8 Days • 7 Nights
Luxury Ireland: Castle Hotels, Manors & Fine Dining
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Elegant, five-star Dublin is a sophisticated beginning to this luxury journey. Ireland's warm and literary capital wears its elegance beautifully, and you begin your journey in one of its grand five-star hotels, all Georgian grace, fine dining and impeccable service. With a private guide you enjoy the highlights at your own pace, Trinity College and the breathtaking Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, the dazzling gold treasures of the National Museum, and the boutiques of Grafton Street, perhaps with a behind-the-scenes visit or a private whiskey tasting. Evenings bring Michelin-starred dining and elegant cocktail bars. The elegance, culture and refinement are sophisticated.
- A stay at a magnificent fairytale lakeside castle is a crowning glory of this luxury journey. On the shores of a mirror-still lough beneath wooded hills stands one of the finest hotels in the world, a genuine medieval castle transformed into a palace of turrets, antique-filled rooms, log fires and impeccable service, set in a vast estate of woodland, gardens and lake. Here you enjoy unforgettable experiences, walking a Harris hawk through ancient woods in the estate's celebrated falconry school, cruising the lake in a classic boat, indulging in the spa, and dining superbly on the finest Irish produce. The luxury, romance and fairytale setting are magnificent.
- A stay at a palatial manor amid rolling parkland is a magnificent highlight of this luxury journey. In the countryside of the west stands one of the grandest hotels in Ireland, a palatial neo-Gothic manor set amid hundreds of acres of rolling parkland, formal gardens and a championship golf course, restored to breathtaking splendour with soaring interiors, a world-class spa and superb restaurants. Here you can play a memorable round of golf, indulge in the spa, wander the beautiful grounds, and dine in exceptional style, wrapped in five-star comfort and genuine Irish warmth. The grandeur, comfort and elegance are magnificent.
- Private touring and unforgettable experiences make this journey effortless and extraordinary. Throughout, you travel with your own expert private driver-guide and chauffeur-driven car, so every day unfolds at your pace, without a queue or a crowd, from private-access moments at great sights to the finest tables reserved in advance. You enjoy unforgettable experiences woven in along the way, falconry and lake cruises at the castle, golf and spa at the manor, a scenic helicopter transfer if you wish, private whiskey and food tastings, and expert guiding that brings Ireland's history and beauty to life. The ease, exclusivity and quality are extraordinary.
- Spectacular scenery and the finest Irish food and drink complete this luxury journey. Between the grand hotels you take in some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery in perfect comfort, from the mighty Cliffs of Moher soaring sheer from the Atlantic to the lakes, mountains and wild coast of the west, all from a chauffeured car with your private guide. And throughout you savour the finest of Irish food and drink, Michelin-starred and country-house dining, superb seafood, artisan produce, fine wines and smooth whiskey, matched by the genuine, unpretentious warmth for which Ireland is loved. The beauty, cuisine and warmth are complete.
- Above all, this journey is the ultimate luxurious celebration of Ireland, blending grandeur, comfort and genuine warmth. Ireland does luxury with a warmth and character all its own, and this journey is an indulgence from start to finish. Over eight days you enjoy elegant five-star Dublin, a fairytale lakeside castle and a palatial manor, with private touring, falconry, golf, spa, Michelin dining and spectacular scenery, all warmed by legendary Irish hospitality. The combination of the world's finest castle and manor hotels, exceptional dining, unforgettable experiences and breathtaking beauty, delivered with genuine, unpretentious warmth, makes this the ultimate journey through Ireland.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Your luxury journey through Ireland begins as your flight arrives at Dublin Airport, where you are met and chauffeured to your grand five-star hotel in the heart of the elegant Georgian capital. Ireland is one of the most welcoming countries in Europe, and its luxury is delivered with a genuine, unpretentious warmth found nowhere else. Spend the rest of the day settling into your sumptuous surroundings and relaxing after your journey, perhaps enjoying afternoon tea, a spa treatment or a first stroll through the elegant squares and boutiques of the city. This evening, a welcome dinner at one of Dublin's finest restaurants introduces you to the very best of modern Irish cuisine and to the indulgent journey ahead through elegant Dublin, a fairytale lakeside castle and a palatial manor. Rest well in five-star comfort, ready to explore the treasures of the capital in style tomorrow, with your own private guide.
Today you explore elegant Dublin at your own pace with your private guide and chauffeured car. You enjoy the highlights without queues or crowds, Trinity College and the breathtaking Book of Kells and Long Room, Dublin Castle, the dazzling Iron Age gold and treasures of the National Museum, and the grand cathedrals and Georgian squares of the city, perhaps with a private whiskey tasting or a behind-the-scenes visit. You browse the boutiques of Grafton Street and the elegant shops of the city, and might enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea in a grand hotel. The elegance, culture and refinement are sophisticated. As the day ends, you return to your five-star hotel. This evening, savour Michelin-starred dining and, perhaps, an elegant cocktail in one of Dublin's stylish bars. Rest well, for tomorrow you are chauffeured west to a magnificent fairytale lakeside castle, one of the finest hotels in the world.
Today you journey west in comfort to a magnificent fairytale lakeside castle, one of the finest hotels in the world. Chauffeured across the green heart of Ireland, or by scenic helicopter transfer if you wish, you reach the shores of Lough Corrib and the village of Cong, where a genuine medieval castle rises beside a mirror-still lake, set in a vast estate of ancient woodland and gardens. You are welcomed into a world of turrets, antique-filled rooms, log fires and impeccable service. In the afternoon you might begin to enjoy the estate, perhaps with afternoon tea overlooking the lake or a first walk through the woodland. As the day ends, you settle into your sumptuous surroundings. This evening, dine by candlelight on the finest Irish produce in the grand dining room, amid the fairytale splendour of the castle. Rest well in five-star luxury beside the lough, for tomorrow you enjoy the estate in full.
Today you enjoy a full, indulgent day at your fairytale lakeside castle and its vast estate. In the morning you might experience the ancient art of falconry at the castle's celebrated school, walking a Harris hawk through the ancient woodland with an expert, an unforgettable highlight, or cruise the mirror-still lake in a classic wooden boat beneath the wooded hills. You can indulge in the spa, play the estate's golf, try clay shooting or archery, or simply relax by a log fire with a book, watching the light play on the lake. The luxury, experiences and setting are magnificent. As the day ends, you gather your impressions of this enchanting place. This evening, savour another exceptional dinner in the grand dining room, wrapped in five-star comfort and genuine Irish warmth. Rest well amid the fairytale luxury of your lakeside castle, for tomorrow you journey to a palatial manor in the countryside.
Today you journey south to a palatial manor, taking in spectacular scenery along the way in perfect comfort. Chauffeured through the west of Ireland, you pause at the mighty Cliffs of Moher, where a wall of dark rock soars more than 200 metres sheer from the crashing Atlantic, with time to walk the cliff paths and drink in the view. Continuing south, you reach one of the grandest hotels in Ireland, a palatial neo-Gothic manor set amid hundreds of acres of rolling parkland, formal gardens and a championship golf course, restored to breathtaking splendour with soaring interiors, a world-class spa and superb restaurants. As the day ends, you settle into your magnificent surroundings, perhaps with a glass of champagne on the terrace. This evening, enjoy a tasting dinner of exceptional Irish cuisine in the manor's celebrated restaurant. Rest well in palatial comfort amid the rolling parkland, for tomorrow you enjoy the manor and its grounds.
Today you enjoy a full, indulgent day at your palatial manor and its magnificent grounds. You might play a memorable round on the championship golf course, one of Ireland's finest, set amid the rolling parkland and mature woodland, or indulge in the world-class spa with its pool, treatments and thermal suites. You can wander the beautiful formal gardens and grounds, take afternoon tea in the grand drawing room, or simply relax in the sumptuous surroundings of one of Ireland's grandest hotels. In the afternoon you might take a short private excursion into the surrounding countryside, perhaps to a village or garden. The grandeur, comfort and elegance are magnificent. As the day ends, you return to the manor. This evening, savour a final exceptional dinner, reflecting on the indulgent journey you have made across Ireland. Rest well in palatial luxury, for tomorrow you journey back to Dublin.
