Ireland’s rich, distinct identity and heritage is recognised and celebrated the world over.
Boasting a range of landscapes - nearly 2000 miles of dramatic coastline, acres of lush countryside, hills, mountains and moors - the postcard images of Ireland are no less spectacular for their fame. Quaint market towns and villages dot every county, and castles and curiosities abound in more rural areas to create a sense of timelessness. There is also a dynamic face to show in Dublin, with one of Europe's liveliest cultural scenes, and more sights and sounds to take in than any one trip will allow.
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn – To avoid the more crowded summer months, particularly in popular places like the Ring of Kerry or the Cliffs of Moher, and really be able to enjoy those spectacular landscapes, visit Ireland during late Spring or early Autumn.
Go for this: Dublin – Discover the highlights of this historic city including the Norman and Viking Walls and trinity college and discover the lively face of Dublin at the Guinness Storehouse.
The Ring of Kerry – Drive along one of the world’s most famous routes for spectacular views our west over the wild Atlantic Ocean.
But try this: Riding Connemara Ponies on Connemara Beaches – There’s no better way to explore this remote corner of Ireland than on a Connemara pony! Ride along the shore of white sandy beaches or through the shallow waters to a tidal island.
Foodie Cork – Discover the history of Cork’s English market as you explore the stalls and sample some of Ireland’s finest produce.
Favorite guest experience: Lunch with the Earl and Countess Rosse at Birr Castle - Birr Castle the home of science in Ireland, is still the home of the family which originally built it and has lived there ever since for fourteen generations. Enjoy a tour and private lunch with the Earl and Countess made with produce from the estate.
Hawk Walk – Fun for all ages, enjoy this opportunity to meet, handle and fly these wonderful birds of prey and learn all about the art of falconry.
Favorite hotel: Ballyfin – Stay in one of Ireland’s finest country houses set in a beautiful 600-acre walled estate of woods, hills and water in the heart of Ireland. Restored into an elegant luxurious hotel, the intimacy and 5 * hospitality make Ballyfin a truly remarkable place. Enjoy archery, shooting, boating or croquet, as well as picnics in the grounds, and an exquisite locally sourced dinner in the State Dining Room.
The Merrion - The Merrion, located in the heart of Dublin city centre, is one of the capital’s most stunning hotels and is as welcoming as it is stylish. An impeccable restoration of four Georgian townhouses, The Merrion is a marriage of exquisite comfort, relaxed elegance and advanced guest facilities, including free Wi-Fi, an 18m pool, spa and gym. The Merrion is home to the 2-star Michelin Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud.
Ashford Castle - Your royal adventure begins when you enter through the grand stone gates of this remarkable 800-year-old castle. Discover exquisite interiors, delicious cuisine, passionate staff, a wealth of estate activities and state-of-the-art spa. Situated in a spectacular 350 acre estate, discover sumptuous rooms and suites, splendid interiors brimming with antique furniture, fine fabrics and unique features at every turn.
Favorite restaurant: Patrick Guilbaud – An exquisite 2 michellin star restaurant in an elegant Georgian house in Dublin. Classical French cooking and modern techniques meet Ireland’s fantastic natural larder to create some uniquely crafted dishes that will delight your palate.
Aniar – This Galway restaurant, Aniar, meaning “From the West”, focuses almost entirely on the freshest ingredients from the wild west coast. It confirms its set menu’s once the day’s produce has arrived.
Favorite foods: Whisky and Guinness, Colcannon, Irish Seafood Chowder with Soda Bread, Beef and Guinness Stew, Irish Coffee, Barmbrack
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn – To avoid the more crowded summer months, particularly in popular places like the Ring of Kerry or the Cliffs of Moher, and really be able to enjoy those spectacular landscapes, visit Ireland during late Spring or early Autumn.
Go for this: Dublin – Discover the highlights of this historic city including the Norman and Viking Walls and trinity college and discover the lively face of Dublin at the Guinness Storehouse.
The Ring of Kerry – Drive along one of the world’s most famous routes for spectacular views our west over the wild Atlantic Ocean.
But try this: Riding Connemara Ponies on Connemara Beaches – There’s no better way to explore this remote corner of Ireland than on a Connemara pony! Ride along the shore of white sandy beaches or through the shallow waters to a tidal island.
Foodie Cork – Discover the history of Cork’s English market as you explore the stalls and sample some of Ireland’s finest produce.
Favorite guest experience: Lunch with the Earl and Countess Rosse at Birr Castle - Birr Castle the home of science in Ireland, is still the home of the family which originally built it and has lived there ever since for fourteen generations. Enjoy a tour and private lunch with the Earl and Countess made with produce from the estate.
Hawk Walk – Fun for all ages, enjoy this opportunity to meet, handle and fly these wonderful birds of prey and learn all about the art of falconry.
Favorite hotel: Ballyfin – Stay in one of Ireland’s finest country houses set in a beautiful 600-acre walled estate of woods, hills and water in the heart of Ireland. Restored into an elegant luxurious hotel, the intimacy and 5 * hospitality make Ballyfin a truly remarkable place. Enjoy archery, shooting, boating or croquet, as well as picnics in the grounds, and an exquisite locally sourced dinner in the State Dining Room.
The Merrion - The Merrion, located in the heart of Dublin city centre, is one of the capital’s most stunning hotels and is as welcoming as it is stylish. An impeccable restoration of four Georgian townhouses, The Merrion is a marriage of exquisite comfort, relaxed elegance and advanced guest facilities, including free Wi-Fi, an 18m pool, spa and gym. The Merrion is home to the 2-star Michelin Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud.
Ashford Castle - Your royal adventure begins when you enter through the grand stone gates of this remarkable 800-year-old castle. Discover exquisite interiors, delicious cuisine, passionate staff, a wealth of estate activities and state-of-the-art spa. Situated in a spectacular 350 acre estate, discover sumptuous rooms and suites, splendid interiors brimming with antique furniture, fine fabrics and unique features at every turn.
Favorite restaurant: Patrick Guilbaud – An exquisite 2 michellin star restaurant in an elegant Georgian house in Dublin. Classical French cooking and modern techniques meet Ireland’s fantastic natural larder to create some uniquely crafted dishes that will delight your palate.
Aniar – This Galway restaurant, Aniar, meaning “From the West”, focuses almost entirely on the freshest ingredients from the wild west coast. It confirms its set menu’s once the day’s produce has arrived.
Favorite foods: Whisky and Guinness, Colcannon, Irish Seafood Chowder with Soda Bread, Beef and Guinness Stew, Irish Coffee, Barmbrack
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