Forty Shades of Green
14 Nights
2 - 16 People
Ireland
Scotland

A trip of a lifetime exploring the four corners of Ireland
Tour Details:
General details:
We are delighted that you are considering joining us on our Extended Ireland 14-night tour. We understand the trust you are placing in us to provide you with an unforgettable experience on your trip of a lifetime. From the moment you contact us, we will work in partnership with you to curate an effortless, bespoke itinerary to provide you with the utmost on this bucket-list holiday.
Our team are passionate about travel in Ireland and Scotland and have first-hand experience of the accommodation and activities which we will organise for you. We use this passion and knowledge along with our five-star partners in Irish tourism to ensure that the trip is specifically tailored to your group and their particular needs and interests.
We are confident that our team will work tirelessly to ensure you a vacation of a lifetime!
What is included in your trip?
- Bespoke personal itinerary
- Accommodation as described in your itinerary
- Breakfast included in your hotel each morning
- Luxury vehicle as described in your itinerary with your friendly, passionate and knowledgeable driver guide
- Admission to all attractions mentioned on your itinerary
- Your lunch in Feehan’s of Cashel included free of charge
- A personal connection with a member of the team, so you can build rapport and who will provide you with support at all times of your trip.
Arrival and Departure Location:
Dublin Airport
Not to be missed attractions:
- Guinness Storehouse
- Trinity College and The Book of Kells
- Walking Tour of Dublin
- Kilkenny Castle
- Rock of Cashel
- Complimentary lunch in Feehan’s Bar, Cashel
- The English Market Cork
- Cobh
- Blarney Castle
- Jameson Distillery Experience
- Ring of Kerry
- Moll’s Gap
- Ladies’ View Killarney
- Muckross House
- Dingle Peninsula
- Slea Head Drive
- Wild Atlantic Way
- Inch Beach
- The Cliffs of Moher
- The Burren National Park
- Connemara National Park
- Kylemore Abbey
- Benbulben
- Classiebawn Castle
- Bundoran
- Fairy Bridges
- The Wishing Chair, Bundoran
- Slieve League
- Assarance Waterfall
- Fanad Lighthouse
- Walls of Derry
- Bogside
- Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
- Giant’s Causeway
- Dunluce Castle
- The Dark Hedges
- Black Cab Tour of Belfast
- Explore Belfast
Exclusive accommodation:
- The Merrion Hotel Dublin (2 nights)
- Lyrath Estate Hotel (1 night)
- Hayfield Manor, Cork (2 nights)
- Great Southern Killarney (2 night)
- The Hardiman, Galway (1 night)
- Ashford Castle (1 night)
- Lough Eske, Donegal (2 nights)
- The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast (2 nights)
- The Merrion Hotel Dublin (1 night)
Itinerary:
Transport: Exclusive Transfer into your Dublin city centre accommodation
When you touch down in Dublin Airport, you will be welcomed to Ireland by a friendly local driver. You will be able to sit back and relax in your luxurious vehicle while your luggage is taken care of. From here, you will be transferred to The Merrion Hotel, your luxurious, five-star accommodation located at the heart of Dublin city. En route to the hotel, you will enjoy a short-driving tour of Dublin as you pass some of the notable sites and attractions .
Once you arrive at the hotel you will have time to admire the elegant setting and settle into the comfort of one of Ireland’s most exclusive hotels. Home to a 2-Star Michelin Restaurant you will be spoiled for choice for food and drink. If you are feeling adventurous and wish to explore your wider surroundings you will quickly discover that you are situated in the heart of Georgian Dublin, with Government Buildings situated just a stone’s throw from the hotel. A variety of museums and galleries are located within easy walking distance, while the pubs, restaurants and shops of Grafton Street are moments away.
Activity: Walking Tour of Dublin, Guinness Storehouse
Following an exquisite breakfast, you will be greeted at reception by your private walking tour guide. Dublin is a diverse, vibrant city, with history dating back to the Vikings. With culture, history and creativity, at every corner, you will be guided through the sites and attractions by your knowledgeable and friendly tour guide .
