle was originally built in the 13^th century and was a headquarters for the English in Ireland. Following Irish independence, Dublin Castle passed over to the Irish Government. This grand building is steeped in history and your guide will explain all the juicy details of the buildings captivating past.

Your next stop will be Trinity College Library. The college was opened in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth and is the oldest university in Ireland. The old library was constructed in the 18^th century and to this day is home to many ancient manuscripts. You will get the chance to visit the Book of Kells exhibition. The world-famous Book of Kells was written over 1000 years ago and is a hand-decorated copy of the 4 gospels.

You will then stop off for a well-earned lunch at Trocadero. This prestigious Irish restaurant is a favourite among tourists and locals alike. Famous as a treasured spot of stars of the stage and screen, the relaxed atmosphere of the “Troc” is the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Their menu boasts confit duck, 28-day dry aged Irish Angus beef, and Wicklow Lamb.

After lunch, you will be escorted to the Guinness Storehouse. Use your “skip the queue” tickets and you will explore the 7 floors of Guinness history. On the ground and first floor you will learn about the Guinness brewing process, the key ingredients, and barrelling process. The following floors tell the Guinness story through virtual and interactive displays. Finally, you will reach the gravity bar, where the glass walls allow for panoramic views of the city and you will be treated to a refreshing free pint of Guinness.

You will then return to The Merrion for an evening of relaxed dining, sampling more of the delights on offer at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud.

Accommodation – Hayfield Manor, Cork.
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – The Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, English Market, Cork.

After a relaxing breakfast, your chauffeur will be waiting and you will venture south. Your first stop of the day will be The Rock of Cashel, a fascinating group of medieval buildings set on a rocky outcrop of land in the Golden Vale. You will visit the 12^th century round tower, which is the oldest building on the outcrop. Other highlights include the 13^th century gothic cathedral and the 15^th century castle.

The next stop is lunch at Mikey Ryan’s Bar & Kitchen, an integral part of the local community since the 19th century. Recently refurbished, Mikey’s is back better than ever and continues to offer guests some of the best salmon and hake in Ireland.

You will then meander south, through the breath-taking Irish countryside until you reach Blarney Castle. Blarney castle dates back to the 12^th century but was rebuilt by the McCarthy family in the 15^th century. The castle is famously known for the “Blarney Stone”. According to ancient tradition, if you kiss the stone you inherit the “gift of the gab”. The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens, each with a different theme. From the Fern Garden to the Poison Garden, you will be constantly mesmerised as you stroll through the enchanting Blarney Gardens.

Next on offer is a visit to the second largest city in Ireland, Cork. Here you will get a chance to browse the internationally renowned English Market, so named to distinguish it from the Irish market which was nearby in the 19th century. An iron fountain, huge archways, and stained glass windows are sure to leave you in awe as you sample fresh local produce from a huge range of market traders.

After an eventful day of exploring, you will be chauffeured to the award-winning Hayfield Manor in Cork. This luxurious 5-star hotel sits just on the edge of the city centre, 15 minutes from the city’s many attractions. Hayfield Manor is a family owned and run hotel, so you will receive the warmest Irish welcome and be treated to service which is second to none. The Beautique Spa offers a chance to unwind, with a range of treatments available, as well as an indoor heated pool, outdoor jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna.  To round off the evening you will dine in one of Cork’s premium restaurants, Orchids. Delicate lighting, excellent service, and the finest Irish cuisine guarantee a meal you will not forget. From the pan seared Irish scallops to the Duo of Midelton lamb, there’s sure to be something to enjoy.

Accommodation – The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney.
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – Old Head of Kinsale, Kenmare, Killarney National Park, Muckross House

After breakfast, your chauffeur will be waiting to continue your journey south to Old Head of Kinsale. Described as being on the “edge of the world”, this outcrop into the ocean is the official start of the Wild Atlantic Way. Make sure to have your camera at the ready, as the ocean views are simply spectacular.

You will then double back, heading north-east to Kenmare. This quaint town is the perfect spot for lunch, which you will enjoy at No. 35 Kenmare Restaurant. No. 35 prides itself on using local, seasonal produce, including their very own free range Saddleback pigs. After lunch, you can enjoy panoramic views of Kenmare Bay and soak up the atmosphere of one of the most authentic towns in Ireland.

The sublime scenery only gets better as you travel north through Killarney National Park; the first national park in Ireland and arguably the most beautiful. You will weave through glorious countryside and glistening lakes, with your driver stopping off at all the best photo opportunities. You will then tour Muckross House and Gardens. Set in the heart of the national park, near Muckross lake, this 19th century mansion was designed by the famous Scottish architect William Burn. After that it’s off to the town of Killarney. Built around the banks of Lough Leane, the town is surrounded by a mountainous backdrop.

