Booking for : Elite Ireland
Elite Ireland
Tour Details
Your Elite Package Includes
- Round trip flights New York-Dublin, Dublin-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 12 nights accommodations in well located Luxury Hotels
- 4 nights The Marker Hotel, Dublin
- 2 nights The Malton, Killarney
- 2 nights Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Galway
- 2 nights Lough Eske Castle, Donegal
- 2 nights Culloden Estate, Belfast
- All transfers
- Maximum 24 passengers per tour
- 29 meals: 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches with soft drinks, 11 dinners with wine
- Bottled water daily
- Welcome and Farewell Receptions
- Hotel porterage and complimentary in-room Wi-Fi
- Comprehensive sightseeing with all entrance fees per itinerary
- Tour Manager throughout plus Local Guide in Dublin, Londonderry and Belfast
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles
- Tips for restaurant staff, drivers and local guides
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Your Luxury Tour Highlights
Signature Collection blends specially arranged private visits and rich cultural meetings with exceptional personalized services
- In Dublin, discover St. Patrick’s Cathedral, lively Grafton Street and historic O’Connell Street
- At Powerscourt Estate, an elegant mansion, view the most attractive formal gardens in Ireland!
- Visit the acclaimed Irish National Stud Farm, home of Ireland’s magnificent thoroughbred horses
- Drive through Killarney National Park to Muckross Estate, a 19th century Elizabethan-style manor
- Travel around the world-famous Ring of Kerry revealing an ever-changing picture-perfect panorama
- Stand in awe at the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, rising vertically from the sea, stretching over five miles
- Walk the historic lanes in spirited Galway, a region known as the “most Irish part of Ireland”
- Explore unique Glenveagh Castle, and the inspiring beauty of Glenveagh National Park
- Stand above the Slieve League Cliffs, some of the highest and most impressive sea cliffs in Europe
- View Belfast’s restored historic buildings, European-style cafes and colorful storytelling murals
- Tour the Titanic Experience, a museum that tells the tale of the ill-fated ship
- Visit the Giant’s Causeway, an area of interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic eruption
Your Signature Experiences
- Stay at extraordinary award-winning hotels including converted mansions and a castle
- A private tour at Trinity College, showcases the beautifully illustrated Book of Kells
- Visit the magnificent State Apartments on your private tour of historic Dublin Castle
- Learn the secrets of creating traditional Irish bread and scones at a cooking class with a noted chef
- Enjoy a home-cooked lunch prepared just for you at an Irish family’s farmhouse
- An exclusive evening of Irish music on the shores of Galway Bay
- On a Connemara farm, watch a turf cutting demo and try your hand at cutting a few sods!
- Private guided tour of Kylemore Abbey and its idyllic Victorian walled garden
- In Sligo, attend a recital of Yeats’ poetry over a lunch of Irish favorites at a family table
- At Ulster American Folk Park learn the story of Irish emigrants who sought a new life in America
- In a grand Belfast venue, dine on a meticulously recreated dinner, inspired by a First Class menu on the Titanic with nine sumptuous courses boasting gourmet delights from the Edwardian Era
DAY 1, Saturday,Depart for Ireland
Depart on your flight to Dublin, Ireland
DAY 2, Sunday , Dublin
Welcome to the “Emerald Isle!” Arrive in Dublin, Ireland’s vivacious capital -- you’ll be warmly greeted by our representatives and whisked to your ultra-modern hotel overlooking trendy Grand Canal Square. Time to enjoy the lively surroundings before joining your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a briefing on the beautiful journey in Ireland that lies ahead. A Welcome Reception and Dinner with your fellow travelers celebrates your arrival
DAY 3, Monday,Discover Dublin, Private Tour at Trinity College & Dublin Castle
