Ultimate Ireland (Small Groups, 12 Days)

Ultimate Ireland (Small Groups, 12 Days)
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Description

Summary

Starts
Belfast
Duration
12 days
Languages
English

Description

Embark on a 12-day luxury tour across the enchanting landscapes of Ireland. This multi-day tour is designed to provide an immersive experience of Ireland's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. From the bustling city of Belfast to the tranquil shores of Galway, each day presents a new adventure. Explore world-class museums, marvel at UNESCO-listed sites, and indulge in local culinary delights. Experience the charm of traditional Irish towns, the grandeur of ancient castles, and the allure of picturesque landscapes. This tour is not just about sightseeing; it's about creating unforgettable memories.

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Included

5 Dinner (D)

11 Breakfast (B)

2 Lunch (L)

Belfast: Introduce yourself to Belfast the right way, with a hearty meal. Check in to the luxurious Grand Central Hotel and let your Travel Concierge take you for an à la carte Welcome Dinner in a specially selected local restaurant.

Belfast: On the banks of Strangford Lough in County Down, an area of outstanding natural beauty, step inside Tracey's Farmhouse, an enchanting cottage for a home hosted culinary experience. Get to know Tracey as she shows you around her organic farm and explains her cooking philosophy. Learn how to make traditional Irish soda bread before indulging in a seasonal, Farm-to-Table lunch. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience focuses on seasonal produce, organically grown ingredients and sourcing from the immediate community. Tracey's Farmhouse is actively practicing and encouraging the slow food movement and doesn't rely on air miles.

Dublin: Dine at a hand-picked gastropub in the heart of Dublin. Discover the favorite dishes of local people and enjoy a hearty meal in the unique ambiance of this thriving city.

Killarney: Join locals at their home this evening for dinner with entertainment and dancing.

Kenmare: Let your tastebuds be delighted with a delicious lunch at the historic Park Hotel, set among manicured gardens running to the lapping shores of Kenmare Bay.

Ashford Castle: Dine in the cozy surrounds of Cullen's at the Cottage, a traditional thatched cottage where you’ll be greeted with delicious aromas. Savor freshly-cooked local and international dishes in this former cinema, which premiered ‘The Quiet Man’ before Hollywood.

Ashford Castle: Celebrate in royal style amongst the chandeliers and panelled walls of the historic George V Dining Room, named for the monarch who dined here in 1906 when he was the Prince of Wales. Chef Philippe Farineau presents a delicious menu for your evening.

County Down: Enjoy the unique opportunity to meet Lord or Lady Dunleath in their grand home at Ballywalter Park. Greeted with a glass of fizz, you will embark on an exclusive tour of the gardens and house, followed by a 3-course dinner with wines from the estate's very own wine cellar.

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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

Complimentary airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travelers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.

Our customised luxury coaches are sanitised before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customised luxury coaches.

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Belfast: Perfectly placed in the Linen Quarter, this luxury hotel with art deco nods and high ceilings is simply beautiful. A spectacular hub for exploring Cathedral Quarter’s charming cobbled streets, pubs and eateries.

Dublin: Welcome to Dublin's leading five-star boutique hotel. Situated in an exclusive Victorian neighborhood, the Dylan Hotel, offers luxurious, contemporary comfort. From its extravagant entrance to its chic bedroom décor, you'll be placed just moments away from Dublin's top restaurants, shops and night life. The hotel also houses the award-winning Tavern Restaurant and Dylan Bar.

Kilkenny: A history lover's paradise, this dreamy hotel offers guests an elegant, old-world stay with all the modern amenities that can be expected from its five-star rating. With sweeping views of the Irish countryside and esteemed spa facilities, you'll not be disappointed with this decadent venue and its fairy-tale grounds.

Killarney: Set on a luxurious, 64-acre estate, The Dunloe is a striking hotel set among the ruins of a 12th century castle. Its facilities offer guests the opportunity to horse ride, swim, fish, play tennis or simply relax in its spa. Food lovers can indulge in its restaurant, which offers locally sourced delicacies including Wild Atlantic fresh fish and Kerry lamb.