Finally, you will be dropped off at The Europe Hotel. This luxurious 5-star hotel enjoys splendid vistas over the Lakes of Killarney. Enjoy some of Europe’s best spa’s, a warm Irish welcome, and phenomenal views while enjoying dinner at the Panorama Restaurant. Look out for the oysters, wild seabass, and lamb reared on the hotels own farm.

Accommodation – The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney.
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – The Ring of Kerry.

After breakfast, you will begin your journey around the famous Ring of Kerry. You will weave through Killorglin and Glenbeigh, stopping off to view the breath-taking Rossbeigh Beach. Enjoy the sandy beach, fresh sea breeze, and views of the Atlantic Ocean. You will then continue down the coastline until you reach Cahersiveen. This authentic Irish town is a great stop for lunch and the birthplace of the Daniel O’Connell, one of Ireland’s most revered political figures.

You will then snake your way down the coast until you can see Valentina Island. If you are a Star Wars fan, make sure to have your camera at the ready. You will pass the famous Skellig Island, which featured in “The Force Awakens”. You will continue to journey around the awe-inspiring coast until reaching Sneem Village. This charming, quaint town is nicknamed “The Way the Fairies Went”, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled. While you might not see any fairies, the views are certainly exceptional on this stretch of the Ring of Kerry known as the “knot” as it ties together where the mountains and water meet.

You will continue north until reaching Moll’s Gap. This famous mountain pass cuts through the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains and is one of the most popular photo stops in Ireland.

Having seen so many wonderful sights, you will be hungry for a spot of lunch at Camo’s, a charming little restaurant and wine bar offering a wide range of food, including the crispy battered fresh fish of the day. From there you will wind through Killarney National Park and make the short trip back to The Europe Hotel, where you can relax for a while before heading to dinner at the Porterhouse. This cosy spot offers it all, with delicious food, a wonderful ambience, and a huge selection of drinks on offer, including specialised whisky and gin.

Accommodation – The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney.
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – The Slea Head Drive.

Make sure you have a hearty breakfast, as you are about to embark on one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. You will weave west along the coastline until you reach the town of Dingle, where you will begin the Slea Head Drive Route. This circular route, which is part of the Wild Atlantic Way, is dripping in beauty and history. You will make your way around the coastline until you reach Dunbeg Fort, the ruins of which date all the way back to the Iron Age. Take a look back at ancient Irish history while enjoying sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean.

You will then make the short journey to the Beehive Huts. These Bronze Age dwellings have been well preserved and offer a glimpse of what life was like in the Bronze Age. You will then route around the coastline until you get views of the Basket Islands. These islands lie just off the coast and were inhabited until 1953. On a cold, wet, and windy day, the Basket Islands are battered by the elements and many people are astonished the island used to be inhabited.

After that, you will reach Ballyferriter Village, which provides beautiful views of the Three Sisters. These three peaks are draped in Irish mythology and legend has it that Lindbergh’s first sight of land after crossing the Atlantic was the Three Peaks.

This will also offer you a chance to fill your belly as you pay a visit to Tigh Ui Mhurchu, or Murphy’s. Don’t be fooled by an understated exterior because the food on offer at Murphy’s will have you wanting to go back again and again. If the sun is out, why not enjoy a cold Guinness in the beer garden.

Your next stop will be Gallarus Oratory. This ancient church has left archaeologists slightly confused as there is no hard evidence of when the church dates back to. Some believe the 12^th century while others believe it was a Christian establishment built between the 6^th and 9^th century.

Your chauffeur will then drive you back to The Europe Hotel. If time permits, however, you can stop at Inch Beach to soak up the amazing views, before returning to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

In the evening, dinner will be served in The Brasserie, a sleek, stylish restaurant offering flame-grilled steaks that are cooked in front of you.

Accommodation – Glenlo Abbey, Galway.
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – Adare, Cliffs of Moher, Burren National Park, Galway.

You have a long day ahead, so we advise an early start. You will bid farewell to Killarney and head north until you reach Adare. This historic village is a great venue for a refreshing coffee and stroll to stretch your legs. You will see thatched roof houses and traditional Irish pubs. Weaving through the Irish countryside, you will reach the imposing Cliffs of Moher, voted Irelands favourite tourist destination in 2019 and 2020. The cliffs tower above the Atlantic Ocean at over 700 feet high and span 5 miles. For bird watchers, the cliffs are a paradise, with over 20 species of seabirds. Take a deep breath, listen to the waves crashing below and bask in the ambiance of Irelands most famous beauty spot.

From the Cliffs of Moher, you will travel inland until you reach Burren National Park. This stunning national park is home to an obscure limestone landscape, that looks almost manmade. The swirling and circular limestone structures demonstrates the creativity of Mother Nature.

