Stay in historic country manors across southern Ireland and experience Irish traditions from falconry to whisky distilling on a journey that begins in the lively streets of Dublin and ends among the geological wonders of County Clare.  

Request a Tailor-Made Itinerary Request Itinerary or Ask Us A Question or Call 855-215-8690
 The Cliffs of Moher. Credit: Tourism Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher. Credit: Tourism Ireland
 St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin
 Kilkenny street scene. Credit: Tourism Ireland
Kilkenny street scene. Credit: Tourism Ireland

Ireland: A Tailor-Made Journey into Traditional Irish Culture and Country Life

8 days from $8,495

Stay in historic country manors across southern Ireland and experience Irish traditions from falconry to whisky distilling on a journey that begins in the lively streets of Dublin and ends among the geological wonders of County Clare.  

Request a Tailor-Made Itinerary

or call 855-215-8690
Accommodations

* Click on hotel name to visit hotel web-site.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel

Dublin, Ireland

Ideally located overlooking St Stephen’s Green and lively Grafton Street, the Fitzwilliam Hotel is a sleek, modern hotel within walking distance of Trinity College and the city's main museums and attractions. The 139 rooms offer a dynamic blend of bold style and luxurious amenities. The hotel’s cozy bar, the Inn on the Green, serves drinks, light fare, and a wonderful afternoon tea; and Glover’s Alley offers a fine-dining experience.  



Mount Juliet

Kilkenny, Ireland

The grand, ivy-covered Mount Juliet was a family home until 1989 and today is one of Ireland’s most impressive country manor hotels. The River Nore weaves through the expansive estate that surrounds the hotel, walking and riding trails meander through woodlands and ornamental gardens. The hotel is a time capsule of Georgian décor, with period furniture, original paintings dating to the 1830s, a sweeping staircase, and elaborate stuccowork. The 32 individually decorated guest rooms are traditional in style yet equipped with modern conveniences. Amenities include the Michelin-starred Lady Helen restaurant, the handsome Tetrarch Lounge, a pool, gym, and spa. Guests can also take part in a wide range of on-site activities, including archery lessons, a falconry experience, salmon fishing in the River Nore, or fishing on one of the three private lakes. Mount Juliet is also known for its Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and state-of-the-art equestrian center. 

Dunbrody Country House

Arthurstown, Ireland

Located on the River Barrow estuary east of Waterford city, Dunbrody Country House sits in an expansive estate of gardens and woodland, accessed by a long, winding drive. This Georgian manor house hotel has just 22 rooms, each individually styled with high quality furnishings and decor, including patterned wallpaper, antique furniture, and retro radios. The hotel is owned by TV chef Kevin Dundon and his wife Catherine and is renowned for its fine dining. The elegant and intimate restaurant, which opens onto a patio and garden, offers guests a five-course dinner or a gourmet tasting menu. More casual fare is available in Dundon’s Champagne Seafood Bar and in The Local, a tiny pub on the grounds. There are several living rooms in which to relax, a cookery school offering one-, two- and five-day courses, and a stylish spa in the old stables. There are also numerous walking paths which lead through the woods surrounding the property. 

Adare Manor

Adare, Ireland

Adare Manor is a ‘calendar house,’ with 365 windows, 52 chimneys and four towers, marking a year’s worth of days, weeks, and seasons. Renovations have been done with a light touch, and though the rooms have every modern convenience, the decor never sacrifices the castle’s sense of history or exuberant style. You’ll find Gothic arches in the lobby, mahogany woodwork in the Gallery restaurant and a walled garden on the grounds. The menu of activities here includes not just fishing, falconry and archery, but also guided historical and woodland walks by the resident expert, game and clay shooting, and a chance to work with highly trained gundogs. There’s also a state-of-the-art spa. The manor sits at the edge of the charming village of Adare, where thatched-roof cottages house craft shops, lively pubs and farm-to-table restaurants. 

Gift Membership – Friends of Smithsonian

When you travel on a tailor-made journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership*. Benefits include:

  • A Smithsonian annual engagement calendar with full-color images of exceptional art and artifacts, mailed in the fall.
  • Subscription to Smithsonian, the award-winning magazine of the arts, sciences, and history. Early access to Smithsonian magazine produced events.
  • Invitations to four exclusive virtual programs for Friends of the Smithsonian members with Smithsonian experts.
  • 10% discount in Smithsonian Museum Stores (good on purchases up to $200); 10% discount with the SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
  • Recognition in the Friends of the Smithsonian Honor Roll, displayed electronically on the National Mall in the Membership Reception Center
  • Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
  • Free admission to the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
  • A complimentary copy of the annual Smithsonian museum guidebook.
  • Invitation to a special welcome event for new members at a Smithsonian venue.

*Offer only available for first-time Smithsonian members. 

Reading List

Highly Recommended

How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe (The Hinges of History)
By: Cahill, Thomas
DK Eyewitness Ireland (Travel Guide)
By: DK Eyewitness
The Little Book of Irishisms: Know the Irish through our Words
By: Alexander, Aimee
A Traveller's History of Ireland
By: Neville, Peter

Also Recommended

For the Love of Ireland: A Literary Companion for Readers and Travelers
Ireland: In Word and Image: In Word and Image
The Great Book of Ireland: Interesting Stories, Irish History & Random Facts About Ireland (History & Fun Facts)
By: O'Neill, Bill
The Celts: A Very Short Introduction
By: Cunliffe, Barry
Truth About Irish P
By: Eagleton, Terry
In Search of Ancient Ireland: The Origins of the Irish from Neolithic Times to the Coming of the English
By: Carmel McCaffrey, Leo Eaton
Ireland Unhinged: Encounters With a Wildly Changing Country
By: Monagan, David
The Famine Ships: The Irish Exodus to America
By: Laxton, Edward
Sun Dancing: A Medieval Vision
By: Geoffrey Moorhouse
Dubliners: Centennial Edition (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)
By: Joyce, James
Irish Fairy and Folk Tales
By: Yeats, William Butler
Ireland: A Traveler's Literary Companion (Traveler's Literary Companions)
The Celtic World
24x36 World Wall Map by Smithsonian Journeys - Tan Oceans Special Edition (24x36 Laminated)

*As an Amazon Associate, Smithsonian Journeys earns from qualifying purchases.

Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.

In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.

To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.

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