ireland a destination showcase specially designed … - a destination...spirits and great craic of...

Ireland – A Destination Showcase

Specially Designed

by

Dream Escape

2019

www.dreamescape.co.uk | [email protected] | +44 (0)845 260 1085

http://www.dreamescape.co.uk/

mailto:[email protected]

www.dreamescape.co.uk I [email protected] I +44 (0)845 260 1085

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Experience the myths, charm and culture of the Emerald Isle with this tailor-made programme, specially designed to showcase Ireland at its finest.

Beginning in Belfast, this destination showcase takes guests to explore the rugged Causeway Coastal Route then south-west to eat oysters in Galway and hike on the Burren landscape in Co. Clare. Further south, guests will encounter beautiful scenery on the Ring of Kerry route and learn of the country’s emigration history before the trip concludes in vibrant Dublin.

Lavish accommodations, exclusive visits, inspiring outdoor adventures combine to ensure you will be truly enchanted by this captivating country. However, the highlight will perhaps be the good spirits and great craic of the people you meet along the way.

Day One: Arrival in Ireland Travel north to Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland. Perhaps begin with a panoramic tour; compact and intimate in size, the city boasts a rich legacy of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

Your first hotel is located in the very heart of the historic Cathedral Quarter and is a sophisticated blend of Victorian grandeur and Art Déco-inspired modernity.




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Day Two: Belfast – History & Heritage In the 18th and 19th centuries Belfast became Ireland's pre-eminent industrial city. Ship-building thrived, and the city was the birthplace of the most famous ship in the world: RMS Titanic. See the huge cranes of the Harland and Wolff shipyard, affectionately known by the locals as Samson and Goliath, before visiting the award-winning Titanic Belfast museum.

Belfast is also known for its turbulent political past. A privately reserved guide will take you on a walking tour to learn more of how ‘The Troubles’ began, the people involved and their place in the conflict, and the effects on the city. It also shows how far the city has progressed since the ceasefires and Peace Process. It delivers an honest, objective and engaging insight into the conflict.

Day Three: Stones & Thrones Northern Ireland was one of the best spots to film Game of Thrones because of its rugged, wild and barren scenery. See where Ned Stark beheaded a deserter of The Night’s Watch and where Catelyn Stark captures Tyrion Lannister on suspicion of trying to murder her son, Bran; the caves in which Melisandre was brought ashore to give birth to the shadow baby; and where Renly Baratheon set up camp while vying for the Iron Throne.

Though not featured in the TV show, The Giant’s Causeway has a name worthy of the Kingdom of Westeros, and a similar scenic splendour. A private guide will take you on a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site; the lasting consequences a volcanic eruption some 60 million years ago, created an area of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, not unlike a giant jigsaw puzzle.




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Day Four: From Field to Plate Your foodie experience begins in the warmth of the kitchen in an 18th century thatched cottage on the stunning shores of Strangford Lough. A local baker will then show you how he makes his traditional breads then you’ll be invited you to roll your sleeves up and try it under his watchful eye!

Next, take an in-depth tour of the only distillery in Northern Ireland to be given a licence in 125 years. Your tour will offer you the opportunity to create your own serve and to sample the single estate gin or whiskey.

At the end of the day, meet an oyster and mussel farmer. Visit his idyllically located oyster beds and learn how he cultivates and harvests his Oysters from seedling to fully mature. You may have the opportunity to harvest your own oysters to enjoy with your seafood feast!

Day Five: Galway Travel to Galway. It was originally formed from a small fishing village then became a walled town in the year 1232. The city is compact and easy to explore on foot and brimming with brightly painted pubs and independent shops between medieval streets and sight-seeing spots.

Join where a private guide will take you on a walking tour to some of the city’s foodie highlights – from the best-known spots, including the famous Galway Market, to some lesser known gems. At each stop, a specially prepared treat will be waiting for you to try.

Further south, your accommodation is idyllically situated overlooking the unique Burren landscape and is an oasis of comfort and genuine Irish hospitality.




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Day Six: The Burren Explore The Burren, a special place, full of wonder and other-worldly beauty. This limestone plateau resembles a lunar landscape and is made up of an extraordinarily rich geological, botanical and archaeological heritage.

A local guide will take you on a walk, bringing this unexpected landscape to life. Following your walk, a private demonstration by working farm dogs will be arranged. See these impeccably trained dogs respond to their individual whistles as they work with both cattle and sheep.

Day Seven: The Cliffs of Moher The Wild Atlantic Way is where the wild Irish landscape collides with the dramatic Atlantic seascape; County Clare is home to some of the route’s most beautiful highlights.

Make your way to the Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs are the crowning glory of the Co. Clare coastline; like a viewing platform for prehistoric giants who wish to peer over the edge of Europe, they provide an unrivalled view across the vast boiling wildness of the Atlantic Ocean.