After a long day exploring, you will be delighted to see the welcoming doors to the Merrion, where you can enjoy an evening of relaxation and fine dining before travelling south tomorrow.
Transport: Luxury Vehicle with your Private Driver Guide
Activities: Kilkenny city, Kilkenny Castle
You will be met by your friendly and knowledgeable driver guide at the Merrion Hotel. We are confident that you will automatically feel at ease with your private, chauffeur driver who will continue to provide you with top-class tour guiding throughout the rest of your stay. Sit back, relax and enjoy the rolling hills and green fields that you will pass as you make your way south.
A gem in Ireland’s Ancient East, Kilkenny city combines vibrant heritage and history at every turn, with top class hospitality and a proud history of culture and celebration of the arts. Exploring the Medieval Mile will truly feel like stepping back in time, while Kilkenny is home to many independent boutiques, stores selling local crafts and a variety of art galleries. Kilkenny is also home to many word class eateries, so you will be spoiled for choice for food and drink options. The jewel in Kilkenny’s crown, is the 12th Century, Kilkenny Castle, where you can discover over 800 years of history, walk through the rolling parkland, where you can spot an abundance of wildlife, including some very brave squirrels!
Arriving at Lyrath Estate Hotel, you will be greeted by a sweeping drive amongst picturesque grounds, until you round the corner and spot the historic 17th Century Estate House, behind which is hidden a spectacular modern extension, revealing a truly seamless example of marrying the old and the new. Attention to detail will be evident in every aspect of this luxurious hotel. Relax in comfort in the award-winning spa, explore the extensive grounds with options of outdoor pursuits and savour the sumptuous food and wine.
Transport: Luxury Vehicle with your Private Driver Guide
Activities: The Rock of Cashel, Complimentary lunch in Feehan’s Bar, Cashel, Blarney Castle
Following a decadent breakfast in Lyrath Estate Hotel, your driver guide will meet you at a time of your choosing. Your first stop of the day will be at the celebrated Rock of Cashel, located in the charming town of Cashel, in the heart of Ireland’s Golden Vale. The Rock of Cashel is considered one of Ireland’s most popular attractions, and it’s easy to see why. A cluster of highly impressive medieval buildings, including a round tower, a Romanesque chapel, an Abbey, a Gothic Cathedral and a high cross, it was once the seat of the Kings of Munster. According to legend, St. Patrick himself visited the Rock of Cashel to convert King Aenghus. Equally impressive, one of the most notable figures of medieval Irish history, Brian Boru was crowned High King of Ireland in 978 at this site and made Cashel his capital. In 1101 the site was granted to the Church and it quickly rose to prominence as one of the most important ecclesiastical sites in Ireland. No trip to Ireland is complete, without visiting this site of great historical significance in Ireland. Following your tour, you will be brought to Feehan’s Bar, Cashel for a complimentary lunch. You will experience a traditional Irish bar setting with a friendly atmosphere, while enjoying a tasty lunch.
Once back with your driver guide, you will continue your journey south to County Cork. Your final stop of the day will be in Blarney, Co Cork to explore the grounds of Blarney Castle, have an opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone and explore the renowned Blarney Woollen Mills to purchase a range of gifts and souvenirs. Built almost 600 years ago, Blarney Castle has attracted millions of visitors in the centuries since. You will be enthralled by the beautifully maintained gardens and grounds, while you explore the history of this famous castle. No trip to Blarney would be complete without joining the ranks of Winston Churchill and Ronald Regan, by kissing the world-renowned Blarney Stone. Said to grant those who kiss it with the gift of eloquence, it is a highlight on any trip to Ireland.
Following your busy day exploring, you will feel immediately welcomed at the luxurious Hayfield Manor, a boutique hotel nestled at the heart of Cork city, located within beautiful walled gardens to create a peaceful oasis in the centre of the city. With Cork’s finest dining, luxury amenities and a choice of elegant bedrooms, you will feel pampered from the moment you step foot inside the hotel.
