Top Activities and Luxury Upgrades in Ireland
Rich in culture, brimming with romance and utterly full of adventure there’s no shortage of options to excite the savvy traveler who lands in Ireland. But, there are some things no trip to these Celtic lands would be complete without, plus some fancy options you might not normally hear about. Brendan Vacations has created a list of cannot miss luxury experiences when visiting the Ireland’s glowing velvet green.
See (or sleep in) a Castle
The land of 100,000 welcomes is also home to thousands of castles ranging from lauded tourist destination like Blarney Castle to mysterious, elegant ruins like Dunluce. But you do more than just see them, did you know you can stay in one, and be treated like royalty? Ashford Castle is a world-recognized name for exemplary service and accommodations. First built in 1228, Ashford has had 800 years to perfect the art of an elegant stay, serving as a home and then home base to both the Guinness family and Hollywood greats. Falconry on the grounds, dinner in the dungeon, golf on the greens and refreshing spa services are all a part of what this castle keeps behind its walls.
Golf - Obviously
Here’s your chance to lower you score, by upping your game: go for a round of golf, in its natural habitat. Sure, the sport’s origin location of St. Andrew’s is next door in Scotland, but as they say: gorgeous greens make good neighbors. They do say that, don’t they? The Royal Portrush Golf Club has unparalleled options to enjoy a round on the same greens as the world’s greatest. And who knows, maybe your skills will get a touch of some locals-only luck.
Hit the Beach
That’s right – the land of seemingly eternal sweater weather is also famous for its dramatic beaches. No visit to Ireland should miss a chance to gaze out over the majestic ocean from the shore. Want to double the drama? You can elevate your Irish coastline visit to horseback height along parts of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. This elegant and personalized beach adventure takes you along pristine shorelines in County Sligo. On breaks between hooves pounding the sand, a local archaeologist guide draws you into the beauty of the region’s flora and fauna, revealing the secrets of coast often left unseen and inaccessible to others.
Whiskey Tasting, Tastefully
When it comes to the drink of Ireland, you’d think Guinness gets all the attention, but can we recommend finding the spirit of the island at a whiskey tasting? From the distilleries Jameson to Ballykeefe, there are popular and exclusive options abounding across Ireland for everything from a passing tipple to getting your full whiskey education. Want something stronger? Well, there’s select whiskey tasting, and then there’s private island select whiskey tasting. The Lambay Island VIP Whiskey tour is so rare, no more than 12 people may visit the island at a time. Owned by the Baring family since 1904, this island houses far more eclectic barrels of whiskey than people. Not quite three miles off Ireland’s coast and accessible only by boat in the warm months, it has retained an air of inaccessible mystery.
Ireland is quaint and luxurious, all in one island. For every absolute, must-experience moment, there is always someway to enhance it even further to become your most personal, luxury memory. This just a small, extra select listing of our Brendan favorites. Connect with us and let's craft an amazing Celtic adventure together.
