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Luxury Group Sample Itinerary
Ireland’s Ancient East & Wild Atlantic Way
Create your own Immersive Journey Of Discovery of 5000 Years of Europe’s History
For those who love to peel back the layers of time, Ireland’s Ancient East is a wonderful opportunity to experience 5000 years of history, through lush green landscapes in a compact geography.
Get off the beaten track to see, hear, touch and feel the imprints of the millennia of settlers in this land – from Ancient man and early Christians to Medieval Lords, Colonial Settlers and their descendants. From Invaders to Settlers, they have all been seduced by these most lush, green and fertile lands.
Hear for yourself the stories from the best story tellers in the world. Take time to discover it all – from Stone Age Art to Monastic Artefacts, enjoy Luxury Castle Estate stays and lunch with Lords and Ladies of Stately Homes!
The Wild Atlantic WayEmbark on a journey of discovery – across a captivating 2,500 km route along the magnificent West Coast of Ireland coastline which oozes dramatic scenery, stunning seascapes and plenty of culture, heritage, adventure and great local food flavours.Here you can roam, relax, dive, dance or discover – from slow meandering walks, to scenic cycle routes, or something faster paced with surfing, sea kayaking or scaling a great Sea stack. Alternatively join in the ‘craic’ at local music sessions and festivals, go Island hopping, birdwatching, seaweed foraging or just sit and chill by turf fires in traditional pubs and listen to local stories, while refuelling on the produce of local food producers while quenching your thirst with local craft beers and visits to distilleries to suit all tastes
You may know Dublin for its colourful history and literary heritage spanning some 1,000 years, but Dublin is also a city brimming with a contemporary air of newness, as it experiences what you might call a ‘moment’. A cosmopolitan city Words are the very fabric of Dublin. As a UNESCO City of Literature – it’s wit and words - past and present, its music and conversation, it’s all part of its soul. From libraries, to antique book shops, theatres to festivals, it’s all waiting for you in Dublin, all year round!
You can stroll through its streets and uncover takes of Viking pillage and plunder, colonial rule in the second city of the British Empire and of course, see and hear how our modern day rebellion changed our history and made us who we are.
Whether searching for extraordinary days or happening nights, you will enjoy hanging out with the locals in kitch cocktail bars, visiting quirky galleries or clearing the cobwebs with some cool street music and funky festival calendar is for you.
Of course or exploring Dublin Bay’s picturesque villages with windswept cliff walks, secret beaches and great pier walks with an Irish ice-cream in hand, is something unique to this City with the Mountains and Sea all within 10 minutes of the city
Itinerary SummaryItinerary – Day 1
Welcome to Dublin – A breath of Fresh Air
Morning:
Private Connoisseur Experience at Guinness Storehouse www.guinnessstorehouse.com . For Private Bookings: Contact: Michelle Tighe, T + 353 (0)1 48084800 E [email protected]
It goes without saying that Guinness is a very distinctive drink and only at the Home of Guinness can you learn the special craft involved in pouring the Perfect Pint of Guinness. At the Guinness Academy, you receive private tuition from our expertly trained staff who will teach the six steps involved in crafting the perfect pint. Savour the pint you pour and receive your personalised certificate of merit as a souvenir.
In addition you will get to experience a truly special and memorable Guinness Connoisseur Experience. This Guinness Connoisseur exclusive bar is tucked away in a corner of the fourth floor and offers visitors a tutored session with an official Guinness Connoisseur. The Connoisseur will take the visitor on a journey where they can really get under the skin of the brand and learn about the four most popular Guinness variants sold around the world - Guinness Draft, Guinness Foreign Extra, Guinness Extra Stout and Guinness Black Lager. Discover the story behind each variant, learn the pouring ritual, taste and savour the magic that makes Guinness so distinct.
This unique and intimate experience is a must for true Guinness aficionados and beer lovers. It is highly interactive where the Guinness Connoisseur will teach the visitor how to taste, savour and enjoy the Guinness variants like a true Connoisseur.