Limerick: In the heart of the city, The Savoy Hotel is a contemporary property boasting not only a great location but also luxurious rooms, dining experiences and spa facilities. The Cliffs of Moher, King John's Castle and Thormand Park are all close by, making it the perfect place to explore the bustling city.

Ashford Castle: The remarkable 800-year-old Ashford Castle is Ireland’s only Forbes Five Star Hotel and was once home to the Guinness family. Meticulously restored to its former glory, guests are warmly welcomed to discover beautifully restored castle interiors, original artwork and antiques, delicious dining in the magnificent George V Restaurant and special entertaining venues including a billiards room with cigar terrace, a 24-seater cinema and under-ground wine cellars for private dining and wine tasting experiences. There are over 35 estate activities including falconry and horse-riding, lake cruising and fishing and an award-winning spa and wellness centre.

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Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Concierges, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.

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Choose between two carefully selected activities

Belfast: Join a Local Expert and enjoy a panoramic tour as they explain the city's turbulent history, evolution and current prosperity. On this tour, you'll see the City Hall, Queen's University, and the Parliament Building at Stormont.

Belfast: Join a local artist and discover Belfast through its street art and learn how this art form plays an essential role in forging a new narrative for this progressive city.

Dublin: No trip to Ireland would be complete without a taste of the black elixir of Ireland. Explore the Guinness Storehouse before it opens to the public and learn how to pull the perfect pint.

Dublin: Discover a world of flavors and create your own cocktail at Pearse Lyons Distillery, home of cocktail exploration and modern Irish whiskey.

Ashford Castle: Take part in a unique falconry experience at the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland.

Ashford Castle: Join a guided historical tour of the 800-year-old Castle, that was once the home of the Guinness family.

You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.

Dublin: Meet esteemed author Trevor White on a rare, personal after-hours tour of The Little Museum of Dublin, which he founded. You'll learn about his work, his life as a Dublin local and what it means to be a Dubliner.

Ashford Castle: The remarkable 800-year-old Ashford Castle is Ireland’s only Forbes five-star hotel and was once home to the Guinness family. With its spectacular surroundings, interiors, on-site dining and fantastic hospitality team, you’ll be greeted with a world-famous Irish Welcome at this beautifully restored hotel.

Belfast: Let your Local Expert guide you through the Titanic Belfast museum to see the poignant tribute to the ill-fated liner, now one of the world's leading attractions. Tread the site where the RMS Titanic was built and discover its fascinating history.

Giant's Causeway: Visit this astounding natural phenomenon on a private tour with a wildlife ranger. Hear more about the formation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site around 50 million years ago and the fantastic folklore that surrounds it. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience learn about the conservation efforts in place that support the natural habitat and animal populations.

Londonderry: Meet Ronan McNamara, the finest storyteller in Northern Ireland, with a tale for every corner of his hometown. Alongside Ronan, enjoy a tour of beautiful Londonderry, one of the finest walled cities in Europe.

Dublin: Join a student for a guided exploration of historic Trinity College, which was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Visit the iconic Book of Kells, the beautiful manuscript hand painted by monks, that dates back to ca. 800 AD.

Dublin: Take a tour through the cobbled streets of Dublin with your Travel Concierge, who’ll share stories and facts about the local area. See O’Connell Street with the imposing General Post Office, the neo-classical Custom House and historic Dublin Castle.

Glendalough: Enjoy visiting Glendalough (the valley of two lakes) where a Local Expert will guide you through this early medieval monastic site, which has a rich history. The glacial valley also offers beautiful scenery to explore.

Cashel: Reputed to be where St. Patrick converted the King of Munster to Christianity in the 5th century, Cashel is a pretty medieval town where the High Kings once sat. See the spectacular Rock of Cashel, the well-preserved fortress that dates from the 11th century.

Blarney: Explore the grounds of Blarney Castle and its gardens built nearly six hundred years ago by the MacCarthy branch of the Kings of Desmond. See where so many have kissed the famous stone to get the legendary gift of the gab.

