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Your chauffeur is a highly trained professional and will enrich your travel experience with a wealth of expert knowledge. Departure times and a flexible relaxing balance between driving and sightseeing can be mutually agreed upon each day. In addition, advice on entertainment, restaurants, and more is readily available.
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive Dublin
On arrival at Dublin airport you will be met by your chauffeur and transferred to your city center hotel. This afternoon, your voyage of discovery begins with a tour of Ireland’s capital city. Visit stately St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1190, tour Dublin’s Georgian squares with their brightly colored doors, and walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to its unique world treasure, the ornate 8th-century Book of Kells. The remainder of the day is free.
Arrive Dublin
On arrival at Dublin airport you will be met by your chauffeur and transferred to your city center hotel. This afternoon, your voyage of discovery begins with a tour of Ireland’s capital city. Visit stately St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1190, tour Dublin’s Georgian squares with their brightly colored doors, and walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to its unique world treasure, the ornate 8th-century Book of Kells. The remainder of the day is free.
- Overnight: The Merrion Hotel
DAY 2
Dublin Sightseeing or Golf at Royal Dublin
Golfers play Royal Dublin, one of the oldest clubs in Ireland. A regular host to major
championships and home to the legendary Christy O'Connor, one of Ireland's finest players. The course, a traditional out and back links layout has a unique location on Bull Island in Dublin Bay. The course has recently undergone a renovation under the guidance of Martin Hawtree bringing the links in line with the modern game.
The non-golfers enjoy more sightseeing to Dublin with a visit to Epic Ireland. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is a state-of-the-art interactive experience located in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building in Dublin’s Docklands, the original departure point for so many of Ireland’s emigrants. It will inspire and guide you on a journey to discover the stories of Irish emigration around the world, from early times to the modern day. Finally today, learn what goes into making a pint of the “black stuff” with a visit to Guinness Storehouse. Guinness originated in St James' Gate, the heart of Dublin, where Arthur Guinness established his business in 1759. Nowadays, a fermentation plant at St. James's Gate Brewery has been transformed and redeveloped so that you can experience how Guinness is produced from start
to finish. The tour ends at the Gravity Bar for a tasting of the dark ale.
This evening enjoy a night of musical entertainment. The Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl is led by two professional musicians who perform tunes and songs while telling the story of Irish music. (B)
Dublin Sightseeing or Golf at Royal Dublin
Golfers play Royal Dublin, one of the oldest clubs in Ireland. A regular host to major
championships and home to the legendary Christy O'Connor, one of Ireland's finest players. The course, a traditional out and back links layout has a unique location on Bull Island in Dublin Bay. The course has recently undergone a renovation under the guidance of Martin Hawtree bringing the links in line with the modern game.
The non-golfers enjoy more sightseeing to Dublin with a visit to Epic Ireland. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is a state-of-the-art interactive experience located in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building in Dublin’s Docklands, the original departure point for so many of Ireland’s emigrants. It will inspire and guide you on a journey to discover the stories of Irish emigration around the world, from early times to the modern day. Finally today, learn what goes into making a pint of the “black stuff” with a visit to Guinness Storehouse. Guinness originated in St James' Gate, the heart of Dublin, where Arthur Guinness established his business in 1759. Nowadays, a fermentation plant at St. James's Gate Brewery has been transformed and redeveloped so that you can experience how Guinness is produced from start
to finish. The tour ends at the Gravity Bar for a tasting of the dark ale.
This evening enjoy a night of musical entertainment. The Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl is led by two professional musicians who perform tunes and songs while telling the story of Irish music. (B)
- Overnight: The Merrion Hotel
DAY 3
Wicklow Sightseeing or Golf at European Club
Golfers play the European Club. The Links of the European Club was designed and is run by Pat Ruddy and his family. Ruddy is a golf writer and designer whose work can be seen at many highly regarded courses throughout Ireland. The course is on the Irish coastline and has dramatic views of beaches and the Irish Sea.
The non-golfers will visit the garden of Ireland, County Wicklow. Heading south from Dublin, your first stop today will be a guided tour of the monastic ruins at Glendalough. Established bySt. Kevin in the 6th century, this was once a famous place of learning, inhabited by thousands of students from Ireland, Britain, and Europe. One of Europe’s finest examples of round tower architecture can be found here, as well as a cathedral, stone churches, and decorated crosses. Next visit the beautiful 18th century Powerscourt Gardens. The gardens were begun by Richard Wingfield, Viscount Powerscourt, in the 1740s. It is a superb blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs.
