A Luxury Discovery of Ireland

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.