Ultimate Ireland

Dining Summary

• 6 Dinner (D)
• 11 Breakfast (B)
• 1 Lunch (L)

Choice Highlights

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 and learn how to pull the perfect pint.
• Dublin: Discover a world of flavors during a tour and whiskey tasting at Pearse Lyons Distillery, home of cocktail exploration and modern Irish whiskey.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
• 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.

Additional Included Highlights

• 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.
• 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.​
• Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi 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.

Curated Experiences

• 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 and what it means to be a Dubliner.

Exceptional Dining

• 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 dinner in a specially selected local restaurant.
• 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: Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Irish tonight as you join a local family at their home for dinner with entertainment, dancing and laughter.
• 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.

Magnificent Stays

• 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.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER

• 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: 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.

Passport Moments

• 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: Explore 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 Local Expert, 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.
• 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.
• 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: Visit Galway and take in the lively atmosphere of this cultural destination. 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.

Personalise your day

• 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 and learn how to pull the perfect pint.
• Dublin: Discover a world of flavors 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.