Travelling from Dublin into Ireland’s Ancient East ( Option of Lunch in Kilcullen, on the edge of The Curragh in the small village adjacent to famous Stud Farms responsibel for breeding some of the most famous rachorses in the World today )
Fallons of Kilcullen www.fallonb.ie Booking Contact: Mary or Brian T: (045) 481260 E: [email protected]
Located at the edge of the Curragh, on the banks of the Liffey, Fallons occupies its space in this typical sleeply country village of Kilcullen with pride. Offering a clever blend of old and new, whatever your food mood – from old favourites to new classics – this is real food prepared and served with passion. Owner Brian Fallon, Head Chef Noel Walsh and their team care where their raw ingredients come from and consider their suppliers as part of the family. They source local ingredients where possible and support local artisan producers to provide the most authentic experience.
Welcome to Ireland’s Ancient East
Afternoon:
Plan your private tour of The Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens & St Fiachra’s Garden: www.irishnationalstud.ie Contact: David Wardell [email protected] Tel: 087 2341747
After a brief introduction about our history and founder we will show the group one or two of our stallions. (This would be exclusive to private Tours, not available to public visitors) With nine stallions in situ at the moment, there will be excitement in a visit to the Stables. The most famous stallion in situ right now is the horse ‘Invincible Spirit’ - one of the most successful stallions in the world. He commands a fee of €120,000 for every mare he breeds with and his yearling’s sale price average in excess of €250,000. You will also get to see the mares and foals out in the fields and learn how the mares foal here on the farm, returning to their owner with a foal at foot and hopefully another on the way!! Ireland is at the forefront of breeding throughout the world and this tour will give exclusive insights into this world.
Luxury Overnight Accommodation Options in the vicinity of Kildare include:
The K Club, Straffan, Co Kildare: Contact: www.kclub.ie T +353 1 6017200 Contact: Adrian
5* Hotel & Country Club and home to the only Ryder Cup held in Ireland, the Kildare Hotel, is Ireland’s First AA 5 Red Star Hotel, located in the heart of the idyllic Irish countryside on the banks of the River Liffey in Straffan, Co.Kildare.
Ballyfin, Co Laois Contact: www.ballyfin.com Martina Yearsley E [email protected] T + 353 (0)57 87 558 66
5 Star luxury Stately house hotel in the heart of Ireland is set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in the centre of Ireland. Ballyfin is an exclusive access estate in 614 acres with a keen sense of history and romance, of tranquillity and great natural beauty. The house has long been admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland, and after eight years of restoration, Ballyfin re-opened in May 2011 as a 5 star country house hotel like no other.
Itinerary – Day 2
Morning:
Enjoy a morning stroll of your Accommodation Estate or take in a morning game of Golf or a Luxury Spa treatment (depending where you are choosing to stay) before travelling onwards to Birr, Co Offaly, in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Arrival & welcome at Birr Castle & Demense, Home of the seventh Earl of Rosse. www.birrcastle.com T
Enjoy a tour of the grounds and gardens of the demesne (to include the famous Birr telescope, St Brendan's Well, formal millennium gardens and Science Centre). The castle grounds are also home to Ireland's Historic Science Centre, a museum of Ireland's historic scientists and their contributions to astronomy and botany
Advance Booking of Private Luncheon Option with Estate Hosts, Lord and lady Rosse available through your Irish DMC or directly through Declan Hayden, T +353 (0)87 0905087
The Estate dates back to 1170, and from the 14th to the 17th century the O'Carroll family ruled from here over an area known as "Ely O'Carroll".After the death of Sir Charles O'Carroll, Sir Laurence Parsons (died 1628) was granted Birr Castle and 1,277 acres (5.2 km2) of land in 1620. Parsons
engaged English masons in the construction of a new castle on the site. This construction took place, not on the site of the O'Carroll's Black Tower (since disappeared), but at its gatehouse. "Flankers" were added to the gatehouse diagonally at either side, giving the castle the plan it retains today.
