Do you want to explore Ireland in Style?
Imagine waking up in Ireland, crisp linen, soft morning light and the wild Irish landscape stretching out before you. By day, you are exploring hidden villages, sharing stories with locals and discovering the soul of a country that feels like it was made for wandering. By night, you are raising a glass with a small group of new friends who share your sense of adventure, before retreating to the kind of luxury that makes you never want to leave.
This is Ireland in style. Our luxury small group tour is waiting for you.
Indulge in an unforgettable 8-day luxury escape through Ireland, where authentic local culture, breathtaking scenery and the true heart and soul of the Emerald Isle blend seamlessly with elegant five-star accommodation and magnificent castle stays.
Spend your days hearing centuries old stories told the way they were always meant to be told, baking traditional brown bread with a local family and walking the Cliffs of Moher privately with Ollie, a local man who knows every rock and legend by name. Between the curated experiences, the time is yours to wander, breathe and truly let Ireland find you.
Then retire each evening to a stunning castle estate, grand manor house or award winning spa hotel, where every comfort has been taken care of. This is Ireland at its finest, and you deserve to end each day in style.
No driving today
Your luxury Irish adventure begins in Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant and historic capital. After arriving and settling in, the evening comes alive with a unique storytelling and culinary experience — captivating tales of Irish history, folklore and local legend woven together with traditional Irish dishes that celebrate the flavours and heritage of this extraordinary country.
Afterwards, Dublin’s lively streets, cosy pubs and music-filled corners are yours to explore — or simply rest and let the anticipation of the days ahead carry you to sleep. Tomorrow, we head west.
The Merrion Hotel
The elegant rooms at The Merrion offer timeless luxury and refined comfort in the heart of Dublin City. Guests can enjoy beautifully designed interiors, 5-star amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi and one of Dublin’s most prestigious addresses, just moments from St. Stephen’s Green and the city’s finest dining and shopping.
Visit the Overland Accommodation page for more details.
The Westbury Hotel
The elegant rooms at The Westbury offer luxurious comfort and timeless style in the heart of Dublin. Guests can enjoy beautifully designed interiors, 5-star amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi and an exceptional central location, just moments from Grafton Street, St. Stephen’s Green and Dublin’s finest dining and shopping.
Total driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Leaving Dublin behind, we journey into the Irish countryside towards County Kildare for one of the most warmly authentic experiences on this tour — traditional Irish brown bread making. Join a local family in their kitchen, learn time-honoured baking techniques passed down through generations, and leave with flour on your hands and a recipe you’ll use for years.
From here, we continue west to the breathtaking Dromoland Castle — one of Ireland’s most iconic and luxurious castle hotels. Steeped in history and elegance, the estate is nothing short of spectacular. Spend the evening exploring the magnificent grounds, soaking up the grandeur of castle life and relaxing into the kind of surroundings that make you feel like royalty. In the evening, you will indulge in a 3 course meal in The Earl of Thomond restaurant.
Dromoland Castle
Experience the magic of staying in a world-famous Irish castle at Dromoland Castle, where luxurious rooms blend historic charm with modern elegance. Set on a stunning estate in County Clare, guests can enjoy fine dining, beautiful grounds and exceptional service in one of Ireland’s most iconic luxury hotels.
Visit the Overland Accommodation page for more details.
Total driving time: 4 hours
Today you meet Ollie. A local man who knows the Cliffs of Moher the way most people know their own back garden, every rock, every legend, every shift in the Atlantic light. Your private tour with him is unlike anything the tourist trail can offer. No crowds, no rush, just the raw and magnificent edge of Ireland and someone who genuinely loves every inch of it.
After lunch, we continue south towards Killarney, a town that wears its beauty lightly, with lively streets, stunning scenery and the warmest of Irish welcomes waiting for you.
