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A Grand Tour of the Emerald Isle's Enchanting Gems
Join us on an unforgettable grand tour of magical Ireland, steeped in folklore and sprinkled with mystical castles, atmospheric houses and charming cities. We saunter through breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders, including the Wild Atlantic Way, Achill Island, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry and the Giant’s Causeway, all while exploring a host of historic gems and delving into Irish cultural heritage. Fascinating experiences illuminate the fabric of this enchanting little isle; we get a taste of rural life at Glen Keen Farm, journey back in time aboard the Dunbrody Famine Ship, sample a perfect pint of Guinness atop a Dublin rooftop, kiss the iconic Blarney Stone of Eloquence, enjoy the craic at a traditional Celtic show and so much more – sláinte!
Special extras included in your itinerary
• Private evening tour of Hillsborough Castle
• Boat trip on Strangford Lough
• Guided tour of Mount Stewart House and Garden
• Scenic drive along the North Coast
• Guided tour of Achill Island
• Sheep dog and wood spinning demonstrations and Irish scones at Glen Keen Farm
• Jaunting car (horse and carriage) ride and cruise at Ross Castle
• Backstage tour at the Abbey Theatre
• Ticket to Celtic Nights Dinner & Show
On arrival at Dublin Airport, a private transfer will take you to the Dylan Hotel, where we stay overnight. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner.
Meals: Dinner
This morning we cross the border into Northern Ireland and head straight to the vibrant capital of Belfast. We first visit Titanic Belfast, a fantastic interactive exhibition located on the site of the original shipyard where the famous liner was built. We hear heart-breaking tales about the vessel's passengers, discover the detail behind the mammoth task of building the ill-fated ship and dive into the depths with an immersive video exploring the wreckage on the ocean floor.
We are then treated to a private evening guided tour of Hillsborough Castle, a beautiful late Georgian mansion created in the 1770s by Wills Hill, first Marquis of Downshire. Surrounded by 100 acres of glorious gardens, Hillsborough boasts elegant State Rooms filled with wonderful paintings, furnishings and curiosities. Generations of the Hill family lived at Hillsborough until the early 20th century when the castle began to develop the political and royal associations for which it is famous today. Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret spent many holidays at Hillsborough and since the 1970s, it has been the official residence of both the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the British monarch.
Later we check into the Merchant Hotel, our base for the next three nights, and enjoy dinner at the Cloth Ear, nestled in the oldest quarter of Belfast.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We head to Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th-century house that features a curious mixture of architectural styles, including classical Palladian and elaborate Gothic. Set in 820 picturesque acres of demesne with superb views over Strangford Lough, the estate also has a stable yard that houses a tea room and second-hand bookshop.
To get to our next stop, we take the picturesque Strangford Lough ferry before continuing to the magnificent Mount Stewart House and Garden, located on the shores of the lough. This recently restored and much-loved family home offers a wealth of treasures, which we discover on our intriguing guided tour. The wonderfully atmospheric garden, with its series of formal-themed garden compartments full of rare and tender plants from across the globe, has been voted as one of the top ten gardens in the world.
This evening we sample a delicious Irish strew at the traditional Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast, one of North Ireland’s best-known pubs.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we head out on a scenic drive along the north coast, known as the Causeway Coastal Route, winding between picturesque villages and admiring the spectacular sea and cliff views. Dunluce Castle is our first stop, a ruined medieval fortress which sits atop a striking basalt outcrop. Once home to both the feuding McQuillan and MacDonnell clans, we find out more with the exhibits on display here.
Next is the Italian-inspired Mussenden Temple, built in 1785 as a summer library and precariously poised above the Atlantic. Make sure your camera is on hand, as it’s now one of the most photographed spots in the country.
We meander along to the Giant’s Causeway, so-named for the enormous basalt columns produced by volcanic eruptions some sixty million years ago, and now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Interactive displays, exhibitions and audio guides in the state-of-the-art visitor center unveil the stories and science that surround this natural phenomenon.
Meals: Breakfast
After checking out of our hotel, we make our way to Castle Coole, one of Ireland’s first Neo-classical houses where the grandeur of its sumptuous Regency interior is matched by the stunning wooded landscape park. There is plenty to discover during our visit, including a state bedroom fit for royalty and the vast servants’ quarters below stairs, one of the most impressive in the entire National Trust collection.
