Classic Ireland

Including many of Ireland’s most quintessential sights and experiences from the bewitching beauty of Ireland’s west to the dancing streets of Dublin, this privately-guided, luxury journey makes an authentic and enchanting introduction to the Republic of Ireland. Stay in charming country house hotels, explore beautiful National Parks and fully immersive yourself in the charm and craic of the Emerald Isle.

1. Days 1-3: Co. Clare, Galway, Connemara and the West, Ireland

   Welcome to Ireland! We recommend beginning your trip in the West of Ireland, flying into Shannon, however if your flight arrives into Dublin, or elsewhere, we’ll arrange for a private transfer or adapt your trip to suit your flight schedule.

   After meeting your touring chauffeur at the airport you’ll soon be driving amongst the varying landscape of County Clare towards the charming country house of Gregans castle. This small, boutique hotel is set among the striking limestone landscape of the Burren national park, overlooking Galway Bay.

   We’ve included a privately-guided hike for you here, where  you’ll uncover prehistoric archaeology and ancient forts, whilst following winding rivers and crumbling walls.   

   To truly immerse you in the local culture and lifestyle we’ve also included a very special working sheep dog demonstration, an engaging, immersive experience where you’ll watch the sheep be rounded up with the help of a lively sheep dog.  

   Standing over 700 feet (over 200 metres) tall, the iconic cliffs of Moher, are home to a large number of seabird colonies, where you can watch the harsh waves of the Atlantic crash against the shore as birds fly overhead.

   Accommodation: Gregans Castle Hotel (2 nights)

2. Days 3-5: Ring of Kerry

   After two enjoyable nights in the Burren, you’ll continue south towards Kerry and Killarney National Park. This vast National Park offers a varied landscape with tall mountains, inky lakes, enchanting woodland and beautiful waterfalls. For a special, hands-on experience we’ve included a falconry experience where you’ll get up close to some magnificent birds of prey, watching in awe as their colossal wingspans come flying towards you with majestic grace.

   So that you can explore the beautiful scenery in depth we’ve also included a guided walk here, where your walking guide will take you to the most scenic spots and highlights of the park. If you are a fan of an active adventure we can also arrange for a kayaking trip, where you’ll explore limestone caves and small islands.

   Accommodation: Killarney Park Hotel (2 nights)

3. Days 5-7: Cork, Cork, Kerry and the South, Ireland

   Leaving Killarney behind the next stop takes you into County Cork, full of colourful towns, charming locals and a beautiful coastline teeming with history. For a unique experience, we’ve included a farm visit with a difference here as you’ll head to a local Buffalo mozzarella farm! The farm is the only one in Ireland and has its own on-site mozzarella dairy, where you’ll discover the art of making this iconic cheese followed by lunch with your farmer.

   County cork is a great place to soak up the local Irish culture so we highly recommend setting out to a local pub where, if you’re in luck, they’ll be some live musicians so can experience the local “craic!”

   This corner of Ireland is also known for its culinary scene and to highlight this we’ve included a guided food tour of the colourful town of Kinsale. With a local expert, you’ll visit a range of different eateries, sampling their delights along the way for a true taste of the isle. Kinsale is a fascinating medieval town, with plenty of history to explore. On a guided walk  learn about the naval history of the town whilst exploring the walled town.

   Accommodation: Hayfield Manor Hotel (2 nights)

4. Days 7-9: Dublin & the East of Ireland

   The final stop on your itinerary takes you to Ireland’s bustling capital, Dublin, home to the historic Trinity college, the lively bars of temple bar, distilleries and much more. Speaking of distilleries, we’ve included a guided tour of Teelings Whiskey distillery for you, where you’ll have a chance to learn the process – and sample – some of Ireland’s best “liquid gold”. If you are not a whiskey aficionado, we can also arrange for you to visit the famous Guinness Storehouse.