The Europe Hotel
Overlooking the breathtaking Lakes of Killarney, The Europe Hotel offers stylish, spacious rooms with spectacular scenic views and exceptional 5-star comfort. Guests can unwind in the award-winning spa, enjoy elegant dining experiences, and soak in the beauty of Ireland’s southwest from this unforgettable lakeside retreat.
Visit the Overland Accommodation page for more details.
Total driving time: Minimal
Enjoy a slower start this morning before experiencing Killarney at its most magical. Take to the famous Lakes of Killarney on a peaceful private boat tour, mountains reflected in still water, birdsong echoing across the surface, the kind of silence that actually says something.
Afterwards, climb aboard a traditional jaunting car as a local jarvey guides you through the breathtaking Gap of Dunloe, rugged mountain passes, ancient stone walls and scenery that has been stopping people in their tracks for centuries. Surrounded by lakes, mountains and wild Irish landscape, this is a day that stays with you long after you’ve left.
The Europe Hotel
Overlooking the breathtaking Lakes of Killarney, The Europe Hotel offers stylish, spacious rooms with spectacular scenic views and exceptional 5-star comfort. Guests can unwind in the award-winning spa, enjoy elegant dining experiences, and soak in the beauty of Ireland’s southwest from this unforgettable lakeside retreat.
Total driving time: 2 hours
We make our way today towards vibrant Cork City, but first, a stop at the legendary Jameson Distillery for a guided tour through the rich, warm history of Irish whiskey, rounded off with a tasting.
Arrive into Cork City with the evening entirely yours. Wander lively streets, discover cosy pubs, eat incredibly well or simply soak up the atmosphere of Ireland’s charming and proudly independent southern capital. Cork has a way of surprising people and it always does.
Hayfield Manor
Hayfield Manor combines classic country house elegance with warm Irish hospitality in the heart of Cork City. Its luxurious rooms feature sophisticated décor, plush comforts, and thoughtful touches throughout, while the hotel’s beautiful gardens, fine dining, and tranquil atmosphere create a truly relaxing escape.
Visit the Overland Accommodation page for more details.
Total driving time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Begin the morning in Cork’s famous English Market, a beloved institution of artisan producers, fresh local ingredients and the kind of food culture that makes Cork people quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) convinced theirs is the best city in Ireland. A guided food tour brings it all to life.
We then travel to the impressive Cahir Castle, one of Ireland’s largest and best preserved medieval fortresses, before continuing to the enchanting medieval city of Kilkenny, cobbled streets, striking architecture and a warmth in the air that makes you want to slow down and stay a while.
Lyrath Estate
Set within a magnificent historic estate in Kilkenny, Lyrath Estate offers contemporary luxury surrounded by stunning parkland and lakes. Guests can enjoy spacious modern rooms, exceptional dining, a relaxing spa experience, and the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and countryside charm.
Visit the Overland Accommodation page for more details.
No driving today
This morning, enjoy a memorable falconry experience where you’ll meet majestic birds of prey and discover one of Ireland’s oldest traditions in a truly unique and unforgettable setting.
After your experience, the rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy at your own pace. Unwind at your luxury accommodation, explore the charming streets of Kilkenny, visit Kilkenny Castle, browse local boutiques and cafés, or simply take time to recharge and soak up the atmosphere of one of Ireland’s most historic and elegant cities.
Accommodation
Lyrath Estate
Set within a magnificent historic estate in Kilkenny, Lyrath Estate offers contemporary luxury surrounded by stunning parkland and lakes. Guests can enjoy spacious modern rooms, exceptional dining, a relaxing spa experience, and the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and countryside charm.
Total driving time: 3 hours 20 minutes
As your unforgettable Irish journey draws to a close, we begin the journey back to Dublin, but not before one final, quietly breathtaking stop. Glendalough Monastery sits deep within the Wicklow Mountains, ringed by ancient woodland, glittering lakes and ruins that carry over a thousand years of Irish spiritual life. It’s a place that asks you to stop, look and feel something.
