Ultimate Ireland

11 daysIreland, Northern Ireland

Uncover the wild beauty and storied past of Ireland and Northern Ireland on this 11-day journey. Follow ancient stone paths through Glendalough’s mist-veiled valley. In Belfast, uncover the city’s modern identity through its vibrant street art and powerful murals. At the Giant’s Causeway, stand before nature’s geometry, perfectly ordered and otherworldly. Learn the secrets of traditional soda bread in Tracey’s farmhouse kitchen, warm with the scent of griddled flour and turf smoke. Travel by jaunting car beneath the shifting skies of the Ring of Kerry, then pause at the Cliffs of Moher, where wind and sea meet in endless motion. In Donegal, Lough Eske Castle offers quiet luxury amid deep woods and still water—a moment of calm, wrapped in history. From Galway’s painted shopfronts to the grandeur of Glenlo Abbey, this journey is a masterclass in contrast: wild and refined, timeworn and timeless.

Length: 11 days
Route: Dublin to Belfast
Meals: 10 breakfasts, 5 dinners

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Highlights

Your Travel ConciergeEnjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
Local Expert GuidesIn select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
In-Room PorterageIncluded at all hotels.
Taxes & TippingHotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
Meals & DiningEnjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
Complimentary Room ServiceOn days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.
Wi-FiEnjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
Airport TransfersFor 2026 departures, transfers are included on the first and final day of your journey, as well as for any additional accommodation booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternative hotels within the same arrival or departure city may also be arranged upon request. From 2027 onwards, transfers will be included when your flights are reserved through Luxury Gold.

Itinerary

DublinDays 1–2
KilkennyDay 3
KillarneyDay 4
Ring of KerryDay 5
GalwayDay 6
DonegalDays 7–8
BelfastDays 9–11

Day 1Welcome to DublinDublin

Arrive in Dublin and settle into your stylish surroundings at the Dylan Hotel, a chic and characterful retreat in the heart of the city. In the evening, join your Travel Concierge and fellow travel companions for a warm Irish welcome over a relaxed dinner in one of Dublin’s traditional yet refined pubs.

Dublin Welcome Dinner

Meals: Dinner

Stay: Dylan Hotel, Dublin

Day 2Vibrant DublinDublin

A visit to Trinity College unveils the 9th century Book of Kells. Tour the capital city with your Travel Concierge to see O'Connell Street, the Custom House and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Personalize Your Day with a private tour and whiskey tasting at the Pearse Lyons Distillery, or enjoy an Irish coffee demonstration at Pearse’s Place, complete with a perfectly crafted serve. During a VIP after-hours visit to the Little Museum of Dublin, sip Prosecco with museum founder Trevor White as he shares his local stories.

Dublin City Tour
Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells in Dublin
Distillery Tour and Whiskey Tasting
Irish Coffee Demonstration and Tasting at Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery
After-Hours Tour of The Little Museum of Dublin with Trevor White

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Dylan Hotel, Dublin

Day 3Glendalough to KilkennyDublin · Glendalough · Kilkenny

After a Relaxed Start, explore Glendalough, the "glen of two lakes" with a Local Expert. Stroll Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile linking Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral. Your own historic residence, Lyrath Estate, is set within sprawling acres of lakes, gardens and woodlands.

Glendalough Visit

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny

Day 4Banter in BlarneyKilkenny · Cashel · Blarney · Killarney

See monastic Ireland in Cashel, famous for the spectacular Rock of Cashel, also known as St. Patrick's Rock. Visit Blarney Castle to take part in the legend of kissing the Blarney Stone. This evening experience the hospitality and warmth that Ireland is renowned for meeting locals at a home hosted dinner with entertainment and dancing.

See the Rock of Cashel
Blarney Castle Visit
Killarney Home Hosted Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Killarney

Day 5Scenic Ring of KerryKillarney · Ring of Kerry

Journey into Killarney National Park where sweeping mountains, epic cliffs, lush lake lands and valleys envelope you in emerald green and blue as you wind along the iconic Ring of Kerry. Travel back in time with a traditional jaunting car ride, enjoying views of Ireland's highest Mountain Range, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks.

The Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive
Horse-drawn Jaunting Ride

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Killarney

Day 6Cliffs of MoherKillarney · Adare · Cliffs of Moher · Galway

In Adare, discover the charming thatched-roof cottages, abbeys and park. Stunning views beckon in County Clare as you visit the Cliffs of Moher, where rugged beauty meets the wild Atlantic. Continue to Galway's Glenlo Abbey, an 18th-century estate overlooking Lough Corrib.

Adare Orientation
Cliffs of Moher Visit

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Glenlo Abbey, Galway, Galway

Day 7Galway to DonegalGalway · Donegal

Visit Galway and soak up the lively atmosphere of this vibrant cultural destination. Bustling streets, charming boutiques, and quirky art galleries thrive in this quintessentially Irish harbor city. Continue to the beautifully restored 19th-century Lough Eske Castle. This evening savor local specialties from a seasonal menu.

Galway Visit
Cedars Restaurant Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Lough Eske Castle, Donegal

Day 8Majestic Lough Eske CastleDonegal

Indulge in another Relaxed Start, with the option of breakfast served in your room. Choose from a selection of curated activities or uncover the Castle’s rich past on a guided historical tour. Later, unwind with a spa treatment or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Castle’s magnificent grounds.

