The Irish Romance Tour

Accommodation – The Merrion Hotel, Dublin
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur Transfer
Activities – Dinner in the 2-Michelin Star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud

You will fly into Dublin Airport. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your friendly Luxury Ireland Tours chauffeur who will help you with your bags and escort you to your luxury vehicle.

You will then be dropped off at The Merrion Hotel. Perfectly positioned in the heart of Dublin, this luxurious 5-star hotel is within walking distance of many attractions, including 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 an unforgettable experience at The Merrion.

Accommodation – Hayfield Manor, Cork
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur Transfer
Activities – Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, Cork

After a luxurious breakfast, you will sweep across the rugged Irish countryside. The first stop of the day will be at the Rock of Cashel. Buried in the heart of the Ancient East, the Rock of Cashel is home to over 1000 years of Irish history. You can tour round the 13th century cathedral and the 15th century castle. Without a doubt, the highlight is the round tower which stands at over 25 meters high and is the oldest remaining building on the rock.

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.

After lunch, you will meander south until you reach Blarney Castle, which dates back to the 12^th century and was built by the notorious Clan Chief, Cormac MacCarthy. You can tour the ancient castle and gardens, though we highly recommend finding the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that if you kiss the stone, you will be rewarded with the “gift of the gab”.

Your driver will then head south, taking you through the charming city of Cork. Cork is a trendy city which enjoys a refreshing blend of cosmopolitan bars and traditional Irish pubs. Why not stop off and enjoy a well-earned pint of Guinness. Cork has some very impressive architecture, the standout of which is probably the Church of St. Anne, Shandon, which was built all the way back in the 1720’s.

After a 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 Transfer
Activities – Ring of Kerry

After breakfast, you will begin your day by visiting Bantry House and Gardens. This stunning building was constructed in the 1710’s and for most of its existence has been the home of the White family, who were formerly the Earls of Bantry. Equally impressive are the Bantry House Gardens. Why not enjoy a romantic stroll among the garden’s 7 terraces and magnificent fountain. If you’re feeling fit, there are 100 steps to climb to reach the garden’s woodland area.

You will then head 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 19^th century mansion was designed by the famous Scottish architect William Burn.

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 spas and phenomenal views while enjoying 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 Transfer
Activities – Ring of Kerry

Make sure to have a hearty breakfast, as you will need fuel for your great adventure around the famous Ring of Kerry. You will work your way 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. Then, continue to journey down the coastline until you reach Cahersiveen. This authentic Irish town is the birthplace of the revered Irish political figure Daniel O’Connell.

You will meander down the coast until you reach a point where you can view Valentina Island. If you are a Star Wars fan, make sure to have your camera at the ready as you will pass the famous Skellig Island that featured in “The Force Awakens”. You will continue to journey around the awe-inspiring coast until reaching Sneem Village, otherwise known as “The Way the Fairies Went” — so make sure to keep your eyes peeled! The views are simply outstanding on this stretch of the Ring of Kerry, known as “the knot”, because it ties together where the mountains and water meet.

You will continue north until reaching Moll’s Gap, a famous mountain pass that cuts through the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains and is one of the most popular photo stops in Ireland. From Moll’s Gap, you will weave through Killarney National Park, one of the most spectacular national parks in the world. 

You may be thinking that’s an awful lot of stops without anything to eat, but don’t worry, halfway around the Ring of Kerry you will be stopping 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 which is not to be missed if you’re a fish lover.

Finally, you will be dropped off back at The Europe Hotel. Last night was the Porterhouse but this evening you will be enjoying dinner at the Panorama Restaurant. Look out for the oysters, wild seabass, and lamb reared on the hotels own farm.

Accommodation – Glenlo Abbey, Galway
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur Transfer
Activities – Adare, Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway

After breakfast, your chauffeur will take you to 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. You will then pass through Limerick and stop off at Bunratty Castle. This iconic Irish castle is over 500 years old and sits by the glinting river Raite. As you tour this ancient castle you get a real sense of being transported back to medieval Ireland.

Hurtling up the west coast you will reach the famous Cliffs of Moher. This iconic tourist stop was voted the best tourist attraction in 2019 and 2020. The cliffs tower above the Atlantic Ocean at over 700 feet high and 5 miles wide. Make sure to have your camera at the ready, the views are truly incredible.

You may have built up an appetite by now, and where better to fill up than Cliffs View café. This eco-friendly spot focusses on serving up the tastiest local produce County Clare has to offer.

You will then continue your journey until you reach the famous town of Galway where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll while taking in the gorgeous sights of this authentic Irish town. There are many churches, cathedrals, cafes, and museums to enjoy.

You will then be taken to 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 and silence 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 – Lough Eske Castle Hotel, Donegal
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur Transfer
Activities – Lough Corrib Cruise, Enniscrone Beach, Sligo, Fairy Bridge

After a luxurious breakfast, you will be going on an adventure that’s a little bit different to what you’ve been doing so far, a delightful cruise along Lough Corrib. As it’s a family-run business operating this cruise, you will be treated to the utmost care and attention as they describe the magical scenes around you and give you some historical context of the surrounding area.

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 to the seaside town of Sligo. Sligo has a rich history dating back to the medieval period, with some of the streets in the centre of the town following the ancient layout. There are many impressive buildings to admire in Sligo, but none older than the remnants of Sligo Abbey, built in 1252.

Having explored Sligo, you will head for some lunch at Hooked, the home of artisan food in Sligo. Using local and fresh produce from a range of Irish producers is at the very heart of everything they do at Hooked, so be prepared to sample some of the finest ingredients Ireland has to offer.

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.

Weaving through the sculpted coastline and mountainous terrain, you will eventually reach Lough Eske Castle. This luxurious castle hotel sits in splendid isolation on the edge of Donegal town. For many years, the castle was a seat of the famous O’Donnell clan, and it is steeped in Irish history. The hotel has a long list of accolades, including “Luxury Hotel of The Year”. This castle hotel really does have it all, a marvellous interior, an archaic outer shell, picture-perfect 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 – Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast
Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur Transfer
Activities – Dunluce Castle, Giant’s Causeway, The Dark Hedges

You will meet the north-east coastline and stop at Dunluce Castle. Perfectly perched on the edge of a cliff, Dunluce Castle was a former stronghold of Clan MacDonnell. Enjoy the breath-taking views and learn fascinating tales of the castle, from a mysterious banshee to the kitchen falling into the sea one stormy night long ago.

You will meander around the coast until you reach the Giant’s Causeway. Described by many as the 8^th wonder of the world, there are over 40,000 basalt columns rising out of the sea. These hexagonal rocks are over 60 million years old and really are an incredible site to see.

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 return to 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 certainly not be disappointed with your stay here.

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.

Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur Transfer

After an amazing tour, you will bid a fond farewell to the Emerald Isle. Your chauffeur will be waiting and you will be taken to Dublin airport.
As you depart your trip of a lifetime we will bid you a fond farewell.