Transport: Luxury Vehicle with your Private Driver Guide
Activities: The English Market, the historic seaside town of Cobh, Titanic Experience, Jameson Distillery Experience
Following a delicious breakfast in the Orchids Restaurant in the Hayfield Manor, you will once again be greeted by your driver guide at a time of your choosing. You will first visit the historic English Market in Cork city where you can browse the local produce, while enjoying the lively atmosphere. Trading since 1788, it is among the oldest covered markets in Europe and is still an important part of Cork’s food culture.
From here, you will travel to the picturesque seaside town of Cobh, formerly known as Queensland. Cobh holds great historic significance for many with Irish ancestry, as it was for many, the port from which they left Ireland for distant shores. A statue commemorating Annie Moore, the first passenger to pass through Ellis Island, is located on the quayside. Known for being the final port of call of the Titanic on its fated journey, Cobh is now home to The Titanic Experience, located in the former White Star Line buildings. Follow the final footsteps of passengers of the Titanic and listen to eyewitness accounts of the tragedy.
Staying in East Cork, your final stop for the day will be at the Jameson Distillery Experience in Midleton. With a host of unique experiences to be enjoyed, you will be taken on a journey from past to present. Enjoy experiencing the process of whiskey production, and of course no trip to a distillery would be complete without getting to taste the end product!
Your driver guide will chauffeur you back to the comfort of Hayfield Manor, where you can spend an evening discussing your day over a stunning meal.
Transport: Luxury Vehicle with your Private Driver Guide
Activities: West Cork towns and villages, The Ring of Kerry, Moll’s Gap, Ladies’ View Killarney, Muckross House
Once you meet with your driver guide at a time of your choosing, you will begin to make your west. As your travel west, you will notice the landscape change as you travel through the charming towns and villages of West Cork. Some of Ireland’s most striking and rugged coastline will give you your first introduction to the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way. Continuing on your journey you will begin the Ring of Kerry, a celebrated scenic drive along the Iveragh Peninsula. You will be spoiled for choice of breath-taking views as you pass views of mountains, lakes and coastlines. Make sure you have your cameras to hand, as you will want to capture some of these most beautiful sights.
If you are particularly lucky, you may stumble across some sheep roaming wild and grazing at the roadside. The Gap of Dunloe, Moll’s Gap and Ladies’ View are just some of the acclaimed view points you will see. Ladies’ View gained international recognition as a sight of beauty, when Queen Victoria visited Ireland in 1861 and visited this scenic viewpoint with her ladies in waiting, hence the name, Ladies’ View. On your way into Killarney, you will stop at Muckross House, a nineteenth century, Victorian mansion to explore it’s magic and beauty.
You will finish your day in Killarney. Killarney is known as one of Ireland’s friendliest and most vibrant towns, surrounded by extraordinary and magical beauty. The Great Southern Killarney offers a great advantage as it is situated in the heart of Killarney and is in walking distance to the town centre, great for exploring this acclaimed town, famous for its unrivalled tradition of hospitality. Retaining some of its original Victorian features, you will feel right at home in the Great Southern, where you can enjoy the finest service coupled with outstanding facilities.
Transport: Luxury Vehicle with your Private Driver Guide
Activities: Dingle Peninsula, explore the bustling, tourist hotspot town of Dingle, The Magical, breath-taking Slea Head Drive
You will be met by your driver guide at a time of your choosing. Prepare to travel west to the Wild Atlantic Way. Named as ‘The most beautiful place on earth’ by National Geographic, we are confident that as the day goes on, that you will also understand why the Dingle Peninsula is voted among the top 100 destinations in the whole world, while also being the setting for numerous film productions including Ryan’s Daughter, Far and Away and Star Wars Episode VIII, The Last Jedi. You will travel through a number of charming Irish villages and the acclaimed town of Dingle, famous for its Irish culture and warm welcome to guests. A destination steeped in tradition, history, culture and literature, here Gaeilge (Irish language) is spoken daily by the locals alongside English. Strolling the streets of Dingle, you will come across a variety of shops celebrating local arts, crafts and photography, souvenir shops, a variety of places to eat, ranging from fine seafood dining, traditional Irish fish and chips, traditional Irish bar food and a range of snacks such as artisan Irish and crepe stands. Keep an ear out as you pass the bars, as if you are lucky, you might just stumble across a traditional music session.
