Emerald Isle, Dream Honeymoon
Self Drive Tour or Luxury Chauffeured Tour
Share your dream honeymoon of romance, love and passion in the mystic Emerald Isle. Every moment is a precious memory on our unique honeymoon in Ireland. Let yourselves be enchanted by stunning scenery, snuggle in cosy pubs, and be pampered in luxury castles and manor houses.
“I just wanted to send you a thank you for all you did to make our trip the best! It was beyond our expectations!"
– Peg Cozzolino
Call 800.832.1848 or 212.757.5797 to talk to one of our destination experts or email us and start planning the perfect trip today.
Price: Call For Price
Highlights
Allow us to create your ultimate holiday romance as we customise your honeymoon to suit you as a couple. Let us take you on a journey brimming with love, laughter and joy, as you visit some of the most stunning landscapes in Europe, immerse yourself in Ireland’s rich culture, its atmospheric pubs, and luxurious romantic escapes.
To customize this itinerary, talk to one of our destination experts on 800.832.1848 or 212.757.5797.
- Arrive in Shannon Airport
- Stay at the legendary Ashford Castle in County Mayo.
- Explore the landscape of Connemara, a Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) region
- Tour the Burren
- Drive to Kerry & tour the Dingle Peninsula.
- Explore the Ring of Kerry, and take a boat trip to the Skellig Islands
- Visit The Blarney Stone.
- Explore Cork, Cobh Harbour, & Kinsale.
- Visit the medieval city of Kilkenny
- Drive to Dublin
- Visit the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, & Temple Bar.
- Return home from Dublin Airport
Included in This Tour
- 9 nights deluxe hotel accommodations with full breakfast daily.
- Self-Drive rental vehicle with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance. OR upgrade to the services of a Professional Driver Guide.
- Touring Map of Ireland & List of recommended pubs, restaurants and places of interest
- Private Car transfer to the airport upon departure.
- Deluxe portfolio of travel Documents & Personalized Itinerary.
- 24/7 Concierge service in Ireland while travelling.
- Discount admissions booklet for area attractions.
Flight Information
- Arrive: Shannon (SNN)
- Depart: Dublin (DUB)
Take the hassle out of booking flights. Ask about our best available Economy Fares as well as our Preferred Business and First Class Offers. Our air department experts can help with competitive rates. Just let us know your preferred dates and U.S. Departure City. We will do the rest.
Meals
- Irish Breakfast Daily
Day 1 and 2
Arriving in Shannon Airport, pick up your rental car, and drive to the legendary Ashford Castle in County Mayo, for a 2 night stay. Situated beside the tranquil Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle is a sumptuous luxury retreat in the heart of County Mayo. Dating back to 1228, and once the estate of the Guinness family, 5-star Ashford Castle Hotel was one of the first luxury Castle Hotels in Ireland. On the way to Ashford Castle, visit the breath-taking Cliffs of Moher, which soar more than 700 feet above the Atlantic. From here you will enjoy stunning views of the Aran Islands, and Galway Bay.
Today you can tour Connemara. From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range, to the swathes of bog and moorland, to the golden beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, Connemara has an ethereal light that constantly changes the mood of the landscape. Drive through Leenane and the beautiful Delphi Valley. The scenery and history in this region will touch your heart. Enjoy stopping in little villages along the way, meeting locals and exploring at your leisure.
Days 3 and 4
Drive south with a stop in County Clare. Tour the Burren, a barren limestone landscape, dotted by prehistoric tombs with some of nature’s finest flora and fauna. Visit the charming village of Lisdoonvarna, pop into a pub, and feast on fresh oysters and a pint of Guinness, all while listening to traditional Irish music. Continue to Killarney, County Kerry, for a 2-night stay at Carrig House. Relax after your journey. This evening why not take a horse and carriage ride to Muckross House on the Killarney Lakes. You might also want to see the Gap of Dunloe and visit Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a cosy pub and restaurant with traditional music and dancing.
