Insider Ireland
For its relatively diminutive size, Ireland packs a punch. This characterful isle is a wonderful, welcoming land of lush landscapes, friendly people, engaging music, convivial pubs, and ancient history. It’s addictive! My recent trip with the superb team at Crafted Ireland cemented that fact for me, placing it high on my list of where everyone should visit at least once.
Better yet, for the discerning traveler, this is a destination where luxury comes easily. Think stays in private castles, where the staff attends to your every whim and fancy. There are impromptu musical performances in centuries-old cathedrals, yacht cruises on the sea, helicopter rides over the rugged cliffs, celebrity chef dinners just for your group, jaw-dropping golf courses, and mountain adventures.
While I could go on and on, I’ll give you the highlights of my trip to whet your appetite for the Emerald Isle. Think a photo (or a video) is worth a thousand words? Check out our IG at @myhiddenjules to see footage of my trip.
When you’ve seen enough to convince you (it won’t take much!), reach out and we can chat about what I loved, what I think you’ll adore, and how to put it all together in a seamless, upscale travel experience of a lifetime.
Delightful Dublin
Our trip started in Dublin, a richly historic UNESCO City of Literature that also happens to be one of the friendliest cities in Europe. I would urge you to spend at least a couple of days here, getting your bearings, walking the cobblestone streets, lounging in 18th-century parks where you might find a pop-up food market or arts festival in full swing, and popping into a cozy pub or hip cafe. It’s a city with a village vibe, and you won’t want to leave.
Here’s a taste of what we could arrange for you:
For the Foodie
We had the singular experience of a private dinner with one of Ireland’s best-loved chefs, Kevin Dundon. Typically, Kevin can be found busy at work in the Dunbrody house kitchens and cookery school, but thanks to our DMC’s insider connections, we were able to join him at this private home for a once-in-a-lifetime chef’s table exclusive. We dined heartily on locally sourced produce, fresh seafood, and the fantastic fruits and vegetables that Kevin considers his positive bounty of ingredients, all literally on his doorstep in Dublin.
For the Adventurer
Yearning for fresh, mountain air? A custom overland mountain safari is easily arranged in Wicklow Mountains National Park, south of Dublin. You’ll travel in a tricked-out 4WD vehicle, as we did, into “The Garden of Ireland,” taking in views of well-known sites and private lands along the way. Stop for a whiskey tasting or two, a private-chef-prepared barbecue, a lesson in Gaelic games, axe throwing, rock climbing, hiking … you name it. There are also opportunities to explore Wicklow by helicopter, if that’s more your style.
Where We Stayed
We had the pleasure of staying in the five-star Shelbourne Hotel in the center of Dublin. The hotel has stood in the heart of the capital for nearly 200 years, with enviable views over St. Stephen’s Green and the city’s main historic, cultural, and shopping areas. Inside, we were treated to exquisite guest rooms, an opulent spa, a health club with a swimming pool, and my favorite part, a private dining experience in The Shelbourne’s Constitution Room.
The Charms of County Limerick and County Clare
From Dublin, our group made its way to Adare Manor in County Limerick, which borders County Clare to the north. Along the way, we stopped for a garden foraging experience and home-cooked vegetarian meal with an expert forager, chef, organic food enthusiast, and author. It was an insightful way to both learn about, and taste, Ireland’s commitment to ecological sustainability and farm-to-fork dining.
Where We Stayed in County Limerick
A Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice 2002 award winner and a five-star-rated property by Forbes Travel Guide 2023, the beguiling Adare Manor was our home for the night in County Limerick. Despite its regal facade, this is a place where one feels like family and where a warm welcome is guaranteed. Within moments of arriving at the arresting estate, it felt like the staff knew our favorite drink and our preferred seat by the fire.
Outside the sumptuous restored interiors, the Manor has access to 840 acres of pristine parkland, where guests are invited to play the day away, whether that’s on the magnificent golf course, horseback riding, archery, falconry, or clay pigeon shooting.
The love and labor that has gone into the creation of the Adare’s guest experience is evident at every turn, from the world-class staff, to the gothic appointments, to the Michelin-starred dining. I promise, you’ll feel like family.
