BESPOKE, FRIENDLY CHAUFFEUR-DRIVEN TOURS

Irish Tours

Our tours of IRELAND are tailor-made to suit your individual wishes. They can be 4, 6 or 8 hours, or even longer upon your request.

Below is just a sample of our tours, but remember we design each tour to suit you.

This is one of our client favourites.

Start your day with a visit to Malahide Castle in North Co Dublin. This castle dates back to 1185 and was occupied until 1975. It is perfectly preserved and open to tours, and along with its walled botanic gardens it’s a favourite.

We then head for the fishing port of Howth. Watch the trawlers bring in their daily catch, sample some of the fresh fish from one of the many restaurants or cafés. Take a short drive to Howth Head and see the breath-taking views of Dublin Bay and city.

From Howth, we head towards Dublin City itself for a panoramic drive through the city, highlighting the many historical buildings such as the GPO, the Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral, the Four Courts and Dublinia, to name but a few.

We then head for the Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest walled park with a circumference of over 11 kilometres and exceeding 1,750 acre - that’s over twice the size of New York’s Central Park!

The Phoenix Park is home to the Dublin Zoo, the American Ambassador’s residence, Garda (Police) Headquarters and the Residence of the Irish President. It’s also home to one Europe’s largest herds of Fallow Deer.

The park was also the venue for a celebration of mass by two Popes; Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. In 1979 Pope John Paul II celebrated mass in the park for over 1,250,000 people - that was over 30% of the nation’s population in the park that day. There is a 35 metre monument to commemorate the occasion.

Finish the day with a visit to the world famous Guinness Store House or the Jameson Distillery and sample some of Ireland’s best exports!

Start your day by taking the coast road south out of Dublin passing through the port of Dún Laoghaire and then through Sandycove, home of the James Joyce Martello Tower and Museum open to the public.

Then on through the picturesque village of Dalkey and the Vico Road, home to many celebrities such as Bono, Enya and Van Morrison, to name but a few.

We then enter County Wicklow, the “Garden of Ireland”. Our first stop is the magnificent Powerscourt Estate, noted for its house and gardens. Powerscourt House was voted in the top 10 houses by National Geographic and the gardens were voted in the top 3 gardens by National Geographic. Currently owned by the iconic Slazenger family, the estate dates back to the 13th century. In 1974, the house was gutted by a fire. By 1996, it was partially restored to its original glory and is now open to the public along with the breath-taking gardens. It is recognised as one of Ireland’s top spots to visit.

From there we head through the rolling hills and valleys of Wicklow to Glendalough’s “Valley of 2 Lakes”, home of St. Kevin. In the lower glen, you will find the ancient monastic city built by the followers of St. Kevin and see the remains of the Cathedral, round Tower and St. Kevin’s Church, as well as the graveyard and various dwellings.

We head back to Dublin via the Military Road through the Wicklow and Dublin Mountains. As you pass through the bog lands known as the Feather Beds you will see Loch Dan and Loch Tay, and the famous Guinness estate.

We head first to Kilkenny, Irelands oldest Medieval city. Kilkenny gained city status in 1609, but dates back as far 1195 when the magnificent castle was built. The castle, in all its glory, is open to the public. You can also visit St Canice’s Cathedral, or perhaps take a stroll through the labyrinth of medieval streets where you will find a myriad of shops, restaurants and pubs.

From there, it’s onto Waterford, home of the world famous Waterford Crystal. The Waterford Crystal factory is open to the public were you can watch the glass blowers and cutters perform their tasks in time honoured tradition. Later you can visit the shop and see first hand the magnificent finished products.

The factory is situated opposite the famous “Viking Triangle”. Here you can see the preserved areas of the original Viking City. Visit the Reginald Tower or the French Church, or pay a visit to the three Viking/Medieval museums.

Both Kilkenny and Waterford are vibrant, exciting cities with endless delights for all.

Prepare yourself for the breath-taking views and hospitality of the west coast of Ireland. The cliffs rise from the angry Atlantic Ocean to heights in excess 700 feet and have protected the west coast from the ferocious Atlantic tides for more than 300 million years. There are guided tours of the cliff edge daily.

In the distance you will see the Aran Islands and to the north the Twelve Pins mountain range. Nearly 2 million people visit the cliffs annually and is without doubt one of Ireland’s most popular destinations.

From the Cliffs we take a short trip to Doolin for a taste of truly traditional Irish Hospitality. Listen to local folklore, taste the local fare and maybe have a pint of Guinness whilst you listen to one of the many impromptu traditional bands.

We then head home via the Burren. No words can describe the scenery that awaits you, described as the Grand Canyon of Ireland. The Burren or “Great Rock” encompasses 220 square miles and is basically one big rock of Limestone. There are many viewing points along the route.

Both the Cliffs and the Burren are part of Ireland’s “Wild Atlantic Way” and whilst there are many areas of great scenery and history along the Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs and the Burren are perhaps the most breath-taking.

Heading north on the M1 from Dublin we take the Mourne coast road. On your right is the Irish Sea and to the left the magnificent Mourne mountains.

Our first stop is the port of Carrick Fergus. Along with its famous castle, Carrick Fergus is steeped in history. Take a tour of the castle and hear of the many wars it was involved in. In 1778, during the American war of independence, Captain John Paul Jones tried and failed to capture the port due to the considerable defense of the castle. Hear how he returned a few days later in his ship the “Ranger” and challenged the British Flagship “HMS Drake” to open battle, a battle Captain Jones won emphatically.

From Carrickfergus we head further north to the causeway itself, along the way you will see the dramatic coastline of east Ulster eroded over the years by the relentless aggression of the Irish sea.

When you reach the Causeway (The 8th Wonder of the world) you will marvel at nature’s wonders. See the perfectly formed Hexagonal shaped rock pillars rise side by side to a height of 40 feet, see the stunning lava cliffs rise dramatically from the sea. Hear the stories of the giants Fionn McCool of Ireland and Benandonner of Scotland and their many engagements and how they used the causeway as stepping stones to do battle with each other.

Finish your trip with a stop at the village of Bushmills, home of the famous Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, see how this historic brand has been distilled on site since 1608.