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Dream Escape Valerie Wilson Educational Trip to Ireland. May 2019

22nd June 2019

 

Dream Escape were excited to host Valerie Wilson Travel advisors on an educational visit to Ireland in May.

 

The Valerie Wilson advisors set off on their trip with the aim of learning as much as possible about the Emerald Isle and broadening their knowledge and expertise of Ireland and what Dream Escape can offer.

The advisors were met by Head of Guiding, Rosie and owner David and whisked off into the Irish countryside for a beautiful Champagne reception and luxury private motor yacht trip on Lough Derg with Secret Ireland. Onwards to Adare Manor where the group had a spectacular Horse and Hounds welcome followed by a falconry display in front of this magnificent property. The surprises continued for the advisors as they were treated to a surprise singing recital after dinner.

 

The next day started with a visit to Cliff House Hotel where the group were treated to a lovely lunch, show round and also a hard hat visit to the soon to be finished Cliff Beach House. A very special day was had by all at Lismore Castle. After a wonderful tour of the beautiful gardens with Head Gardener, the Valerie Wilson advisors were treated to a delicious homemade afternoon tea while listening to stories of the castles. Evening entertainment was a huge hit with local music, song and dance at its finest all centred around the roaring open fire.

A wonderful show round at Ballyfin was next on the agenda where the advisors were able to admire the history, architecture and attention to detail of this stunning regency mansion. It was then on to the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens where the group were lucky enough to see a newly born foal.

Dublin was the next stop with a stay at the elegant Merrion Hotel. The group also snuck into a local pub for their first pint of Guinness and were entertained by some  impromptu local session musicians!

After sightseeing in Dublin with Rosie and Dan Calley, Dream Escape pulled all the stops out with a helicopter flight up to the dramatic and spectacular Antrim coastline and along to Crom Castle in Northern Ireland. A Visit to Dunluce Castle was included, the dramatic clifftop castle ruins may be recognised by fans of Game of Thrones as the Pyke stronghold.

The group were then warmly welcomed to Crom Castle by the Earl of Erne. He ensured a truly unforgettable stay with a show around the amazing castle grounds (part of a 19,000 acre estate run by the National Trust), a boat ride on the Lough Erne and kindly hosted the group for dinner.

Hillsborough Castle, the official residence of The Queen when she is in Northern Ireland was the destination for the next day, the group practised their curtseying in preparation! It was then onto Belfast for an introductory tour of the city and a visit to the Titanic Experience.

The last night was spent overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim Coast at the Culloden Estate and Spa with a private finale dinner.

 

We would like to thank all of our wonderful suppliers for their warm welcomes and outstanding hospitality in making this trip such a success and demonstrating the wonderful spirit of the Irish people.

 

 

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