A Destination Guide to Authentic Ireland Beyond Dublin

MARIA DIEGO

April 21, 2023

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

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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.

From March to May and September to October may be the best time of the year to visit, to avoid the crowds but still enjoy warmer weather. June thru August is peak season, but with the warmer weather comes more crowds. Ireland has a temperate (albeit somewhat rainy) climate year-round, so it makes for a great destination at any time.

Quite easily the most prestigious hotel in Dublin, The Shelbourne has stood the test of time for nearly 200 years.  Located in the heart of Dublin, it’s always a favorite amongst frequent travelers to the city and boasts 246 rooms with 10 meetings spaces, perfect for corporate groups or business travelers.  When booked with Diego Travel, our clients benefit from their STARS amenities listed below, all while earning their Marriott Bonvoy points.  A win/win for you Marriott loyalists.

Book with Diego Travel to Receive the Following STARS Amenities:

• Exclusive Marriott STARS offers
• Daily full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• Complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two guests per bedroom, once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities (minimum 3-courses & value of $100 USD)
• Welcome note and amenity
• Priority Early Check-In/Late Check-Out
• VIP Status
• Diego Travel Welcome Box when Using the Travel Planning Service

Diego Travel Recommends The Shelbourne For: Corporate Groups | Destination Weddings | Couples Groups | Multi-Generational Families | Incentive Trips | Golfers

About half the size of The Shelbourne yet still situated in the city-center, The Merrion Hotel is home to the 2-Michelin Starred restaurant, Patrick Guilbaud, and a favorite home away from home for many of Europe’s elite.  The Merrion Hotel offers intimacy, privacy and a nice indoor pool and spa.  The lobby feels like stepping into someone’s home, as opposed to The Shelbourne which feels more like a traditional hotel.

Book with Diego Travel to Receive the Following Virtuoso Amenities:

• Upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability
• Full Irish breakfast buffet or A La Carte breakfast for up to two people per bedroom
• USD 100 credit – a lunch or dinner for up to 2 people in The Saddle Room restaurant
• Welcome note and amenity
• Priority Upgrade if Available
• Priority Early Check-In/Late Check-Out
• VIP Status
• Diego Travel Welcome Box when Using theTravel Planning Service

Diego Travel Recommends The Merrion Hotel For: Romantic Getaways | Anniversary Couples | Those Looking for Privacy | More European Clientele | Spa & Wellness Enthusiasts | Golfers

Meticulously restored with glowing splendor, this Relais & Chateaux manor house dating back to 1732 sits in the heart of Ireland, between Dublin and the west coast.  Perfect for a 1-3 night stay on your way to the Ring of Kerry, this hotel is just perfection.  King Charles stayed at Cashel Palace just days before our stay, and I can attest that this lovely property is well, fit for a king.  From the lovely and caring staff, to the chic interior design, to its gorgeous and inviting spa and indoor/outdoor pool, it’s no wonder that countless celebrities have chosen to stop here to sip coffee while they enjoy views overlooking the iconic Rock of Cashel. 

Book with Diego Travel to Receive the Following:

Our personal relationship with the team at Cashel Palace will ensure that your stay is sseamless.

This 840-acre estate will have your jaw drop upon arrival.  Adare Manor was awarded the Forbes 5-Star in 2023 and won the Conde Nast Resort of the Year award in 2022, and once you stay here, it’s easy to see why.  No expense was spared in the restoration and reopening of this grand estate and because of the pandemic, they were able to spend even more time on its restoration and perfecting every detail before the world reopened.  It would be easy to spend a full week at this resort alone, which is not uncommon for repeat visitors to Ireland.  Flying in and out of Shannon makes a singular visit to Adare Manor extremely easy and accessible. 

• Book with Diego Travel to Receive the Following Virtuoso Amenities:
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Full Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• Complimentary Afternoon Tea for up to two guests per bedroom, once during their stay, served in the Gallery (must have minimum value of $100 USD equivalent)
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Diego Travel Welcome Box when Using the Travel Planning Service

Diego Travel Recommends Adare Manor For: Golfers and Sports Enthusiasts | Weddings | Honeymoons | To See and Be Seen | Multi-Generational Families | Spa & Wellness Enthusiasts

This 97-room castle located in County Clare is close to the Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, and Galway for day trips.  It recently underwent a renovation and offers a brand new boutique and updated spa.  We loved being greeted by the Scottish bagpiper, and the live music in the bar and by the fireplace each evening.  It’s an easy place to settle in with a cocktail in hand after a day exploring all that Ireland has to offer, or just the grounds of the estate by horse carriage. Only 8-miles from Shannon airport, it makes for the perfect final stop in Ireland before your return home. 

