Ireland is up there on many people’s bucket lists, and it’s not hard to see why. From spirited live music to the astounding natural and manmade scenery and its city streets steeped in history to the affable people who reside there, the Emerald Isle is certainly a pleasurable place in which to spend some quality holiday time.
Whether you wish to go to Ireland for a family, friends filled, solo or couple’s luxury trip, it takes proper planning to have a successful voyage. From hawking at Ashford Castle to watching Munster playing a match at Thomond Park and kayaking on Lough Hyne, there is everything to love about the two countries that make up the island of Ireland, so when conjuring up your next luxury vacation to Ireland, consider the below four tips to make it a trip to remember.
Planning your perfect itinerary
Are you heading to the literary (and literal) capital that is Dublin? How about a trip to nature-filled Killarney? Are you keen to kiss the Blarney Stone and be blessed with the gift of the gab? Or do the hexagonal stepping-stones of the UNESCO World Heritage site that is Giant’s Causeway tempt? Wherever it is across the isle you wish to add to your itinerary, there are very many amazing sights, inviting towns and exciting experiences that you can enjoy. If you’re considering a lot of travel during your trip then make sure you book your train tickets in advance, so you don’t have to think about planning these journeys once you are there.
Deciding on where to stay
From castles to hotels to homes to rent, your luxury Ireland getaway won’t be complete without some upscale accommodation to rest your weary head at the end of a long day exploring, and luxury hotel seekers will be pleased to know that there are a range of five-star establishments dotted across the island to luxuriate in. Visitors to the Belfast area should consider Culloden Estate and Spa for its spa facilities, plush rooms and upscale dining, while Lough Eske Castle Hotel in Donegal wows with its 17th century castle setting with spa and fine dining.
If it’s a grand manor with fine dining and separate homes on the estate to choose from for your family, then Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection near Kilkenny is a great choice; and there’s Ashford Castle with its a stunning lakeside setting in the west, not far from Galway. Dublin dwellers have a fantastic selection of top-notch hotels to stay in including The Westin, InterContinental Dublin, Luttrellstown Castle Resort, The Westbury and Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel.
Where will you dine?
Lovers of fine dining will be happy with the array of delightful restaurants that can be found throughout Ireland. Dublin boasts the two-Michelin-starred Patrick Guilbaud and Greenhouse, while Aimsir in Celbridge also holds two coveted stars. Take your pick of the one-Michelin-starred Loam and Aniar in Galway, while Japanese restaurant Ichigo Ichie in Cork, Lady Helen in Thomastown, House in Ardmore and Variety Jones in Dublin are just some of the other single star holders ready to delight.
What will you need to pack?
Among the tedious tasks when planning for a trip, especially if this is a family getaway, is the packing. Ireland has a pretty mild climate – the east of this region gets about 1,000mm of rainfall annually, while the west can get up to 1,400mm per year, and it is always best to check the weather before you go to avoid any nasty surprises. Raincoats, walking shoes, waterproofs should be included if you intend to hike and explore outdoor attractions, such as the numerous castles that are dotted around the country, while exquisite meals are best served to guests wearing their finest attire.