The Dingle Peninsula stretches 48 km in the Atlantic Ocean, dominated by a range of mountains, including Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second highest peak. The spectacular coastline includes an award winning beach at Inch beach, the steep sea-cliffs of the Slea Head Drive, along with dramatic headlands, broken by sandy beaches.
Following your day exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, you will be welcomed back to The Great Southern for your choice of evening activity, whether you decide you want to relax in the luxuriant surroundings of the hotel, or head into Killarney to enjoy the local nightlife.
Transport: Luxury Vehicle with your Private Driver Guide
Activities: Shannon Region, Tarbert Ferry, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren National Park, Galway
Today you will travel North along the Wild Atlantic Way. Your day will begin by travelling North through County Kerry, into the Shannon Region. You will arrive to the Shannon Estuary where you will take the Tarbert car ferry which connects County Kerry with County Clare. Once again you will follow the Wild Atlantic Way to an unmissable spot in any trip to Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher, really are one of Ireland’s most spectacular natural attractions, rising 200m above the Atlantic Ocean. The Cliffs of Moher really will leave you feeling awestruck, with the rugged Clare coastline to one side and the unique landscape of The Burren National Park to the other. Without a doubt, a highlight of any trip to Ireland. Be sure to have your camera to hand, so you can capture those memories to stay with you for life.
As you continue to travel further north towards Galway, you will travel through The Burren National Park, a UNESCO Geopark, internationally recognised as a place with unique geology, landscape, history and culture. You will be mesmerised by the natural beauty of the 330 million year old limestone pavements, with the diverse array of flora, including Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean species.
Your day will come to an end in the traditionally called ‘City of the Tribes’; Galway, Ireland’s fifth largest city and key gateway to the West. Considered wild, and bohemian, and internationally recognised as a place of culture, artistry, music, as well as delicious local food and drink. You will be charmed as you wander the cobblestoned streets, lined with colourful shop facades and lively traditional pubs. You will have a real sense of Irish hospitality in play in many of the traditional pubs with their turf fires and traditional music.
The Hardiman is one of Galway’s most iconic hotels, located centrally in Eyre Square. Enjoy the impressive combination of Victorian grace and opulent luxury, evident in this hotel that has played host to numerous notable guests over the last century and a half. The easy charm and flawless hospitality will leave you feeling right at home.
Transport: Luxury Vehicle with your Private Driver Guide
Activities: Connemara, Sky Road, Kylemore Abbey, Cong, Lough Corrib
You will truly be taken away by the rugged charm and natural beauty which you will encounter today. Travelling west through County Galway, you will notice a different landscape to that which you have encountered thus far. Take note of the signature hand built small stone walls dividing the landscape into blocks of green fields. Connemara is considered by many as Ireland’s Wild and Wonderful Region. With close ties and connections to traditional Ireland, it is easy to feel transported to a different time as you travel this ancient and beautiful Gaelic heartland. A unique landscape, where the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way meets with the majestic mountains and lakes of the Gaelic heartlands.
Travelling along the Sky Road, justifiably famous for its spectacular views, it is advisable to once again have your camera to hand to capture the beautiful scenery you will encounter. Nestled in the heart of Connemara, you will visit Kylemore Abbey, a haven of beauty, history and serenity. This stunning Victorian castle is perched overlooking a stunning lake. Explore the diverse and interesting history of the castle, originally built as a family home, it has taken functions since, as a home to the Benedictines, a school and now a celebrated visitor attraction. Take your time to wander the grounds and the beautifully maintained, magnificent gardens.
