Your Luxury Vacation in Ireland
Ireland offers travelers a blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and easygoing charm. Located in the North Atlantic, this island nation is known for its castles, music, storytelling, and warm sense of community. Dublin, the capital, has strong literary traditions, Georgian streetscapes, and iconic names like Guinness and Riverdance. It is also a starting point for discovering the character of the country.
Finest Journeys offer private guided tours in Ireland, and individually curated itineraries, which provide access to Ireland’s most distinctive experiences. In the countryside, travelers explore scenic routes such as the Ring of Kerry, visit lakeside villages, and walk through the grounds of centuries-old estates. In cities like Cork and Waterford, guests can enjoy local markets, artisan shops, and traditional Irish food.
The craic is central to Irish life. It comes through in conversation, shared meals, spontaneous music sessions, and the energy of a local pub. Irish dancing still thrives in many communities, with Riverdance performances and informal ceilidhs offering different ways to experience the tradition.
The weather in Ireland is generally mild. Summers tend to be cool, with average daytime temperatures between 60 and 70°F. Winters are damp but not extreme. Rain can fall in short, passing showers at any time of year, so layers and a good jacket are recommended.
Luxury vacations in Ireland with Finest Journeys include expert local guides, private drivers on select routes, and handpicked accommodations. Each part of the journey is planned for comfort and interest, with time to enjoy both coastal regions and inland destinations. These well-paced itineraries are designed for travelers who value access, authenticity, and personal attention.
Before you go, read our Ireland Travel Information guide for expert advice on getting around and what to expect.
New tours coming soon! Contact us for your custom-built itinerary in Ireland
Discover Authentic Local Experiences in Ireland
Sheep Dog Demonstration
Experience the magic of Irish sheepdogs in action. Watch expertly trained border collies respond to whistle commands, herding sheep across stunning landscapes. Hosted by a local farmer. Demonstrations offer insight into traditional farming life, dog training, and local culture – an unforgettable, authentic slice of rural Ireland for all ages.
Highest Pub in Ireland
Johnnie Fox’s, nestled in the Dublin Mountains, is one of Ireland’s highest pubs and a legendary spot for traditional music, hearty food, and lively entertainment. Famous for its Hooley Nights – an evening of Irish dancing, storytelling, and feasting – it offers a warm, rustic atmosphere and authentic charm, making it a must-visit for culture-loving holidaymakers
Kiss the Blarney Stone
The Blarney Stone, set high in Blarney Castle near Cork, is Ireland’s most legendary rock. You’re meant to lean backward to kiss it, said to bestow the “gift of the gab” – eloquence and charm. Surrounded by lush gardens and medieval ruins, it’s a quirky, must-do ritual blending folklore, adventure, and a touch of Irish magic.
Private Natural Cookery Class
This cooking experience in County Donegal offers intimate, seasonal cooking experiences led by a professional chef. Set in a charming countryside kitchen, classes celebrate Ireland’s wild larder with foraged ingredients and local produce. Enjoy hands-on learning, storytelling, and shared meals, making it a soulful, authentic taste of Irish culinary tradition in a stunning rural setting.
Waterford Crystal
House of Waterford in County Waterford is home to the world-renowned Waterford Crystal. You can tour the factory to witness master craftsmen shaping, cutting, and engraving exquisite crystal pieces. The experience blends artistry, heritage, and luxury, with a retail store showcasing stunning creations. It’s a sparkling immersion into Ireland’s rich glassmaking tradition.
Horse-drawn Carriage Ride
Killarney Jaunting Cars offers traditional horse-drawn carriage tours through the scenic beauty of Killarney National Park. Led by friendly local jarveys, rides pass iconic landmarks like Ross Castle and Muckross House. Blending history, storytelling, and nature, it’s a relaxed, authentic way to experience Ireland’s charm and heritage from the comfort of a classic jaunting car.
Why Choose Private Tours in Ireland
Private guided tours in Ireland provide a unique and engaging way to discover the country’s soul. Travel with a dedicated driver-guide who shares not only the sights, but also the stories, traditions, and humor that make Ireland unique. Journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, through the rolling fields of County Kerry, or across the mystical landscapes of Connemara, all while enjoying the ease and comfort of a fully planned itinerary.
Each day brings a deeper connection to Ireland’s heritage – explore medieval castles, stroll through charming villages like Dingle and Kinsale, and visit ancient monastic ruins surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Enjoy authentic Irish flavors in local restaurants, chat with friendly locals in a quiet pub, and experience music that seems to rise naturally from the land itself.
Finest Journeys arranges seamless travel across cities and countryside. Some tours include a dedicated driver, while others are designed around rail connections or walking routes with guiding support throughout. Itineraries are created to avoid long travel days and maximize time in places of interest.
Accommodations are hand-selected for quality, character, and location. These may include manor houses, boutique hotels, or converted castles. Dining reservations, entry tickets, and timing are all handled in advance, so the experience feels relaxed and organized.
What Makes an Experience Truly Authentic to Ireland
Ireland feels most real when you move at the pace of the land and its people. It is the wind off the Atlantic as you follow a narrow coastal path, the soft murmur of Gaelic in a village where everyone knows each other, and the laughter spilling from a pub where musicians play by memory, not by sheet music. It is in the textures of Ireland itself — the moss-covered stones of ancient ruins, the patchwork of green fields divided by weathered stone walls, and the scent of peat fires drifting across the hills at dusk.
Authenticity lives in local life, not just in scenery. It’s sharing a conversation with a farmer about the changing seasons, tasting brown bread still warm from a family-run bakery, or joining in the storytelling that has shaped communities for generations. These moments give Ireland its unmistakable character, the kind that stays with you long after the journey ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of accommodations are included in luxury tours in Ireland?
Finest Journeys partners with hand-selected hotels, manor houses, and boutique properties that reflect local character and comfort. Accommodations are chosen for quality, location, and personalized service.
Can I experience traditional music or Irish dancing during my trip?
Yes. Many itineraries include evenings with live traditional music, and in some cases, performances of Irish dance or Riverdance-style shows. Finest Journeys can also suggest local venues that reflect the energy and spirit of Irish culture.
Are the tours customizable to specific interests?
We work with you to select the itinerary that best matches your interests. Options include culinary tours, culture, landscapes, or Irish heritage.
Is Ireland a good destination for a luxury vacation?
Yes. Ireland combines dramatic landscapes and cultural interest with a friendly, easygoing atmosphere. Finest Journeys designs tours at a thoughtful pace, allowing time to enjoy the scenery, meet locals, and experience the craic without feeling rushed.
What is included in a private guided tour of Ireland?
Tours typically include accommodations, some meals, guided sightseeing, entry to key attractions, and all internal transportation. You'll also have a guide who shares local knowledge and ensures everything runs smoothly.
Our local expert in Ireland
Finest Journeys Private Guided Tours in Ireland
Finest Journeys offers luxury private tours in Ireland, curated with care to balance cultural and comfort. Each itinerary is guided by local experts and planned with attention to every detail, ensuring travel that feels effortless. Every journey reflects the character of the country while maintaining the highest standard of service.