Luxury travel in Ireland can be a truly spectacular experience, offering a chance to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty in style and comfort. Washed by abundant rain, the country’s pervasive grasslands create a green-hued landscape that is responsible for the popular sobriquet Emerald Isle.

Ireland is also renowned for its wealth of folklore, from tales of tiny leprechauns with hidden pots of gold to that of the patron saint, Patrick, with his legendary ridding the island of snakes and his reputed use of the three-leaved shamrock as a symbol for the Christian Trinity.

Ireland has plenty of luxury activities to offer, from golfing at some of the world’s most exclusive courses to indulging in spa treatments at a five-star resort. Other popular activities include horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and taking in the jaw-dropping scenery via boat or train. Here are some of our favorite experiences:

Ashford Castle

Once a medieval and Victorian landmark, Ashford Castle is now a 5-star luxury spa hotel and one of our preferred partners (which means I can secure you extras during your stay there.)

After admiring the manicured lawns and enchanting fountain outside, be prepared to enjoy some extraordinary activities such as a hawk walk, a day of fishing in Lough Corrib or the River Cong, or relax in the stunning bronze conservatory as you float in the relaxation pool with seashell chandeliers above and the ‘Tree of Life’ mosaic mural symbolizing Irish Celtic Mythology on the side.

Forget your stresses and live like royalty for a few days!

Ashford Castle was rumored to be where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle went for their honeymoon, but alas, it was only a rumor!

Ashford Castle also won the ‘Best in Sustainability’ in the 2019 Irish Tatler Awards, which we love.

Book your luxurious stay and read about their wellness amenities on the hotel’s website.

Boat Trip Down the Shannon

A boat trip down the Shannon is beautiful and a great way to take the green landscape. You can take an hour-long trip or a full-day trip on a luxury boat and make stops along the way.

There are several luxury boats available for touring the Shannon River in Ireland, each offering a unique experience. Here are some of the best luxury boats for a tour on the Shannon:

Shannon Princess: The Shannon Princess is a luxurious, fully-crewed barge that offers a unique and intimate way to explore the Shannon River. It features spacious en-suite cabins, a cozy salon, and a deck with a hot tub. The crew prepares gourmet meals using local ingredients, and guests can enjoy activities like fishing, golfing, and cycling.

Spirit of Killaloe: The Spirit of Killaloe is a luxurious, 50-foot cruiser that offers private tours of the Shannon River. It features a spacious salon, a fully equipped galley, and comfortable cabins. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, including fishing, cycling, and hiking, and can even arrange for a private chef to prepare meals on board.

Celtic Explorer: The Celtic Explorer is a luxurious, 40-foot motor yacht that offers private tours of the Shannon River. It features a spacious salon, a fully equipped galley, and comfortable cabins. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, including fishing, cycling, and hiking, and can even arrange for a private chef to prepare meals on board.

Each of these luxury boats offers a unique and memorable experience, with comfortable accommodations, delicious cuisine, and a range of activities to enjoy.

The West Coast Drive

On this chauffeur-driven journey, our amazing destination partner Dream Escape will showcase the world’s longest coastal drive; the Wild Atlantic Way. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will take you off the beaten track and to the most beautiful parts of Ireland.

Spanning almost 1,600 miles of the island’s stunning west coast, from Ireland’s southernmost point at Mizen Head to its northern tip at Malin Head, the highway cuts through sweeping verdant landscapes and provides way more than one vacation’s worth of curvy, coast-hugging, OMG views. 

Passing by towering cliffs and twisting roads, your excursions will range from helicopter flights to exclusive access to magnificent stately homes, and your trip is completed with intimate and luxurious accommodations.

The Wild Atlantic Way is divided into six sections – from south to north, the Haven Coast, the Southern Peninsulas, the Cliff Coast, the Bay Coast, the Surf Coast, and the Northern Headlands. While the ambitious could drive the whole route in one trip, we recommend slowing down and savoring each area. (Plus, more reason to return to the Emerald Isle again, right?)

Overall, luxury travel in Ireland offers a chance to experience the country’s beauty and culture in a truly unique and unforgettable way. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or explore all that Ireland has to offer, there’s no shortage of luxury travel options to choose from!