After the death of Sir Laurence Parsons and of his elder son Richard, the castle passed to his younger son William. During the Irish Rebellion of 1641 William was besieged at Birr for fifteen months by Catholic forces. After the civil war, William's son Laurence (baronet from 1677) refurnished the castle. Lord Snowden visited Birr Castle many times and featured as part of The Royal Honeymoon when he brought Princess Margaret to stay following their wedding in 1960
Afternoon:
In the afternoon travel west towards The Wild Atlantic Way.
Welcome to The Wild Atlantic Way
Arrive Killaloe late afternoon to join to Secret Ireland Escapes www.secretirelandescapes.com Contact: Mark O’ Dwyer T +353 (0) 87 675 4814 E [email protected] . Experience includes evening Local Seafood Meal with Private Lakeside Home Owners
Get to see a part of Ireland many rarely do & enjoy an artistic experience that brings us up close and personal with nature. Discover a ‘secret’ Ireland with a bespoke tour. Untouched and undiscovered by commercial tourism, this is hidden Ireland at its best. With Secret Ireland Escapes you can gain truly exclusive access to a range of extraordinary private homes & unique locations, combined with a burst of genuine Irish hospitality.
Overnight in the Vicinity of Co Clare/Limerick. Accommodation Options include Manor Houses such as Adare Manor, Co Limerick www.adaremanor.com (Contact Gillian Griffin), Castle Stays such as Dromoland Castle www.Dromoland.ie T +353 61 368144 (Contact John Healy) or an Irish Family hotel property with a reputation for great local food produce with great outdoor activity package option such as The Dunraven Arms T 061605900 www.dunravenhotel.com (Contact Suzanne Kennedy). If you would prefer a City Stay Experience, consider The Savoy Hotel Limerick T +35361448700 www.savoylimerick.com or for something smaller and boutique, try One Pery Square www.oneperysquare.com T +353 (0)61 402402
Detailed Itinerary – Day 3
Travel to Galway, via The Burren Geopark. Enjoy views of the renowned Cliffs of Moher, by Helicopter with an Executive helicopters private charter www.executive-helicopters.com T + 353 9097-49764 E [email protected] or Charter your Private Plane with Aer Aran Islands www.aerarannislands.ie before a stop-off at Iniseer, one of the 26 Islands off the Coast of The Wild Atlantic Way Mainland. Enjoy mid-morning refreshment or an enjoyable lunch-stop at the very authentic Irish café, Teach An Tae www.cafearan.ie . Why not spend the afternoon exploring the Island Coastline with local Chef Enda Conneely of South Aran House, taking in a in a Wild Seaweed Foraging on the seafront followed by a private cookery lesson on using local Irish Ingredients and foraged foods www.southaran.com T+353 (0)709 75073 (Advance booking required)
Overnight in the Galway Area, 5 Star properties include The G Hotel www.theghotel.ie and Glenlo Abbey www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie or for private Luxury Rentals check out The Elegant Ireland portfolio www.elegant.ie
Morning:
Take a stroll through Galway City with one of the many Walking Tour providers or book your private guided tour with walking tours Galway www.walkingtoursgalway.com
Alternatively consider a trip to Kylemore Abbey (about an hour from the city) www.kylemoreabbey.com At Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden you can book a private guided tours to visit the restored rooms of the Abbey and learn about its history of tragedy, romance, education, innovation and spirituality, or simply explore the Estate for yourself. The 6 acre Victorian Walled Garden with its delightfully restored garden buildings, are well worth allowing time for. Discover woodland and lakeshore walks that will take you on a beautiful journey through our 1,000 acre estate. The beautiful Gothic Church is a short walk from the Abbey, nestled nearby is the Mausoleum where Mitchell and Margaret Henry are buried side by side.
