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One of the unique features of Essential Ireland Tours is that we bring our own in-house professional travel-photographer and videographer with us on all tours.
Get €150 off your next Wild Atlantic or Castles & Classics Essential Ireland Tours with this Black Friday special offer code: Ireland or €115 of the True North Tours with this code: Ireland-North
Limited places so Book Now! Offer valid until 4 December
Solo supplement of €850 approx applies to solo travellers, see FAQs for details
We run a limited number of exclusive tours each year, all sell out! Book early to avoid disappointment
If a tour is 'SOLD OUT' you can email us to join a waiting list.
If a particular date does not suit your friends or family group, please get in touch about organising a private tour
Sunday May 5th, 2024 OPEN
Sunday June 9th, 2024 OPEN
Sunday July 7th, 2024 OPEN
Sunday July 14th, 2024 SOLD OUT
Sunday August 4th, 2024 OPEN
Sunday September 8th, 2024 OPEN
Sunday September 15th, 2024 SOLD OUT
Sunday September 22nd, 2024 OPEN
Sunday Ocotber 13th, 2024 SOLD OUT
Sunday October 20th , 2024 - OPEN
Note: Our 2025 dates are also live on our calendar, reserve by clicking on 'BOOK NOW'.
You’ll never forget checking in to a 12th century fortress and sleeping in its luxurious bedrooms.
This tour features all the fantastic activities and experiences ‘Essential Ireland Tours’ are famous for, but it’s extra magic is the luxury accommodation and the small group size (8 - 16 tour guests only).
You’ll have the travel experience of a lifetime in some of the world’s best hotels and stately homes. We leave nothing out and the attention to detail on this tour is exceptional. Great memories, fun experiences, gourmet food and wine, wonderful music, a luxury Castle, an epic VIP tour of Ireland.
This marvelous tour overnights in historic gems such as Ashford Castle and Milltown House. For our foodies, a gourmet Irish dinner with private Chef, a whiskey tasting, fun picnics with local produce (especially Irish cheese!). Epic experiences each day from historical walking tours, great traditional music and pubs, to our very own private School of Falconry and so much more
All activities are fully covered in the Essential Ireland Tour Package
Take a Jaunting car through Killarney historical national park
Stay in historic Adare (Ryder Cup 2027), one of Ireland's most picturesque villages
Great experiences galore from the iconic Guinness Brewery to our very own award-winning 'Kingdom Falconry'.
Visit the preserved historic village and castle in Bunratty county Clare, where you can see Ireland's history through the ages
Stay in the exquisite 5 star Ashford Castle, in the heart of Connemara
Explore the early medieval site of the Rock Of Cashel: follow in the footsteps of St. Patrick
See where 'The Quiet Man' was filmed in the charming village of Cong, home to Cong Abbey
All activities are fully covered in the Essential Ireland Tour Package
All Breakfasts are Included. From cooked gourmet feasts of eggs and bacon; and healthy fruit, homemade muesli and porridge
Luxury Accommodation: Ashford Castle included. Stately Homes, Country Houses, fine town-centre 4 & 5 star Hotels . Range of luxury accommodation outlined below
All tips to guides, drivers, local guides, bar-staff, servers etc ALL covered while on a tour activity or meal
All transport, from luxury coach travel, shuttle buses, taxis etc used for tour activities are paid for.
Snacks are occasionally provided while aboard our small luxury coach going from destination to destination.
1 picnic lunch is provided - hand-picked artisan Irish cheese board , cold meats, homemade breads and fresh-fruit
We provide 1 gourmet group-meal, this takes the form of a 3 course meal served in the waterfront conservatory at Milltown House. We include unlimited drinks (drinking responsibly is obviously encouraged) and wine pairings with this meal.
We handpick quality accommodation based on quality, location, and the best customer-service on offer. We like to provide a balance between 5 star luxury hotels and also high-quality Guesthouses, to give a variety of experiences, we also offer one night in a traditional B&B to experience life with an Irish family environment ned world-class quality customer-service.
Our co-founder, Patrick, always like to remind guests that we “dont stay in generic big-brand hotels, we prefer to offer you historic and luxury homes of character.. that have housed Hollywood stars and withstood sieges”.
5 STAR LUXURY TOUR
7 DAYS AND 6 NIGHTS (1 NIGHT IN KILLARNEY , 1 NIGHT DROMOLAND CASTLE, 2 NIGHTS DINGLE, 2 NIGHTS ASHFORD CASTLE)
Day 1: Dublin to Killarney (1 night)
Highlights:
Welcome Irish-coffee
Visit Dublin’s Phoenix Park
Rock of Cashel Tour
Group lunch at Cashel
Sleep in a Stately home, Killarney
An evening of Irish music in lively Killarney
Day2: Killarney to Kenmare to Dingle ( 2 nights )
Highlights:
Jaunting-car ride through Killarney National Park
Mini ‘Ring of Kerry Tour’
Kenmare (and the stone circle!)