Take a tour of the stunning Dingle Peninsula, the setting for the film ‘Ryan’s Daughter’. Experience some of the most breath-taking views in Ireland at Slea Head and Connor Pass. A number of charming fishing villages dot the coast where you may wish to stop for lunch. The town of Dingle is famous for its hiking, fishing and sailing by day, and by night for lively restaurants, pubs and a fantastic traditional music scene. Or you may prefer to tour the famous Ring of Kerry. For centuries, artists and writers have been inspired by this evocative landscape. Options include a boat trip to the Skellig Islands, a remote monastic settlement in early Christian times, raided by the Vikings in 810 AD.
Days 5 & 6
Continue to Cork, and on the way visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence. You will stay 2 nights at the luxurious Hayfield Manor, Cork’s premier 5 star hotel, offering you the ultimate in luxury and superior service. Hayfield manor is the perfect base from which to explore all that the city has to offer. Tour Cork City and include a visit to the Shandon Bells, the Gothic style University College, St Finbarr’s Cathedral, City Market and the Crawford Art Gallery.
Visit Cobh harbor, last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic. Afterwards sample some Irish whiskey at Midleton Distillery. From there visit the picturesque fishing town of Kinsale. Enjoy a gourmet meal and stroll hand in hand through the narrow cobble stoned streets. Kinsale is famous for its natural beauty while also considered the “Gourmet Capital of Ireland”. It is also a hub for craftspeople and artists.
Days 7, 8, & 9
Depart Cork, drive north, and visit the medieval city of Kilkenny, once the capital of Ireland in the middle ages. Tour Kilkenny Castle and shop at Kilkenny Design, packed with Irish made arts and crafts. Continue north towards Dublin. Or maybe you would like to make a detour to County Meath to visit the site of Newgrange? This prehistoric monument, built in 3200BC, is older than both the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge, and is a place of astrological, spiritual, and ceremonial importance. A visit to Newgrange is an unforgettable experience. Stay 3 nights at Brooks Hotel Dublin.
Explore all Dublin has to offer. Dublin is a dynamic capital city, with a proud colorful past and a thriving present. Enjoy exploring your vibrant surroundings. We recommend a delicious pre-theatre dinner at the Michelin star rated restaurant ‘Chapter One’, before going to see a show at the Gate Theater. Explore Trinity College and the Book of Kells, an exquisite illuminated manuscript created by monks circa 800. Visit the Dublin Writers Museum, Dublin Castle, The Guinness Storehouse, trendy Grafton Street, and the youthful scene at Temple Bar. Dublin city never sleeps. In the evening, enjoy traditional live music and dinner in one of the many fine pubs. We’ll give you an insider’s list of our favorite places!
Day 10
After a delicious Irish breakfast, enjoy your private transfer to Dublin Airport to prepare for your return flight home.
To customize this itinerary, talk to one of our destination experts on 800.832.1848 or 212.757.5797.
Hotels
Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo
Dating back to 1228 and once the estate of the Guinness family, the legendary 5-star Ashford Castle Hotel was one of the first luxury Castle Hotels in Ireland. Situated beside the tranquil Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle is a top Mayo Hotel and one of the best examples of a Castle in Ireland.The timeless classical interiors and award winning cuisine, combined with an array of Sporting Activities such as Fishing, Falconry, Golf, Horseback Riding and Cruising on the Corrib has resulted in Ashford Castle Hotel being awarded: Best Resort Hotel in Europe by readers of Conde Nast Traveller, Top 10 Resort Properties in Europe by Travel & Leisure, Number 1 Resort Hotel in Ireland voted by Conde Nast Traveller Readers Choice Awards.
Brooks hotel, Dublin
Situated only minutes from Grafton Street in the fashionable heart of Dublin city, Brooks Hotel is the perfect place to stay. Most of the city’s key attractions are within walking distance to the hotel and include: the best shopping streets in the capital, St. Stephen’s Green, the Guinness storehouse, Dublin Castle, Trinity College and many popular art galleries, theatres, museums and entertainment venues. Luxuriously appointed rooms coupled with excellent food, fine wines and exemplary levels of customer care and service, are what make a visit to Brooks such a special and rewarding experience.