Afternoon:
Consider a unique Afternoon Tea Experience with the Glenlo Abbey Hotel Estate Pullman Carriages followed by a Falconry Display in Walled garden (Pre-booking required for both experiences) http://www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie Contact Deborah O’Brien Tel: + 353 83 4497126
Here you step back in time and hop aboard the Pullman Restaurant for an exclusive reception. Comprising of two original Pullman carriages beautifully restored and set on the grounds of the hotel. Converted into a wonderful Restaurant Car without losing any of its original character, this historic Pullman train carriage had been residing at Elsenham Station in
Hertfordshire, England, before joining the Glenlo Abbey Estate on the shoreline of Lough Corrib.
Onwards to MayoOvernight in the Mayo/Sligo Area. Property options include Ashford Castle www.ashfordcastle.com(Contact Paula Carroll) Tel 353 (0)94 9546003
The magnificent five star Ashford Castle 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. With 83 spectacular rooms, suites and a Lakeside Cottage, a wealth of activities and plenty of thoughtful touches, guests will enjoy acclaimed Irish hospitality on a grand scale.Or
Mount Falcon Estate: Contact Evan Butler [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)96 74472 http://www.mountfalcon.com/ The Luxury 4 star deluxe Mayo hotel Mount Falcon is located on the west bank of the River Moy and situated perfectly for exploring the 2500km of rugged Irish coastline called The Wild Atlantic Way. Mount Falcon Estate offers 100 acres of magical woodlands, between Foxford and Ballina, in North County Mayo, the most beautiful part of the West of Ireland.
Detailed Itinerary Day 4
Take in a Flavour of Irish Literature with your own private Yeats Experience & Lunch in Sligo: Contact Damien Brennan [email protected] +353 87 2320820 www.yeatssligoireland.com Your guests come as a paying group for a private dinner in a private home dedicated to all that is best in Irish hospitality, food and culture. Whether on vacation, having a family celebration or simply a group of like-minded friends this will be an experience to remember. With magnificent views surrounded by Irish art and contemporary architecture, you will be served the best of Irish food by one of Irelands leading lady chefs, Paula Gilvarry but in her private home Typically you begins with a series of tasty snacks as you sit near the log stove and are introduced to the location, the countryside around and then where the Yeats family and the poet William Butler Yeats fits in!
Alternatively consider some Unique Beach Horseriding with Connemara Wild Escapes T +353 (0)86 3771025 www.connemarawildescapes.com
Travel from Sligo towards Donegal (Allow 2 Hours)
Afternoon:Visit Sliabh League Cliffs & Visitor Centre and enjoy the Pilgrim Path Guided Walking Tour with spectacular views of the Cliffs : Contact Paddy Clarke [email protected] (+353) (0) 87 7706334 Standing at the viewing point on Sliabh League in Donegal an amazing sea vista and landscape opens before you. From here we can see across Donegal Bay to counties Leitrim, Sligo and Mayo, out to the west is the Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see. Rising almost 2000 ft / 598 m from the Atlantic, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe and twice as high as the cliffs of Moher, at the base of the cliffs is the Giants Desk and Chair. But just as amazing as this view, is the history we can see
here.
Optional travel with stop in Kilcar to Visit Studio Tel: 00353 (0)74 97 38194 www.studiodonegal.ie Studio Donegal is a hand-weaving and clothing manufacturing business committed to preserving and promoting the original hand-weaving skills passed down from generation to generation in the remote mountainous region of South-West Donegal. The cloths are skillfully woven by weavers in the workshop where they create their unique clothing as well as bedspreads, wraps and a variety of accessories.
Overnight in Solis Lough Eske www.solishotels.com/lougheskecastle (Contact Sinead McGowan) Tel +353 74 9743250Follow the long sweeping drive through old woodlands to a beautifully restored Gaelic castle with its ornamental stonework and imposing 4-storey tower. Here, at the water’s edge of Lough Eske, near the fabled Blue Stack Mountains, escape into a
luxurious world of relaxed elegance and attentive service.
