Luxury Tours Ireland | One Great Family Vacation in Ireland
Here’s a sample of a private guided tour of Ireland with Executive Tours Ireland. The tour will be centred around the Southwest region, this is just some guidance but of course a customised tour of Ireland, to meet your own needs, is no problem. Shannon airport (County Clare) is a great place to arrive in Ireland, its’ central location makes a private escorted tour very accessible. As Ireland’s main gateway to the USA it was also the home of the very first Duty-free shopping in the world.
To begin your Irish vacation on the ‘right foot’, go straight from the airport to nearby Dromoland Castle, for refreshments fit for a King and Queen! Even if you are not choosing to stay there during your trip, this exquisite castle will help you unwind after travelling. It is a 5 star luxury hotel but also steeped in history that dates back to the 5th Century. Kings of Thomond descendants of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland, once lived here and you get a sense of the royal lineage throughout this magnificent castle and grounds.
After some relaxation in Dromoland travel the short distance to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Bunratty means the ‘end of the ratty’ (river) in Irish and the river can be seen surrounding the castle. The castle was built in 1425 and is a very popular tourist attractions. It hosts a medieval banquet, guests dine at banquet tables in the castle while drinking traditional Irish mead and listening to historical Irish music. The folk park is like stepping back in time, there are a number of houses all decorated to an older day and highlight the difference in living standards. Right beside Bunratty is Blarney Woolen Mills were you can indulge in some duty-free shopping for some original Irish gifts to bring home.
The second day of your private tour of Ireland is the ideal day to tour more of County Clare. Starting with a trip to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and then onto the fantastic Ailwee Caves and Birds of Prey exhibition.
The gigantic Cliffs of Moher are 702 feet tall and stretch over 8 kilometers along the Atlantic coast. There is a safe path that leads the way and on a fine day you can take in the breath-taking views of scenery near and far. It’s the perfect view-point of the Southwest. On site there is also a visitor centre with a cafe and shop, the centre hosts interesting artefacts and information on local history.
The Burren National Park from the Irish word ‘boireann’ meaning rocky place, and it certainly is! Mainly formed of limestone rock the Burren stretches over 15,000 Acres and is the smallest National Park in Ireland. There have been many tombs found around the Burren, made from the rocks, the famous being the Portal Dolmen, proving people have lived in the Burren for over 5,000 years. It’s a very different landscape for Ireland as there’s no lush green grass and it’s easy to forget the the vast area of rock landscape is still the Emerald Isle.
Aillwee Caves are remotely located in the heart of the Burren and is one of the oldest caves in Ireland. The name Aillwee means ‘yellow cliff’ (Aill Bhuí in Irish) and was discovered in 1944, by a farmer following his dog (he didn’t tell anyone until almost 30 years later). The cave has an underground river, a frozen waterfall, the famous stalactites and stalagmites and even the skeleton of the extinct brown bear. Some calcite samples from the cave have been found to be over 350,000 years old making this wondrous cave a definite place to explore on your tour itinerary.
Opened in 2008 the Birds of Prey Sanctuary at Aillwee Cave is an impressive addition. Allow yourself to be entertained by the flying exhibitions of some of the world’s most beautiful eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls. If you stick around long enough you could be lucky and witness the unique ‘meals’ these amazing winged creatures feast on, not to be missed!
The next day of touring brings you to County Kerry, and first stop is the gorgeous Killarney. Killarney (Cill Airne in Irish) is a vibrant town in Co.Kerry, SouthWestern Ireland. It is the Gateway to the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula, taking a private tour gives you the freedom to explore this unique lively town situated in Killarney National Park. Enjoy Killarney at your own pace and take your time at each location with your personal driver. Here are some of just a few of the glorious sceneries and activities you’ll find in Killarney.
The Torc Waterfall is just outside Killarney but, with a private driver, you’ll have no problem finding this spectacular waterfall. It rises 70 to 80 feet high and if you walk a little bit further up some steps, you see the surrounding breathtaking views. A must-see in Killarney. Ladies view is another breathtaking part of Killarney’s landscape, it’s situated between Kenmare and Killarney on the infamous Ring of Kerry and is a spectacular viewing point high above all three Lakes of Killarney. End the day of touring by staying in the Prestigious hotel in the area, The Killarney Park and the Killarney Plaza would be highly recommended. Let your private chauffeur direct you the very best places in this bustling town to eat and grab a pint of the ‘black stuff’ while listening to traditional Irish music and enjoying the ‘craic’.
After a refreshing night’s sleep start the next day’s touring around the Dingle Peninsula, staying in the Kerry region. The Dingle Peninsula (Chorca Dhuibhne, in Irish) is surrounded by scenic beauty with immaculate sandy beaches and magnificent mountains. When travelling through the Peninsula of Dingle you’ll cross-over the Conor Pass, the highest mountain pass in Ireland. The breath-taking views there makes the thrilling journey on the winding, twisting roads worth it! The town of Dingle is a gorgeous fishing village with a busy harbour.
The last day is your chance to see the last of the extraordinary Ring of Kerry. It is a highly popular place in Ireland is popular amongst all tourists, from hiking tours to cycling tours. Whether you choose to see it on foot or with our private driver tours, it really is an amazing experience to visit any part of the Ring of Kerry.
We can help you plan any part of your luxury vacation in Ireland and if you have any questions please do contact us and we’d be happy to help. If you are interested in an Irish Vacation Package and would like more information, please click on the Enquire button below. All the best, Mike Ryan.