Sheepdog demo on the Ring of Kerry
‘Welcome to Dingle’ Gourmet banquet with private chef
Day 3: Dingle Peninsula tour and Falconry
Highlights:
Award-winning Walking Tour of Historic Dingle
Slea Head Tour, experience the idyllic peninsula
‘Dingle Crystal ‘workshop visit
Irish bread making class and lunch
Free afternoon to enjoy Dingle
Dingle Whiskey tasting session
World Champion Irish dancer performance
Fun musical Pub tour (including Dick Macks)
Private Dingle Falconry Experience. (awesome!)
Day 4: Dingle to Dromoland castle
Highlights:
Visit Adare, National ‘tidy town’!
Lunch in Adare Manor
Tour Bunratty Castle and folk village
Drinks reception at Dromoland Castle
Day 5: Dromoland Castle to Ashford Castle (2 nights)
Highlights:
Free morning to enjoy the exquisite gardens of Dromoland Castle
Experience the famous Cliffs of Moher
Walk the Burren
Galway Bay scenic drive
Guinness & Oysters in Galway city
Ashford Castle
Day 6: Connemara in-depth
Highlights:
Visit the historic village of Cong (The Quiet Man)
Walking tour of Cong Abbey
Tour the epic Kylemore Abbey (Ireland’s Taj Mahal)
Scenic drive through Connemara
Day 7: Ashford Castle to Clonmacnoise, Guinness Storehouse & Dublin
Highlights:
Free morning to enjoy Ashford Castle
Visit Clonmacnoise, ancient monastic city on River Shannon
VIP Connoisseur experience at Guinness Storehouse
SEE NEXT TAB FOR DETAILED ITINERARY
5 STAR LUXURY TOUR - Incredible Value. Ashford Castle included!
(or an alternative 5 star luxury Irish Castle-hotel on certain dates)
7 DAYS AND 6 NIGHTS
(1 NIGHT ASHFORD CASTLE, 2 NIGHTS KILLARNEY & 3 NIGHTS DINGLE)
Day 1: Dublin to Ashford Castle
Highlights:
Clonmacnoise and Connemara
Cong village (National tidy town!)
Welcome drink in the Prince of Wales cocktail bar
Overnight in a magical Irish castle
[9.30am] Depart central Dublin. Pick up in one central location. We’ll enjoy some fun and informative commentary on Dublin’s attractions to the beautiful Irish countryside.
[10.30] Stop outside Dublin for a welcome-coffee! You’ll have an itinerary Q&A session with Stephen McPhilemy, our Co-Founder and Chief Tour-Guide.
Then onward via beautiful Clonmacnoise to the idyllic village of Cong, one of Ireland's most beautiful spots and scene of the Hollywood classic 'The Quiet Man'
[12.30] Enjoy free time for lunch in charming Cong..
[1.30pm] Checkin to Ashford Castle, the worlds most beautiful and luxurious Castle Hotel. The warm welcome from the staff is an experience in itself.
[3pm] explore the exquisite gardens, perhaps ride some of the Castle's horses through the woods, fish on Lough Corrib for salmon or pike or relax in the award-winning spa.
[7pm] Gather in the Prince of Wales Bar for a welcome drink, courtesy of Stephen and the Essential Ireland team.
Guests will dine together in the Castle...
Note: Ashford Castle requests all guests to dine in one of the restaurants on the estate. Essential Ireland book the 'Thatched cottage' for us all.
Should you wish to use the spa, or any of the Castles facilities, please also arrange directly in advance with the Castle.
Day 2: Ashford Castle to Killarney (2 nights)
Highlights:
The world-famous Cliffs of Moher
Adare heritage town
Visit 'the Normans' exhibition
Photograph the Burren
Fun Irish music evening in lively Killarney
[9am] After a delicious breakfast fit for royalty, you'll have all morning free to enjoy the facilities of Ashford Castle.
[12.30pm] Onwards through Connemara to the world-famous Cliffs of Moher to enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery. We go to a unique secret spot to enjoy the Cliffs and are able to avoid all the tourist hordes.
Photostop at the unique geological formation of the Burren.
Comfort stop and relaxing stroll in the heritage village of Adare in County Limerick, enjoy the little but fascinating Norman exhibition.
[5.30 pm] Arrive in lively and charming Killarney, our home for the next two nights. A fun-filled evening of Irish music lies ahead. Free for dinner
Day 3: Killarney and 'mini Ring of Kerry Tour'
Highlights:
Jaunting Car ride by the Lakes of Killarney
Killarney National Park
Muckross House & Gardens
Kenmare , the stone circle & Kissane Sheep farm
Group dinner in Killarney
A leisurely morning in Killarney, one of Ireland's most welcoming towns.