Our discovery of storied Dublin begins at Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed public park in Europe, home of the President’s official residence and the Dublin Zoo. Continue to view St. Patrick's Cathedral, the country’s largest church, founded in 1191. Drive through the Georgian district of the city reflecting the prosperity of the 18th century “Age of Elegance,” Grafton Street lined with elite shops and cafes, and the lush lawns of St. Stephens Green Park. At O’Connell Street, the city’s major thoroughfare, linger at the site where the 1916 uprising led to Ireland’s independence. Next, a privileged private tour at Trinity College showcases the renowned Book of Kells, a lavishly illustrated manuscript of the Gospels created in the year 800 by Celtic monks, now on display in the Old Library. In the afternoon, a private tour of Dublin Castle in the heart of the historic city. Originally built in the 13th century on a site settled by the Vikings, the castle functioned as a military fortress, prison, treasury and the seat of English Administration in Ireland for 700 years. We tour the magnificent State Apartments, built as residential quarters of the Viceregal Court, St. Patrick’s Hall where Irish presidents are inaugurated, and the Mediaeval Undercroft that shows remnants of the Viking foundations.* Tonight, great Irish fare at a friendly local restaurant
DAY 4, Tuesday,Powerscourt Estate and Gardens, Chef-led Cooking Class
We travel this morning to Powerscourt Estate, an elegant country mansion set in scenic County Wicklow, with the most attractive formal gardens in the country. As you stroll along the lanes, view the charming walled garden, striking terraces, fine statuary and ornamental trees linked by carefully designed walks set against a mountain backdrop. Afterwards, we head to one of Ireland’s award-winning cooking schools, run by a noted Irish chef, where we learn the secrets of creating traditional Irish soda bread and scones. A hands-on baking experience is followed by a tasty country lunch, complete with your freshly baked bread and scones, accompanied by homemade jams. The recipe, of course, yours to take home! Return to Dublin for free time. Perhaps, visit the famed Guinness Storehouse for a sampling of the brew. Evening at leisure in Dublin with its fabulous restaurants, vibrant nightlife and friendly pubs
DAY 5, Wednesday,National Stud Farm, Dairy Farm, Killarney
On the way to Killarney, we visit the acclaimed Irish National Stud Farm in County Kildare, home to Ireland’s most magnificent horses. At the farm, where world-class thoroughbreds have been raised since 1946, we walk around the grounds to admire the immaculate stallions, graceful mares, playful foals and learn about the dedicated breeding, the foundation of thoroughbred champions. On the property, enjoy the serene Japanese Gardens and its photogenic Bridge of Life. On to a family dairy farm, where a home-cooked lunch has been specially prepared just for you. Our hosts have true Irish charm and wit -- you’ll be cordially welcomed with lively conversation and hear more about the life on an Irish homestead. Continue our drive to quaint Killarney and our hotel with its distinctive Victorian architecture and genuine hospitality – one of Ireland’s most beautiful hotels. An a la carte dinner in the hotel’s award-winning restaurant is indeed a very special gourmet experience
DAY 6, Thursday,Killarney National Park, Muckross Estate, Ring of Kerry
Your jarvey (driver) takes you on a fun-filled horse-drawn Jaunting Car ride to the impressive Muckross Estate, a 19th century Elizabethan-style manor. Surrounded by colorful and fragrant gardens, the house is best known for its antique Killarney furniture. Portraits by John Singer Sargent, the leading portrait painter of his generation, adorn the walls. After a tour of the elegantly furnished rooms, lunch today at a seafood restaurant in Kerry, known for its fabulous fresh fish and panoramic views. An unforgettable experience nears as we drive around the world-famous Ring of Kerry revealing ever-changing stunning vistas of mountains, cliffs, beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. Return to your hotel through verdant Killarney National Park, passing beautiful lakes and rugged mountains. Tonight, dinner at a popular restaurant
DAY 7, Friday,Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Traditional Irish Evening
Traveling north along the coastline of County Clare, stand in awe at the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, rising vertically from the sea, stretching for over five miles. This rock wall, towering 700 feet over the crashing surf of the Atlantic is surely one of the most stunning meetings of land and water you’re likely to ever see! We then pass the magnificent panorama of the Burren, a rocky landscape of craggy gray karst (limestone) formations on our way to spirited Galway nestled on the sea. Lunch on your own before a walking tour along the city’s medieval network of narrow streets, steeped in history, now jam-packed with brightly painted pubs, charming Bohemian galleries and shops selling Irish handicrafts. Unwind at the hotel, overlooking the River Corrib, the ancestral home of one of Galway’s important families. Dinner in your hotel’s award-winning restaurant, followed by a fun-filled exclusive evening of Irish music in an intimate country setting on the shores of Galway Bay. Renowned musicians teach us about authentic Irish music