This evening enjoy a delightful dinner Cruise along Dublin’s Grand Canal. (BD)
Wicklow Sightseeing or Golf at European Club
Golfers play the European Club. The Links of the European Club was designed and is run by Pat Ruddy and his family. Ruddy is a golf writer and designer whose work can be seen at many highly regarded courses throughout Ireland. The course is on the Irish coastline and has dramatic views of beaches and the Irish Sea.
The non-golfers will visit the garden of Ireland, County Wicklow. Heading south from Dublin, your first stop today will be a guided tour of the monastic ruins at Glendalough. Established bySt. Kevin in the 6th century, this was once a famous place of learning, inhabited by thousands of students from Ireland, Britain, and Europe. One of Europe’s finest examples of round tower architecture can be found here, as well as a cathedral, stone churches, and decorated crosses. Next visit the beautiful 18th century Powerscourt Gardens. The gardens were begun by Richard Wingfield, Viscount Powerscourt, in the 1740s. It is a superb blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs.
This evening enjoy a delightful dinner Cruise along Dublin’s Grand Canal. (BD)
- Overnight: The Merrion Hotel
DAY 4
Dublin/Ashford Castle
Gather this morning after breakfast for your departure to the West of Ireland. Arrive in
Galway, a thriving, bohemian & cultural city. The city is a joy to explore with its labyrinthine cobbled streets, colorful shop facades and busy café/ bar culture. There’s free time here for lunch on your own. Later arrive at the magnificent Ashford Castle. The estate is set in 350 acres, on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib. Dating back to 1228, the castle now enters a new chapter in its history, as part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection. . Time to relax in your exquisite surroundings and enjoy the many estate activities on offer. (B)
Dublin/Ashford Castle
Gather this morning after breakfast for your departure to the West of Ireland. Arrive in
Galway, a thriving, bohemian & cultural city. The city is a joy to explore with its labyrinthine cobbled streets, colorful shop facades and busy café/ bar culture. There’s free time here for lunch on your own. Later arrive at the magnificent Ashford Castle. The estate is set in 350 acres, on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib. Dating back to 1228, the castle now enters a new chapter in its history, as part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection. . Time to relax in your exquisite surroundings and enjoy the many estate activities on offer. (B)
- Overnight: Ashford Castle
DAY 5
Ashford Castle or Golf at Ballinrobe
Golfers play the Championship Parkland Golf Course at Ballinrobe Golf Club considered to be one of the finest in Ireland. A mature 300 acre estate provides the setting for an ever evolving, continuously maturing, magnificent championship parkland golf course. In the words of Padraig Harrington –“This must be the finest championship course in the West of Ireland, The par threes, in particular, are a delight. My favorite hole is the fifth which has a marvelous green inset into the River Robe. The tenth hole is a hole which the professionals will love, with its island green needing a very precise choice of club.”
Non golfers can enjoy the spa and other facilities and activities that Ashford has to offer. Or perhaps explore the wilds of Connemara. Venture out into Connemara, a wild land of rocky mountains, sparkling brooks, and rushing rivers. Your chauffeur will take you to favorite towns and historic sites at your leisure. Visit lakeside Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, built as a family home and now occupied by an Irish Benedictine community of nuns. It’s all at your fingertips with your chauffeur leading the way. (B)
Ashford Castle or Golf at Ballinrobe
Golfers play the Championship Parkland Golf Course at Ballinrobe Golf Club considered to be one of the finest in Ireland. A mature 300 acre estate provides the setting for an ever evolving, continuously maturing, magnificent championship parkland golf course. In the words of Padraig Harrington –“This must be the finest championship course in the West of Ireland, The par threes, in particular, are a delight. My favorite hole is the fifth which has a marvelous green inset into the River Robe. The tenth hole is a hole which the professionals will love, with its island green needing a very precise choice of club.”
