Journey Through Ireland

(15 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Belfast, Dublin, Ballyfin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Ballymaloe, Cork, Kenmare, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle

A truly unforgettable itinerary, this exclusive private Ireland tour includes the highlights across the whole island, from north to south and east to west.

Begin in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. One day, take a private excursion to the Giant’s Causeway, a formation of basalt columns along the coast that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also learn about the complex history of Northern Ireland from your expert insider guide, and see the highlights of Belfast, such as the Titanic Quarter (where the R.M.S. Titanic was built), the Titanic Belfast museum, local markets and West Belfast to see the Peace Line and murals related to The Troubles. You might also like to have lunch in the Crown Liquor Saloon, a historic, Victorian-era pub.

Continue with your private driver to Dublin. Enjoy touring en route of Newgrange, the Boyne Valley and Bru na Boinne, a fascinating UNESCO-listed ensemble of neolithic sites and megalithic art. With your private guide, see the historic highlights of Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland and the perfect introduction to the country’s long and storied history. During private touring, 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 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 Ballyfin, one of Europe’s most spectacular country hotels. En route, tour the beautiful gardens at Powerscourt. If desired, also pass through verdant farmland and rolling hills to Glendalough, a glacial valley with the ruins of an ancient monastery set among lakes. While there, you might like to visit historic Avoca Mill, where some of Ireland’s finest and most colorful textiles have been produced for centuries. While at Ballyfin, enjoy a private hiking excursion in the Slieve Bloom Mountains or a private tour of Birr Castle to see its interiors and grounds. There will also be ample leisure time to enjoy the beautiful interiors and extensive activities at the hotel.

En route to the southern coast of Ireland—renowned for food, crafts and incredible scenery—see the design, crafts and historic highlights of Kilkenny. If desired, also visit Waterford to see the Waterford crystal factory. Stay at Ballymaloe, a small inn and cooking school, or at the more contemporary Cliff House. Enjoy fine dining and the best of the region, such as visits to pottery studios, walks along the beach and a visit to the port town of Cobh, the departure point for over 2.5 million Irish immigrants and the final port of call of the R.M.S. Titanic. Artisans of Leisure will make reservations at the best restaurants in the area. Upon request, a private cooking lesson can also be arranged.

Enjoy flexible touring en route to Kenmare, such as visiting the Old Jameson Distillery, exploring the city of Cork and its English Market, or stopping in Kinsale, a picturesque fishing village that’s also a favorite foodie destination. Travel along part of the breathtaking Beara Peninsula, a wild landscape of jagged coastlines, craggy mountains and sparkling lakes. Stay in 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 see 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.

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