Ireland
Emerald isle magic. Dramatic cliffs, medieval castles, lively pubs, and warm hospitality.
About Ireland
Ireland captivates with its stunning landscapes and legendary hospitality - where rugged Atlantic cliffs plunge into crashing waves, ancient castles dot verdant countryside, and cozy pubs welcome travelers with traditional music and perfectly poured Guinness. From the dramatic Cliffs of Moher to Dublin's literary heritage, from the wild beauty of Connemara to the colorful streets of Galway, from kissing the Blarney Stone to walking the Giant's Causeway, Ireland delivers romance, history, and natural splendor wrapped in Celtic charm.
What to See & Do
Cliffs of Moher - 700-foot cliffs on Atlantic edge
Dublin - Temple Bar, Trinity College, and Guinness Storehouse
Ring of Kerry - scenic coastal drive with mountains and lakes
Giant's Causeway - basalt columns on Northern Ireland coast
Galway - vibrant cultural city with music and festivals
Killarney National Park - lakes, mountains, and Muckross House
Dingle Peninsula - rugged coastal beauty and friendly dolphin
Rock of Cashel - medieval fortress on hilltop
Where to Stay
Ashford Castle
luxury800-year-old castle on Lough Corrib with falconry, golf, and ultimate luxury.
Ballyfin Demesne
luxuryRegency mansion on 614 acres with all-inclusive luxury and privacy.
The Merrion
boutiqueGeorgian elegance in Dublin with Michelin-starred restaurant and art collection.
Activities & Experiences
Cliffs of Moher Tour
Coastal hike with visitor center and O'Brien's Tower
Whiskey Tasting
Tour Jameson, Teeling, or Bushmills distilleries
Literary Dublin Walk
Joyce, Wilde, Yeats sites and Trinity College
Ring of Kerry Drive
Full loop with scenic stops and photo opportunities
Falconry Experience
Hawk walk on castle grounds
Traditional Music Pub Crawl
Galway or Doolin pubs with live sessions
Where to Eat
Patrick Guilbaud
French-Irish
Two Michelin stars in Dublin's finest dining
Aniar
Modern Irish
Michelin-starred Galway restaurant with local ingredients
The Chart House
Contemporary
Dingle favorite with local seafood
The Woollen Mills
Irish Pub
Traditional fare on Dublin's Ha'penny Bridge
Sample Itineraries
Ireland Grand Tour
Arrive Dublin
- International arrival
- Check into Merrion Hotel
- Afternoon Trinity College tour
- Book of Kells
- Evening Temple Bar pub crawl
- Traditional dinner
Dublin Exploration
- Morning Guinness Storehouse
- Gravity Bar pint
- Lunch in city center
- Literary walk
- Jameson Distillery tour
- Dinner at Patrick Guilbaud
Drive to Galway
- Pick up rental car
- Drive via Kilbeggan Distillery
- Arrive Galway afternoon
- Check into hotel
- Evening on Quay Street
- Live music in pub
Connemara & Cliffs
- Morning Connemara drive
- Kylemore Abbey
- Lunch in Clifden
- Afternoon Cliffs of Moher
- Walk coastal path
- Return Galway
- Dinner at Aniar
Ring of Kerry
- Early drive to Kerry
- Complete Ring of Kerry loop
- Photo stops at views
- Lunch in Kenmare
- Arrive Killarney
- Check into castle hotel
Killarney & Dingle
- Morning Killarney National Park
- Muckross House
- Drive Dingle Peninsula
- Slea Head views
- Lunch in Dingle town
- Return and spa
Blarney & Cashel
- Morning Blarney Castle
- Kiss the stone
- Lunch in Cork
- Afternoon Rock of Cashel
- Drive toward Dublin
- Overnight in country manor
Departure
- Morning leisure
- Drive to Dublin airport
- Return car
- Afternoon departure
Quick Facts
Region
Europe
Best Time to Visit
May-Sep
When to Go
May-June offers long daylight and spring blooms. September has fewer tourists and pleasant weather.
Avoid: November-February brings short days, cold, and heavy rain. July-August has crowds but best weather.
Getting There
Dublin Airport (DUB) is main international gateway with flights from North America and Europe. Shannon Airport (SNN) serves western Ireland. Belfast (BFS) for Northern Ireland. Renting car essential for exploring countryside - drive on left.
Local Tips
- Irish weather changes hourly - always pack rain jacket and layers
- Book popular restaurants days ahead, especially in Dublin
- Tipping 10-15% expected in restaurants (not in pubs)
- Pubs serve food until ~9pm, then drinks until late
- Sunday has reduced hours - many shops close or open late
- Roads are narrow and winding - allow extra driving time
- Learn a few Irish Gaelic phrases - locals appreciate it
Ready to Experience Ireland?
Our concierge team will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your preferences, handling every detail from flights to hidden gems.