Ultimate Ireland
Ultimate Ireland
Ultimate Ireland
12 Days Starting in Belfast, United Kingdom and ending in Shannon, Ireland
Visiting: Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Dublin, Glendalough, Kilkenny, Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Adare, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Ashford Castle, Shannon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
G209MZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Please advise request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
From the mighty Titanic shipyards in Belfast to the cozy cottage of Tracey's Farmhouse, this tour of the Emerald Isle is guaranteed to delight. In Dublin, step into the Little Museum for a private after-hours meeting with esteemed author and museum founder Trevor White. Marvel at the spectacular scenery. The Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher promise some of the most breath-taking landscapes in Ireland, with dramatic cliffs and lush, green vistas. Arrive at Ashford Castle in regal style as you’re escorted over the drawbridge by a lone piper. Then choose between a private tour of the 800-year-old castle, or a cruise of Lough Corrib.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Energetic Belfast
Location: Belfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival, your private chauffeur will be waiting to take you to your luxury hotel. Visit The Observatory Bar and take in glittering views of the city stretching into the distance, before savoring an a la carte dinner of Northern Irish favorites to celebrate your Ireland luxury tour.
Day 2: Highlights Of Belfast Relaxed Start
Location: Belfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the world-class Titanic Museum for a vivid picture of the past , before customising your time in Belfast. Step out with a Local Expert and explore the City Hall, prestigious Queen's University and Parliament Building at Stormont or meet a local artist to discover Belfast’s progressive street art.
Day 3: Giant's Causeway And Londonderry
Location: Giant's Causeway
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Experience Northern Ireland's most spectacular geological wonder, the UNESCO Listed Giant's Causeway on a private tour with a Local Ranger. On arrival in Londonderry, Local Guide Ronan, one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, will captivate you with his deep knowledge of history and politics.
Day 4: Strangford Lough And Vibrant Dublin Relaxed Start
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dylan Hotel, Dublin.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Continue to Dublin and explore the Guinness Storehouse learning how to pull the perfect pint or visit Pearse Lyons Distillery for a private tour and a cocktail.
Day 5: A Truly Irish Experience
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dylan Hotel, Dublin.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A visit to Trinity College unveils the 9th century Book of Kells. Tour the capital city with a Local Expert to see O'Connell Street, the Custom House and St. Patrick's Cathedral. At a VIP, after-hours visit to the Little Museum of Dublin, sip Prosecco with the museum founder Trevor White as he shares his local stories. Discover local dishes at our hand-picked gastropub in the heart of Dublin.
Day 6: Glendalough To Kilkenny Relaxed Start
Location: Dublin, Glendalough, Kilkenny
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Your own historic residence, Lyrath Estate, is set within sprawling acres of lakes, gardens and woodlands.
Day 7: Banter In Blarney
Location: Kilkenny, Cashel, Blarney, Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens (Superior Rooms), Killarney.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
See monastic Ireland in Cashel, famous for the spectacular Rock of Cashel, also known as St. Patrick's Rock. Visit Blarney Castle to take part in the legend of kissing the Blarney Stone. This evening experience the hospitality and warmth that Ireland is renowned for meeting locals at a home hosted dinner with entertainment and dancing.
Day 8: Scenic Ring Of Kerry Relaxed Start
Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens (Superior Rooms), Killarney.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey into Killarney National Park where sweeping mountains, epic cliffs, lush lake lands and valleysenvelope you in emerald green and blue as you wind along the iconic Ring of Kerry. Travel back in time with a traditional jaunting car ride, enjoying views of Ireland's highest Mountain Range, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks.
Day 9: Exploring Dingle Relaxed Start
Location: Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Adare, Galway
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Glenlo Abbey, Galway.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Admire dramatic mountains and windswept sands along Dingle Peninsula. In Adare, discover the charming thatched-roof cottages, castles and abbeys before continuing to Galway's Glenlo Abbey, an 18th-century estate overlooking Lough Corrib.
Day 10: Regal County Mayo Relaxed Start
Location: Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Ashford Castle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ashford Castle, Cong.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Breathtaking views continue through County Clare to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. Your stay at the 5-star Ashford Castle begins with a royal welcome as a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge to this estate, once home to the Guinness family. Tonight, savor specialties from a seasonal menu at the Castle’s Cullen's at the Cottage.
Day 11: Majestic Ashford Castle Relaxed Start
Location: Ashford Castle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ashford Castle, Cong.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Indulge in another Relaxed Start with the option of breakfast in-bed room service. 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 historical tour. Then treat yourself to a spa or stroll the magnificent castle grounds. End the last full day of your Belfast to Shannon luxury tour dining in style at the esteemed George V Dining Room.
