Ireland
A Destination Guide to Authentic Ireland Beyond Dublin
Covering 32,595 square miles and a population of just over 5 million people, Ireland is a lush, green country dotted with grazing sheep and medieval castles. Historically a very poor country, the Emerald Isle as it’s aptly nicknamed, is rich in culture, folklore and charm. Most visitors want to cover the country of Ireland in a week-long visit, but I’d like to argue that this expansive destination requires a bare minimum of two weeks to cover it all, and four if you cover it well. From Dublin to Waterford, Cork to Killarney, you’ve covered just the bottom portion and have barely made a dent. Take time to see Dingle, Lahinch, Galway and the Aran Islands, and you’re still not quite there. If you want to take a deep dive into Ireland’s history, visit Northern Ireland to Belfast and beyond. In this guide, I’ll take you from Dublin to the West Coast of Ireland and highlight our favorite hotels, things to do, and places to eat in Ireland. If you really want to create your dream Irish vacation, you can start by filling out this form to get started planning.
Perfect For: Honeymooners | Anniversary Trips | Golfers | Couples Trips | Family Vacations | Travel with Teens | Corporate Groups | Incentive Travel
Getting to Ireland
Ireland is one of the easiest destinations for travel, with non-stop flights from many hubs in the United States and around the world. With non-stop flights from the East Coast into Dublin being just under 7 hours, it’s an easy overnight trip to start your time in Ireland in the morning. I typically recommend to start in Dublin and fly out of Shannon airport (airport code SNN), as you won’t have to backtrack to Dublin, and you can clear United States customs in Shannon airport. It’s truly the easiest in terms of international travel.
Ireland Luxury Travel Guide
What to do in Ireland
Dublin Highlights
Trinity College and The Book of Kells is one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. The sight of the Long Room, one of the world’s oldest libraries, and its collection of books spanning thousands of years, is quite breathtaking and well worth the visit. When we plan your stay in Ireland, we can pair you with a local historian to guide you through the local’s Dublin and focus on the highlights that are relevant to you.
If you love your spirits, you’ve come to the right place. Dublin is home to the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, and the Irish Whiskey Museum, so whatever your beverage of choice may be, Dublin has you covered. We like to avoid the crowds of group touring and pair you with a local to explore one of these well-known establishments, but ends with a local pub crawl to the neighborhood gems that you’d otherwise never stumble upon.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Ireland without a stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The Patron Saint of Ireland is well-known around the world, but learning about his life story in this setting is an unforgettable experience. Did you know that St. Patrick was not actually Irish?
Cliffs of Moher
The famous Cliffs of Moher are a must-see while exploring the West coast of Ireland. You can see the Cliffs by hiking along the trail that runs above their rugged bluffs, taking a group tour with the Doolin Ferry Co, or a private seafari with picnic lunch. Seeing them from the sea is spectacular and I highly recommend it. We can also combine the Cliffs of Moher with a visit to the Aran Islands, depending on how much time you have, which by the way, one week in Ireland does not allow you to see it all!
Ring of Kerry
The scenic drive around Southwest Ireland’s County Kerry around the Ring of Kerry is simply stunning. From Killarney to Kenmare, you’ll pass castles, breathtaking vistas, and plenty of wildlife. Pro Tip: During the summer months, tour buses are required to drive in a counter-clockwise loop around the Ring, so if you are driving, we suggest starting in Kenmare and doing your day trip in a clockwise circle. To avoid these crowds altogether, we can arrange for a private helicopter tour around the Ring of Kerry, where you will be able to fly over the Skellig Islands, where Star Wars was filmed.
Golfing in Ireland
There is no shortage of premiere golf courses in Ireland. With our partnerships, we can get golfers into the best courses and even helicopter you from one course to the next to make the most of your time on the Emerald Isle. When the McManus family purchased Adare Manor, they invested a million pounds on each hole on the drainage system alone. I was particularly impressed with The Padel Club at Adare Manor, where your rainy days will not be ruined with their indoor Sports Simulation Room.
Irish Castles
Everyone wants to see an Irish castle or two when traveling to Ireland, but opportunity abounds to actually stay in Irish castles as well. What we recommend will be based on how much time you have to spend in Ireland (no, two weeks is not too much), what your budget allows, and the logistical routing of your tour through the Emerald Isle.
The Burren
While there are just so many things to see and do in Ireland, a noteworthy mention is a visit to The Burren. Recently described to me by my Irish friend as “The Sedona of Ireland,” this vast landscape is a bedrock of cracked glacial-era limestone with fossils, caves, rock formations and archeological sites. You won’t want to miss a lunch stop at The Burren Perfumery, a boutique outpost that makes the best locally sourced perfumes and cosmetics in perhaps the whole world (and their tomato soup and gluten-free pastries might just be the best I’ve ever had!).
Where to Stay in Ireland
There are so many great options in Ireland, but no hotel is a one-size-fits-all. I love to get to know my clients, the type of hotels they’ve loved in the past, and what they are looking for in order to curate the best stays. These are just a selection of hotels we love to book for our clients, though there are so many more not mentioned in this guide.
Where to eat in Ireland?
RICHMOND RESTAURANT–Based in the beautiful Portobello of Dublin, experience contemporary modern cuisine. Richmond Restaurant creates a welcoming atmosphere in the newly renovated building where your tastebuds will be treated to skillfully prepared dishes that would excite anyone’s palate.
MR. FOX–They serve a seasonal set menu at €70 per person. Vegetarian menus are always available upon request. Reservations are encouraged.
FADE STREET SOCIAL– Creative dishes from homegrown produce in a stylish, signature chef–run restaurant & bar.
SOLE– Original, upmarket venue featuring carefully sourced meat & seafood dishes, plus cocktails & wine.
BURREN PERFUMERY– While this small boutique perfumery is set within the heart of The Burren, what makes this family-owned and operated small business so special is that they source all their ingredients locally and offer the most delectable lunch dishes and pastries in their tiny café. Well worth a stop!