Moving On …
As sad as we were to depart Adare Manor, we knew the next day held more lovely surprises. We spent the day with a private driver-guide touring Killaloe for a “secret Ireland escape,” including Lough (lake) Derg, visiting a private medieval castle on its own island, meeting local art collectors in their modern home and learning how this special area of Ireland inspires a unique way of life. Truly, Irish culture came to life that day, through stories, entertainment, food, and drink. Then, it was on to another castle…
Where We Stayed in County Clare
Just when you think you’ve seen all the medieval splendor of Ireland, another castle pops into view, this time the five-star Dromoland Castle. This is a convenient first stop for those flying into Shannon International Airport, as it’s just 12 minutes by car, and convenient to the Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and the appeals of Counties Limerick and Clare. Admire the jaw-dropping views and ornate furnishings and don’t miss The Earl of Thomond’s Restaurant.
Helicoptering Above the Cliffs of Moher
After our overnight at Dromoland, we set off for one of Ireland’s most iconic natural wonders, the Cliffs of Moher. We took a private helicopter tour to the 702-foot-tall cliffs, which really brought home their grandeur for me. The air route takes you above the Wild Atlantic Way before gliding above the staggering cliffs. Do not forget your camera.
It’s one thing to view the rugged cliffs from the air. It’s quite another to stand at their precipice and contemplate the great expanse of the churning Atlantic Ocean - a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. On our privately guided walk with a former Cliffs of Moher ranger and area expert, we learned about the local flora and fauna, geology, history and heritage, making the destination that much more meaningful.
Where We Stayed
After an exhilarating day at the Cliffs of Moher, we settled in for the night at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in Connemara in County Galway. Set within 700 acres of private woodland, rivers, and walks, this authentic and unpretentious estate overlooks a famous salmon fishery and the 12 Bens Mountain range.
I recommend the hotel as a stop along the Wild Atlantic Way, the perfect base for this scenic route from Donegal to County Cork, past Killary Harbour, Inish Bofin, Sky Road, and Roundstone Village. The beautifully appointed rooms and suites, with river views, and the elegant restaurants, are the crowning touches.
Of particular note was the atmospheric Fisherman’s Pub, which features local live musicians on the weekend - the perfect way to soak up that convivial Irish culture.
Castle, and More Castles
Our fantastic castle stays weren’t over yet. After our time at Ballynahinch, we continued to Ashford Castle and, the next evening, Luttrelltown Castle. The resplendent Ashford is the former home of the Guinness family and Ireland’s first Forbes Five Star Hotel. Owned by Red Carnation Hotels, known for their exquisite interiors, delicious cuisine, and purposeful local partnerships, the estate is a once-in-a-lifetime stay. History buffs are particularly smitten, as they can trace the castle’s history back to 1228.
The castle staff knows just how to play up their exquisite surroundings. We took a boat ride on the lake at sunset and set off on a horseback riding excursion in the surrounding countryside. After a day out, it’s blissful to return to a treatment at the highly acclaimed Spa at Ashford Castle, which was also voted “Best in Sustainability” in the Irish Tatler Awards. Exceptionally skilled therapists guide guests through treatments and personalized spa journeys.
Rounding out another epic Ireland day, and a beautiful stop for our final night and closing dinner, we tucked in at Luttrelltown Castle, whose 567 lush, private acres include a championship golf course, a state-of-the-art, alpine lodge-style clubhouse, and of course the world-famous, 15th-century castle itself. Offered for exclusive hire, the castle is a picture-perfect backdrop for weddings (the Beckhams were married here!), intimate family gatherings, elegant garden parties, and more - any gathering that would be elevated by the castle’s opulent setting, gracious hospitality, and exacting standards.
The cherry on top was the VIP experience at the airport before departure through Platinum Services with Crafted Ireland. Intended to make your travels hassle-free, the incredible service fast-tracks you through customs before heading home, offers personal meet-and-greet at the aircraft door upon arrival, provides luxury shower and bath facilities for freshening up, and more.
Ready to experience Ireland? Reach out anytime. I look forward to reliving my own time there by helping create your dream trip.