We continue to 18th-century Florence Court, an idyllic Irish mansion featuring exquisite Rococo decoration and fine furniture, surrounded by lush parkland, peaceful woodland, stunning gardens and an apple orchard. It’s even home to one of Ireland’s most famous trees, the 250-year-old mother plant of every Irish yew tree across the globe.
Later we check into the Delphi Hotel in Galway, where we stay for the next three nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we enjoy a scenic drive around the enchanting Achill Island, the largest of Ireland's offshore isles. The island’s striking natural beauty and rugged landscapes has it all; spectacular mountains, remote lakes, soaring cliffs and secluded beaches. First inhabited 5,000 years ago, the island is peppered with ancient forts, historic churches and megalithic tombs, and was used as a filming location for the award-winning 2022 period tragicomedy, The Banshees of Inisherin.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we get an authentic taste of rural life with a visit to Glen Keen Sheep Farm, one of Ireland's largest sheep farms located on the Wild Atlantic Way and with a spectacular backdrop of picture-perfect mountains. Here we enjoy a sheep herding and wood spinning demonstrations plus delicious homemade Irish scones.
We take a drive past the stunning Killary Fjord en-route to our next destination, Kylemore Abbey, where we can wander through the restored rooms of the beautiful Gothic Abbey, home to a monastic community of nuns since 1920. Outside, the six-acre Victorian Walled Garden is a delight to explore, where only flower and vegetable varieties from that era are grown. This was one of the last walled gardens built in Ireland during the Victorian period, and its magnificence at the time was compared to London’s Kew Gardens.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We head to The Quiet Man Museum after checking out of our hotel this morning. Perfect for fans of the 1952 American classic, the museum is an exact replica of White O’Morn cottage from the movie. Complete with all of the iconic furnishings and artifacts, you can just imagine John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara on set here!
The next stop is Dungaire Castle, an atmospheric 16th-century town house nestled on the shores of Galway Bay. Legend has it, if you stand at the front gate and ask a question, you will be given an answer by the end of the day. Steeped in folklore, it was built by descendants of Guaire, the ancient king of Connacht, and was later a meeting place for literary giants such as George Bernard Shaw, Lady Gregory and W.B. Yeats.
We continue to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, stretching for eight miles along County Clare’s Atlantic Coast and 214m at their highest. The cliffs offer stunning views towards the Aran Islands and Galway Bay from three different viewing platforms, while the fascinating visitor center brings the different aspects of the cliffs to life. They are also home to one of the major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds in Ireland.
Later we check into the Muckross Park Hotel & Spa in Killarney, our base for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Located on the shores of Lough Leane, Ross Castle is a 15th-century tower house built by Irish chieftain O’Donoghue Mór (who still slumbers under the gentle waters according to local legend)! It was one of the last strongholds to surrender to Oliver Cromwell’s army during the Irish Confederate Wars and is shrouded in folklore today. Here we enjoy a jaunting car ride, horse-drawn carts operated by the local jarvies, as well as a tranquil boat trip on the lake.
We then take a scenic drive through the Ring of Kerry, journeying across an untouched landscape of tranquil lakes and a skyline of dozing mountainous peaks.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The medieval Blarney Castle awaits, built nearly 600 years ago by a powerful Irish magnate and now one of the country’s most famous visitor attractions. Millions have flocked here to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence and never again be lost for words, but there is so much more to see, including the atmospheric dungeons, a poison garden and the lovely countryside views from the battlements.
The iconic sites continue with a trip to the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland's top archaeological spots, set on a rocky outcrop. The prominent hill is dotted with a range of ancient fortifications, including a storied 12th-century round tower, 13th-century Gothic cathedral and 15th-century castle.
This afternoon we check into the Cashel Palace Hotel in Tipperary, where we stay overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We explore America’s connections with Ireland today, beginning with The Kennedy Homestead in Dunganstown, the birthplace of John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather, Patrick Kennedy. Through a state-of-the-art exhibition, memorabilia and more, the unique museum celebrates the tale of this famous Irish-American family, from Patrick leaving as a famine emigrant to his great grandson’s homecoming as President of the United States.
Ireland’s history is brought to life at the Dunbrody Famine Ship, our next stop. We learn about the bravery of Irish people onboard an authentic replica of an 1840s emigrant boat, complete with costumed performers, insightful displays and details of their harrowing journey. After weeks spent dangerously crossing the Atlantic, the emigrants arrived in North America and made up a quarter of the population in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore by 1850.
