Introduction to Ireland
(6 days)
Dublin, Ashford Castle
Discover Ireland
(7 days)
Dublin, Killarney, Ashford Castle
Classic Ireland
(8 days)
Dublin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle
Best of Ireland
(11 days)
Dublin, Ballyfin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle
Family Tour of Ireland
(9 days)
Dublin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle
Essence of Ireland
(10 days)
Dublin, Kenmare, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle
Highlights of Ireland & Northern Ireland
(11 days)
Belfast, Dublin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle
Exclusive Ireland
(8 days)
Dublin, Ashford Castle, Ballyfin
Luxury Golf Tour of Ireland
(9 days)
Dublin, Kildare, Kenmare, Adare, Doonbeg
Culture, Crafts & Cuisine of Ireland
(13 days)
Dublin, Ballyfin, Ballymaloe, Killarney, Adare, Ashford Castle
Journey Through Ireland
(15 days)
Belfast, Dublin, Ballyfin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Ballymaloe, Cork, Kenmare, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle
Dublin, Edinburgh, London
(10 days)
Dublin, Edinburgh, London
Highlights of Ireland & England
(13 days)
Dublin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle, London
Essence of Scotland, Ireland & England
(13 Days)
Edinburgh, Perthshire (Gleneagles), Dublin, Adare, London
Exclusive Ireland, Scotland & England
(18 days)
Dublin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle, Edinburgh, Perthshire (Gleneagles), London
Best of Ireland & Scotland
(13 Days)
Dublin, Killarney, Ashford Castle, Edinburgh, Gleneagles
(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Ashford Castle, Dublin, Edinburgh, Perthshire (Gleneagles)
This private luxury tour visits the highlights of Ireland and Scotland, including exclusive castle hotels and touring with expert private guides.
Arrive in Shannon and transfer to Ashford Castle, a historic lakefront castle hotel and resort that's a wonderful place to experience Irish culture and cuisine. En route, see the Cliffs of Moher, which rise hundreds of feet above the sea. Also explore the eerie Burren, a rocky karst landscape punctuated by ancient forts, tombs and other archaeological sites. Spend one day at leisure at the hotel to enjoy activities on the surrounding estate, such as golf, fishing, horseback riding, falconry, kayaking, family activities, and more. One day, enjoy a beautiful scenic excursion to Connemara National Park, a rugged landscape of mountains, moors and bogs. Along the way, pass through tiny villages, admire views of the sea, drive along the coast of Ireland's only fjord, and visit Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful stone building and gardens set on the edge of a lake.
Continue to Dublin, the capital of Ireland and the perfect place for an overview of the country's long and storied history. During touring with your private guide and driver, 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. Enjoy a tour of the Old Jameson Distillery, followed by a private tasting of the distillery's finest products. 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. Depending on interests, stroll through the Temple Bar entertainment district, browse the upscale shops on Grafton Street, perhaps cross the River Liffey to walk along historic O'Connell Street, or stop by the Guinness Storehouse and opt for a pint in the on-site bar, which has views over the rooftops of Dublin. Additional touring options in Dublin include the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, Kilmainham Gaol and Chester Beatty Library. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange theater tickets and reservations at Dublin's best restaurants for contemporary Irish cuisine. One day, enjoy a private excursion to idyllic County Wicklow. Tour the stunning gardens at Powerscourt House and Gardens. Pass through verdant farmland and rolling hills to Glendalough, a beautiful glacial valley with the ruins of an ancient monastery set among lakes. Also tour historic Avoca Mill, where some of Ireland's finest and most colorful textiles have been produced for centuries.