DAY 8, Saturday ,Connemara Heritage Center, Private Tour of Kylemore Abbey
Today’s excursion transports us to the gorgeous Connemara countryside, a wonderland of raw landscapes and rugged coast that winds around small bays and coves of the Wild Atlantic Way. Hear the quiet and feel the calmness of the deserted beaches in an area termed a “savage beauty” by Oscar Wilde. At the Connemara Heritage and History Centre, connect with this ancient land on our visit to the bog and the farm. You’ll get to ride the tractor-drawn carriage, watch a turf cutting demonstration and perhaps even try your hand at cutting a few sods! Sit by the fire in a rustic cottage and listen to the farmer’s stories of the challenges of life in this desolate region. Later, we learn more about the sheep and woolen industry, and, if it’s shearing season, observe the shearing too! Afterwards, we relax over lunch at an acclaimed restaurant in Clifden. In the afternoon, a private tour of the Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey, founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. Walk through the gorgeous reception area and restored rooms before entering the idyllic six-acre Victorian walled garden, a highlight of the visit. Return to Galway for leisure time and dinner together at the hotel
DAY 9, Sunday ,Poetry Lunch in Sligo, Belleek Pottery Tour, Scenic County Donegal
Depart Galway to Sligo, one of the most picturesque places in Ireland with stunning clear lakes and rugged mountain landscapes. Steeped in history and mythology, Sligo expresses itself in the music, art, and poetry of its people, made famous by the young William Butler Yeats. Share the magnificent vistas over Lough Gill and the "Land of Hearts Desire" that inspired Yeats, while listening to a recital of some of his early verses over a lunch of Irish favorites at a family table. Next, on to the celebrated Belleek Pottery factory on the banks of the River Erne where traditional techniques have been passed down for generations. At the Visitors’ Center, learn some of the secrets of these magnificent porcelain creations that have made Belleek an enduring success story of Irish craftsmanship. On to County Donegal, a land of unspoiled splendor – arrive at our hotel in a restored 17th-century castle on the scenic shores of Lough Eske. An à la carte dinner at the hotel caps our beautiful day
DAY 10, Monday ,Glenveagh National Park & Castle, Slieve League Cliffs
We’re immersed in the gorgeous scenery on our guided tour of Glenveagh National Park in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains. After viewing the extensive displays at the Visitors’ Center, we continue to unique 19th century Glenveagh Castle whose exterior is modeled after Scotland’s Balmoral Castle. Preserved with its original furnishings, the Castle offers a glimpse into a lifestyle belonging to a bygone era. Each of the rooms has a different character, ranging from antler-covered rooms to pink candy-striped décor. Walk through the spectacular exotic gardens before lunch in a family-run village restaurant. This afternoon visit to Slieve League Cliffs on the west coast of Donegal, standing above the Atlantic Ocean, some of the highest and most impressive marine cliffs in Europe. From this viewpoint, on a clear day you can see across Donegal Bay to Sligo, the distinctive Benbulben rock formation and out into the far reaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Along with the breathtaking views, the area is steeped in history; view Napoleonic towers, and navigational aids used by aircraft during WWII. A gorgeous dinner tonight at our five star Lough Eske Castle
DAY 11, Tuesday - ,Londonderry, Ulster American Folk Park, Belfast
A scenic drive of the Antrim coast takes us to the pretty city of Derry (also known as Londonderry) with its rich history and compelling glimpses of Northern Ireland’s past and present. Traveling around the medieval walls, among the best-preserved fortifications in the western world, view the Guildhall, Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall and St. Columb’s Cathedral. Leisure time and lunch on your own before proceeding to remarkable Ulster American Folk Park, an open-air living museum that reflects the lifestyle and experiences of immigrants who sailed from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Walk through the preserved thatched cottages, view a full-size replica of an immigrant sailing ship, and "arrive" in the New World via a recreated American street dating back to 1720. On to Belfast, one of Europe’s true renaissance cities. Our hotel is set in a grand 19th century mansion on 12 beautiful acres – settle in to your new surroundings before dinner at the hotel’s fine dining room