Ring of Kerry: Take in the beauty around you as you explore The Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula, passing through whimsical coastal villages and magnificent landmarks such as Ross Castle. This scenic drive is one of the most famous in Ireland.

Dingle Peninsula: Enjoy a scenic drive around the dramatic Dingle peninsula, a magical landscape of sandy beaches and craggy sea cliffs. These winding roads and aesthetic ruins have inspired films such as "Ryan’s Daughter" and "Star Wars: Episode VIII".

Adare: Admire the beauty of the charming village of Adare during a village with your Travel Concierge. Famous for its thatched-roof cottages and pretty streets, this quaint haven offers idyllic photo opportunities.

Limerick: Delve into the history of Limerick, one of Ireland’s oldest cities, founded by the Vikings, during an orientation with your insightful Travel Concierge. You'll get to see St John’s Castle, St Mary's Cathedral and the Treaty Stone, signed in 1691.

Cliffs of Moher: Gaze across the waves of the Atlantic Ocean from the Cliffs of Moher as you stop along the Wild Atlantic Way. Call into the Visitor Experience and catch panoramic views from the 185-year-old O’Brien’s tower at the edge of the 800-foot cliffs.

Galway: Take in the lively atmosphere of this cultural destination on an orientation of Galway with your engaging Travel Concierge. You'll find bustling streets, fun boutiques and quirky art galleries in this quintessentially Irish harbor city. Don’t be surprised if someone bursts into song!

Ashford Castle: Arrive to the famous Ashford Castle, where you’ll be escorted over the drawbridge by a lone piper, in a manner fit for royalty. This haunting sound echoes the signal given to troops in battle announcing the end of the day.

We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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Map

Attractions

Photo of amazing Cliffs of Moher at sunset in Ireland, County Clare.Cliffs of Moher
Great Escape Rooms, Townparks, St Nicholas, Galway City, County Galway, Connacht, IrelandGreat Escape Rooms
Photo of the Book of Kells exhibition at the library of Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.Book of Kells
Kilkenny CastleKilkenny Castle
Photo of Ruins of the medieval old huge cathedral among tombstones on Rock of Cashel, Ireland.Rock of Cashel
Cathedral Church of St Canice & Round Tower, Gardens, Kilkenny No.1 Urban, The Municipal District of Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny, Leinster, IrelandCathedral Church of St Canice & Round Tower
Miners Village, Sevenchurches or Camaderry, Brockagh ED, The Municipal District of Wicklow, County Wicklow, Leinster, IrelandMiners Village
Glendalough monastic site aerial view. Co. Wicklow, Ireland. Glendalough Cathedral
photo of The Little Museum of Dublin, Irland.Little Museum of Dublin
Treaty Stone, Deaneryland, Castle B, The Metropolitan District of Limerick City, County Limerick, Munster, IrelandTreaty Stone
photo of view of Aughnanure Castle in Ireland.Aughnanure Castle
photo of Blarney Castle, Co.Cork, Ireland, home of world famous Blarney Stone .Blarney Stone
Giant's RingGiant's Ring
Cave Hill Country Park
Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium
Whitehead Railway Museum, White Head, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, United KingdomWhitehead Railway Museum
Ballyheigue Beach, Ballyheige, Ballyheige ED, Listowel Municipal District, County Kerry, Munster, IrelandBallyheigue Beach
St. Mary's Cathedral, Englishtown, John's B, The Metropolitan District of Limerick City, County Limerick, Munster, IrelandSaint Mary's Cathedral
National Trust - Divis and the Black Mountain

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Belfast

  • Belfast - Arrival day
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  • Cave Hill Country Park
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Upon arrival in Belfast, a private chauffeur will escort you to your luxury hotel. Start your Ireland adventure with a visit to The Observatory Bar, where you can enjoy panoramic city views. Cap off the day with a delectable a la carte dinner featuring Northern Irish favorites.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Belfast

