Family Tour of Ireland

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Dublin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle

This the ultimate luxury family tour of Ireland, featuring beautiful landscapes, luxurious castle hotels, and a variety of activities that will appeal to family members of all ages.

Begin in Dublin, the capital of Ireland and the perfect starting point for an overview of the country’s long and storied history. During private touring that is customized based on your family’s interests, experience the best of Dublin. Marvel at the iconic Book of Kells and the Long Room in the Old Library at Trinity College, and tour St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the most important churches in Ireland. Walk in the footsteps of Irish literary giants such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde in Georgian Dublin, a neighborhood of well-preserved architecture set around leafy St. Stephen’s Green. Also tour the Guinness Storehouse and stroll through the Creative District and Temple Bar. Other options include the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, visiting specialty shops and markets selling Irish crafts, touring the Chester Beatty Library, visiting Dublinia or the Leprechaun Museum, or touring Kilmainham Gaol.

Continue to Killarney, and stay just outside town in a luxury hotel overlooking the water. During private touring, see the highlights of the renowned Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park, including stunning vistas, a waterfall and ancient stone houses. Also visit Muckross House and its farm, or visit the charming town of Kenmare to explore the craft shops, traditional restaurants and to see the ancient stone circle.

Next, enjoy a private day tour of the spectacular Dingle Peninsula, taking in awe-inspiring views of the coastline and mountains. Explore ancient ring forts and other prehistoric sites, wander through quaint seaside towns, and perhaps have a traditional fish-and-chips lunch in the town of Dingle. Spend the night at a beautiful manor hotel near Adare, a postcard-perfect village of thatched-roof houses and shops, at historic Dromoland Castle, or on the coast in Doonbeg.

Next, see the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, which rise hundreds of feet above the sea. Also explore the fascinating Burren, a rocky landscape covered in wildflowers and punctuated by ancient archaeological sites such as Poulnabrone Dolmen, a neolithic tomb. If desired, enjoy hiking or a visit to a local artisanal perfumery. Time permitting, also stop in Galway.

Continue to renowned Ashford Castle, a grand lakefront castle hotel. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Connemara National Park to see quintessential Irish landscapes, watch a sheepdog demonstration, and visit Kylemore Abbey to see its beautiful Victorian walled garden. One afternoon, enjoy a “hawk walk” falconry experience at Ashford Castle. There will also be time to enjoy the facilities and activities at the hotel and on its estate, including spa treatments, golf, boat rides, fishing, horseback riding, tennis, archery, kayaking and fine dining.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional experiences in Ireland, including family activities, genealogical research, hiking, golf, visits to whiskey distilleries, garden tours, decorative arts tours, religious heritage tours, and culinary and crafts lessons.