This morning we depart Hartwell Country House for our flight from London to Dublin.*

Upon arrival in Dublin we will be met by Liam Finnegan, our fabulous Irish Guide and transfer to the luxurious and ideally located Westbury Hotel.

The Westbury has elevated itself beyond many hotels in the Irish capital. Hidden away off Grafton Street, straddling the city’s bustling shopping and creative quarters, the hotel is now as intrinsic a part of the Dublin experience as the Ha’penny Bridge.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening are free for personal explorations, shopping, and experiencing the many fine restaurants and cafes surrounding the Westbury.

Overnight at the Westbury Hotel.
(R,D)

This morning, we'll discover the elegant Georgian Core of Dublin with a guided tour showcasing its impressive 18th and 19th-century architecture, including notable clubhouses and mansions along Dawson, Kildare, and Molesworth Streets, as well as the refined St Stephen’s Green. Highlights will include visits to the National Museum and Library, the intriguing Masonic Hall, the stately Lord Mayor's House, a grand Georgian Ballroom, a remarkable Art Deco government building from the 1930s, and a stunning 19th-century Neo-Byzantine church. Throughout our exploration, we'll immerse ourselves in the rich social, political, and literary history of the area, perhaps even visiting a charming 19th-century chemist shop with ties to James Joyce.

After lunch at the fabulous House Restaurant, we'll continue to the historic Christ Church Cathedral and Dublin’s Viking Centre. Christ Church Cathedral, located on the site of the original Viking settlement, is considered a remarkable "Thin Place" and houses an original copy of the Irish version of the Magna Carta within its significant crypt.

The evening is free for your personal exploration and leisure.

Overnight at the Westbury Hotel.
(B, L)

This morning we depart Dublin for our first visit of the day, Powerscourt House & Gardens.

Situated in the foothills of the Wicklow mountains, it is a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, sanctuary and ornamental lakes with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens, and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs. In addition to the gardens (the world’s top ten gardens), we will have a curated tour of Powerscourt House and its 800 years of illustrious history.

After lunch, we continue our explorations of Glendalough. This place is stunningly beautiful and has awe-inspiring landscapes. It also offers a unique mix of natural, historical, archaeological, and spiritual riches.

For thousands of years, people have been drawn to this valley carved out by glaciers during the Ice Age. The two lakes, which inspired the name of Glendalough (Gleann Da Loch – valley of the two lakes) were formed when the ice thawed. This archaeologically and architecturally rich landscape is matched by a wealth of historical documents. Evidence for human activity in the valley possibly goes back to the Neolithic Period. Recent excavations have uncovered St Kevin’s foundation of a ‘monastery’ around 600 AD. Glendalough is one of the most important medieval ecclesiastical landscapes in Ireland.

We then continue to the Cashel Palace our home for the next few nights.

Built in 1734 and steeped in history, this former Archbishop's grand country house became a hotel in the early 1960's and hosted many famous visitors and friends alike, coming to view the world-renowned Rock of Cashel from the hotel’s historic gardens and explore Ireland from this charming market town in Tipperary.

Overnight at the Cashel Palace Hotel.
(B, L)

This morning we will enter the Rock of Cashel through the private Bishop’s walk. Today, we will visit the Rock of Cashel, a remarkable collection of medieval and Celtic ruins, where we will delve into the history of Irish leadership spanning almost a millennium. This was the seat of kings and medieval bishops for 900 years and flourished until the early 17th century. Brian Ború was crowned King of Munster in 977 and became High King of Ireland in 1002. The Rock of Cashel is where St Patrick introduced the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity of Christianity.

We then venture to Curraghmore House, where we will be guests of the Marquis and Marchioness of Waterford for a private tour of the estate and lunch with the Marquis and Marchioness. Curraghmore, the historic seat of the marquises of Waterford, is Ireland’s greatest surviving estate. The house sits in a wide valley under the Comeragh Mountains in County Waterford, surrounded by Ireland’s finest landscaped park. In addition to their beautiful Estate, we will be privileged to see the family’s private Chapel, which lies deep within 110 feet of the megalithic “Mother Brown” standing stones - this “Thin Place” has been at the heart of worship for thousands of years.

We return to the Cashel Palace for dinner in the Michelin-starred Bishop’s Buttery.

Overnight at the Cashel Palace Hotel.
(B, L, D)

Nothing prepares the soul for the dramatic coastline of the Cliffs of Moher! Experience the dramatic beauty of Europe's westernmost edge, where breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views encompass the Aran Islands. This stunning natural environment has long captivated artists, musicians, and poets, while its distinctive geological formations continue to fascinate scientists. Today we explore this iconic area and dine in the Vaughns Achor Inn - a rustic peat fired Inn located on the Cliffs where spontaneous Irish Music and good conversation abound.

We continue to Galway and the magnificent Glenlo Abbey, our home for the next few nights.

On the edge of Lough Corrib, the original 18th-century Glenlo Abbey Hotel sits within a 138-acre estate in the West of Ireland, just two miles from Galway city. Boasting a nine-hole golf course, a cozy red velvet cinema (with two daily screenings), falconry, archery, fishing, and a two AA Rosette restaurant inside former carriages of the Orient Express, it offers Irish countryside chic.

This evening we will dine in their famous pullman cars with a seven-course tasting menu.

Overnight at Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate.
(B, L, D)

This morning we will enjoy a leisurely morning at Glenlo Abbey, providing time to play golf, ride bikes, fish and experience the spectacular Falconry and Hawk interactive demonstrations.

We have scheduled a private Falconry experience, a long-standing tradition that can be experienced on the lush grounds of Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate. We will come up close and personal with a variety of birds of prey.

Late this afternoon includes a city tour of Galway, followed by a traditional seafood dinner and the spectacular Trad on the Prom show. Guests will have the privilege of witnessing world-champion Irish dancers, the soul-stirring sounds of Ireland’s finest musicians, and captivating Irish vocalists.

The performance features the exhilarating energy and creative dance improvisation of world champions Cathal Keaney and Colm Conneely, the haunting melodies of Gerard Fahy (composer and musical director for Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games), all framed by the breathtaking talent of legendary fiddler and vocalist Máirín Fahy. This iconic show offers an unparalleled Irish music, song, and dance experience.

Overnight at Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate.
(B, L, D)

Founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (10th to 13th century), 2 round towers, three high crosses, and the largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs in Western Europe. The original high crosses and a selection of grave slabs are displayed in the visitor center.

We will depart Clonmacnoise by water, as the early monks did. We will travel on the River Shannon to the quaint village of Athlone, where we will be free to enjoy lunch on our own in this traditional Irish town with quaint shops, pubs, and cafes.

Afterwards, we make our way to the world renowned K Club for dinner and overnight.

The two-time host of the Smurfit Kappa Europeans Open and host of the 2006 Ryder Cup, the K Club is one of the most well known and exclusive of the clubs on the emerald isle.

Overnight at the K Club.
(B, D)