This evening we stay overnight at the Faithlegg Hotel in Waterford.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we take a backstage tour of the Abbey Theatre, also known as the National Theatre of Ireland, where Irish creativity is celebrated. We discover behind-the-scenes secrets and learn about the history of this cultural institution, founded in 1904 by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory, who wanted ‘to bring upon the stage the deeper emotions of Ireland.’
We continue our dive into Irish heritage with a visit to Guinness Storehouse, where we uncover the history of the world-famous drink through a seven-storey interactive experience. There’s also a chance to sample the ‘Black Stuff’ in the rooftop Gravity Bar, complete with panoramic views over Dublin.
Later we check back into the Dylan Hotel in Dublin, where we stay for the remaining two nights of our tour. There’s time to freshen up before we are treated to dinner at Celtic Nights, a traditional Irish Dance show known for its great craic!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We start the day with a guided tour of Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, founded in 1592. The college’s magnificent Old Library displays Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure, the Book of Kells. Written around 800AD and celebrated for its lavish decoration, the manuscript contains the four Gospels in Latin based on a Vulgate text, written on vellum (prepared calfskin).
There is then some free time in Dublin, with its historic attractions, shopping streets, abundance of convivial pubs and fascinating landmarks, from the ancient Dublin Castle to the modern Spire of Dublin.
This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
A private transfer will take you back to Dublin Airport for your return flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Please note: the order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.
What’s Included
• Return airport transfers from Dublin*
• 3 nights at the Dylan Hotel
• 3 nights at the Merchant Hotel
• 3 nights at the Delphi Resort Hotel
• 2 nights at the Muckross Park Hotel & Spa
• 1 night at the Cashel Palace Hotel
• 1 night at the Faithlegg Hotel
• Welcome drink and canapés
• Full English/Continental breakfast each day
• 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 9 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee)
• 2 dinner at local restaurants
• Services of a tour director throughout your stay
• Travel to and from all excursions
• All excursion costs
• Porterage where available
*Supplement applies for transfers from all other airports and all other locations, including central London.
Special extras included in your itinerary
• Private evening tour of Hillsborough Castle
• Boat trip on Strangford Lough
• Guided tour of Mount Stewart House and Garden
• Scenic drive along the North Coast
• Guided tour of Achill Island
• Sheep dog and wood spinning demonstrations and Irish scones at Glen Keen Farm
• Jaunting car (horse and carriage) ride and cruise at Ross Castle
• Backstage tour at the Abbey Theatre
• Ticket to Celtic Nights Dinner & Show
Nights One, Twelve and Thirteen – Dylan Hotel, Dublin
As Dublin’s only five-star boutique hotel, the Dylan promises a memorable and luxurious stay in the city centre. The foundation stone was laid by Queen Victoria’s daughter, Princess Helena of Schleswig Holstein, and since then, original features have been blended with contemporary finishes. Highlights include individually designed rooms, a modern restaurant, trendy bar and lovely outdoor terrace.
Nights Two to Four – Merchant Hotel, Belfast
Located in the vibrant Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, the Merchant Hotel offers a wonderful base after busy days of exploring. This luxurious gem offers beautiful Victorian Splendour or Art Deco Decadence bedrooms, a stylish cocktail bar, three restaurants, a relaxing spa and a rooftop gym and hot tub with panoramic views over the city.
Nights Five to Seven – Delphi Resort, Galway
Set amid beautiful landscapes in picturesque Galway, the Delphi Resort is nestled at the bottom of the Mweelrea Mountain and features a café, restaurant and bar. Make yourself at home in the cozy rooms here, test out the locally-made bathroom treats, relax on the deckchairs while admiring the stunning vistas or head to the award-winning spa.
Nights Eight and Nine – Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, Killarney
The delightful Muckross Park Hotel & Spa boasts a spectacular location in Killarney’s National Park. You can expect an AA Rosette-winning restaurant, a chic lounge, a gastropub, bespoke bedrooms with an array of amenities, from a Nespresso coffee machine to a large-screen TV and an exquisite spa and wellness centre.
Night Ten – Cashel Palace Hotel, Tipperary
Night Eleven – Faithlegg Hotel, Waterford