Day 2: Exploring Belfast

  • Giant's Ring
  • Cave Hill Country Park
  • Whitehead Railway Museum
  • National Trust - Divis and the Black Mountain
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Join a local guide to explore the rich history of Belfast. Visit the world-class Titanic Museum and take a tour of the City Hall, prestigious Queen's University, and Parliament Building at Stormont. You'll also have the opportunity to meet a local artist and discover Belfast's progressive street art.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Belfast to Londonderry via Giant's Causeway

Day 3: Belfast to Londonderry via Giant's Causeway

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Northern Ireland's most spectacular geological wonder, the UNESCO Listed Giant's Causeway, on a private tour with a local ranger. Continue your journey to Londonderry, where local guide Ronan, one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, will captivate you with his deep knowledge of history and politics.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Londonderry to Dublin via Tracey's Farmhouse

  • Dublin
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  • Giant's Ring
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Start your day with a visit to Tracey's Farmhouse, where you'll explore the organic farm and learn how to make traditional Irish soda bread. After a farm-to-table lunch, continue to Dublin. Tour the city's key sights and enjoy a tasting experience at the Guinness Storehouse or create your own cocktail at Pearse Lyons Distillery.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Dublin

  • Dublin
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  • Book of Kells
  • Miners Village
  • Little Museum of Dublin
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Visit Trinity College to see the 9th-century Book of Kells. Enjoy a VIP, after-hours visit to the Little Museum of Dublin, where you'll sip prosecco with the founder before indulging in a delicious dinner.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Dublin to Kilkenny via Glendalough

  • Dublin
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  • Kilkenny Castle
  • Cathedral Church of St Canice & Round Tower
  • Glendalough Cathedral
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Explore Glendalough, the 'glen of two lakes', with a local expert. Stroll Kilkenny's Medieval Mile linking Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral. Your accommodation for the night, Lyrath Estate, is set within sprawling acres of lakes, gardens, and woodlands.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Kilkenny to Cashel via Blarney Castle

Day 7: Kilkenny to Cashel via Blarney Castle

  • Rock of Cashel
  • Blarney Stone
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Experience classic Ireland in Cashel, famous for its medieval structures. Visit Blarney Castle and partake in the legend of kissing the Blarney Stone. In the evening, join the locals for a home-hosted dinner complete with entertainment and dancing.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Cashel to Killarney via Killarney National Park

  • Killarney
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  • Ballyheigue Beach
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Journey into Killarney National Park, winding along the iconic Ring of Kerry. Explore the town of Kenmare before indulging in a gourmet lunch at the Park Hotel. Travel back in time with a traditional jaunting car ride, enjoying views of Ireland's highest Mountain Range, the MacGillycuddy Reeks.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Killarney to Limerick via Dingle Peninsula

  • Killarney
  • Limerick
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  • Treaty Stone
  • Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium
  • Saint Mary's Cathedral
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Admire the dramatic mountains and windswept sands along the Dingle Peninsula. In Adare, discover charming thatched-roof cottages, castles, and abbeys before continuing to Limerick. Explore the best of the city including St. Mary's Cathedral and Limerick's Treaty Stone.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Limerick to Galway via Cliffs of Moher

  • Galway
  • Limerick
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  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Aughnanure Castle
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Enjoy breathtaking views as you travel through County Clare to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. Your stay at the 5-star Ashford Castle begins with a royal welcome as a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge. Tonight, savor specialties from a seasonal menu at the Castle's Cullen's at the Cottage.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Galway and Ashford Castle

  • Galway
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  • Great Escape Rooms
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Get acquainted with elegant birds of prey at the oldest established falconry school in Ireland or delve into the Castle's history on a guided tour. Treat yourself to a spa or stroll the magnificent castle grounds. End the day dining in style at the esteemed George V Dining Room.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Departure from Galway

  • Shannon
  • Galway - Departure day
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Conclude your travels in Ireland with a private transfer to Shannon Airport. As you bid farewell to this enchanting land, you'll carry with you memories that will last a lifetime.

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