From here you will continue travelling through Connemara towards the picturesque village of Cong, famed as the backdrop for the filming of ‘The Quiet Man’. Your final destination will be the impressive Ashford Castle, on the banks of Lake Corrib, where a warm welcome will await you. As Ireland’s first and only two Forbes Five Star Hotel, you truly will experience a once in a lifetime memorable stay. With an award-winning spa, six restaurants on site, a 350 acre estate and 800 years of history, you really will be walking in the footsteps of the rich and famous. As the former home of the glamourous Guinness family, you really will find beauty in every detail, while enjoying the finest service.
Transport: Luxury Vehicle with your Private Driver Guide
Activities: Benbulben, Classiebawn Castle, Bundoran, Fairy Bridges, The Wishing Chair.
After a sumptuous breakfast, and a final stroll to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the surroundings of Ashford Castle, you will be met by your driver guide who will drive you north along the Wild Atlantic Way towards Donegal. En route you will pass Benbulben, one of Ireland’s most iconic mountains, as you drive through County Sligo, often referred to as ‘Yeat’s Country’, in reference to the inspiration W.B. Yeats drew from his beloved Sligo landscape across his five decades of writing. You will view Classiebawn Castle and its spectacular surroundings. While it is not possible to have an up-close viewing, as it is private property, it is still well worth a stop close by, to enjoy the magnificent natural beauty of the surroundings and the majestic castle.
Continuing north, you will reach Ireland’s most northerly county, the impressively rugged and beautiful Donegal. You will enjoy your lunch in the seaside village of Bundoran, where you can enjoy the local produce along with the friendly charm of your surroundings. Before getting on the road again you will have the opportunity to visit the mystical and magical Fairy Bridges and The Wishing Chair. Cloaked in folklore, the Fairy Bridges are peculiar rock formations where blow holes exist, causing locals as far back as the 1700s to believe the area to be haunted. With spectacular views, you can see back toward Mullaghmore in County Sligo and north towards the magical Slieve League Cliffs. Steeped in legend, The Wishing Chair is thought to grant wishers to those who sit on it, their wish, once you follow the specific ritual surrounding it. You will be charmed, not only by the spectacular scenery, but also by the myths and magic to be found in the area.
You will not be disappointed by your final stop of the day, the acclaimed, Lough Eske Castle. With a long history, wrapped in the story of Donegal, the powerful Donegal clan had their seat here from the 14th century, with the current castle built in 1861. With a strong tradition of entertaining international guests, you will be surrounded by luxury and hospitality in this beautiful and peaceful setting. With an award winning spa, and a range of options for food and drink, you will be spoiled for choice. A highlight of most of our trips, customers fall so in love with this romantic, elegant setting, that many never wish to leave!
Transport: Luxury Vehicle with your Private Driver Guide
Activities: Wild Atlantic Way, Assarance Waterfall, Slieve League, Fanad Lighthouse
Following your luxury breakfast, you will be met by your driver guide. You will travel along Donegal’s celebrated coastline, travelling north along the Wild Atlantic Way. Your first stop of the day will be at Assaranca Waterfall, a scenic natural beauty point. Continuing north, you will come to Slieve League, you will come to a stunning corner of Donegal, Slieve League Cliffs. Marvel at the wild, majestic cliffs, among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, you can enjoy the unrivalled views of the Atlantic Ocean, where you will feel as though you are one the edge of the world.
Continuing north, you will explore Fanad Lighthouse, voted as one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world, and it is easy to see why. Still a working lighthouse, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it is a most see for any visitor to Donegal. For an exhilarating memory, the brave at heart can climb to the top of the tower for spectacular 360-degree views of North Donegal, Lough Swilly and the Atlantic Ocean.
