A Luxury Discovery of Ireland

Duration 12 days
Price guide
From
  PP
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This is a tour like no other, a journey of non-stop indulgence, where you’ll experience the most exquisite places, excursions and hotels Ireland has to offer. Starting your journey in Dublin, you’ll discover its historic highlights. Then spend two-nights in the lap of luxury aboard the opulent Belmond Grand Hibernian. visiting Belfast and Waterford, before continuing to Ballyfin, Ashford and Adare.


Trip highlights

  • Enjoy a connoisseur experience at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
  • Indulge in a luxurious rail journey aboard the Belmond Grand Hibernian
  • Discover the incredible view of the Cliffs of Moher from above with a private helicopter tour
  • Spend time exploring Adare Manor’s vast estate
  • Go boating at Ballyfin and enjoy a picnic on the edge of the lake
  • Explore the woodland paths and spectacular scenery of Ashford Castle on horseback

Our bespoke trips include

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Privately guided tours
  • Private transfers
  • Meticulously selected experiences
  • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance
  • Days 1–2 Dublin
  • Days 2–3 Belfast
  • Days 3–4 Waterford
  • Days 4–6 Ballyfin
  • Days 6–9 Ashford
  • Days 9–12 Adare
A Luxury Discovery of Ireland
Price guide
  PP
  • Days 1–2 Dublin
  • Days 2–3 Belfast
  • Days 3–4 Waterford
  • Days 4–6 Ballyfin
  • Days 6–9 Ashford
  • Days 9–12 Adare

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–2

One night in Dublin

Both the Republic of Ireland’s capital and largest city, Dublin is truly larger than life. A kaleidoscope of history and modernity, it is generous in its architectural and cultural offerings. Just a quick turn down a cosy laneway could lead you to the bustling restaurants and pubs of Temple Bar, or towards the ancient, yet indominable walls of Dublin Castle. You’ll have time to visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral which has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for over 800 years. We can even organise a private vergers tour with behind-the-scenes access.

The best of Dublin

National treasure

The Black Stuff

City heart

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Trinity Book of Kells

Trinity College’s Old Library and the Book of Kells Exhibition is a must see for all visitors to Dublin. The Book of Kells is Ireland’s national treasure, a 9th-century manuscript documenting the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ. The exhibition is on display inside the 18th-century Old Library building and includes access one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, the Long Room, which displays 250,000 of Trinity College’s oldest and rarest books.

The Guinness Storehouse with connoisseur experience

The highlight of a trip to Dublin is a visit to the home of the ‘black stuff’. Arthur Guinness founded the family business in 1759 at St. James’s Gate and it’s now an interactive museum on several floors, detailing how four simple ingredients are blended to create the famous stout. Finally, pull yourself up to the almighty Gravity Bar on the 7th floor for a five-star Guinness tasting experience  in a private bar.

Grafton Street

Go on a walk along Grafton Street – which is right on your doorstep. The beating heart of Dublin City, this pedestrian street has shops galore to explore with many arteries running off with fantastic cafes, bars and restaurants.

Days 2–3

Belfast on the Belmond Grand Hibernian

Depart from Dublin Heuston Station in the early afternoon. Lunch is served on board as the train travels north along the coast and through the green Irish countryside. On arrival in Belfast set off on a fascinating black taxi tour to take in the city’s highlights. Then step back in time as you visit the Titanic Experience. This award-winning attraction uses special effects to recreate the history of the ill-fated ocean liner. Return to the train and enjoy a leisurely dinner followed by the evening’s entertainment.

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Days 3–4

Waterford on the Belmond Grand Hibernian

Awake to a tempting breakfast as the beautiful countryside passes by. Arriving at the historic Viking port of Waterford, you’ll disembark to visit Curraghmore House. Take an exclusive tour of the magnificent mansion and ground including a visit to the stables, then savour a delicious afternoon tea. The discovery continues as you head to the Bishop’s Palace where the director hosts a private after-hours tour. Marvel at the finest collection of 17th century Irish silver and enjoy a glass-making presentation featuring the oldest piece of Waterford Crystal in the world. A sumptuous dinner on board is complemented by a traditional music performance in the Observation Car.

Return to Dublin

Savour your last breakfast aboard as the train returns to Dublin, where you disembark for your onward journey.

Days 4–6

Ballyfin via Irish National Stud and Gardens

Enjoy a private transfer from Dublin to Ballyfin via the Irish National Stud and Gardens, which symbolise all that is great about County Kildare, the beating heart of Ireland’s thoroughbred horse industry. Take a private tour to marvel at the grace and splendour of these horses at close quarters. Also within the grounds are the famous Japanese gardens, created between 1906 and 1910, which trace the passage of a soul from birth to death and beyond.

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On the water

Legends and stories

Genealogical research

Boating and picnic on the lake

Enjoy a leisurely boat trip on the 28 acre lake or why not let the hotel butler take you out while you relax and enjoy the scenery. Arrange a Ballyfin picnic and this will be ready for you at a beautiful private location close to the lake.

