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Travel Food

02nd Apr 2017

5 Unbelievable Tours Of Ireland That Will Let You Travel In Absolute Luxury

Liz

We often take our country for granted.

When we’re away in other countries, we see all the sights, go to all the museums and do all the touristy things. But right here in our back garden are so many natural wonders and beautiful sights that we generally ignore.

But why should we travel Ireland like paupers? Instead, here’s are the five fanciest ways to soak in all Ireland has to offer.

1. ‘Deluxe Irish Castle Tour’ from My Ireland Tours

How long: 10 days

Cost: €1,975 – €2,175 per person

This ten-day tour brings you all around Ireland in a luxury coach. Included are dinner, breakfasts and admission to the Hill of Tara, Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, the Rock of Cashel, Christchurch Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse.

You also get to stay overnight in Dunboyne Castle, Lough Eske Castle, Ballynahinch Castle, the Lake Hotel Killarney and Killashee House Hotel.

Castle Tour 1
Castle Tour 3
Castle Tour 2

2. ‘A Week In Ireland Luxury Guided Bus Tour’ by Authentic Vacations

How long: 7 days

Cost: $3,890 (€3,660)

You’ll see all the main tourist sights on this bus tour while staying and eating in some of Ireland’s best hotels: Dromoland Castle, Hayfield Manor and The Shelbourne Hotel.

The trip includes a private tour of Teeling Whiskey Distillery, a private recital in Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, a guided tour of Glendalough, a cocktail reception in Dromoland Castle, and seeing the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Charles Fort and Waterford Crystal.

Week In Ireland 1
Week In Ireland 2
Week In Ireland 3

3. The ‘Gardens of Ireland’ Tour from Isle Inn Tours

How long: 8 days

Cost: $2,949 – €4,429 (€2,780 – €4,170)

Be chauffeured around in a Mercedes car to beautiful gardens and stay in some of Ireland’s fanciest hotels; Mount Juliet, Seaview House, Adare Manor, The Westin and the Merrion.

The trip includes seeing Powerscourt Gardens, Dunbrody Abbey, Longueville House, Bantry House, Muckross House, Vandeleur Walled Garden, Barberstown Castle, Castletown House, Dublin Castle, a trip out to Garnish Island, and afternoon tea at Newtonbarry House.

Garden Tour
Garden Tour 4
Garden Tour 2

4. ‘Shannon Princess’ Cruise

How long: 7 days

Cost: $4,400 (€4,150)

A river cruise along the Lough Ree, Lough Derg and the River Shannon. The price includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, wine with meals, tea and coffee, complimentary fruit and snacks, use of bikes, all shore excursions and cocktail receptions at the beginning and end of the tour. Only alcohol from the bar is not included.

The tour includes whiskey tasting at Kilbeggan Distillery, a wild Irish honey tasting at Meadowsweet Farm, visiting the ruins of Clonmacnoise, an session of tasting award-winning cheeses at Mossfield Organic Farm, going to a ceilí, watching traditional handweavers, and visiting Portumna Castle and Leap Castle.

Shannon Princess 3
Shannon Princess
Shannon Princess 2

5. The Belmond Grand Hibernian

How long: 2, 4 or 6 days

Cost: €3,318 – €8,108 per person

The only luxury train in Ireland, you stay in a suite and nip to the restaurant and bar cars between cultural stops all over Ireland.

Accommodation on the train, meals, visits, entertainment and all drinks are included in the price, except for the most expensive drinks. There is a dress code, with no jeans or trainers allowed on board. Men are expected to wear a jacket and collared shirt for dinner, and women should wear the equivalent.      

The six-day tour includes whiskey tasting at Jameson Distillery, a pony and trap tour, boating on Lake Leane, clay pigeon shooting and archery in Ashford Castle, afternoon tea in Curraghmore House and private guided tours of the Titanic Experience and Waterford Crystal.

Grand Hibernian 2
Grand Hibernian 3
Grand Hibernian 4

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