Carrig House, Kerry
This charming and meticulously restored Victorian residence has a sense of timelessness about it that has captured the imagination of poets and adventurers alike. Situated on the shores of beautiful Caragh Lake in Kerry, you will find the cleanest air in Europe, beautiful gardens and natural green woodlands with spectacular views across the still waters to the wildness of the Kerry Mountains. For the past 15 years Frank & Mary have operated a very successful Country House & Restaurant and have won many rewards for their hospitality and their Lakeside Restaurant. They are members of Ireland’s prestigious Blue Book.
Hayfield Manor, Cork
Hayfield Manor, an Experience beyond the Best. At the 5 Star Hayfield Manor Hotel Cork, a family owned boutique luxury hotel, a visit is an experience in itself. Winner of the Conde Nast Traveler 2012 Reader's Choice Awards, the hotel is discreetly nestled within beautiful walled gardens, a tranquil oasis in the vibrant city of Cork South West Ireland.
Travel Tips & FAQs
Ireland
Passports & Visas
To enter the Republic or Northern Ireland, you need a valid passport. While e-passports are commonly used now, they are not a necessity to enter Ireland. UK citizens do not require a passport to enter Ireland, but carriers by air or sea require some form of identification with a photograph (usually either a passport or driving license with photo).
Citizens of the EEA member states (the 27 countries of the European Union EU, together with Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) and many other countries including USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand do not require visas to gain entry to Republic or Northern Ireland.
What to Pack
Bring a sweater, even in summer; waterproofs to accompany all outdoor activities; sunglasses; comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella. The weather is changeable so go for layers that you can put on or take off as the temperature changes.
Weather
February to April: Highest temperatures range from 46 to 54°F
May to July: Highest temperatures are between 64 and 68°F
August to October: Highest temperatures hit between 64 and 57°F.
Winter air temperatures inland normally reach 46°F, while the coldest months are January and February.
April & September are considered the most pleasant and temperate months.
Currency
In the Republic of Ireland, the official currency is the euro (€). One euro consists of 100 cent. In Northern Ireland, pound sterling is the local currency (£). One pound sterling consists of 100 pence.
Gratuities
Gratuities and tips are discretionary and are not usually included in a bill. The general custom is to give 10% to serving staff in restaurants. Cafes might have a collection box at the till and bar staff are not tipped but you are free to offer “have one for yourself”.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance:
Republic of Ireland, Telephone: 112 or 999
Northern Ireland, Telephone: 999
Gadgets
Plugs in Ireland are three-pronged, the same as in the UK and the electricity supply is also 230v. Adapters are widely available, and it’s a good idea to bring a couple for your various gadgets.
Public Transportation
National Coaches
Republic of Ireland: Bus Eireann
Northern Ireland: Translink
Dublin Buses
Leap Visitor Card is a prepaid pass that allows you to travel on all Dublin Bus, Airlink 747 buses as well as the Luas Light Railway Tram and DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) for up to 3 days.
Railways
Republic of Ireland: Irish Rail
Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Railways
The Dart (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) covers Dublin’s coast and city area from Howth and Malahide in north County Dublin via Dun Laoghaire in south County Dublin to Greystones in County Wicklow.
Luas light rail/tram service travels across the south and west of Dublin city including the city center areas.
Time Zone
Ireland functions on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). During the summer it becomes GMT+1, that’s Irish Standard Time (IST) in the Republic and British Summer Time (BST) in Northern Ireland.
For example, New York is Irish Time -5 hours & Los Angeles is Irish Time -8 hours.
Language
English is commonly used throughout Ireland although Irish is the official language and there are Irish speaking areas called the Gaeltacht where it is the predominant language.
