Emerald Isle Exclusive

This tour from Belfast to Dublin picks out the cream of Ireland’s manifold attractions which we will enjoy in ultimate comfort, staying at the very best luxury hotels in the country. From the most stunning natural landscapes to the best luxury shopping experiences and grandest countryside castles, the Emerald Isle Exclusive itinerary will open your eyes to the beauty and majesty of Ireland.

Highlights can include:

Stay in incredible castle hotels
Eat the finest food available in Ireland
Shop at high-end department stores and independent boutiques
Visit the Giant’s Causeway
Explore Belfast and Dublin

What's included...

Day 1 - Belfast 1

While we are in Belfast we will stay at the five-star Merchant Hotel, housed in a gorgeously grand Victorian and art deco-style building and located in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral district, which boasts some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. On our first day in the city we will visit the glorious Belfast Botanic Gardens and take an historic tour of Belfast City Hall including the Titanic Memorial Gardens.

Day 2 - Belfast 2

Once we have enjoyed a fantastic breakfast from The Merchant’s full á la carte menu we will set off to visit the historic Belfast Castle. The Belfast Castle estate is situated on the lower slopes of Cave Hill Country Park to the North of Belfast and offers incredible views over the city. As well as the castle itself the estate includes parkland and woodland which is home to many different species of wildlife, including long-eared owls, sparrowhawks and Belfast’s rarest plant, the town hall clock. In the afternoon we will take time to enjoy the fantastic shopping opportunities in the city which provide everything from traditional Irish crafts to luxury fashion items and contemporary jewellery design.

Day 3 - Antrim

Today we get back to nature and marvel at the idyllic beauty of the Glens of Antrim. The Glens are an area of outstanding natural beauty and a place of historical significance, containing archaeological remains from the Neolithic period. We will spend the night in the award-winning Bushmills Inn Hotel, a stunning 17th century lodge hotel with fantastic locally sourced food, but not before we have watched the sun set on the Giant’s Causeway – one of Ireland’s most iconic and most astonishingly beautiful sights, and one certainly not to be missed!

Day 4 - Donegal and Sligo

Leaving Northern Ireland, we head to County Donegal where we will explore the dramatic coastal mountain of Sliabh Liag, which boasts the highest sea cliffs in all of Europe, and the pristine beaches of Mullaghmore in Sligo, which have the striking Benbulben mountain as their backdrop. This evening we will rest from our day’s adventures in the breath-taking Lough Eske Castle, a five-star hotel in a stunning 17th century castle which is located on a secluded lakeside estate.

Day 5 - Connemara

Today we will take in the exquisite natural beauty of Connemara National Park and enjoy the exclusive activities offered by our home for the day, the Ashford Castle Hotel. This luxury hotel in a 13th century castle overlooks a beautiful lake and is set within 350 acres of parkland. The hotel provides guests with numerous opportunities to experience traditional estate pursuits (fishing, horse-riding, archery and much more) and really enjoy the Irish countryside to its fullest.

Day 6 - Dublin

Last but not least we arrive in Dublin. This remarkable city is home to the National Museum of Ireland as well as fantastic high-end and boutique stores. We will spend the morning learning a bit more about the history of this wonderful country and indulge in some retail therapy in the afternoon. Our final night in Ireland will be spent in the palatial Shelbourne, a five-star renaissance hotel set in a grand 1842 Victorian building with an ornate façade and overlooking St. Stephen's Green.