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Day Eight: The Castle in the Country Travel onwards to your next accommodation. This castle hotel offers modern-day luxury and impeccable service with an extraordinary history to match. The beautiful 16th century castle was originally the ancestral home of one of the few families of Gaelic royalty, the O’Brien clan, who were direct descendants of legendary Irish King Brian Boru.

Set on 450 acres of parkland, the sprawling Estate has much to offer. Perhaps try your hand at falconry, and archery, or a relaxing horse ride through the picturesque estate.

Day Nine: The Kingdom of Kerry Travel to County Kerry in the gorgeous south-west corner of Ireland which has long been celebrated for its beauty. Killarney is very much at the heart of Kerry and is without a doubt one of the country’s top destinations, known for its excellent shops, restaurants and cosmopolitan appeal.

Your accommodation is set in peaceful private grounds and surrounded by the famous national park from which it takes its name, the property could not enjoy a more picturesque setting.

This evening, dine ‘at home’ with a local family. The Irish are renowned for their good spirits and great craic and this evening is genuine Irish hospitality at its very best. There are no menus or waiters; you will be treated as guests of the family. Expect a wonderful evening, eating traditional fare which is usually prepared and cooked by the host.




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Day Ten: Killarney National Park Spend the day in Killarney National Park. There are many established walking and cycling routes, however the beauty of the Park is that it offers numerous options still very much in their ‘undiscovered’ state. Sight-seeing highlights include Muckross House, an imposing mansion built in Elizabethan style, and the Gap of Dunloe, a beautiful glacial valley.

Spend the evening visiting a selection in pubs in Killarney in the company of a talented musician and storyteller. She is an accomplished Sean Nós singer - Sean Nós is a style of unaccompanied traditional Irish singing - and a multi-instrumentalist. She effortlessly sings and plays in between the chats and the stories.

Day Eleven: Ring of Kerry Spend the day exploring the Ring of Kerry. Following the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula, the route is one of Ireland’s most famous drives. It encounters some of the country's finest landscapes, weaving around storm-bashed coast, steep mountains, ancient ruins and welcoming villages.

A privately reserved boat will take you on a trip circling the Skellig Islands. Monks settled in solitude here during the 6th century; from the water, see the 1,000-year-old steps the monks carved into the rock, and the beehive huts they lived in. The larger of the islands is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recently took a starring role in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.




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Day Twelve: Ireland’s South Coast Visit Kinsale - with its crooked streets, slate hung houses and bow-fronted shops, it is one of the prettiest small towns in Ireland. Take time to explore the historic streets and the many independent shops and galleries found tucked away.

Join a unique culinary adventure here. A local guide will take you foraging on the coast for wild shellfish, seaweed and plants. Return to the town to visit two different eateries, with a dish specially prepared for you at each. Along the way you will meet local characters and producers, allowing you to discover their stories and the history of this charming part of Ireland.

Day Thirteen: Colourful Cobh Travel to the harbour town of Cobh, which was formerly known as Queenstown following the visit of Queen Victoria in 1849. A private local guide – a specialist on Cobh’s history - will take you on a gentle walking tour during which the rich heritage of the harbour side town will be explored.

The port is known for its maritime and emigration legacy, and a history intrinsically linked with great ships, majestic liners and adventurous tales of the sea. It was once the main departure point for emigrants travelling to America and was the last port of call for the ill-fated RMS Titanic.




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Day Fourteen: The Capital City Set on Ireland’s east coast, Dublin is an essential stop for any visitor to the Emerald Isle. With a history that stretches back over 1,000 years, there is much to be discovered. Today, the city is regarded as one of the liveliest and most atmospheric in Europe.

A privately reserved local guide will take you on a walking tour to discover the origins of Irish dancing and visit some of the landmarks of Irish cultural history in the city including underground Gaelic bars where you can listen to some live traditional music.

Check-in to your final accommodation. Widely considered the finest hotel in Dublin, its understated listed Georgian exterior gives no indication of the sumptuous, graceful elegance inside.




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Day Fifteen: Dublin – History & Heritage Two special visits are arranged today.

Begin with a visit to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Here, step through several themed galleries with a private tour guide who will give you a unique insight into the compelling story of how Irish emigrants and their descendants helped to influence and shape the world.

To follow, a privately reserved in-house guide will take you on a tour of the award-winning GPO Witness History visitor centre. On Easter Monday 1916, a band of rebels stormed the General Post Office building, seizing control and making it their headquarters during the fierce fighting of Easter Week. The Easter Rising set into motion a chain of events which would ultimately lead to the creation of the Irish Republic.

Day Sixteen: Onward Travel Your chauffeur will provide a transfer to Dublin Airport for onward travel.



ireland a destination showcase specially designed … - a destination...spirits and great craic of...

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