Following your busy day exploring Donegal, you be thrilled with the warm welcome you will receive back at Lough Eske Castle. Enjoy an evening of relaxing and pampering in your majestic surroundings.
Transport: Luxury Vehicle with your Private Driver Guide
Activities: Derry/Londonderry, Bogside, Walls of Derry, Belfast
Your driver guide will meet you following a delicious breakfast, and you will make your journey into Northern Ireland, towards the historic walled city of Derry/Londonderry. In Derry you will find a variety of activities to suit every taste. You can discover the attractions of the city at your leisure, whether you decide to explore the 400 year old city walls, look at the Bogside, where history will come to life as you look upon the famous murals, enjoy the vibrant modern city, with its cutting edge food scene and exciting cultural life.
After a busy few hours exploring Derry, you will continue onto Belfast, to The Fitzwilliam Hotel, your luxury five-star, city centre accommodation for the next two nights. This boutique hotel is unmatched in elegance and service in Belfast, it is the perfect base for your exploration of Belfast.
Transport: Luxury Vehicle with your Private Driver Guide
Activities: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, The Dark Hedges
Stock up on a large breakfast this morning, as you have an action packed day ahead of you from the moment you are collected from the hotel by your driver guide. You will travel north to the North Coast of Ireland, to see some of the most famed sites of Northern Ireland. Your first stop of the day will be to the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge. Woven between Carrickarede Island and County Antrim, the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge swings 30 metres above the Atlantic Ocean and the rocks below. Spanning 20 metres across, the bridge is not for the faint of heart, however, a must see on any bucket-list tour of Ireland.
Your next stop will leave you mystified as you walk in the step of Giants at the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a truly spectacular sight. With a whopping 40,000 or so basalt columns tumbling down into the Atlantic Ocean, dating back to the Volcanic Age, almost 60 million years ago. A geological marvel, cloaked in myth and legend, the Giant’s Causeway is a high point on any tour to Ireland. According to folklore, Fionn MacCumhaill, an Irish giant, was rivalled with a Scottish giant, Benandonner. After enduring countless insults from Benandonner, Fionn, challenged his rival to a fight. Building the causeway, using rocks from along the Antrim coast, so he could reach his enemy, Fionn completes his new crossing, only to discover the Benandonner is bigger an enemy in many ways than he first thought. Discover this delightful myth, and more on your trip to the Giant’s Causeway.
Dunluce is one of Ireland’s most picturesque and romantic castles in Ireland. Now in ruins, the current settlement mainly date to the 16th and 17th century, however, there is evidence of remains from the first millennium. Previously inhabited by both the feuding McQuillan and MacDonnell clans, historical and archaeological exhibits are available for public viewing. Your final stop of the day before returning to Belfast will be to see The Dark Hedges, made famous as one of the shooting locations for Game of Thrones. Now one of the most photographed locations in Northern Ireland, this beech-lined road is picturesque and worth a visit regardless of whether you have watched Game of Thrones or not.
You will once again be welcomed back to the Fitzwilliam Hotel, where you can spend an evening of leisure, or head into Belfast to explore the local nightlife and atmosphere.
Transport: Luxury Vehicle with your Private Driver Guide
Activities: Black Cab Tour, Belfast
For your final day exploring, you will begin the morning with a Black Cab Tour of Belfast. Considered a must for any visitor visiting Belfast, you will have a private guided tour of Belfast with a local tour guide in the iconic black cabs. Described by many as enlightening, your tour guide will provide you with interesting and unbiased facts on Belfast’s troubled history, while answering any questions you may have. You can witness the murals first hand, along with visiting the Peace Wall.
Following your tour, you will have some leisure time to explore Belfast as you wish, whether you want to go shopping, sample the local cuisine or continue to visit more tourist attractions. At a designated time, your driver will meet you at the hotel and drive you back to The Merrion, Dublin so that you are ready for your flight the following day. What better way to spend your final evening in Ireland, than in the opulent surroundings of The Merrion, with the finest food, drink and service at your fingertips.