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(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Dublin, Kenmare, Co. Clare (Dromoland Castle), Co. Mayo (Ashford Castle), London
This private luxury tour features private touring of the cultural attractions in fascinating Dublin and London, the most iconic and beautiful landscapes in Ireland and England, romantic castle hotels, and much more.
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 and driver, marvel at the iconic Book of Kells 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. Take a culinary walking tour to sample treats at top local food markets and shops. Enjoy a private tour of the Old Jameson Distillery, followed by a private tasting of the distillery’s finest products. 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. Depending on interests, stroll through the Temple Bar entertainment district, browse the upscale shops on Grafton Street, perhaps cross the River Liffey to walk along historic O’Connell Street, or stop by the Guinness Storehouse and opt for a pint in the on-site bar, which has views over the rooftops of Dublin. Additional touring options in Dublin include the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, Kilmainham Gaol and Chester Beatty Library. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange theater tickets and reservations at Dublin’s best restaurants for contemporary Irish cuisine.
One day, enjoy a private excursion to idyllic County Wicklow. Tour the stunning gardens at Powerscourt House and Gardens. Pass through verdant farmland and rolling hills to Glendalough, a beautiful glacial valley with the ruins of an ancient monastery set among lakes. Also tour historic Avoca Mill, where some of Ireland’s finest and most colorful textiles have been produced for centuries.
En route to County Kerry, opt to stop by Kilkenny, an atmospheric riverside town, to tour Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral; visit the imposing Rock of Cashel, an important hilltop religious complex dating from the Middle Ages; or travel through the bucolic countryside of County Cork, stopping at historic Bantry House & Garden.
Continue to Kenmare, a colorful village with a prehistoric stone circle and access to the beautiful peninsulas that define southwest Ireland. One day, enjoy a scenic drive around the breathtaking Beara Peninsula, a wild landscape of jagged coastlines, craggy mountains and sparkling lakes. Alternatively, enjoy an excursion on the renowned Ring of Kerry through the dramatic landscapes of Iveragh Peninsula.
En route to County Clare, opt to explore the heart of Killarney National Park at Muckross House. Tour the estate and grounds, and then take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the woods to Ross Castle. Alternatively, tour the spectacular Dingle Peninsula, taking in awe-inspiring views of the coastline and mountains. Along the way, explore ancient ring forts and other prehistoric sites, wander through quaint seaside towns, and visit shops featuring crafts created by the many local artisans. Pass through Adare, a postcard-perfect village of thatched-roof houses and shops. Visit Bunratty Castle, an impressive 15th-century fortress and neighboring Bunratty Folk Park, a charming recreation of a 19th-century Irish village. Continue to historic Dromoland Castle, a luxurious destination hotel and resort on expansive grounds. During leisure time, enjoy on-site activities such as golf, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, falconry, tennis, archery and more.
En route to Ashford Castle, explore the country charm and geological wonders of County Clare. Walk along the tops of the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, which rise hundreds of feet above the sea. Explore the eerie Burren, a rocky karst landscape punctuated by ancient forts, tombs and other archaeological sites. Pass through picturesque villages with brightly colored houses and shops. Stop at a local smokehouse famous for smoked Irish salmon, and enjoy lunch at a nearby pub. Continue to County Mayo and Ashford Castle, a historic lakefront castle hotel and resort that’s a wonderful place to experience Irish culture and cuisine. During leisure time, enjoy activities on the surrounding estate, such as golf, fishing, horseback riding, falconry, kayaking and more.
Next, fly to London, England, one of the great cities of the world. Enjoy comprehensive touring with an expert Blue Badge guide. First-time visitors might like to visit landmarks such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Covent Garden, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. Other options include visiting favorite neighborhoods, small museums, specialty shops, food markets, historic pubs and private gardens. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Windsor Castle, the Cotswolds, or Stonehenge and Bath. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange theater tickets and reservations at London’s best restaurants.
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