Detailed Itinerary – Day 5
Welcome back into Ireland’s Anciest East
After a leisurely breakfast, begin your journey back east, stopping off in Ireland’s Anciest East, for a lunch stop with one of Ireland’s best loved celebrity Chefs – Neven Maguire. McNean House & Restaurant; Blacklion, Co Cavan Contact TBC [email protected] TEL: 071 9853022 Neven Maguire is one of Ireland’s best loved chefs. The restaurateur and media personality is well known for his award-winning MacNean House & Restaurant. He has published 12 cookbooks and is currently filming his 8th series of ‘Home Chef’ for RTE. Since Neven and Amelda took over the family business in 2001, the Michelin-listed MacNean House & Restaurant has been consistently winning awards for its food, service, wine offer and overall dining experience.
Return to Dublin
One of Dublin’s unique features, is, how compact a city it is and how easy it is to get get around on foot. So why not check out Dublin’s Artworks with a your own private Dublin Art Tour with Art Impressions Tour Historian and Guide Cathy Roche www.dublinarttours.com E [email protected] + 353 (0)83 3756668
Enjoy your very own Private Art Tour with Art Impressions Guide Cathy Roche (Tour includes the Unique Book of Kells – an Illuminated decorative manuscript of the Gospels dating back to 800c at Trinity College,, as well as Hugh Lane Gallery and the National Gallery of Ireland)
Overnight in Dublin – in any one of the many Luxury 5* hotels the city offers with their unique heritage from the Georgian Houses of The Merrion Hotel, to the Historical The Shelbourne Hotel where the Irish Constitution was signed in 1922, giving Ireland’s it’s Independent governance from Great Britain . Alternatively consider a stay with the Luxury Westin Hotel, overlooking the renowned Trinity College. If it’s shopping you want why not consider a uniquely Irish owned property stay at The Westbury, overlooking Dublin’s most renowned Shopping Street, Grafton Street. Another popular favourite with celebrities who prefer a boutique style property with contemporary opulence is The Dylan Hotel. Alternatively for those who prefer to be away from the city centre, why not consider The Intercotinental at Ballsbridge or The Powerscourt Hotel, on the Outskirts of Dublin in the Wonderful Powerscourt Estate in Co Wicklow
Detailed Itinerary – Day 6 (Day of Departure)
After breakfast, enjoy Dublin’s Luxury Shopping Experience at Brown Thomas www.brownthomas.com Tourist Visitor Private Shopping Experience Contact: Eoghan Sadlier Tourism Manager T E [email protected]
Brown Thomas is an iconic store on Dublin’s famous Grafton Street, adjacent to the wonderful Georgian Square and Park, St Stephen’s Green. As an important part of Ireland's retail history since 1849, it was established in Dublin by the haberdashers and drapers Hugh Brown and James Thomas and the Store immediately became a name synonymous with luxury, integrity and beauty. Now part of a global retail family, which includes Selfridges in the UK and Holt Renfrew in Canada, Brown Thomas celebrates creativity, luxury and service and the very best Irish and International brands showcased in a beautiful retail environment.
The Brown Thomas Personal Shopping Service reflects a walk-in wardrobe. Here your clients can experience a luxurious, relaxing space that is exclusively theirs, while the Brown Thomas team of personal shoppers bring the store to them. Whatever the needs of your clients or their personal style, the dedicated personal shoppers have the fashion knowledge, style expertise and in particular, the time, to find you the perfect solution. They can also provide foreign language speakers, including Mandarin speakers, to facilitate your shopping if required. The team at Brown Thomas will tailor everything to
your personal and individual needs. They also offer a full Taxfree Service which entitles visitors from outside the European Union
If time allows before you flight departure, enjoy a short stroll to the nearby Little Museum of Dublin www.littlemuseum.ie T +353 (0)1 6611000 and enjoy a guided tour of Dublin’s Social History (Guided Tours on the Hour) For Private Tours contact:
Depart for Airport and enjoy a hassle free return home with the Luxury of Dublin Airport Authority Platinum Services and private lounges www.dublinairport.com/at-the-airport/travel-services/platinum-services
