Enquire

+44 (0)20 7819 9770

Back to Listing

Grand Tour of Ireland

11 days from £4,673 per person

Do you want to experience the ‘real’ Ireland whilst staying at her most exceptional luxury properties? Ampersand has selected the finest castles and friendliest country homes throughout the land on this 11-night privately guided tour taking in Ireland’s most vibrant towns and ravishing landscapes, which have inspired numerous poets, painters and writers over the years.

UNESCO City of Literature, Dublin has all the attractions of a modern capital city combined with the beauty and heritage of the past. From Dublin head south to fertile County Cork and the mountains and lakes of the Ring of Kerry in the west, before travelling up to the craggy coastal landscape of Ballyvaughan and the white beaches at the Cliffs of Moher, and end in the green undulating hills of County Laois in the central heart of Ireland.

This grand tour includes Ireland’s best attractions and activities including heritage sites, castles, gourmet restaurants, swimming in lakes, fishing and golf, but with plenty of time at leisure to rest and enjoy the beautiful properties you’re staying at. Sink back and enjoy some of the most spectacular drives of your life as you are chauffer driven through incredible landscapes, including the mournful and dramatic scenery of the Burren, a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean and by the Shannon River and Estuary to the east.

End with the ultimate indulgence: 2 nights at Ballyfin, the most exclusive estate in Ireland, set in a place of tremendous natural beauty, romance and tranquillity.

Itinerary details

11 days from £4,673 per person

Day 1 - The Merrion Hotel - Dublin
Transfer to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Dublin with private guide.
Day 2 - Ballymaloe - Midleton
Travel to Midleton via Kilkenny for a tour of Jameson Distillery. Afternoon Irish cookery class at Ballymaloe Cookery School.
Day 3 - Ard na Sidhe Country House - Killarney
Travel to Killarney via Muckross House.
Day 4 - Ard na Sidhe Country House - Killarney
Full day for exploring Ring of Kerry with private driver/guide.
Day 5 - Ard na Sidhe Country House - Killarney
Full day for exploring Dingle or Beara Peninsulas with private driver/guide.
Day 6 - Ard na Sidhe Country House - Killarney
Full day at leisure. Optional spa afternoon at The Europe.
Day 7 - Gregan's Castle Hotel - Ballyvaughan
Travel to Ballyvaughan via Bunratty Castle with a stop in Adare village. Afternoon at leisure or optional visit to Dunguire Castle.
Day 8 - Gregan's Castle Hotel - Ballyvaughan
Full day sightseeing of Burren and Cliffs of Moher with private driver/guide. Alternatively, full day boat trip to the Aran Islands.
Day 9 - Dromoland Castle - Newmarket-on-Fergus
Transfer to Dromoland Castle. Afternoon at leisure for golf or castle activities.
Day 10 - Ballyfin - County Laois
Travel to Ballyfin. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 11 - Ballyfin - County Laois
Full day at leisure for estate activities.

Key

For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move.
Robert Louis Stevenson

Make an Enquiry

Client Testimonials

I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India

I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand

Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka

Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India

We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma

Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket

We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India

Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland

I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India

Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India

Grand Tour of Ireland

11 days from £4,673 per person

Itinerary details

11 days from £4,673 per person

Key

Client Testimonials

Let us keep you up to date