Today you are chauffeured back across Ireland to Dublin in perfect comfort, with time to savour the scenery and, perhaps, a final experience along the way. You might pause at a country garden, a distillery or a characterful town, or simply relax in the chauffeured car as the green landscape rolls by, before reaching the elegant capital by afternoon. Back in Dublin, you settle into a fine hotel for your final night, with time to enjoy the city at leisure, perhaps a last spot of shopping for Irish crystal, whiskey or designer knitwear, or a relaxing spa treatment. As the day ends, you reflect on the grandeur and warmth of your journey. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Dublin's finest restaurants, toasting the beautiful, indulgent journey you have made through Ireland. Rest well in comfort, savouring your final night in the elegant Irish capital ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final, unhurried morning in elegant Dublin, perhaps a leisurely breakfast, a last stroll through the Georgian squares or some final luxury shopping, you are chauffeured to Dublin Airport for your onward journey. You leave having enjoyed the ultimate luxury journey through Ireland, elegant five-star Dublin with private touring, a fairytale lakeside castle with falconry and lake cruises, and a palatial manor with golf, spa and exceptional dining, all warmed by legendary, unpretentious Irish hospitality. The memories stay vivid long after you land, the Book of Kells and Michelin dining of Dublin, the turrets and falconry of your lakeside castle, the parkland and grandeur of the manor, and the Cliffs of Moher soaring from the Atlantic. Ireland offers grandeur, comfort, beauty and genuine warmth in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to the Emerald Isle, perhaps to discover its other magnificent castles, links golf courses and wild, beautiful corners in the same effortless style.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation in carefully chosen hotels, manors and guesthouses, a welcome dinner, a castle dinner and a manor tasting dinner
- Daily full Irish or continental breakfast
- All private airport and land transfers as per itinerary
- Touring and sightseeing with expert local driver-guides
- Entrance fees to castles, houses, gardens and sites as per itinerary
- seamless private touring with an expert driver-guide and chauffeured car, private Dublin touring, a fairytale lakeside castle stay with falconry and a lake cruise, a palatial manor stay with a golf or spa experience, a Cliffs of Moher visit, fine dining experiences, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Green fees, spa treatments, premium wines and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: The Republic of Ireland is in the European Union but not the Schengen Area, and forms a Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom; many nationalities (including US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders, and of course British and Irish citizens) may enter visa-free for up to 90 days with a passport valid for the length of stay. Northern Ireland is part of the UK, and a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt visitors crossing the open border; we confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and assist where needed
- Currency: The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (EUR), while Northern Ireland uses the Pound Sterling (GBP), so on a tour that crosses the border you will use both; cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere, from hotels and restaurants to buses and rural shops, though it is wise to carry a little cash for small village pubs, markets, tips and remote areas. ATMs are plentiful, and tipping around ten percent for good restaurant service is customary
- Best time to visit: Ireland is a year-round destination, but May to September is ideal, with the greenest landscapes, the longest days (light until nearly 11pm in June) and the liveliest festivals; July and August are warmest and busiest, while May, June and September offer warm days, lighter crowds and blooming gardens. Winter brings cosy pubs, festive cities and dramatic empty coastlines. The weather is famously changeable, so pack layers and a waterproof whatever the season
- Language & etiquette: English is spoken everywhere, while Irish (Gaeilge) is the first official language, seen on every road sign and still spoken daily in the Gaeltacht areas of Connemara, the Dingle Peninsula and the Aran Islands. The Irish are among the warmest, friendliest and most talkative people you will meet, and conversation, humour and good craic are a way of life; in the pub it is polite to buy your round, and a genuine chat is always welcome
- Getting around: In both the Republic and Northern Ireland you drive on the LEFT, and rural roads are often narrow, winding and hemmed by stone walls and hedgerows, so distances take longer than the map suggests; our journeys use private driver-guides who know every scenic lane, or comfortable self-drive where you prefer. The rail network links the main cities, but the Wild Atlantic Way, the Ring of Kerry and Connemara are best explored by road at an unhurried pace
- Health & safety: Ireland is a very safe, welcoming and easy-going country with low crime and excellent healthcare; the main hazards are the changeable weather and the coast, so take care near unfenced cliff edges such as the Cliffs of Moher and heed local signs. Tap water is safe to drink, EU visitors should carry a GHIC or EHIC card, and we recommend comprehensive travel insurance. Standard common-sense precautions in the cities are all that is needed
- Food, pubs & culture: The pub is the beating heart of Irish social life, and a traditional music session, a pint of Guinness and a warm welcome are essential experiences; Irish food has been transformed, with superb seafood, grass-fed beef and lamb, artisan cheeses, oysters, brown soda bread and hearty stews. Hospitality is legendary, captured in the greeting cead mile failte, a hundred thousand welcomes, and evenings in the pub with music and conversation are often the highlight of a trip
- Power & connectivity: Power is 230V with UK-style type G three-pin plugs in both the Republic and Northern Ireland, so bring an adapter; mobile coverage and wifi are good in towns and cities, though patchier in remote glens and on the islands. Comfortable waterproof shoes are essential for cobbled streets, castle grounds, cliff paths and boggy trails, and a warm layer and a good raincoat are worth their weight whatever the month, as Atlantic weather can change in an hour
Frequently Asked Questions
Which castle and manor hotels will we stay in?