   A guided tour of the capital is a fantastic way to round-off your Irish adventure, where we’ll include entrance to the Old Library at Trinity College and the book of Kells exhibition, leaving you with a heart full of Irish charm. Be sure to let us know if you have any specialist interest as we can also arrange an introduction to Gaelic sports, a guided visit of the General Post Office, cookery classes and much more.

   Accommodation: The Merrion (2 nights)

• Blarney Castle

  Famed for its Blarney Stone, which by kissing will bestow the gift of eloquence, Blarney Castle was built over six hundred years ago by Cormac McCarthy, one of Ireland's greatest chieftains. But don't forget to explore the castle and gardens too.

  READ MORE

• Clay Shooting & Archery

  Experience this Irish tradition, followed by kings and lords for centuries. Test your skill against a bolting rabbit, springing teal or wily woodcock. Or aim for the bull's eye on an archery target.

  READ MORE

• Cliffs of Moher

  Soaring over 700 feet, the Cliffs of Moher are a magnificent 8-kilometre stretch of sea cliffs along the Atlantic coast of Clare. Wonderful views and fabulous seabird colonies make the Cliffs of Moher a must-see natural attraction in the west of Ireland.

  READ MORE

• Glendalough

  Glendalough, in the heart of the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, is a wooded valley with two mysterious lakes, famed for its charismatic early seventh-century monastic complex and round tower. You can also enjoy beautiful walks in the woods and mountains.

  READ MORE

• Horse-drawn carriage ride in Dublin

  The charming carriages line the edge of St Stephen's Green and the chatty drivers and their sturdy horses make for a relaxing way to sightsee.

  READ MORE

• Irish Farm and Sheep Dog Herding

  Head out for a day on the farm to experience first hand the intriguing art of sheepdog farming and watch in awe as the farmer and pup work together seamlessly as the perfect team to corral the wandering sheep.

  READ MORE

• Magical Skellig Michael

  Skellig Michael, a towering sea crag rising from the wild Atlantic Ocean around eight miles off the coast of Kerry, is a mind-blowing destination whose stark spirituality and skirling seabird colonies will live in your mind long after you have returned.

  READ MORE

• Private Walking Tour of the Burren

  The Burren landscape, with its unusual limestone rock formations, fascinating prehistoric archaeology and renowned flora and fauna, provides a spectacular terrain for a guided walk. Explore its secrets on a half-day walking tour with your private guide.

  READ MORE

• Teelings Whiskey Distillery

  Teelings Distillery is Dublin's first new whiskey distillery in over a century and currently the only one in the city. Visit Teelings and taste three award-winning whiskeys for yourself.

  READ MORE

• The Irish Emigration Museum Privately Guided Tour

  Explore the tragedies and triumphs of Irish emigration as you enjoy a private tour of EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum.

  READ MORE

• The Ring of Connemara

  The Ring of Connemara is a circuit taking you through the wild beauty of Galway and Mayo. Famed for its lakes, mountains and rivers, the breathtaking scenery and isolated crofts and abbeys provide a stunning glimpse of rural Ireland.

  READ MORE

• The Ring of Kerry

  Snaking more than 120 scenically captivating miles in a circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry, The Ring of Kerry takes in rugged and verdant coastal landscapes, lakes and mountains and charming seaside villages.

  READ MORE

• The Rock of Cashel

  Sometimes known as Cashel of the Kings, the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary is a spectacular collection of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone rock.

  READ MORE

• Trinity College & The Book of Kells

  Trinity College is Dublin's oldest university and its cobbled front square and collection of historic buildings is a must see. The magnificent Old Library building houses the Book of Kells - a 9th-century gospel manuscript famous throughout the world.

  READ MORE

• Visit The Guinness Storehouse

  Visit the famous brewery of the iconic drink that has shaped much of Dublin's history, as well as discovering what goes in to making the perfect pint of Guinness.

  READ MORE

County Clare, Killarney, County Cork, Dublin