Kilkenny Castle, Ireland

Kilkenny Castle

Explore one of the most recognisable buildings in Ireland. Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke, also known as Strongbow, constructed the first castle in the 12th century. The history is full of legends and stories involving earls, witches and visits from royalty. Marvel at the grand country house and wander among the beautifully manicured gardens and 50 acres of lush parklands. There’s also a tearoom and even orienteering trails to discover.

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Rothe House

Nestled in the centre of Ireland’s Medieval Mile, Rothe House and Garden is one of Kilkenny’s hidden gems. The building was the home of a 17th-century merchant and consists of three townhouses, courtyards and gardens. The home was built for John Rothe Fitzpiers, who lived here with his wife and 12 children. Rothe was a successful merchant who made his business trading cloths and silks from the UK to Europe. The house contains a full collection of unique artefacts and there is even a genealogical research service available for patrons to help them retrace their Kilkenny family roots.

Days 6–9

Ashford

Found on the utmost tip of Lough Corrib, the glorious Ashford Castle sits right on the border of County Galway and County Mayo in an awe-inspiring 350-acre estate. With a rich history spanning nearly 800 years, the extensive refurbishment of Ashford Castle truly encapsulates the very best of Irish heritage with traditional elegance and finesse.  This carefully restored castle is part of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World and seeks to support the local community and suppliers.

Around and about

Hawks and walks

On horse back

Galway flavours

Ashford Castle: Hawks experience

Get your learning gloves on at the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland. The school at Ashford Castle offers you the chance to learn about the falcons of Ashford Castle in a private Hawk Walk. Explore the picturesque woodland grounds of the castle and watch as the hawks swoop down from the trees.

Ashford Castle: Horseback ride

Explore the forest on horseback. The ancient forest is steeped in history and heritage and the beautiful woodland paths and spectacular scenery from the saddle will captivate novice and experienced riders alike. From the shores of Lough Corrib, Lough Mask and into the mountains of Connemara to the west, the area couldn’t be more magical for riding.

 

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Galway food tour

Enjoy a walking tour of the city and experience the best of Galway’s local cuisine. Your local private guide will show you Galway’s hidden food treasures, from new artisans to traditional family businesses.

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Wild Atlantic

Cliffs of Moher

The Burren

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Connemara National Park

Connemara translates as ‘Inlets of the Sea’ and the roads along the peninsula’s filigreed coast bear this out as they wind around the small bays and coves of this breath-taking stretch of the Wild Atlantic  Way. Michael Gibbons, one of Ireland’s leading field archaeologists, will join you today and take you on a hike with some fun stories, history and heritage.

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Private helicopter flight over the Cliffs of Moher

Step aboard a helicopter at Ashford Castle to enjoy a scenic flight over the Cliffs of Moher. Viewing it from above is dramatic and awe-inspiring. The helicopter will then land in the Burren National Park where you will go on a guided Wild Kitchen Walk.

Wild Kitchen guided walk

Wild Kitchen is a unique food experience and involves guided walks on land and along the shore. You’ll discover and identify delicious and edible wild plants such as seaweed, dilisk and sea spirulina, while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Burren and the Wild Atlantic Way.

Days 9–12

Beautiful Adare

You’ll spend the next few days at beautiful Adare Manor. There are a variety of activities and experiences to fill your days here with. There are 840 acres of pristine parkland to explore, a Michelin star restaurant, golf course and relaxing spa.

Around Ashford Castle

Gun dogs

Carriage ride

Lough Derg

Irish Gundog Experience

In the days when Adare Manor was a private country estate, shooting season was one of the most important social events of the year. The game keeper would have kept a pack of highly trained gun dogs to assist in finding and retrieving game and you will get the opportunity to see Labradors at all
the varied levels of training, incorporating obedience, agility, marking, water work and ability to work as part of a team of trained dogs.

Horse drawn carriage at Adare Manor

Settle into a beautifully appointed carriage for a meandering 45-minute exploration of Adare Manor’s enchanting 840-acre estate. There are many touches included to ensure a relaxed and comfortable journey, from toasty Irish lambswool blankets to an elegant table equipped with wine coolers and cup holders. You can pre-order drinks with the team before setting off on your tour – perhaps a bottle of champagne or a warming Irish coffee.

Experience Georgian and Palladian Ireland at Lough Derg

Today it’s time to go behind the scenes of Lough Derg. A remarkable adventure awaits as you get to meet local people and undertake some very special activities, completely off the beaten path. On this tour you will be able to enjoy two different themes: Georgian Ireland and Palladian Ireland.

“This trip was a dream‌”

This trip was a dream! The team at Jacada organized a seamless Ireland adventure for our family with every detail attended to. If you are a mom who usually gets stuck dealing with all of the logistics and feeling stressed before and during a trip dealing with being sure transportation/tours/etc are smooth, this is the best gift you can give…

Published 23rd April 2024 on Trustpilot
Happy Camper

Why book with Jacada

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Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

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Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

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Positive Impact

We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.

Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline