Ultimate Ireland

Luxury Ireland VIP Travel Tour
12 days
Ireland
1
Regional

Welcome to the Emerald Isle. A storyteller's paradise, you'll explore the natural elements of this vibrant country, meeting some colorful characters along the way. From esteemed author and Dubliner Trevor White, to Killarney locals and the lively performers of Gaelic Roots - who will teach you a few moves - you're in for a trip rich in history, fascinating local insights and lots of laughter! Bring along a notepad and an appreciation for creativity, as we’re certain you'll be inspired in this rugged, fairytale land.

VIP Experiences

  • Dublin: Meet esteemed author Trevor White on a rare, personal after-hours tour of The Little Musuem of Dublin, which he founded. You'll learn about his work, his life as a Dublin local and what it means to be a Dubliner. You'll also receive a signed copy of his latest book 'Alfie.'
  • Killarney: Rival Michael Flatley by learning how to Irish dance from the best of the best. The performers of Celtic Steps will give you a simple dance class before you later watch them take to the stage from your VIP seats.

Exceptional Dining

  • Dublin: A critically acclaimed dinner of French cuisine awaits you at L'Ecrivain, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a favourite of local author and foodie Trevor White.
  • Ashford Castle: Dine à la carte at your leisure in the castle's George V Dining Room. Choose from delicacies including Ossetra Caviar, Skeaghanore Duck and Atlantic Tuna Tartare.
  • Dining Summary: 11 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners with Wine all with tea or coffee.

Inclusive Luxury Gold Services

  • You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling 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, onboard restroom and and complimentary bottled water for you to enjoy while travelling.
  • 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, does not apply to Halong Bay Cruise).
  • From time to time, your Travelling Concierge will enchant you with a Luxury Gold Flourish, which is a local speciality representing the destination.
  • Complimentary, private airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. 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.

Travel Insurance

AAA strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance.

Documentation

All U.S. citizens are required to have a U.S. passport valid for 6 months after scheduled return to the United States. The securing of passports is the responsibility of the individual traveler.

Travel Dates

Contact a AAA Travel Advisor for all available dates.

RESPONSIBILITY: AAA Travel Agency offers retail travel services to customers that are provided by separate and independent vendors of travel services. AAA provides you with access to these travel services. AAA does not operate, control, or otherwise provide the services of the independent travel vendors. Hence, customer agrees and understands that AAA is not responsible for any operating failure, loss, damage, delay, or injury to you or members of your traveling party, nor for any consequential damages which may result from failures, delays, or injuries that arise out of or during your scheduled travel. Customer agrees and understands that AAA is not responsible for any damages, direct or consequential, which may arise as a result of an act of God, social or labor unrest, war, political or national strike, terrorist activities, mechanical failures, climatic conditions, or any other actions or omissions beyond AAA’s control. Fares, rates, charges, schedules, and other aspects of services provided by the independent travel vendors may change with or without notice. Customer agrees and understands that AAA is not responsible for additional collection imposed by these vendors or changes in their operating schedules that reflect the current offering to the general public. Penalty and refund provisions for all transportation agreements shall be those specifically outlined in the carrier and supplier tariffs, are fully enforceable to the extent that they are completely disclosed. In the event an airline/travel vendor declares bankruptcy, it is not obligated to carry you or to provide refunds. AAA is not allowed to provide refunds for vendors who have declared bankruptcy. Payment given to our agency becomes the property of the airline or travel vendor as required by law. If an airline or travel vendor declares bankruptcy, it might continue services or stop completely. Other airlines or travel vendors may provide alternate service under limited circumstances. Your receipts of travel documents and vouchers constitute your agreement to the foregoing and your responsibility to convey the same to members of your traveling party.

Day 1: Welcome to Energetic Belfast

Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. Welcome to Belfast, the energetic, memorable capital of Northern Ireland. On arrival at Belfast International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative before a private transfer to your luxurious home for the next three nights. Located in the heart of Belfast City Centre, you'll have time to get settled in your Executive Rooms before joining your Travelling Concierge and fellow travelling companions at 18:00 for an à la carte Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Highlights of Belfast

Delve into Northern Ireland's inspiring and heartbreaking history in Belfast. Begin the day by heading to the Titanic Belfast Museum for a tour - the museum and monument are located on the site where the RMS Titanic was built from 1909-1912. Meet Hilda, a true Belfast local, having lived in the same house her entire life. During your panoramic tour, hear the history of the city and learn why Hilda is proud of its progress and current prosperity. You’ll also see the City Hall, Queen's University, Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents. The rest of the day is yours at leisure. Why not ask your Travelling Concierge for tips on exploring the area or their advice on the best restaurants for trying local delicacies?

Day 3: Giant's Causeway and Londonderry

No trip to Northern Ireland would be complete without a trip to Giant's Causeway, a rugged natural phenomenon that locals once believed was the work of giants. During a private tour with a local ranger, they will explain its ancient history and impressive geography. Next, you'll head to Londonderry with Ronan, a Local Expert and one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers. He'll share local tales and advise you on where best to head for lunch. The evening is yours at leisure, why not head back to your luxury hotel and make the most of its spa facilities?

