Disconnect to reconnect. While that may sound impossible, upon entering the Mystical Emerald Isle, the captivating and calming aura of this region will become evident. With life's usual stresses and challenges alleviated, allow yourself the opportunity to be pampered and taken care of by your attentive hosts. Limited to just six guests, you can expect one-on-one service throughout.
A land renowned for its never-ending vistas of green tranquility and awe, interspersed with deep-rooted culture and historical landmarks, it will undoubtedly create long-lasting memories. These range from an authentic sheepdog demonstration, to a photographers’ dream of capturing the Ring of Kerry, to sampling a perfectly poured Guinness or whiskey. Soak it all in, while enjoying legendary Irish hospitality in some of the finest five-star hotels. Discover a unique perspective of The Mystical Emerald Isle, that only Art In Voyage can offer.
Arriving in Shannon, you will be greeted by the crisp Irish air as well as your Art in Voyage host, here to assist you at every step of the way. Your journey begins northwards, towards the Connemara District region. The experience is as much about the journey as it is the destination. This holds true as we encounter the first authentic Emerald Isle experience in the form of the cozy fishing villages gently enticing the waves to the shore. A spa treatment awaits you on arrival, revitalizing you for the private welcome dinner set in one of the ivy-covered castles.
Today will be spent exploring the beauty of the Connemara National Park. The vivid blue lakes edged by the sharp-peaked range of The Twelve Bens paint a charming setting for the colorful road map of communities present in the villages. The unique character of each is waiting for you to explore; a plethora of hidden gems to be laid bare along the way. Lunch will consist of a picnic in the park, while an afternoon tea can be had in the enchanting Victorian Walled Gardens of Kylemore Abbey. Dinner tonight will be at your leisure.
After a scrumptious breakfast, we depart for Galway County. En route, we traverse through one of Ireland’s only fjords, in which the Killary harbor can be found nuzzling the coastline. Lunch will be had in the serene setting of Galway. It’s here that the quintessential pairing of Guinness Stout with Galway Bay Oysters will delight your senses. Take a few hours to explore the town. The history-filled streets and buildings have many tales to tell, bringing to life its rich legacy. We then make our way to what we will call home for the next two days, Glenlo Abbey Estate.
Today the pilgrimage to the Cliffs of Moher lies ahead of us. Pausing only for breakfast, we are met with the staggering beauty of the sheer rock face. Soaring to 702 feet, the white of the waves crashing down below, the cliff’s fingers caress the coast southwards towards Cork and Kerry. Those with a keen eye focused on the north may even spot the Aran Islands from O’Brien’s Tower. After lunch, we continue with our drive through Clare County. Eagerly anticipating our return will be the property’s whiskey connoisseur, providing us with a tasting of three of their finest creations. A lavish dinner paired with wine awaits us in one of their Pullman Orient Express carriages.
Southbound, we stop in at the bustling city of Limerick. There to help us navigate the town’s stories will be a local historian with a walking tour of the sites. A stopover at one of the traditional dairy farms continues our immersion into the culture with such captivating authenticity. Sharing a home-cooked meal while the family regales you with tales from rural life, you’ll be hard pushed not to find a personal connection with the Emerald Isle. Allow the feelings to flow as we savor a Sundowner while overlooking the water at our hotel for the evening in Killarney National park. Surrounded by rolling green hills, our day draws to an end with an idyllic tone.
Cameras are advised to be at the ready for today’s venture into the photographic delight of the Ring of Kerry. Capture the moment as the light dances to the tune of the incoming coastal winds, changing the perception of the majesty in all it touches. Round every corner is an ever-changing panorama, waiting for the click. Gain a unique perspective to your shots as you travel up close and personal in a traditional jaunting car. A perusal of the local handicrafts in the Gap of Dunloe follows, after which a demonstration of Irish sheepdogs will ensue where we find out why they are indispensable to the land. Dinner with wine pairing will be available at our accommodation after.
The last leg of the journey is upon us as we drive through the wilderness that envelopes Ireland's southern shore. Passing through the rugged coastal edges of West Cork, we arrive at a third-generation family-owned food emporium specializing in authentic, locally produced food products. Meet some of their suppliers and feast on a lunch filled with meats, cheeses, chutneys, and other integral ingredients of Irish cuisine. It's time to get the camera out again as we arrive in the aesthetically pleasurable location of Cork. Explore the rich colors and architecture painted through the streets before a farewell dinner at our favorite Michelin-starred eatery.
The final morning has arrived and transfers to Shannon Airport for your flight home awaits. This spellbinding journey through The Mystical Emerald Isle may very well have captivated your soul. In that case, the Art In Voyage Team would be delighted to extend your trip and assist with arrangements to the next leg of your emerald adventure or beyond. How about an experience along the Whiskey Trails of Scotland, or a wee bit further into the heart of Europe? By this point, your hosts will understand your preferences and will suggest the perfect extension for your Emerald Isle journey.
Our day-to-day itinerary may, from time to time and prior to departure, need to be altered or slightly modified to address possible unforeseen logistical and weather challenges. In such rare instances, Art In Voyage guarantees delivery of the content of the itinerary yet, in a different order.
All listed retreats (hotels, villas, and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. In such rare instances, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
In case of a cancelation at more than 60 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $250 per person administrative fee.
In case of a cancelation within the penalty period: Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $250 per person administrative fee.