You will continue to venture north, passing through the famous town of Galway. If time permits, you can enjoy a quick stroll and take in this authentic Irish town. Your journey will continue until you reach your accommodation for the evening, Glenlo Abbey. This magnificent hotel sits within a 138 acre estate of glorious natural landscape, allowing for perfect peace and tranquillity as you admire the shores of Lough Corrib. You may only be 5 minutes away from Galway City, but you will feel like you’re in a different world as the rugged beauty surrounds you. There is a spa and numerous estate activities, including golfing, falconry, a movie theatre, fishing, cycling, and horse riding.

For dinner, you will be eating in the internationally acclaimed Pullman restaurant. A dining experience like no other in Ireland, the restaurant is actually two of the original carriages from the Orient Express which have been lovingly restored and simply ooze grandeur. With a menu to match, this is one dinner you will be bragging about to your friends for years to come.

Accommodation – Ashford Castle, Galway.
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – Connemara National Park, Clifden, Kylemore Abbey

After a scrumptious breakfast, you will travel west until you reach Connemara National Park. The park consists of natural heathlands and glinting lakes. You will journey through the Roundstone Boglands, where you might catch a glimpse of wild ponies.

You will then stop off for a spot of lunch at Clifden, a quaint marketplace town. Your driver will take you round Kingstown peninsula.
This ten-mile circuit showcases some of the finest natural landscapes in Ireland.

As you move east you will tour Kylemore Abbey. Situated in a 13000-acre estate, the abbey is left as a permanent memory of a tragic love story. Mitchell Henry built Kylemore Abbey in the late 1800’s for his beloved wife, who unexpectedly died three years after the abbey was finished. Stroll round the manicured walled gardens and explore the archaic walls of the Abbey.

After another eventful day of touring, you will taken to the luxurious Ashford Castle for a relaxing evening.

Accommodation – Lough Eske Castle, Donegal.
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – Enniscrone Beach, Benbulben, Sligo, Fairy Bridge, Donegal.

After a luxurious breakfast, you will bid farewell to the fabulous Ashford Castle. Your driver will take you to the beautiful and picturesque Enniscrone Beach, where you can get some snaps or take a stroll before heading onwards.

Routing north, you will tour through the town of Sligo. You will pass the famous Benbulben, a famous limestone mountain that stands at over 500 meters high. You will then be taken for lunch at Anderson’s Grill and Bar, which was once the site of Ireland’s largest brewing company. Many of the details of the building’s industrial past have been preserved, adding to the rich historic feel of the place. The building may be old but the food is certainly fresh and you can also enjoy unique cocktails crafted to suit your favourite flavours by in-house mixologists.

After lunch you will pay a visit to the Fairy Bridges, sea stacks which are thousands of years old and form a delightful little bridge over the Atlantic below. If you’re feeling out of luck, make sure to visit Bundoran’s Wishing Chair. Simply sit, make your wish, and you will be blessed.

You then meander north into County Donegal, or as many call it, Gods Country. Weaving through the sculpted coastline and mountainous terrain, you will eventually reach Lough Eske Castle. This luxurious castle hotel sits in isolation on the edge of Donegal town. The castle was a seat of the revered O’Donnell clan for many years and is steeped in Irish history. The hotel has a long list of accolades, including “Luxury Hotel of The Year”. This castle hotel has it all, a marvellous interior, an archaic outer shell, manicured gardens, and mouth-watering fine dining. Speaking of which, you will dine in the double AA Rosette Cedars Restaurant. Full height glass doors and windows provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding gardens and woodland, making for a delightful setting in which to enjoy the wide range of first-class food Cedars has to offer.

Accommodation – Lough Eske Castle, Donegal.
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – Slieve League, Glencolmcille, Ardara, Assaranca Waterfall

After breakfast, your personal chauffeur will be waiting as you embark on another adventure along the Wild Atlantic Way. You will travel past Killybegs, the biggest fishing port in Ireland. Then, continuing west, you will drive past Donegal Bay, where you will be treated to stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. You will then stop at Slieve League, cliffs which stand at 600 meters above the choppy Atlantic Ocean below. To put the size of these cliffs into context, they are three times as high as the Cliffs of Moher that you visited on day 7.

You then continue to travel through the awe-inspiring Irish countryside until you reach the coastal town of Glencolmcille. We suggest visiting the local craft shop which has an array of handmade knitwear, tapestries, and a homely tearoom.

For a spot of lunch your driver will take you to Glen Head Tavern, a hearty pub serving up traditional Irish pub grub to keep your belly full for the second half of the day.

Your driver will take you north-east until you reach Ardara. You will weave through Glengesh Pass enjoying tremendous views. If time permits, your driver can take you to Assaranca Waterfall and Maghera Beach. Make sure you have your camera at the ready, both are flawless natural beauty spots.

