Essence of Ireland

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

This popular private Ireland tour combines the cultural highlights of Dublin with the spectacular scenery of the southern peninsulas and west coast of Ireland. Other highlights are castle hotel and luxury manor hotels, and the opportunity to experience traditional Irish crafts, music and pubs.

Begin in Dublin, the capital of Ireland and the perfect starting point for an overview of the country’s long and storied history. During touring with your private guide, see the historic highlights of Dublin, marvel at the iconic Book of Kells (Artisans of Leisure will arrange fast-track access), 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 enjoy a privately guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse and free time to browse specialty shops, markets and the Creative District. Other options that can be incorporated into Dublin touring include specialty museums, contemporary art galleries, Kilmainham Gaol, distillery tours and the Chester Beatty Library. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange private pub crawls, afternoon tea and reservations at Dublin’s best restaurants for contemporary Irish cuisine.

Continue to Kenmare, one of Ireland's most charming small towns. En route, visit the stables and gardens of the Irish National Stud, explore whiskey history at the Jameson Experience, or stop in the city of Cork. One day, enjoy a private excursion along the breathtaking Beara Peninsula, a wild landscape of jagged coastlines, craggy mountains and sparkling lakes. Also explore Kenmare, a colorful village with Irish crafts shops, traditional pubs and prehistoric ruins.

Next, 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 Gardens and the town of Killarney. Stay just outside town in a luxury hotel overlooking the water.

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, 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.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world