Non golfers can enjoy the spa and other facilities and activities that Ashford has to offer. Or perhaps explore the wilds of Connemara. Venture out into Connemara, a wild land of rocky mountains, sparkling brooks, and rushing rivers. Your chauffeur will take you to favorite towns and historic sites at your leisure. Visit lakeside Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, built as a family home and now occupied by an Irish Benedictine community of nuns. It’s all at your fingertips with your chauffeur leading the way. (B)
DAY 6
Ashford / Burren / Killarney
This morning travel to Lahinch and play Lahinch Golf Links, a MacKenzie course, a mecca for keen golfers. Lahinch Golf Club provides two 18-hole links courses, the Castle Course and the famous. It has hosted every important Irish amateur fixture and has been in existence for over 100 years. This is one of Ireland's most popular and invigorating courses.
Non golfers spend time exploring the Burren area and the Cliffs of Moher. Meet a local guide in Doolin for a day’s touring in the area. Your guide will walk with you from Doolin along the Cliffs of Moher to the Visitors Centre. At the Cliffs of Moher Visitors Centre, you can have your lunch and browse the gift shops. Take in the spectacular vistas from the top, including the view from O’Brien’s Tower. Later you are brought back to Doolin pier where you will depart on your cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher.
Then continue to Killarney, the town on the lakes where you will overnight. (B)
Ashford / Burren / Killarney
This morning travel to Lahinch and play Lahinch Golf Links, a MacKenzie course, a mecca for keen golfers. Lahinch Golf Club provides two 18-hole links courses, the Castle Course and the famous. It has hosted every important Irish amateur fixture and has been in existence for over 100 years. This is one of Ireland's most popular and invigorating courses.
Non golfers spend time exploring the Burren area and the Cliffs of Moher. Meet a local guide in Doolin for a day’s touring in the area. Your guide will walk with you from Doolin along the Cliffs of Moher to the Visitors Centre. At the Cliffs of Moher Visitors Centre, you can have your lunch and browse the gift shops. Take in the spectacular vistas from the top, including the view from O’Brien’s Tower. Later you are brought back to Doolin pier where you will depart on your cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher.
Then continue to Killarney, the town on the lakes where you will overnight. (B)
- Overnight: Killarney Park Hotel
DAY 7
Ring of Kerry or Golf at Dromoland Castle
Get ready for a day of outstanding scenery and fun! Start with a trip along the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the “Ring of Kerry.” One of the most magical places in Ireland, the mountains, valleys, lakes, and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. Take as much time as you wish to see all the highlights and snap pictures. Then on to bask in the royal glow of Dromoland Castle. This baronial castle has ties to the High King of Ireland as far back as the 11th century. Today it is one of the most luxurious castle hotels in Ireland. Stroll the extensive grounds, go for a horseback ride, pamper yourself with a spa treatment – all this and more is available at this majestic estate.
Golfers play afternoon- Dromoland Golf & Country Club, Widely regarded as one of the finest 18 hole parkland golf courses in the Country and is situated in the West of Ireland, Dromoland Golf Course has been described as an experience never to be forgotten, presenting a stern challenge to both professionals and amateurs. (B)
Ring of Kerry or Golf at Dromoland Castle
Get ready for a day of outstanding scenery and fun! Start with a trip along the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the “Ring of Kerry.” One of the most magical places in Ireland, the mountains, valleys, lakes, and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. Take as much time as you wish to see all the highlights and snap pictures. Then on to bask in the royal glow of Dromoland Castle. This baronial castle has ties to the High King of Ireland as far back as the 11th century. Today it is one of the most luxurious castle hotels in Ireland. Stroll the extensive grounds, go for a horseback ride, pamper yourself with a spa treatment – all this and more is available at this majestic estate.
Golfers play afternoon- Dromoland Golf & Country Club, Widely regarded as one of the finest 18 hole parkland golf courses in the Country and is situated in the West of Ireland, Dromoland Golf Course has been described as an experience never to be forgotten, presenting a stern challenge to both professionals and amateurs. (B)
- Overnight: Dromoland Castle
DAY 8
Depart Shannon
We say a fond farewell to our friends and Ireland today. You will be transferred to the airport, where your journey through the 'Emerald Isle' comes to an end.
Depart Shannon
We say a fond farewell to our friends and Ireland today. You will be transferred to the airport, where your journey through the 'Emerald Isle' comes to an end.