After a great day of touring, you will return to Lough Eske Castle. You will be dining in the boardroom adjoining the Father Browne Bar. Father Browne was a photographer, and it is his pictures of the doomed Titanic which secured his title as one of the most important photographers of the 20^th century. But Father Browne was no one trick pony and over 200 of his best pictures are on display throughout the bar.

Accommodation – Merchant Hotel, Belfast.
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – Walking Tour of Derry/Londonderry, Bogside, People’s Gallery

After a relaxing breakfast, you will bid farewell to Lough Eske Castle and travel north-east to Derry/Londonderry. You will meet a knowledgeable walking guide who will show you round this walled city. You will visit the famous Derry Walls, which are 1.5km in circumference and guard the inner city. The walls were built in the 1600’s and were used to defend against Scottish and English settlers.

There is only one thing required after a walking tour and that’s a hearty lunch, which is exactly what you’ll get at Badgers Bar and Restaurant where the staff will ensure you are looked after from the moment you step in the door to the moment you leave again.

You will then visit the Bogside, where you will learn about the Bloody Sunday story in Derry. Next up is the nearby Peoples Gallery to see the 12 large scale murals which are the city’s most popular tourist attraction. Your local guide will explain the complex history which surrounds Derry/Londonderry and Northern Ireland.

After another long day of exploring, your driver will take you to Bishop’s Gate Hotel, a Grade B1 listed building which sits within the historic city walls in the Cathedral Quarter. Beautiful Edwardian architecture is matched by an interior which will blow you away. You will be dining in the Gown Restaurant, which is decorated with painstakingly restored wooden panels, creating a lovely, relaxed atmosphere for you to enjoy a menu which changes with the seasons so as to offer you only the freshest and tastiest produce available.

Accommodation – Culloden Estate & Spa, Belfast.
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur.
Activities – Dunluce Castle, The Giant’s Causeway, The Dark Hedges.

After a luxurious breakfast, you will embark on an adventure to visit Dunluce Castle. This archaic castle was built in the 1500’s by the MacQuillan family. Dunluce Castle has a turbulent history, and you will hear of legendary tales about the banshee and the night that part of the kitchen collapsed into the sea.

No visit to Ireland, never mind this part of Ireland, would be complete without exploring the world-famous Giant’s Causeway. The best way to the describe The Giant’s Causeway is basalt columns piled up vertically that jut out into the Atlantic Ocean. There are over 40,000 of these basalt, hexagonal-shaped rocks which date back over 60 million years. Make sure to have your camera at the ready, as many argue the Giant’s Causeway is the 8^th wonder of the world. If time permits, you can explore the visitor centre and enjoy an audio tour.

For lunch you will eat at The Nook, a gorgeous, listed building dating back to the 1850’s and which was originally the local schoolhouse. Here you will find first-class service, fresh local produce, and a meal with a view.

Your chauffeur will then drive you to ‘The Dark Hedges’ a double row of beech trees which are magnificent in their own right, but you may be more familiar with them as the scene of the “Kingsroad” in Game of Thrones.  

You will then arrive at Culloden Estate and Spa, a spectacular 5-star hotel which was first built as a palace for the Bishops of Down. With such grand initial intentions, it’s no wonder that to this day Culloden offers the absolute pinnacle in luxury accommodation. Set within 12 acres of gardens and woodland and boasting one of the best spas in the whole of Ireland, you will not be disappointed with your stay here, that’s for sure.  

Dinner will be served in the Vespers restaurant. Your eyes will be spoiled for choice, between the views outside, the incredible gothic décor inside, and the wonderful food, including pan fried halibut and beef carpaccio.

Accommodation – Culloden Estate & Spa, Belfast.
Transport – Executive Vehicle, Private Chauffeur & Walking Guide.
Activities – Walking Tour of Belfast, Titanic Experience, Belfast.

Make sure to have a big breakfast as you will be off on a walking tour of Belfast. Your experienced guide will tell you all you need to know about one of Ireland’s mostly richly historic, yet troubled, cities. And even if you’re not that into history, simply walking around Belfast is a sight to behold, with so many landmarks and stunning buildings, this tour is a treat for everyone.

Having used all your energy, it’s time for a re-fuel at Yum. The name says it all really. Yum offers nothing but the freshest, locally sourced, and free range produce, all made to order and with a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian options. They keep things simple at Yum. No fuss, just great tasting food, and it works perfectly.

After lunch, you will visit the world’s largest Titanic experience. There are 9 interactive galleries in total which include walking the decks, exploring the shipyard and uncovering the slipways where the titanic was built. We promise this is one of the best visitor attractions in the world.

You will then return to Culloden Estate and Spa for a chance to relax and refresh before yet another marvellous dinner.

Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur

After a wonderful trip around Ireland, it is sadly time to head home. You will leave the Emerald Isle enriched with historic knowledge and a deep understanding of Irish culture. Your private chauffeur will transfer you to the airport and you will bid a final goodbye to Ireland. We hope to see you again soon.