Day 4: Vibrant Dublin

Today you'll make your way to vibrant Dublin. A haven for literary buffs and Guinness lovers, Ireland's unique capital is a hedonist's dream. Take a city tour with your Travelling Concierge to see O'Connell Street, Custom House and Dublin Castle, before heading to the Little Musuem of Dublin after hours. This new experience looks to tap into Ireland's dynamic history in an animated way. You'll explore the museum with its founder, respected author Trevor White, who'll also provide you with a signed copy of his critically acclaimed book, 'Alfie.' Enjoy a glass of prosecco with him as you learn more about the lives of Dubliners. End the day with a Michelin-starred dinner at L'Ecrivain, famed for its delectable, classic French cuisine.

Day 5: A Truly Irish Experience

Head to the iconic Guinness Storehouse, where you'll get to explore the venue before it opens to the public, with a private opportunity to learn to pull the perfect pint. In the afternoon enjoy some free time in Dublin. Why not head to the National Museum of Ireland or the Dublin City Gallery? If more Guinness is on your mind, ask your Travelling Concierge for his local advice on the best pubs Dublin has to offer! End your day by relaxing in your luxury boutique hotel.

Day 6: Glendalough to Kilkenny

Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading to Glendalough, a glacial valley in County Wicklow, where you'll explore with a Local Expert. Head on to the medieval town of Kilkenny in southeast Ireland. Once here, you'll visit the local farmers market and enjoy a truffle tasting. From truffles to fudge, brownies and cakes, make sure you turn up on an empty stomach or stock up for the rest of your trip. End the day at Lyrath Estate, a beautiful, historic residence where you'll spend the night.

Day 7 - Banter in Blarney

Start your day in pretty Cashel, a small town in the south of Ireland, famous for its medieval buildings. See the spectacular Rock of Cashel, or St. Patrick's Rock, the traditional seat of the High Kings of Munster. Those looking to keep up with local Irish banter will enjoy a visit to Blarney Castle. Legend has it that kissing the Blarney Stone, a block of limestone built into the castle, gives you the gift of the gab. In the evening you'll enjoy dinner at the family-run Treyvaud's restaurant, which specialises in international cuisine. Later, try Irish dancing for yourself during a simple dance class with the Gaelic Roots, before settling in your VIP seats to watch the show.

Day 8: Sweet Ring of Kerry

Enjoy a morning at leisure in the comfort of your luxurious, five-star hotel, before travelling through the breathtakingly beautiful Killarney National Park, where sweeping mountains, lush lake lands and valleys await you as you drive along the iconic Ring of Kerry. Return to Killarney to explore the vibrant land on a scenic jaunting car ride before ending your day at J.M Reidy's Bar. The bar, which used to be a sweet shop, is a favourite among locals and still holds its old-world charm, with its sweet-jar-lined shelves and hand-written pricing. Here you will be hosted for an evening of entertainment with traditional, live music played by local musicians.

Day 9: Exploring Limerick

Wake up, head outdoors and take in the fresh, sea air, as you drive along the Dingle Peninsula. The area's craggy clifftops and rolling hills have inspired films such as 'Ryan's Daughter.' Head on to the village of Adare. Famous for its thatched-roof cottages and charm, this heritage town is a worthy detour for budding photographers looking to document their journey. Your travels continue to Limerick where your Travelling Concierge leads you on an orientation of the city. While here you'll see St. Mary's Cathedral, the oldest and most historic building in Limerick, and the city's stone, where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691.

Day 10: Regal County Mayo

Travel through beautiful Country Clare to admire the breathtaking views of the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Continue to Galway, a harbour city that prides itself on its bustling streets and pubs, boutiques and quirky art galleries, where you'll explore with your Travelling Concierge. Journey on to the pretty village of Cong in County Mayo. Quaint in size but grand in character, this beautiful destination houses the famous Ashford Castle, where on arrival a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge. This luxury hotel is where you'll stay the next two nights. Formerly home to the Guinness family, the hotel boasts sumptuous suites, antique furniture and unique historic features at every turn. The castle is set upon an idyllic 350-acre estate, making it a dreamy location for relaxing, romantic getaways. In the evening you will dine à la carte at the esteemed George V Dining Room, with delicacies including Ossetra Caviar, Skeaghanore Duck and Atlantic Tuna Tartare.

Day 11: Majestic Ashford Castle

Enjoy a relaxed start in your stately abode. During your leisure time why not head for a walk in its grounds and take in the plush exterior and crisp, fresh country air? Experience Ashford Castle Your Way with a choice between a unique falconry experience or scrumptious afternoon tea. Your final day culminates with a Celebration Dinner where you can share stories from the trip with your new-found friends, over dinner and wine.

Day 12: Depart Shannon

It's time to say goodbye or 'slán' to your fellow travellers, as a transfer takes you to Shannon airport. On arrival at your home airport, your driver will greet and escort you to your waiting car for your private transfer home.

Ultimate Ireland, by Luxury Gold

Contact A Travel Advisor

Customize Your Tour

Choose your additional arrival and departure dates.

or Call 952-927-2525