DAY 12, Wednesday,Titanic Experience, Giant’s Causeway, Sumptuous 9-Course Titanic Dinner
In Belfast, we see beautifully restored historic buildings, European-style cafes and streets lined with colorful storytelling murals. The city’s prime location on calm waters over the years made it an ideal location for shipbuilding - it was here that the Titanic was christened! A tour of the Titanic Experience, a fascinating nine-gallery museum (the height of the ship) uncovers the tale of the ill-fated ship from “rivets to requiem” with innovative interactive displays and full-scale reconstructions. Then, we drive past the university district, the Ulster Museum and the botanic gardens to a neighborhood where buildings are still scarred from the days of “The Troubles”. An independent lunch in Belfast before driving to the rugged Giant’s Causeway, a series of hexagonal basalt columns created by an ancient volcanic eruption. Here, we listen to the colorful tale of Finn McCool, the giant said to have created this geological wonder so he could walk to Scotland to confront another giant! Tonight, will surely be a most unforgettable and memorable evening. At one of the grandest dining rooms in Belfast, dine on a meticulously recreated dinner inspired by the First Class menu on the Titanic. The menu is as sumptuous as you would expect with nine courses boasting gourmet delights from the Edwardian Era
DAY 13, Thursday,Saint Patrick Center, Dublin Farewell
On our return drive to Dublin, a stop in the historic town of Downpatrick to visit inspirational Saint Patrick Center. Dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland, the legend of Saint Patrick is told through multimedia technology and interactive exhibits. In the period following Saint Patrick’s death in 461 AD, the adjacent Down Cathedral was regarded as his traditional burial place. In Dublin, enjoy the many amenities at your hotel or, spend the rest of the day with last minute shopping or sightseeing. Tonight, a specially arranged elegant Farewell Reception and Dinner in a preferred venue. Bid a fond farewell to your newfound friends and Tour Manager
Culloden Estate & Spa – 5 Star
Originally built as the official Palace for the Bishops of Down, the Culloden stands in twelve acres of woodland on the slopes of the Holywood Hills. The majestic Culloden Estate and Spa, is considered one of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious hotels, filled with antique furniture, valuable paintings and gorgeous chandeliers. The guest rooms feature luxurious amenities and the renowned spa, with an indoor pool, offers indulging treatments.
Lough Eske Castle, a Solis Hotel & Spa – 5 Star
Lough Eske Castle, is set on the shores of picturesque Lough Eske lake, just outside Donegal Town. Restored to blend its historic past with a dash of contemporary elegance, County Donegal's only five-star hotel has been titled "World's Best Luxury Country Hotel" for five consecutive years and is the only Irish hotel to claim a "World Luxury Hotel Award". Explore this world of grandeur combined with extraordinary personal service that includes upscale restaurants and elegant bars with superb dining options.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel – 5 Star
The Glenlo Abbey Hotel offers stunning views of the dramatic West of Ireland landscape. Established in 1740 the Glenlo Abbey estate was home to the Ffrench family, one of Galway’s famous 14 tribes. The hotel is in perfect proximity to the rugged wilderness of Connemara and the vibrancy of Galway City. The sumptuous guest rooms are beautifully decorated with Georgian-style furniture.
The Malton Hotel – 5 Star
The Malton a Victorian landmark, is perfectly located in the heart of Killarney on 6 acres of beautiful private gardens and has been a favorite retreat for over 160 years. Enjoy fine dining and impeccable service in its award-winning restaurants, bars and Whiskey Corner. The guest rooms are designed with traditional decor reflecting the Malton's classic heritage. Recreational facilities include outdoor tennis courts, an indoor pool, a spa and a sauna.
The Marker Hotel – 5 Star
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the hip Marker Hotel in Dublin, rises up from Grand Canal Square in the very trendy Docklands part of the city. The upscale contemporary rooms contain starkly elegant furnishings in bold colors, with state-of-the art amenities. Relax at the dramatic infinity pool or workout at the fitness center. Chic restaurants, a trendy lounge and a popular city view rooftop bar add to the aura of cool sophistication.