Day 12: Depart Shannon
Location: Shannon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Conclude your travels in Ireland with a private transfer to Shannon Airport.
What's Included
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Meals
Meals are included as detailed in the itinerary.
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Additional Services
Personal radio headsets are provided for visits to famous highlights, and complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi is available where possible.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Complimentary airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold.
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Fully Guided
You will be escorted by a Travel Concierge, serving as your expert guide and organizer.
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Dining Summary
The tour includes 6 dinners, 11 breakfasts, and 1 lunch.
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Additional Included Highlights
Enjoy seamless personal assistance, exclusive reservations, and transportation organized by your Travel Concierge.
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Curated Experiences
Meet esteemed author Trevor White on a personal after-hours tour of The Little Museum of Dublin.
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Magnificent Stays
Stay at the remarkable 800-year-old Ashford Castle, Ireland’s only Forbes five-star hotel.
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Passport Moments
Visit the Titanic Belfast museum, explore historic Trinity College, and enjoy a scenic drive around the Dingle Peninsula.
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Personalise your day
Choose between activities such as a panoramic tour of Belfast or a street art tour with a local artist.
What's Not Included
International TravelInternational travel to and from the destination is not included.
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy seamless travel with private chauffeur services, complimentary airport transfers, and personal radio headsets for guided tours. Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi on coaches and in hotels, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey throughout Ireland.
Accommodation
Experience luxury at its finest with stays at the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast, the Dylan Hotel in Dublin, Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny, The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens in Killarney, Glenlo Abbey in Galway, and the iconic Ashford Castle in Cong, offering a blend of historic charm and modern comfort.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour of Giant's Causeway?
The tour of Giant's Causeway includes a private tour with a wildlife ranger, where you will learn about the formation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the conservation efforts in place to support the natural habitat and animal populations.
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What dining experiences can I expect in Belfast?
In Belfast, you will enjoy an à la carte dinner at a specially selected local restaurant after checking in to the luxurious Grand Central Hotel.
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What activities are available at Ashford Castle?
At Ashford Castle, you can participate in a unique falconry experience at the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland or join a guided historical tour of the 800-year-old Castle, which was once the home of the Guinness family.
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What is the focus of the culinary experience at Tracey's Farmhouse?
The culinary experience at Tracey's Farmhouse focuses on seasonal produce, organically grown ingredients, and sourcing from the immediate community. It includes learning how to make traditional Irish soda bread and enjoying a seasonal, Farm-to-Table lunch.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Little Museum of Dublin?
During the visit to the Little Museum of Dublin, you will have a VIP, after-hours experience where you can sip Prosecco with the museum founder Trevor White as he shares his local stories.
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What is included in the tour of Dublin's Guinness Storehouse?
The tour of Dublin's Guinness Storehouse includes learning how to pull the perfect pint of the black elixir of Ireland.
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What is the significance of the Cliffs of Moher visit?
The visit to the Cliffs of Moher offers breathtaking views across the Atlantic Ocean and includes a stop at the Visitor Experience, where you can catch panoramic views from the 185-year-old O'Brien's tower at the edge of the 800-foot cliffs.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Absolutely! We are very selective in who we work with and choose to only use hotels that take the health and well-being of our guests as seriously as we do and agree to meet expected guidelines and specifications. We only work with establishments that we are confident will consistently adhere to our standards.
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Which countries does Luxury Gold visit?
We offer incredible luxury trips in Europe, North America, South America, Hawaii, South-East Asia, the Indian sub-continent (including India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka), Australia and New Zealand.
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What other modes of transport does Luxury Gold use?
A Luxury Gold tour will include touring on high-speed trains, alpine cable cars, hydrofoils, river cruisers and horse-drawn carriages, in addition to our high-deck luxury coaches with extra legroom.
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Who travels with Luxury Gold?
We are delighted to welcome guests who have a shared love of travel, adventure, entertainment and exploration. A mix of solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends and family join us from all over the English-speaking world.
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What is the role of the Well-Being Director?
Working closely together with your Travelling Concierge, the Well-Being Director* will help make sure all necessary protocols are followed to ensure the health and wellbeing of all our guests. This includes our enhanced screening and hygiene protocols, complying with distancing and other requirements set by government authorities. They are also there to support our guests & answer any questions.
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Low Deposit
Luxury Gold requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of luxury gold charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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