10 Days
For the ultimate Irish celebration, Dream Escape have put together a package of two very special ‘house parties’ for you and your friends. After a day exploring vibrant Dublin, travel to some of the most beautiful parts of the Emerald Isle on board an exclusively chartered luxury train, then make a private castle your home for the last leg of your trip.
It is not just the accommodation that makes this trip special, but the exclusive experiences offered throughout. Discover the real Ireland, through its history, its landmarks and, of course, its people.
GET IN TOUCHDream Escape’s tailor-made programme could be designed to include any of the following experiences:
The accommodation is the real star of this trip. Life onboard the Grand Belmond Hibernian is indulgent yet intimate, where the atmosphere of a country-house prevails. Your castle hotel is one-of-a-kind, with a history dating back to 1170 but no shortage of modern luxuries. Previous guests have included Cecil Beaton, Fred Astaire and JFK.
The wide boulevard of O’Connell Street, passing the General Post Office, scene of the 1916 Easter Rising and birthplace of the Irish Nation.
Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1, it is home to one of the most impressive libraries in the world, the Book of Kells and the Brian Boru Harp.
Visit the authentic Jameson’s Whiskey Distillery on the outskirts of Cork. Following a privately guided tour of the distillery, enjoy a tutored tasting of four premium whiskeys. Your Jameson Ambassador will take you through each whiskey – the distillery proudly suggests that while you may arrive as an appreciator, you will depart as an expert!
Dublin is steeped in history, with Viking, medieval and Georgian influences all having left their marks. Since the time of the Vikings, Dublin has been the principal gateway to the Emerald Isle. The medieval city, with its intimate knots of small alleys and broad streets south of the river, was developed in Norman times around St Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle, and later came to symbolise British rule in Ireland. The 18th century was the “Age of Elegance”, a time of relative prosperity when the Irish gentry set about remodelling the city into one of elegance, replete with graceful terraces, wrought-iron balconies and fanlight doorways. The city became Ireland’s capital with the establishment of the Republic of Ireland in 1937, and today is regarded as one of the liveliest and most atmospheric in Europe.
Cork is Ireland’s second largest and southernmost city with a history dating back to the 6th century; Founded on islands in an estuary, waterways circle the city centre crossed by over 20 bridges. Hilly neighbourhoods climb the river banks, stacked with colourful houses. These along with the Georgian architecture give the city a Continental feel. It is a creative and exciting city, renowned for learning, with a world class university and specialist colleges. It has a rich musical traditional and is home to no less than 24 festivals running throughout the year.
Located by the three lakes and mountains of the Killarney National Park, Killarney is well known for its excellent shops, restaurants and cosmopolitan appeal. During the summer months, the lively on-street musical entertainment complements the meandering of tourists and locals alike. On bright evenings, one can browse in a bookstore, admire art or savour the delights of homemade ice cream or a finely prepared lobster.
Galway is the official European Region of Gastronomy 2018. The region stretches from green fields and rich farmlands to the unique karst landscape of the Burren and into Galway city, the trout fishing capital of Europe, and along the wild, rugged Atlantic coast. Galway has one of the highest densities of restaurants in Ireland and includes two of the country ‘s Michelin Star restaurants: Aniar and Loam. Galway is a city with a proud seafaring tradition and Galway Bay is one of the most celebrated oyster fisheries, where the native Irish oyster is widely prized as a delicacy in the later months of the year.