Book with Diego Travel to Receive the Following Virtuoso Amenities:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Full Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit utilized during stay
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Diego Travel Welcome Box when Using the Travel Planning Service

Diego Travel Recommends Dromoland Castle For: Romantic Getaways | Anniversary Couples | Traditionalists | Golfers | Couples Groups | Smaller Castle than Adare Manor with a Similar Location

Sheen Falls has been a Diego Travel favorite with its prime location to the Ring of Kerry in County Kerry, and their commitment to sustainability.  This 18^th century fishing lodge is nestled between a cascading river and Kenmare Bay, where guests can never tire of the quintessential Irish landscape views.  My clients recently described the moment of sitting out on their balcony drinking a glass of red wine and listening to the babbling creek below as a favorite memory from their recent trip.  My favorite memory from my stay at Sheen Falls Lodge was having dinner with Sheila, the sales director, and the general manager, and the way they made me feel like family.  The live music for after-dinner drinks was a special treat too – and the perfect way to end a day after touring the Ring of Kerry! 

Book with Diego Travel to Receive the Following Virtuoso Amenities:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• A tour of Kenmare in the hotel’s 1936 Vintage Buick (must have minimum value of $100 USD equivalent)
• Complimentary bottle of house wine in room on arrival
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Diego Travel Welcome Box when Using the Travel Planning Service

Diego Travel Recommends Sheen Falls Lodge For: Romantic Getaways | Anniversary Couples | Base for Ring of Kerry | Riverfront Rooms | Groups | Local and Authentic Experience

An 18^th century manor house that has been welcoming guests since the 1940s, this boutique hotel is warm and inviting and makes you feel like you’re stepping into someone’s home.  The meal we had here was one of the best, and my daughter and I explored the grounds, creating magical little fairy beds out of leaves for them to come and visit us overnight.

If you’re feeling energetic, meander down the local lanes by bike into the Burren valleys or the nearby towns.. Electric bikes can be provided for a more leisurely ride. You can follow along a guided trail or hire a guide to take you where the locals go and see where the day takes you…don’t be surprised to see more than one new type of Irish wildlife along the way.

Diego Travel Recommends Gregan’s Castle Hotel For: Romantic Getaways | Anniversary Couples | Those Looking for Privacy | Bed & Breakfast Style Experience | Reconnecting with Nature

This 13th century Castle is located 45 minutes from Galway city. Once the Estate of Lord Ardilaun and the Guinness family, Ashford opened as a luxury hotel in 1939.  Since then, generations of family members have worked in the hotel, and they take pride in the longevity of their staff.  There is a 32-seat cinema, a library, Spa, Billiard’s room, and cigar terrace to name a few of its features – enough to feel like you’ve been transported into the Irish version of Clue.

Don’t miss the unforgettable Hawk Walk at the Irish School of Falconry or the truly immersive experiences they offer into Irish culture.  And an insider tip: for larger groups with a range of budgets, Ashford Castle offers a number of options that will work for you.  Contact Diego Travel to find out more about this.

Book with Diego Travel to Receive the Following Virtuoso Amenities:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Diego Travel Welcome Box when Using the Travel Planning Service

Diego Travel Recommends Ashford Castle For: Romantic Getaways | Anniversary Couples | Honeymoons | Multi-Generational Families | Corporate Groups | Weddings

Arguably one of the nicest countries in the world, the warmth of the Irish is what will make your trip to Ireland that more unforgettable.  I count myself lucky to have several close friends in Ireland, and every time I’ve visited, they drop everything for days to spend time with our family.  To visit Ireland as a tourist is lovely, but to truly experience the real Ireland involves partnering up with a local and spending one-on-one time in conversation, while on a walk or in a pub.  I don’t believe that the tourists who see Ireland in large groups and on tour bus will have this experience, so planning a fully curated and personalized trip that will immerse you into the native language is imperative for a true Irish experience.

Whether you’re an avid horseback rider or a beginner, Ireland’s passion for all things equine is abundant throughout the country.  From thoroughbred racing to side saddle programs, Ireland offers it all and some of the world’s most beautiful horses.  Cashel Palace even has their own equine concierge, which will arrange tickets to the races, or private lessons in a nearby horseback riding facility for you.  I can’t think of a more breathtaking setting than to ride horses through th emerald hills of Ireland.

While I did not talk about this hotel in my reviews, Ballynahinch Castle is the ideal option for a remote escape for nature-lovers.  Set on 700-acres in Connemara, it is one of the finest fisheries in Ireland, and the Ballynahinch Catchment drains an are of 68 square miles and is a diverse system of interconnected rivers.  The Ballynahinch Estate has sole fishing rights to the river.  Several other options throughout Ireland, and planning with Diego Travel ensures your itinerary is crafted exclusively for you.

While I mentioned a few of our top picks for restaurants, it’s worth it to say that I have never had a bad meal in my multiple trips to Ireland.  The last time I was there, I met with the president of the Ireland tourism board, who told me they worked tirelessly over the last two decades to recruit top talent into their culinary programs.  They really make a focus on using local ingredients, so the farm-to-table plate can really be experienced at nearly every luxury hotel and higher end restaurant in the country.  Many of my clients say they are pleasantly surprised by how well they eat in Ireland, so be sure to carve out enough time to enjoy longer meals at leisure along with a pint or two.