Next, fly to Edinburgh, the stunning capital of Scotland, with a stay in a sophisticated city hotel. During flexible touring with your private guide, tour the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See iconic Edinburgh Castle and walk along the Royal Mile, the road leading from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Explore historic buildings, as well as the narrow closes (alleys) and stairways that connect different levels of the city. Visit shops specializing in wool tweed and other distinctive Scottish products. Depending on your interests, you might like to tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht of the British monarch; visit the Royal Botanic Garden or National Gallery; tour the unusual architecture of the Scottish Parliament Building and other contemporary design highlights in the city; or hike up an extinct volcano for panoramic views of Edinburgh and the nearby Firth of Forth tidal bay. In August, Artisans of Leisure can assist with tickets to the Edinburgh Tattoo or performances at the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe. One day, take a private excursion to Glasgow to tour cultural highlights such as renowned art collections and Charles Rennie Mackintosh architecture.
Next, you will be transferred to Perthshire with touring en route. Visit Stirling, a strategic town on the edge of the Highlands that played an important role in the battles for Scottish independence. Tour Stirling Castle, which perches on a rocky outcrop and has panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Also visit a distillery to learn the process of creating world-renowned Scotch whisky. Continue to Gleneagles, a luxury resort on 850 acres in the rolling hills of the idyllic Perthshire countryside. One day, enjoy a private excursion to nearby St. Andrews, a charming seaside university town and the birthplace of golf, or opt for flexible private touring of nearby castles, distilleries, or historic homes and gardens. During leisure time, enjoy the resort's extensive activities, including options such as countryside walks, golf, fishing, horseback riding, biking, 4WD tours, shooting, gundog training, falconry and afternoon tea. Additional facilities include a spa, a kids club and exclusive Scottish boutiques.
Itinerary Overview |
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Introduction to Ireland
(6 days)
Dublin, Ashford Castle
Discover Ireland
(7 days)
Dublin, Killarney, Ashford Castle
Classic Ireland
(8 days)
Dublin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle
Best of Ireland
(11 days)
Dublin, Ballyfin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle
Family Tour of Ireland
(9 days)
Dublin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle
Essence of Ireland
(10 days)
Dublin, Kenmare, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle
Highlights of Ireland & Northern Ireland
(11 days)
Belfast, Dublin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle
Exclusive Ireland
(8 days)
Dublin, Ashford Castle, Ballyfin
Luxury Golf Tour of Ireland
(9 days)
Dublin, Kildare, Kenmare, Adare, Doonbeg
Culture, Crafts & Cuisine of Ireland
(13 days)
Dublin, Ballyfin, Ballymaloe, Killarney, Adare, Ashford Castle
Journey Through Ireland
(15 days)
Belfast, Dublin, Ballyfin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Ballymaloe, Cork, Kenmare, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle
Dublin, Edinburgh, London
(10 days)
Dublin, Edinburgh, London
Highlights of Ireland & England
(13 days)
Dublin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle, London
Essence of Scotland, Ireland & England
(13 Days)
Edinburgh, Perthshire (Gleneagles), Dublin, Adare, London
Exclusive Ireland, Scotland & England
(18 days)
Dublin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle, Edinburgh, Perthshire (Gleneagles), London
Best of Ireland & Scotland
(13 Days)
Dublin, Killarney, Ashford Castle, Edinburgh, Gleneagles
The Ireland trip was another phenomenal experience with Artisans of Leisure. Our guide was exceptional. Your choice of hotels was impeccable.
~ A.D., Hollis, NH
We had a wonderful time in Ireland and Scotland…everything was done first class. You make things so easy and we can count on a wonderful trip, well planned and expertly executed.
~ S.F., Seneca, SC
Ireland was a magical adventure. I enjoyed the combination of the hotels. Our guide was excellent. I appreciate all the efforts you put in to make a busy, interesting itinerary.
~ G.S., Townsend, MA
Artisans of Leisure is definitely a class above all others. The services provided in Ireland—from planning to fulfillment—were thorough, professional and all-inclusive. We wanted for nothing.
~ P.M., East Fallowfield, PA
Recommended by:
Departures
Conde Nast Traveler
The New York Times
Wall Street Journal
Travel + Leisure
Town & Country
Ashley Isaacs Ganz on the Best of Ireland
Shopping for Traditional Crafts in Ireland
Must Stay: Ballyfin in Ireland