Live life in the lap of luxury! Ireland has long been the secret hideaway of the some of the worlds great names, political leaders from Charles de Gaul to Tony Blair, actors from Jeremy Irons to Oliver Reed and Richard Harris, musicians from Mick Jagger to Sting. Discover for yourself the secret that makes this their favourite hideaway, and stay in ultimate luxury at the presidential suites of some of the finest hotels. 

Day 1

At Shannon Airport your driver guide will meet you and bring swiftly and comfortably through County Limerick to Cork.. Your guide is a descendant of one of Ireland’s oldest and grandest families. There you will check into the Castle Martyr, the 17th Century mansion of the Earl of Cork incorporating a 12th century castle! Enjoy the world class spa, the beautiful grounds and the relaxing rooms of this, the newest of Ireland’s luxury hotels. Dine on your own at the hotel this evening.

Day 2

You could spend a week exploring the Cork area and still not have seen all the highlights. The bells of Shandon, The English Market, St Finbarre's Cathedral & The Crawford Gallery are a few of the highlights of the city. The famous cookery school of Ballymaloe, with its shell house and associations with William Penn, is just to the South of Midleton, home of Irish Whiskey. The Cobh Heritage centre presents a fascinating story of emigration to America and as you rejoin the main road to Cork the gardens of Fota Island and Barryscourt Castle should not be missed. The town of Kinsale, gourmet capital of Ireland, is a place to spend a day. The Old Head golf course, south of Kinsale, is uniquely challenging being surrounded by cliffs that fall steeply down to the sea. Or head east and visit the Waterford Crystal Factory and the remote fastness of the Comeragh Mountains. Return to Castle Martyr. You might want to check out the music in the local pub, or book dinner in Ballymaloe, Ireland’s Chez Panisse.

Day 3

Depart Cork for the stunning scenery of Kerry. Travel by way of Blarney Castle, famous for its loquacious stone. Visit the enchanting seaside town of Kenmare. Climb over Molls Gap, and enjoy the Ladies’ View of the lakes of Killarney as you come down to Muckross House with its lakeside gardens. Spend some time in Killarney before checking into the Aghadoe Heights Hotel.

Day 4

Explore the Ring of Kerry – The Bog Village, the town of Waterville and the ancient and mysterious stranding stones and forts. All the way you are between the mountains and the sea, with stunning views. Golf is an option today at Killarney Golf Club. Overnight at Aghadoe Heights Hotel.

Day 5

By way of Listowel, the literary capital of the west with a fascinating literary centre in the shadow of the Norman Castle. Cross the Shannon by ferry to see Lahinch and The Cliffs of Moher and the Atlantic Ocean, with the Aran Islands in the foreground. Carry on across the wild landscape of the Burren to Galway to overnight at The g hotel, where milliner to stars and royalty, Galway man Philip Tracy, has created the most modern, fashionable designer hotel.

Day 6

Explore Connemara – visit the town of Cong, where The Quiet Man movie was made. Follow Lough Corrib to Kylemore Abbey, romantically set on a lake, its gothic form blending into the heather clad mountains behind. Return to Galway by way of Clifden, a market town known as the capital of Connemara. Tonight enjoy a traditional music night in the city.

Day 7

You might want to spend a little time shopping in Galway’s medieval streets. Later on in the day visit romantic medieval building, some in ruins, such as Quinn Abbey, others restored, such as the 15th century Bunratty Castle. Check in to Dromoland Castle, till the 1960s the home of the direct descendant of Ireland’s greatest High King, Brian Boru. Since it has become a hotel over 100 world leaders have stayed in the presidential suite here.

Day 8

Transfer to Shannon Airport.

7 nights in the top 5 star hotels in Ireland including 3 nights in historic castle hotels, with a driver guide from one of Ireland 's ancient aristocratic families and accommodation throughout in Presidential suites.  $14,000 value for only $5,995 per person sharing.  Valid January 1st  to  April 1st 2010.  This tour includes exclusive private visits - call our private luxury travel advisor for more details

Adams & Butler, Luxury Travel Specialists

T +353 1 2889355 E vacation@irishluxury.com 
US Toll Free 1-800-8945712