GAELIC CHARM
What is filled with history and culture and green all over? Ireland, of course! When you want a trip to Europe without the challenge of a foreign language or hopscotching to distant lands, Ireland is the ticket. The locals are warm and approachable, the landscapes are glorious, and the cultural differences are fun to experience yet easy to navigate. If you love the outdoors, quaint villages, authentic castles, hearty folk, and a good pint, then you will be enamored with the Emerald Isle.
Dublin is a walkable historic city with a vibrant bar/restaurant scene and beautiful architecture. Over one thousand years old, there are many layers to peel back. Hire a private walking guide for a few hours to learn the interesting history behind every turn. The major museums are free to all and you can pop in for a quick visit or linger for several hours. End your day like the locals at one of the many busy pubs.
Library Bar at The Shelbourne Hotel
For accommodations, head to the beautiful and perfectly refreshed Shelbourne Hotel, the most prestigious and historic luxury hotel in Dublin. For almost 200 years, it has stood at the center of Ireland’s capital, looking out over the beautiful St. Stephen’s Green and surrounded by the main cultural and historical sites and shopping areas of the city. The bars and restaurants at the hotel are popular meeting spots. Another favorite is The Merrion, an impeccable restoration of four Georgian townhouses just minutes from galleries and museums. The hotel is full service with a pool, spa, gym and 2-star Michelin restaurant. For a residential feel, try The Dylan, a boutique hotel in the leafy and elegant Dublin 4 neighborhood. There are a few cozy bars, a terrace, and a full service restaurant on property or duck around the corner to join the city nightlife.
The Drawing Room at Cashel Palace
BEYOND DUBLIN
Horse and racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to The Irish National Stud, a thoroughbred breeding facility with expansive gardens and an award-winning interactive museum. Continue on to Cashel Palace Hotel, a meticulously-restored Palladian manor dating from 1732 in County Tipperary. Over the years, Cashel Palace has hosted many glamorous guests, including Jacqueline Kennedy, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Ronald Reagan, and Diana Spencer. The hotel has a long association with the horse-racing community and offers an extensive equine program. Purchased by the Magnier Family, owners of the world’s largest and most successful thoroughbred breeding operation nearby, it reopened in 2022 as a magnificent five-star Relais & Châteaux property.
Traditional Afternoon Tea at Killarney Park Hotel
Visit Cork and overnight at the five-star Hayfield Manor then head to Blarney Castle and Killarney National Park. There are two beautiful hotel options there: the lakefront spa Hotel Europe and the family owned Killarney Park Hotel in the heart of town. If you prefer an exclusive accommodation for your gathering of family or friends, consider renting one of the many historic manor homes scattered throughout Ireland. These fabulous properties, owned by the aristocracy for generations, are available for rent to offset the high maintenance costs which are no longer covered by public funding. Guests of Lismore Castle, Glin Castle, and Coopers Hill, to name just a few, will have exclusive use of the castle-like home, grounds, and staff to prepare meals and organize activities.
Adare Manor
Be sure to include time at Dromoland Castle, Adare Manor, or Ashford Castle. These three premier resort properties are jaw-dropping with vast acreage, fairytale accommodations, championship golf, and a host of estate activities such as falconry, clay shooting, horse riding, and more. They are an imperative for every upmarket itinerary in Ireland!
Inisheer, Aran Islands
If you want to get off the beaten path, venture to the Aran Islands along the west coast of Galway, where The Banshees of Inisherin was filmed. Time stands still on these rugged, windswept islands. Rent bicycles then stop for lunch in a pub or family home. This is an easy day trip by ferry boat (15min) or small plane (7min).
The Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast
If you cross the border into Northern Ireland, consider a stay at The Culloden Estate overlooking Belfast Lough. Originally built as an official palace for the Bishops of Down, The Culloden sits on 12 acres of gardens and offers a popular bar/restaurant, a quaint pub, and a medispa. If you prefer to be in the heart of downtown Belfast, try the five-star Grand Central Hotel. It was all abuzz during my visit with Elton John in town and President Biden on his way to mark the 25th Anniversary of The Good Friday Agreement .
Royal heirlooms in abundance at Hillsborough Castle
Around Belfast, you can enjoy a private tour of Hillsborough Castle, official Royal Palace and residence of King Charles, or walk the rocky coastline at Giant’s Causeway and tour Bushmill’s, the world’s oldest licensed distillery since 1608! If time permits, the Titanic Museum is wonderfully done, from the building architecture to the unique displays on the shipbuilding process and salvage recovery. And don’t miss out on Belfast’s legendary nightlife!
Logistics
The train system in Ireland is a hub-and-spoke design which requires backtracking to the central hub when moving to a different area of the country. Traveling by car is much more efficient but not for the faint of heart. Navigation can be confusing, many of the roads are very narrow with a plethora of twists and turns, and driving on the left can be tricky. Even the most seasoned travelers and relationships will be challenged every day.
If you prefer your vacation to be relaxing and full of interesting insights about the places you see and visit, then consider a professional driver-guide. They know the territory, history, geology, politics, and culture, they know where to go and how to get there, they know the best pubs/restaurants along the way, and they take all the hassle out of finding a legal parking place! If it is worth the time, effort, and investment to make the trip, then make the most of it with a driver-guide. Our partners in Ireland ensure we have the latest intel on the best drivers, guides, and more.