Before the city, one last toast, at the legendary Johnny Fox’s Pub, one of Ireland’s most beloved traditional pubs and the perfect place to raise a glass to eight extraordinary days. You leave with unforgettable memories, new friendships and a deeper connection to Ireland’s people, culture and landscapes. Ireland has a way of getting in. It tends to stay there.
This small group luxury tour was designed for travellers who want it all. The craic and the comfort. The ancient stories and the castle suite waiting at the end of the day. The warmth of a locals kitchen in the morning and the warmth of a five star fire in the evening. In Ireland, we have always known how to make people feel at home, and on this tour, home happens to be a magnificent castle, a grand manor house or an award-winning spa hotel.
But what makes this tour truly special isn’t just where you stay or what you do. It’s who you share it with. Small group travel at its finest brings together like-minded people, curious, warm and adventurous, who find themselves baking brown bread together on a Monday morning, standing speechless at the Cliffs of Moher with Ollie on Tuesday and raising a glass together at Johnny Fox’s on the final day, looking back on an amazing journey. The friendships built on a tour like this have a habit of lasting well beyond Ireland.
Luxury is where you sleep. The real Ireland is what you experience. And the people beside you on this journey? They might just become part of the story too.
Our expert Irish trip designers have created this slower-paced, relaxed 8-day luxury tour of Ireland to ensure you experience unforgettable sights, stories and moments, without ever feeling rushed. This itinerary blends iconic landmarks with authentic local gems, offering the perfect balance of culture, scenery and time to truly enjoy each destination.
You will stand atop the legendary Cliffs of Moher, wander the colourful streets of Killarney, and discover charming coastal villages and hidden treasures. Across eight wonderful days, you will journey along Ireland’s coastlines, visiting castles and countryside, immersing yourself in rich history, heritage, and natural beauty, all at a comfortable, enjoyable pace.
We have packed exceptional experiences into this Ireland itinerary for 8 days so that travellers can experience the real Ireland in style.
Scroll down to explore your full itinerary. If you love what you see but would like to customise your trip, our Tailor-made Ireland Tours offer endless flexibility, so you can shape your dream Irish adventure.
Have questions about this 8-day Luxury Ireland Escape Tour of Ireland? We would love to help! Simply get in touch for the answers you need. Get ready to discover Ireland in a relaxed and meaningful way, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
We take pride in creating exceptional travel experiences that allow you to fully relax, explore, and connect with Ireland at a comfortable and enjoyable pace. This luxury 8-day journey has been thoughtfully designed to combine immersive experiences, breathtaking scenery, and premium comfort, without ever feeling rushed.
Our luxury tours offer an elevated way to experience Ireland, with added comfort, handpicked accommodation, and thoughtful touches throughout the journey that make every day feel special. From elegant stays and unforgettable scenery to warm hospitality and unique local experiences, this is your chance to slow down, indulge a little, and experience Ireland in a way that feels truly memorable, a special treat from beginning to end.
At Overland Ireland, we focus on delivering a seamless and elevated touring experience from beginning to end. From expertly guided experiences to carefully curated stops and authentic local encounters, every detail has been designed to make your time in Ireland truly unforgettable. We are also happy to cater for a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian guests.
Your transport, accommodation, entrance fees, and signature experiences are all taken care of, so all you need to do is relax, enjoy the journey, and let Ireland work its magic.
Accessibility: Our small-group tours are not wheelchair accessible due to the off-the-beaten-path nature of our routes, the size of our vehicles, and the fact that not all accommodation partners have ramps or elevators.
Please note: While we always aim to follow the outlined itinerary, unforeseen circumstances such as weather, traffic, or local events may require adjustments. In some cases, certain activities may be cancelled. If this happens, your guide will always provide a thoughtful and enjoyable alternative to ensure your experience remains unforgettable. For this reason, we do not offer refunds for cancelled activities. Your comfort and enjoyment are always at the heart of everything we do.
What’s included
What’s excluded
