Ireland

The island of Ireland needs no introduction as her famous exports like St Patrick’s Day, Guinness, whiskey and traditional Irish music are known worldwide. But beyond that lies an undiscovered land of adventure.

Home to six national parks and a plethora of wild landscapes, this small island is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore this ancient island from the rugged coastlines of the west coast to rolling emerald hills further inland, the great mountains of Connemara, Donegal and Kerry, the tiny fishing villages along unspoilt peninsulas and teacup-sized islands, and the vast bogs the northwest. Discover the island’s wild geology at the lunar-like exposed limestone of the Burren, the jagged rock pinnacles of the Skellig Islands, the great cliffs at Slieve League and the Cliffs of Moher, and the wild basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway and the Causeway Coast. Ireland is a land of great beauty and rich history, and is home to a cheerful and proud people.

Ireland has produced many a great writer, artist and poet, each taking inspiration from the island’s rich history, culture and landscape. From tales of warring giants to those of cunning fairies, the ancient traditions and folklore are steeped into the hills. Though once outlawed, the Irish language has seen a resurgence, with many Gaeltacht pockets dotting the more remote communities. With thousands of years of habitation, on nearly every excursion, you’re sure to stumble over anything from 5,000-year-old Neolithic monuments to Bronze Age hill-forts, Norman castles, medieval monasteries, clifftop forts, and stone beehive huts.

The Irish are cheerful and welcoming, never wasting an opportunity to showcase the wonders of the country, the stories and histories of the people who once lived here, and the traditions and crafts passed down through generations. After a day of exploring, kick back by the crackling fire with a pint in hand, listening to the lively tunes of Irish trad music in a countryside pub.

Bursting with experiences to perfect any luxury adventure itinerary, Ireland’s culture and her people’s friendly disposition lend the destination perfectly to cultural and outdoor adventures, small group tours and private travel experiences, each full of chance encounters with locals, stunning scenery, fascinating history and myths, and enriching experiences.

The stormy coast of Wild Atlantic Way is perhaps Ireland’s best-known destination. Visitors will also find rugged mountains in Kerry, Connemara and Donegal, beautiful peninsulas in Cork, vast bogs in Mayo, cliffs in Clare, heather-topped hills in Wicklow, ancient monuments in Sligo, and of course the bizarre geology of the Burren. Read on to explore the regions of Ireland.

The most popular region of Ireland, the southwest has several must-sees such as Killarney National Park, the island’s first national park and the Ring of Kerry. Beyond this, Cork and Kerry are full of charms. In Kerry, climb the mighty Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, or wander the Dingle Way along the edges of the Dingle Peninsula. Boat out to the famed Skellig Islands 11km off the coast to learn about the monks – and Jedi! – who once lived in this inhospitable pinnacle of rock. Take a boat out to the abandoned Blasket Islands, taste hand-made cheese from the region’s dairy farms or hike the stunning mountains inside the Ring of Kerry.

Aiming is to find new ways to explore these beloved classics, we also delight in bringing clients to the lesser-known corners of the region. In Cork, hike the Beara and Sheep’s Head Peninsulas with a local archeologist, hop over to some of the islands like Cape Clear where you might try the local goat’s milk ice cream, or Garnish Island, to marvel at the paradisal garden. In Kinsale, visit the tiny crafts shops or take the family-friendly town ghost tour, a fun undertaking run by charismatic actors.

Along Ireland’s central west coast in Co Clare are the Cliffs of Moher, 14 km of sheer cliffs falling 700 feet into the sea. Clare is also home to the other-worldly limestone landscapes of the Burren, inspirations for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth. In spring, the Burren is carpeted in a hugely biodiverse display of wildflowers, with species native to the Arctic all the way down to Mediterranean, all growing together.

Heading north, the city of Galway is the west coast’s bustling centre, full of cheery pubs and artesian shops. Beyond Galway are the vast wilds of Connemara, where sweeping views of rugged peaks and expansive bogs await.

Taste ocean-fresh oysters in one of Ireland’s fjords, learn about the tradition of sheep sheering from a local farmer, or take a boat to the Aran Islands to get immersed in the long-standing traditions and Irish Gaelic language still spoken by most islanders. Outdoor lovers will delight in hiking in the little-visited hills and valleys of Connemara’s Twelve Bens mountain range with an expert guide.

One of Ireland’s lesser-known regions, the northwest is perfect for anyone with clients hoping to get off the beaten track on a unique adventure. Remote and eerily beautiful, northern Mayo is home to empty beaches, jagged cliffs and vast coastal seascapes dotted with numerous islands. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the empty wilds of the island.

History lovers will delight in Sligo, home to two of the island’s four largest concentrations of Neolithic monuments, with over 85 monuments built some 5,000 years ago. This small county is full of charm, from great surfing to cute coastal villages and landscapes that inspired W.B. Yeats, the great Irish poet.

From the dramatic cliffs and mountains to the pristine beaches of Donegal, this part of Ireland is perfect for hiking and cycling far from crowds. Slieve League is tied as the highest sea cliffs in Ireland, and the cliff-side paths offer stunning panoramas. Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point, is so wild that it was used as a filming location in Star Wars.

The Causeway Coast, one of Ireland’s most interesting stretches of coastline, runs along her northern shores. The most famous part of the coast is of course the Giant’s Causeway, a bizarre geological formation that, legend has it, was built by feuding giants from Ireland all the way to Scotland. But Northern Ireland has much more to offer – think clifftop castles and hidden caves, white-sand beaches and windswept islands.

The bird sanctuary on Rathlin Island is one of the best places to spot puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes. Belfast is a fun and modern city with a burgeoning foodie scene and a unique historical perspective. Though often overlooked, Belfast is one of Ireland’s coolest and most intriguing cities and is a great base to visit this part of Ireland.

Further south are the great Mourne Mountains. Though an easy trip from Belfast, few tourists get the chance to explore these magical peaks. Encircled by the great Mourne Wall, built to enclose a reservoir, the Mournes offer some of the best hiking in Northern Ireland.

Dublin is the capital of Ireland and is our largest and most cosmopolitan city. It is an exciting place with a rich history. Most people will want to spend at least a day or two here. It can sometimes be hard to know the best places to visit in a city with so much to offer, but our network of local characters are ready to give your clients the experience of a lifetime. We can arrange personalised experiences from themed city tours to cooking classes, distillery tours to after-hours entry to some of Dublin’s best known attractions.

Just to the south of Dublin are the Wicklow Mountains, bisected by the Wicklow Way. Ireland’s first long distance path, the Wicklow Way makes for some great walking. Glendalough monastic site, once Ireland’s top centre of learning, is a trip through time to medieval Ireland, and Powerscourt Estate is home to award-winning gardens and Ireland’s tallest cascade. A short trip from Dublin, we’ll take your clients beyond spots frequented by Dublin day-trippers into the heart of the national park.