Itinerary Details
Luxury Gold: Ultimate Ireland
Day 1 - Welcome to Energetic Belfast.
Welcome to Belfast, the memorable capital of Northern Ireland. On arrival at Belfast International Airport, a complimentary transfer will take you to your luxurious hotel for the next three nights. Located in the heart of Belfast city centre, you'll have time to get settled in before joining your Travelling Concierge and fellow travelling companions at 18:00 for a delicious Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Day 2 - Highlights of Belfast.
Delve into Northern Ireland's inspiring and heartbreaking history in Belfast. Begin the day by heading to the Titanic Belfast Museum - located on the site where the RMS Titanic was built from 1909 to 1912. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to 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. Alternatively, 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. The rest of the day is yours at leisure. Why not ask your Travelling Concierge for tips on exploring the area or their advice on the best restaurants for trying local delicacies?
Accommodations: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Giant's Causeway and Londonderry.
See Northern Ireland's most spectacular geological wonders at the Giant's Causeway on a private tour. During this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience a local ranger will explain its ancient history and impressive formation. Next, you'll head to Derry to meet Ronan, a Local Expert and one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers. The evening is yours at leisure, so why not head back to your luxury hotel and make the most of its amenities?
Accommodations: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Strangford Lough and Vibrant Dublin.
This morning travel to 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. During this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn how to make traditional Irish soda bread before indulging in a seasonal, Farm-to-Table lunch. After your immersive dining experience, continue to Dublin. A haven for literary enthusiasts and Guinness lovers, Ireland's unique capital is a hedonist's dream. Take a city tour with your Travelling Concierge to see O'Connell Street, the Custom House and St. Patrick's Cathedral. End you day by relaxing in your luxury boutique hotel.
Accommodations: Dylan Hotel, Dublin.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - A Truly Irish Experience.
Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to visit the iconic Guinness Storehouse, where you get to explore the venue before it opens to the public, with a private opportunity to learn how to pull the perfect pint. Alternatively, visit the interactive EPIC Irish Emigration Museum and discover why 10 million Irish people left and what impact they had on the world from music and dance to literature. Continue with a Local Expert to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College. In the afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure. Tonight, head to the Little Museum of Dublin for an after-hours visit with its founder, respected author Trevor White. Enjoy a glass of prosecco with him as you learn more about the lives of Dubliners. This evening enjoy the best of Irish cuisine at the Cellar Bar, set in an 18th century wine vault.
Accommodations: Dylan Hotel, Dublin.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6 - Glendalough to Kilkenny. Relaxed Start
Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading to Glendalough, a glacial valley in County Wicklow, where you'll explore with a Local Expert. Continue to the medieval town of Kilkenny, also known as the Marble City. Take a stroll on the Medieval Mile, a scenic a trail that links Kilkenny Castle to St. Canice’s Cathedral. Your hotel for the night is Lyrath Estate, a beautiful, historic residence where you'll spend the night. End the day with a Michelin-starred dinner at Lady Helen and savour a menu prepared using locally sourced ingredients. The dresscode at the establishment is smart (no jeans) and dress shoes are required. Gentlemen must also wear a jacket.
Accommodations: Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7 - Banter in Blarney.
Start your day in pretty Cashel, a small town in the south of Ireland, famous for its medieval buildings. See the spectacular Rock of Cashel, or St. Patrick's Rock, the traditional seat of the High Kings of Munster. Those looking to keep up with local Irish banter will enjoy a visit to Blarney Castle. Legend has it that kissing the Blarney Stone, a block of limestone built into the castle, gives you the gift of the gab. In the evening you'll enjoy dinner at the family-run Treyvaud's restaurant, which specialises in international cuisine. Meet the stars of the Gaelic Roots show for a private dance class before settling in to your front-row seats to watch the show.
Accommodations: The Dunloe, Killarney.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8 - Scenic Ring of Kerry. Relaxed Start
Enjoy a morning at leisure in the comfort of your luxurious, five-star hotel, before travelling through beautiful Killarney National Park, where sweeping mountains, lush lake lands and valleys await you as you drive along the iconic Ring of Kerry.Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to explore Killarney National Park with a scenic jaunting carriage ride, Ireland's most traditional mode of transport. Alternatively, take in the pristine scenery from a relaxing boat ride.
Accommodations: The Dunloe, Killarney.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Exploring Limerick.
Take in the fresh, sea air as you drive along the Dingle Peninsula. The area's craggy clifftops and rolling hills have inspired films such as 'Ryan's Daughter.' Head on to the village of Adare. Famous for its thatched-roof cottages and charm, this heritage town is worthy of exploration. Your travels continue to Limerick where your Travelling Concierge leads you on an orientation of the city. While here, you'll see St. Mary's Cathedral, the oldest and most historic building in Limerick, and the city's stone, where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691.
Accommodations: The Savoy Hotel, Limerick.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Regal County Mayo.
Travel through beautiful Country Clare to admire the breathtaking views of the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Continue to Galway, a harbour city that prides itself on its bustling streets and pubs, boutiques and quirky art galleries, where you'll explore with your Travelling Concierge. Journey on to the pretty village of Cong in County Mayo. Quaint in size but grand in character, this beautiful destination houses the famous Ashford Castle, where on arrival a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge. This luxury hotel is where you'll stay the next two nights. Formerly home to the Guinness family, the hotel boasts sumptuous rooms, antique furniture and unique historic features at every turn. The castle is set upon an idyllic 350-acre estate, making it a dreamy location for a relaxing and picturesque retreat. This evening you will dine at Cullen's at the Cottage, a charming restaurant set upon the grounds of Ashford Castle, serving delicious Irish specialties.
Accommodations: Ashford Castle, Cong.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 11 - Majestic Ashford Castle. Relaxed Start
Enjoy a relaxed start in your stately abode. During your leisure time, why explore the castle grounds and take in the country air? Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to take part in a unique falconry experience at the oldest established falconry school in Ireland. Alternatively join a guided historical tour of the 800-year-old Castle. Your final day culminates with a Celebration Dinner at the esteemed George V Dining Room. Built specially for King George V in 1905, this room bestows a grand sense of occasion. Dine like royalty and share stories from the journey with your newfound friends, over dinner and wine.
Accommodations: Ashford Castle, Cong.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 12 - Depart Shannon.
It's time to say goodbye or 'slán' to your fellow travellers, as a transfer takes you to Shannon Airport.
Meals: Breakfast