THE DELUXE SMALL-GROUP TOUR OF IRELAND 

You’ll never forget checking into a world famous Irish Castle hotel, a 12th century fortress, and enjoy sleeping in its luxurious bedrooms. 

This tour features all the fantastic activities and experiences Essential Ireland Tours are famous for, but the 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.

Great memories, fun experiences, a luxury Castle stay in Ashford Castle, the most famous of all Irish Castles and one of the worlds finest hotels..

This is an epic VIP tour of Ireland.

note: This tour itinerary may occasionally need to operate in reverse direction or certain days may be swopped if logistically required. In this eventuality, the activities, sights or locations visited on the tour will not be affected. 

[9.30am] Depart central Dublin. Pick up in one central location City’s south-side (The Leonardo Hotel, just in front of Christchurch Cathedral). 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 to the idyllic village of Cong, one of Ireland's most beautiful spots and scene of the Hollywood classic 'The Quiet Man'

Late Afternoon:  Enjoy free time  in charming Cong.. 

[3pm approx]  Checkin to Ashford Castle, the worlds most beautiful and luxurious Castle Hotel. The warm welcome from the staff is an experience in itself.

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.

[6pm] An optional gathering in the Prince of Wales Bar where everyone can enjoy each others company and have a good chat with other tour-guests

You're free for dinner in the George V dinging room (dinner jackets compulsory for Gentlemen), the Castle Dungeon ( no dress code) or the charming cottage restaurant...
Browse the dining options at this link, Stephen's tip: be sure to pre-book directly with the Castle

The world-famous Cliffs of Moher - Photograph the Burren - Shannon Ferry crossing  - Fun Irish music evening in lively Killarney

 After a delicious breakfast fit for royalty, you'll have all morning free to enjoy the grounds of Ashford Castle.

Onwards through to the world-famous Cliffs of Moher to enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery.

Photostop at the unique geological formation of the Burren.

We will cross the river Shannon by Ferry.

Arrive in lively and charming Killarney. 

A fun-filled evening of Irish music lies ahead. Free for dinner

After a delicious breakfast and a leisurely morning, we’ll enjoy one of our trademark ‘Mini Ring of Kerry’ Tours.

Visit picturesque Kenmare, famous for it cute shops and colourful streets, maybe you'll take time to go and see it’s ancient stone circle, built by our ancient pre-Celtic ancestors and possibly used as a ceremonial sites by our Celtic Druids. 

A place of strong spiritual energy.

Enjoy a photostop up at Molls gap and Ladies View on the Ring of Kerry and take in the breathtaking scenery, a real highlight.

Visit Torc Waterfall, we highly recommend the short hike through the native woodland and up to the falls in the middle of the forest, 15 minutes max walk and suitable for all walking abilities.

Then we'll visit Muckross House and Gardens. Plenty of time for a stroll though the gardens of Muckross House. You’ll enjoy free time in the lakeside lawns before and have time to tour the beautiful stately home. [Late afternoon] Back in bustling Killarney with the evening free to to dine, dance, sing, shop or relax!

Free for dinner.

Excellent Irish music options.

'Welcome to Dingle' Walking Tour - 'Dingle Crystal' Workshop visit  - Private Falconry experience 

[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.
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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.
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Over the next 3 days we'll offering some incredible Irish experiences. Beginning with a private falconry experience in our very own School of Falconry.

Slea Head & the glorious beaches - Gallarus Oratory & the ancient ruins of Kilmalkedar- 'Hold a baby lamb' - 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.
Free for dinner and/or the pub-music, many fine choices on offer in Dingle 

Today is your 'holiday from your holiday. 

 Enjoy a delicious home-cooked and leisurely Irish breakfast.

Free day in Dingle to enjoy a host of possible activities.

Some guests enjoy a tour of the Dingle whiskey distillery or weather-permitting a Dingle Sea Safari. And some just prefer a day of shopping, snacking and trying out a few more of Dingle's 56 pubs!

We always organise a meet-up of guests in Dick Macks pub before everyone spreads out to enjoy their dinners. This is a perfect evening to experience some more of our fine traditional Irish music and entertainment. A wonderful 'farewell to Dingle'.

The Rock of Cashel (via Adare & the majestic Rock of Cashel)

Depart after a fine breakfast on Dingle Bay

We'll stop in heritage village of Adare for a comfort break en route to Tipperary.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Rock of Cashel, following in the footsteps of St. Patrick himself. The Rock is where St. Patrick himself once preached and is one of Ireland's most glorious archeological sites. 

Stunning vistas, rich history and deeply inspiring.

 Depart for the Capital City.

[4.30-5pm pm approx] Arrive back in Dublins fair city, where we will say our goodbyes and drop you back to the exact same spot that we departed from.

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat / may the road rise to meet you.

* we can only drop off at the point that we departed from in central Dublin (for 2025 this is the Leonardo Hotel at Christchurch Cathedral).  Due to understandably strict driver-hour legislation, under no circumstances can we drop tour-guests off anywhere else in Dublin city-centre and/or Dublin Airport hotels and/or Dublin airport. Occasionally a few tour-guests still ask if we can drop them off somewhere other than the designated drop-off point, but the answer will always have to be a polite 'no'. Taxis are easy to hire from the drop-off point. 

Many thanks for your understanding. :)