Culture, Crafts & Cuisine of Ireland

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Dublin, Ballyfin, Ballymaloe, Killarney, Adare, Ashford Castle

This private tour focuses on Ireland’s unique culture, cuisine and crafts. It includes beautiful landscapes, places rich in Irish history, and opportunities for insider, hands-on access to Ireland’s artisans and cultural experts.

Begin in Dublin, the capital of Ireland and the perfect starting point for an overview of the country’s long and storied history. During touring with your private guide, see the historic highlights of Dublin, marvel at the iconic Book of Kells (Artisans of Leisure will arrange fast-track access), and the Long Room in the Old Library at Trinity College, and tour St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the most important churches in Ireland. Walk in the footsteps of Irish literary giants such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde in Georgian Dublin, a neighborhood of well-preserved architecture set around leafy St. Stephen’s Green. Also enjoy a privately guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse and free time to browse specialty shops, markets and the Creative District. Other options that can be incorporated into Dublin touring include specialty museums, contemporary art galleries, Kilmainham Gaol, distillery tours and the Chester Beatty Library. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange private pub crawls, afternoon tea and reservations at Dublin’s best restaurants for contemporary Irish cuisine.

Continue to Ballyfin, one of Europe’s most spectacular country hotels. En route, tour the beautiful gardens at Powerscourt. If desired, also pass through verdant farmland and rolling hills to Glendalough, a glacial valley with the ruins of an ancient monastery set among lakes. While there, you might like to visit historic Avoca Mill, where some of Ireland’s finest and most colorful textiles have been produced for centuries. While at Ballyfin, enjoy a private excursion in the Slieve Bloom Mountains or a visit to Birr Castle. There will also be ample leisure time to enjoy the beautiful interiors and extensive activities at the hotel.

En route to the southern coast of Ireland—renowned for food, crafts and incredible scenery—see the design, crafts and historic highlights of Kilkenny. If desired, also visit Waterford to see the Waterford crystal factory. Stay at Ballymaloe, a renowned inn and cooking school in the countryside; the more contemporary Cliff House on the waterfront; or Hayfield Manor in Cork. Enjoy fine dining and the best of the region, such as visits to pottery studios, walks along the beach and a visit to the port town of Cobh, the departure point for over 2.5 million Irish immigrants and the final port of call of the R.M.S. Titanic. Artisans of Leisure will make reservations at the best restaurants in the area.

Continue to Killarney, and stay just outside town in a luxury hotel overlooking the water. During private touring, see the highlights of the renowned Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park, including stunning vistas, a waterfall and ancient stone houses. Also visit Muckross House and Gardens and the town of Killarney.

Enjoy a private day tour of the spectacular Dingle Peninsula, taking in awe-inspiring views of the coastline and mountains. Explore ancient ring forts and other prehistoric sites, wander through quaint seaside towns, and perhaps have a traditional fish-and-chips lunch in the town of Dingle. Spend the night at a beautiful manor hotel near Adare, a postcard-perfect village of thatched-roof houses and shops.

Next, see the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, which rise hundreds of feet above the sea. Also explore the fascinating Burren, a rocky landscape covered in wildflowers and punctuated by ancient archaeological sites such as Poulnabrone Dolmen, a neolithic tomb. If desired, enjoy hiking or a visit to a local artisanal perfumery. Time permitting, also stop in Galway.

Continue to renowned Ashford Castle, a grand lakefront castle hotel. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Connemara National Park to see quintessential Irish landscapes, watch a sheepdog demonstration, and visit Kylemore Abbey to see its beautiful Victorian walled garden. One afternoon, enjoy a “hawk walk” falconry experience at Ashford Castle. There will also be time to enjoy the facilities and activities at the hotel and on its estate, including spa treatments, golf, boat rides, fishing, horseback riding, tennis, archery, kayaking and fine dining.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional experiences in Ireland, including family activities, genealogical research, hiking, golf, visits to whiskey distilleries, garden tours, decorative arts tours, religious heritage tours, and culinary and crafts lessons.