Day 1 - Arrive Dublin
Welcome to Dublin, the starting point for your grand adventure through the Emerald Isle.You’ll meet you Private Chauffeur on arrival to be whisked away to your hotel. Once settled in this afternoon, you’ll be joined by a Local Specialist who will personally escort you to see the riches of Ireland’s capital city on your own private walking tour. Experience all the highlights and uncover hidden gems of this ancient, yet modern city.
Day 2 - Strokestown Park House & Ashford Castle
Journey into Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and visit Strokestown Park House. This Georgian Palladian mansion is preserved with its original furnishings and fabrics, and its beautiful six-acre walled gardens have been restored to their original splendour. Hear the stories of this unique historic property on a guided tour. Afterwards, continue to Cong and prepare for a royal adventure as you enter the grand stone gates of the remarkable.
800-year-old Ashford Castle set alongside the glistening lakes of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle dates back to 1228 and became home of the Guinness family in the mid 1800s. Your luxurious bed for the next three nights will be in one of the castles Deluxe Rooms (subject to availability).
Day 3 - Ashford Castle Estate Activities
Welcome to your first full day of life in a castle. After a luxuriant breakfast, you’re free to wander the grounds as you wish, perhaps using your Brendan provided Ashford Castle Estate credit to participate in a falconry hawk walk or a spa treatment. Or, if its eating indulgence you’d prefer, reserve your place for Afternoon Tea or dine in the Dungeon. Live like royalty, as active or as at leisure as you please now that you’ve joined the ranks of guests that have included Princes and Presidents.
Day 4 - Connemara, Kylemore Abbey & George V Dinner
Spend the day exploring Ashford’s estate. Another day on Lough Corrib and another opportunity to explore the woods, the activities, the dining or the nearby village if you wish to stay close to the castle.
Additional sightseeing option: If the mood strikes, you can opt to take this day to travel through Connemara to Kylemore Abbey. Connemara is a culturally rich Irish-speaking region of Ireland, giving you a taste of our traditions, against the stunning backdrop of golden beaches, rocky mountains and breath-taking views.
You’ll explore the gothic-inspired Kylemore Abbey, a hidden gem of the Irish island heartlands perched alongside a lake with winding wooded paths and classic walled gardens. This former castle-turned-abbey boasts a love story like no other, and is nearby Clifden, one of Ireland’s prettiest towns. This evening, return to Ashford Castle and don your finery to dine like lords and ladies at the castle's elegant George V Restaurant.
Day 5 - Galway City / Dromoland Castle
Today, your Private Chauffeur takes you to bustling Galway known as ‘the city of tribes.’ A city filled with character, the friendly locals here will surely tell you it’s one of the brightest and most intriguing jewels in our Emerald crown. Walk the cobblestone streets, step into colorful shops and join in the music and laughter that makes Galway so memorable.
While here, you’ll enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a fabulous 2-hour culinary walking tour of Galway with a Local Specialist, where you’ll sample a variety of flavors by artisan producers, restaurants and markets stands - everything from cheese to whiskey to strawberry tarts. After, it’s onwards to bask in the royal glow of Dromoland Castle, one of Ireland’s most luxurious castle hotels. Your luxurious bed for the next three nights will be in one of the castle's Deluxe Rooms (subject to availability).
Day 6 - Dromoland Castle
Welcome to Dromoland Castle, an immaculately placed 450-acre estate that has welcomed guests since the 16th century. Here, you have the marriage of ancient and authentic baronial structures melded that give way to luxuriant hotel wings housing an inspired chicly modern stay, abounding with the comforts of traditional Irish hospitality.
There’s much to do and explore in this elegant setting. You could try some of the castle’s outdoor activities such as woodland trekking, horseback riding or archery, or settle in for some delicious lunch in The Gallery beside a crackling fire, courtesy of your Dromoland Castle Estate credit.
Day 7 - Cliffs of Moher & Burren Walking Tour
Enjoy another day relaxing at Dromoland Castle if you wish or, adventure out for an adventure with your Private Chauffeur.
Additional Sightseeing: Travel to the Cliffs of Moher. Rising a stunning 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves are some of the most stunning and iconic views in Ireland. Walk the walled pathways atop the Cliffs and make memories of this magnificent and breathtaking experience.
Next, it’s on to the ‘rocky place’ (otherwise known as The Burren), Ireland’s rare limestone paradise. Here you’ll meet a charming Local Specialist who will encourage you to stop and drink in the environment of The Burren, its rare ecosystem of furrows, cliffs, caves and archaeological sites.
This evening, you’ll enjoy fine dining at Dromoland Castle’s flagship restaurant, the Earl of Thomond. Celebrated in culinary circles for its panache, its elegance, its innovation and the attention to detail that highlights Irish produce.
Day 8 - Irish National Stud & Guinness Storehouse
Say farewell to the acres of Dromoland, then onwards to The Irish National Stud in Tully, County Kildare. This is the only professional stud farm open to the public and it is the beating heart of Ireland’s horse industry. Enjoy this place of outstanding natural beauty that is home to magnificent horses and elegant, serene gardens. Next stop is Dublin and the Guinness Storehouse. One part museum, one-part towering pub, the storehouse is the history, the legend and the evolution of the most famous of drinks, the pint of Guinness. Learn the art of the perfect pull, then enjoy a 360° view of Dublin at the top floor Gravity Bar and relax with a pint of the famed ‘Black Stuff.’
Day 9: Depart
Today, you depart our fair island. Your Private Chauffeur will transfer you to Dublin Airport, where it is time to bid farewell to the delightful ‘Emerald Isle.’ Safe Travels!
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