Ultimate Ireland (Small Groups, 12 Days, Door To Door)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Belfast
Duration
12 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a 12-day luxury tour of Ireland, exploring its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. From the bustling city of Belfast to the tranquil beauty of Shannon, this multi-day tour offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and rural charm. Discover iconic attractions like the Titanic Museum, Giant's Causeway, and Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy exclusive experiences like private tours, gourmet meals, and luxury accommodations. Whether you're sipping prosecco at the Little Museum of Dublin, baking traditional Irish soda bread at Tracey's Farmhouse, or exploring the medieval structures of Cashel, every day brings a new adventure. This tour is perfect for those seeking a comprehensive and luxurious exploration of Ireland's best offerings.

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Included

5 Dinner (D)

11 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.

On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.​

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.

Dublin: Dine at a hand-picked gastropub in the heart of Dublin. Discover the favourite 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. Savour 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.

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.

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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 flavours during a tour and whiskey tasting 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.

Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.

In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.  ​

Included at all hotels.

Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.

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.

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.

Belfast: Visit 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.

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 harbour 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.

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Enjoy complimentary hotel WiFi. And, on select coaches, onboard WiFi may also be available.

Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.

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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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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
Adare Town Park, Adare, Adare South ED, The Municipal District of Adare — Rathkeale, County Limerick, Munster, IrelandAdare Town Park
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. Begin your Irish adventure with a visit to The Observatory Bar, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Celebrate your first night with an a la carte dinner featuring Northern Irish favourites.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Belfast

  • Belfast
  • More
  • Giant's Ring
  • Cave Hill Country Park
  • Whitehead Railway Museum
  • National Trust - Divis and the Black Mountain
  • More

Join a local guide for a tour of Belfast's rich history at the world-class Titanic Museum. Customize your day by exploring the City Hall, prestigious Queen's University, and the Parliament Building at Stormont. Alternatively, meet a local artist to discover Belfast's progressive street art.

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Day 3

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

  • Belfast
  • More

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 to Londonderry, where local guide Ronan, a master storyteller, 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

  • Strangford
  • Dublin
  • More
  • Giant's Ring
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Experience the sweet aromas and slow food ethos at Tracey's Farmhouse. Learn how to make traditional Irish soda bread before enjoying a farm-to-table lunch. Continue to Dublin for a tour of the city's key sights, including a tasting experience at the Guinness Storehouse or a cocktail-making session at Pearse Lyons Distillery.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Dublin

  • Dublin
  • More
  • Book of Kells
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • Little Museum of Dublin
  • More

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 dinner. Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Dublin in a unique and intimate setting.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Dublin to Kilkenny via Glendalough

  • Glendalough
  • Kilkenny
  • Dublin
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  • Kilkenny Castle
  • Cathedral Church of St Canice & Round Tower
  • Glendalough Cathedral
  • Kilfane Glen & Waterfall
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After a relaxed start, explore Glendalough, the 'glen of two lakes', with a Local Expert. Stroll Kilkenny's Medieval Mile linking Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral. Stay at the historic Lyrath Estate, set within sprawling acres of lakes, gardens, and woodlands. Dine in Georgian elegance at the Michelin-starred Lady Helen Restaurant.

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Day 7

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

  • Blarney
  • Kilkenny
  • Killarney
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  • Rock of Cashel
  • Blarney Stone
  • More

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 Kenmare via Killarney National Park

  • Killarney
  • Kenmare
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  • Ballyheigue Beach
  • Kingdom Falconry
  • More

Journey into Killarney National Park, winding along the iconic Ring of Kerry. Explore the charming town of Kenmare and indulge 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: Kenmare to Limerick via Dingle Peninsula

  • Limerick
  • Adare
  • Killarney
  • More
  • Adare Town Park
  • Treaty Stone
  • Dingle Distillery
  • Saint Mary's Cathedral
  • More

Admire the dramatic mountains and windswept sands of the Dingle Peninsula. In Adare, discover charming thatched-roof cottages, castles, and abbeys. Continue to Limerick to see 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
  • Claregalway Castle
  • More

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. Tonight, savour 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

  • Galway
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  • Great Escape Rooms
  • Flaggy Shore
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Enjoy a relaxed start with the option of breakfast in your room. 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. 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 Shannon

  • Shannon
  • Galway - Departure day
  • More

Conclude your travels in Ireland with a private transfer to Shannon Airport. As you bid farewell to the Emerald Isle, reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories you've made during your luxury tour.

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