Relaxing Spa Treatment
Afternoon Tea in the Library

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Lough Eske Castle, Donegal

Day 9UNESCO Wonders and BelfastDonegal · Giant's Causeway · Belfast

Visit Northern Ireland's most spectacular geological wonder on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, explore the UNESCO listed Giant's Causeway on a private tour with a Local Ranger. Meet local Tracey at her charming farmhouse for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where you'll uncover the secrets behind traditional Irish delicacies before continuing to Belfast.

Giant's Causeway Private Tour with Wildlife Ranger
Belfast Farm-to-Table Lunch at Tracey's Farmhouse

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast

Day 10Highlights of BelfastBelfast

Customize your time in Belfast. Visit the world-class Titanic Museum for a vivid picture of the past or meet a local artist and explore Belfast’s vibrant street art scene, uncovering the powerful stories and social movements expressed across the city’s striking murals. That evening, gather with your travel companions for a celebratory dinner in Belfast, savoring fine local cuisine as you reflect on your extraordinary journey across Ireland.

Belfast Celebration Dinner
Titanic Belfast Museum Visit
Belfast Street Art Tour with Local Artist

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast

Republican murals in Falls Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Day 11Farewell BelfastBelfast

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you depart Belfast. Perhaps continue your Luxury Gold experience with our British Royale journey, which perfectly compliments Ultimate Ireland.

Meals: Breakfast

Sculpture statue in front on the Titanic Experience in Belfast, N.Ireland

Hotels

Dublin, Ireland

2 nights

Dylan Hotel

5-starTripAdvisor 4.5Boutique

Welcome to Dublin's leading five-star boutique hotel. Situated in an exclusive Victorian neighbourhood, the Dylan Hotel, offers luxurious, contemporary comfort. From its extravagant entrance to its chic bedroom décor, you'll be placed just moments away from Dublin's top restaurants, shops and night life. The hotel also houses the award-winning Tavern Restaurant and Dylan Bar.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Laundry

Room Non smoking, Safe, Air Conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi

Kilkenny, Ireland

1 night

Lyrath Estate

5-starTripAdvisor 4.5Historic

A history lover's paradise, the dreamy Lyrath Estate offers guests an elegant, old-world stay with all the modern amenities that can be expected from its five-star rating. With sweeping views of the Irish countryside and esteemed spa facilities, you'll not be disappointed with this decadent venue and its fairy-tale grounds.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Bar, Restaurant, Gym, Spa, Pool, Business Centre, Concierge, Room Service

Room Air Conditioning, Iron & ironing board, Safe, TV, Bathrobes and Slippers, Wi-Fi

Killarney, Ireland

2 nights

Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa

Contemporary

Nestled among some of the most awe-inducing natural backdrops in all of Ireland—the serene Lough Leane, and the peaks of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, and the UNESCO-designated Killarney National Park—the Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa is as stunning as its surroundings. Indulge in decadent fare across multiple dining venues, wind down at the piano bar, and find complete peace at the spa.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Bar, Restaurant, Concierge, Pool, Room Service, 24-hour Front Desk, Spa

Room Wi-Fi

Galway, Ireland

1 night

Glenlo Abbey, Galway

Hotel

Nestled along the shores of Lough Corrib, Glenlo Abbey is a prestigious 5 star hotel, where historic charm meets contemporary elegance.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Business Centre, Concierge, Room Service, Laundry, 24-hour Front Desk, Safe deposit box

Room Turndown Service, Air Conditioning, Tea & coffee facilities, Mini Bar, Safe, Telephone, TV, Bathrobes and Slippers, Wi-Fi

Donegal, Ireland

2 nights

Lough Eske Castle

Castle

A stay at Lough Eske Castle is a luxurious and tranquil escape in County Donegal, Ireland. Set in a restored 19th-century castle near Lough Eske and the Blue Stack Mountains, this five-star retreat offers elegant rooms, fine dining at Cedars Restaurant, a serene spa and breathtaking natural surroundings. Guests can enjoy forest walks, lakeside activities and visits to nearby landmarks such as Donegal town and the dramatic Slieve League Cliffs. Combining heritage, comfort and warm Irish hospitality, Lough Eske Castle is perfect for romantic getaways or peaceful retreats.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, Spa, Pool, Gym, Laundry

Room Hairdryer, Tea & coffee facilities, TV, Non smoking, Telephone, Wi-Fi

Belfast, Northern Ireland

2 nights

Grand Central Hotel

4-starTripAdvisor 4.5Traditional

Perfectly placed in the Linen Quarter, this luxury hotel with art deco nods and high ceilings is simply beautiful. Wine and dine at the Seahorse restaurant or head up to The Observatory, Irelands tallest bar and marvel at the spectacular views of Belfast and beyond.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Room Service, Bar, Business Centre, Restaurant, Concierge, 24-hour Front Desk

Room Air Conditioning, Safe, Wi-Fi

What’s included

Included

You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
Enjoy the comfort of Luxury Gold's air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard restroom.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Complimentary, private airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travelers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.

Dates and prices

Per person, twin share

From, per person$8,200

Destinations

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Ultimate Ireland

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Highlights

Itinerary

Hotels

Dylan Hotel

Lyrath Estate

Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa

Glenlo Abbey, Galway

Lough Eske Castle

Grand Central Hotel

What’s included

Included

Dates and prices

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