Driving
You will need either a full valid national driving license or an international driving permit. Cars in Ireland drive on the left-hand side of the road and both driver and passengers are required to wear seat belts at all times by law. Signposts in Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) areas are written in Irish (Gaelic) so familiarise yourself with both English and Irish spellings before you set off for those parts. Northern Ireland uses miles per hour, while the Republic of Ireland uses kilometers for signage and speed limits.
Vaccinations
There are no vaccinations required to visit Ireland.
Testimonials
“Back from a great golf trip and thanks so much for your assistance. Hotels were outstanding and made for a wonderful relaxing trip.”
– Tim Dudich
“I wanted to let you know that our trip was one for the ages. We had more fun than I could have imagined.”
– Herb Bennett
“To say our group had an awesome time on our trip would be the understatement of the century.”
– John C. Granzow, CIMA
“I will have no hesitation in recommending your company for future use! I felt as if you and your company gave us top notch customer service and never batted an eye for what may have been odd questions – that type of service is hard to find. You really gave us personal service!”
– Leslie Wajda
“Trip was great – accommodations excellent.”
– Kathleen McCormack-Batterson
“This note is to praise Destinations Ireland and our driver, James Finn, who truly made our trip a pleasure!”
– Donna Long
“The trip was really great. You did a fabulous job of picking the properties. Scotland is beautiful! It was a great trip. You scored again! Can’t wait for our next adventure.”
– Libby McGriff
“I wanted to let you know that the accommodations were fabulous throughout our trip. We were completely blown away, what a magnificent find. The house is simply breathtaking. A word on the drivers. I could not have asked for more accommodating or entertaining gentleman to escort us around. They were full of information, great stories, and advice. Really, really just wonderful guys all around.”
– Susanne McNeill
“A masterful job in creating and arranging such a phenomenal trip…”
– P.J. Fitzgerald
“We had a “dream trip” and you/your organization were a large part it making it all happen. Everything went smoothly and was more than we ever imagined! We are already talking about a return trip in a few years! Have to save our money. 🙂 Thanks again for all you did for us.”
– Nancy Capocy
“I cannot express how much I appreciate you making all the arrangements with such short notice & I just wanted to say Thank you again for all your help.”
– Susan Sanford
“All I do is talk about the wonderful trip, sites and your company and how we couldn’t have been happier with all the arrangements and people who set this wonderful trip up. Again thank you!!!”
– Janet Jenrick
“We had a wonderful time in Ireland and I appreciate all the reservations you made and the guidance your gave us.”
– Monica Kobasic
“I wanted to thank you for arranging a great trip to Scotland. The Channings, Culloden House, and Roxburghe House were fantastic…the best of accommodations, food, and customer service”
– Trina Girimont
“I wanted to thank you and Destinations Ireland and Beyond. We had an amazing experience. We loved all the hotels that you set us up with. Thank you for being so insightful, quickly giving us a speed course of Ireland and helping us decide where to go and what to see. I would highly recommend Destinations Ireland and Beyond as the best travel agency!”
– Donna and Ira Spector
“A lot of beautiful memories. THANK YOU for all of your planning and attention to detail,”
– Kathy Ross
“I just wanted to send you a thank you for all you did to make our trip the best! It was beyond our expectations! We loved all of our accommodations. I can’t say that I have a favorite because it all was perfect. We were not ready to come home and all look forward to visiting Ireland again.”
– Peg Cozzolino
“I want to THANK ALL OF YOU FOR A WONDERFUL TRIP. Ronelle and I had a marvelous time.”
– P.J. “Paul” Nicholson
“Thank You! for all your help arranging a wonderful visit to Ireland.”
– Ron & Jennifer Spielman
“Tim and I had a wonderful trip to Ireland thanks to your wonderful suggestions and arrangements. Everything was just perfect. We truly had a wonderful trip and are grateful for your services.”
– Jenny Popp
“Thank you for the great job you did arranging our trip to Ireland. Everything went wonderfully and the accommodations were the best.”
– Elizabeth Zechman
Booking Enquiry for Emerald Isle, Dream Honeymoon
You can use this form to contact us with your preferred date of travel, the number of people in your party and your requirements and we will get back to you with a quote.