This journey is built around two of the most magnificent hotels in Ireland and the world, a genuine fairytale medieval castle on a lakeshore in the west, set in a vast estate with a celebrated falconry school, spa and golf, and a palatial neo-Gothic manor amid rolling parkland with a championship golf course and world-class spa, along with a grand five-star hotel in Dublin. We tailor the exact properties to your dates and preferences, and can add further legendary castle and country-house hotels, or arrange the very best suites, so your journey is as grand and personal as you wish.
Can you arrange golf, spa, helicopter transfers and other special touches?
Absolutely, and it is our pleasure. This journey can include championship golf at the manor and castle estate, world-class spa days, private falconry and lake cruises, whiskey and food tastings, and scenic helicopter transfers between the grand hotels to save time and add a thrill. We also arrange private guides, the finest reserved tables, champagne and flowers, and any special celebrations. Simply tell us your wishes, whether golf, wellness, gastronomy, romance or all of them, and we will weave them seamlessly into your luxury journey through Ireland.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, usually a generous full Irish breakfast or a continental spread with brown bread, fresh fruit and good coffee, along with any meals named in the itinerary (often a welcome dinner and special experiences such as a seafood lunch, a castle dinner or a farmhouse meal). We usually leave other meals free so you can explore Ireland's superb pubs, seafood restaurants and markets, and we are delighted to recommend and reserve the best tables and liveliest music pubs at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local driver-guide and a pace tailored entirely to you, giving real depth, flexibility and comfort; small-group and self-drive options can also be arranged if you prefer. Ireland's knowledgeable, wonderfully warm guides are natural storytellers who bring the castles, history, landscapes, legends and music vividly to life, and having your own guide means you reach the finest viewpoints, hidden coves and best sessions without the crowds.
Do I need a visa for Ireland?
The Republic of Ireland is in the EU but not the Schengen Area, and many nationalities may visit visa-free for up to 90 days; Northern Ireland is part of the UK, with a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation being introduced for visa-exempt visitors. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on any authorisation needed for crossing into Northern Ireland, and ensure your passport validity and documents are in order, so entry and the open border crossing are smooth and stress-free.
Is Ireland safe to visit?
Ireland, north and south, is a very safe, welcoming and easy-going country with low crime, excellent healthcare and famously friendly people, and travel here is smooth and rewarding. The main things to respect are the changeable weather and the coastline, so we advise good waterproofs and care near unfenced cliff edges. We monitor conditions, use trusted local partners and driver-guides, and follow official guidance at all times, so you can simply relax and enjoy the warm welcome.
When is the best time to visit?
Ireland rewards visitors year-round, but May to September is ideal, with lush green landscapes, long daylight hours and lively festivals; May, June and September bring warm days, blooming gardens and lighter crowds, while July and August are warmest and busiest. Winter offers cosy pubs, festive cities and wild, empty coastlines. The weather is always changeable, so we build in flexibility and always have a cosy pub or gallery for a rainy hour. We advise on the best timing for your interests.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point. We can adjust the balance of Dublin, the Ring of Kerry, the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway and Connemara, the ancient sites, the castles and gardens, and Northern Ireland, add a night in a castle hotel, a round of golf, a whiskey or Guinness experience, a cooking class or extra island time, extend or shorten the trip, and tailor the pace, comfort level and focus entirely to you, whether you seek scenery, history, romance, family fun or music and craic. Just tell us your dreams and we will craft them.
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