[10 am ] Begin the day with one of our favourite activities, enjoy a jaunting-car ride through the native woodland of Killarney National Park and trot by the lakes of Killarney. Always a highlight for our Tour-Guests
11.30 ] Tour Muckross House and Gardens.
[2.30 pm] Visit the idyllic old market village of Kenmare and the Kissane family sheep farm, enjoy a herding demonstration by their super-smart Border Collies, amidst the stunning scenery of the 'Black Valley' and the backdrop of Molls Gap.
[5pm] Back at our central hotel with some time to relax and/or enjoy the colourful and bustling shops before we meet for a delicious group meal.
Day 4: Killarney to Dingle (3 nights)
Highlights:
'Welcome to Dingle' Walking Tour.
'Dingle Crystal' Workshop visit
Private Falconry experience
Gourmet buffet dinner by private Chef at Milltown House with excellent Irish traditional musicians
[9.30am] After breakfast we will take the 1 hour scenic drive to magical Dingle, one of Ireland's best loved fishing-villages.
[11am] Enjoy a 'Welcome to Dingle' walking tour, exploring all areas of cultural and historical significance and also meeting the local characters.
Visit the Dingle Crystal workshop and observe Sean Daly at work (the former Master-cutter at Waterford Crystal).
[1- 2.30 pm] Free time in Dingle to find a nice lunch-spot and to enjoy the bustling streets and colourful shops.
Then we'll checkin to our beloved Milltown House, right on Dingle Harbour.Our historic landmark property is the former home of Hollywood star, Robert Mitchum and is your home-from-home for the next 3 nights, offering some incredible Irish experiences. Beginning with a private falconry experience in our School of Falconry, and a fine dinner cooked by our private Chef (all ingredients sourced within 10 miles of Dingle). Followed by live Irish music and a whiskey tasting and Guinness-pouring class. Always a fun night (ps dinner-drinks included!)
Day 5: The Dingle Peninsula & the epic 'Slea Head scenic drive'
Highlights:
'Hold a baby lamb'
Slea Head & the glorious beaches
Gallarus Oratory & the ancient ruins of Kilmakeader
Dingle Musical pub crawl
Harry Clarke's masterpiece stained-glass windows
Irish Whiskey tasting
[9am] Depart on our scenic scenic drive around the Dingle peninsula.
[9.30am] Hold some baby lambs at Aodhan's family farm, maybe even bottle-feed the wee rascals!
[11am] Visit the Blasket Islands interpretive centre to learn of the Gaelic heritage of the local people
[1pm] Visit Gallarus Oratory
[2pm] Explore the 12th century ruins of Kilmalkeadar Church. View the ancient form of Celtic writing called 'Ogham' on the historic standing stones. We'll return to Dingle and offer the chance to view Harry Clarke's masterpiece stained-glass windows, or rest-time for those tour-guests who would like to join our Dingle Musical pub-tour later this evening.
[5.30pm] Irish whiskey tasting with our resident expert.
Free for dinner and/or the pub-music, many fine choices on offer in Dingle
Day 6: Free-time to relax in charming Dingle
Highlights:
Free-time to shop, relax and wander the lively streets of Dingle.
David Geaney, Irish dancer (subject to availablity)
Meet the locals at famous Dick Macks pub, perhaps have a belt made by the resident artisan craftsman.
Many tour-guests opt for a habour cruise, short hike or a Dingle sea-safari.
[10am] Free-day to shop, relax and wander the lively streets of Dingle
Meet the locals at famous Dick Macks pub, perhaps have a belt made by the resident artisan craftsman.
Day 7: Dingle to Cashel & Guinness Storehouse & Dublin.
Highlights:
The Rock of Cashel
The golden Vale of Tipperary
The full Guinness experience at Guinness Storehouse
[9am] Depart after a fine breakfast on Dingle Bay
[11am]: Rest stop in Newcastle West, home of the legendary Halla Mor (the great Norman banqueting Hall)
[12noon] Guided tour of the Rock of Cashel, following in the footsteps of St. Patrick himself
[1pm] We’ll be providing some picnic snacks here with our compliments on the hallowed Rock of Cashel
[2pm] Depart for the Capital City.
[3.30pm] Arrive in Dublin
[4pm] We’ll say our farewells in the environs of The Guinness Storehouse and then drop you off at your desired location in Dublin city-centre, (we can also help you arrange a drop-off at Dublin Airport or to an airport hotel, after 6 pm approximately).
Go n-éirí an bóthar leat, may the road rise to meet you.
Reserve your space with a 20% deposit
Stephen McPhilemy and Patrick Wade are the co-founders of Essential Ireland Tours. One Irish and one Irish-American, they met 20 years ago while Patrick was backpacking through Ireland and Stephen was his tour-guide.
Two decades later they (and their Irish Wolfhounds) are experienced and respected figures in the Irish tour and hospitality scene with a passion for providing high quality tours. Authentic Irish experiences for unbeatable value.
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