Luxury Two-Week Historic Ireland Road Trip Itinerary
- Oct 24, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 15
From its folklore and music to its stout and whisky, Ireland’s heritage and culture has become one of the most beloved and adopted in the world. On a luxury two-week Historic Ireland road trip, not only do you get to immerse in this rich and warm culture, but you also get to discover the roots that created it. Complete with a private chauffeur and a luxurious hotel doused in Irish heritage, the trip will offer exceptional historical insight alongside outstanding luxury service and accommodation.
Luxury Two-Week Historic Ireland Road Trip Itinerary Overview
Start in Belfast to see the effects of The Troubles, Ireland’s most recent conflict before getting lost amongst the ruins of a 6th-century monastery in the ancient Wicklow Mountains. Turning the clock back further, the road trip takes you south to Wexford and Waterford where you’ll find yourself wandering along Viking roads and into a neolithic farmstead. Next, you’ll be driven to the Golden Vale where the breathtaking Rock of Cashel stands proudly representing 1000 years of Irish royalty. The luxury two-week Historic Ireland road trip will complete in Dublin where you will get the chance to see the country’s most impressive historical sites and artifacts with your own eyes.
3 Days in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Begin your luxury Historic Ireland road trip with three compelling days in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland to discover the harrowing details of The Troubles, a conflict that tore at the city’s seams for 30 years. Begin with some historical insight into the events that occurred during The Troubles on a Belfast private walking tour that stops at some of the city’s most famous landmarks. The contrast between the political murals of Shankhill Road and the Peace Wall murals is very eye-opening. Follow this with a tour of the former prison Crumlin Road Gaol to hear the satiating stories of past inmates through different stages in Belfast’s history.
Beyond The Troubles, Belfast is widely known as the home port of the fateful Titanic, which is now replaced with the Titanic Museum. Take a guided audio tour of the museum as it re-tells the tragic story of the Titanic through real accounts of survivors and life-like sets of the ship’s rooms. After stark insights into Belfast's difficult past, it’s time to experience life in modern Belfast. Take some time to explore the city’s characterful neighbourhoods like the cool Cathedral Quarter, a gentrified industrial area with colourful streets and hip restaurants, and the upmarket Queen’s Quarter filled with trendy shops, cafes, galleries, and museums.
Best historic stay in Belfast: The Merchant Hotel
Complete your historical stay in Belfast with a suite at The Merchant Hotel, a five-star landmark institution set in a victorian-era building that combines luxury traditional interiors with state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding experiences such as afternoon tea, live jazz nights, and spa treatments.
3 days in Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough Valley
From Belfast, a private chauffeur will drive you south, crossing the Irish border, to the wistful land of the Wicklow Mountains just beyond Dublin. An official national park, this rural region is defined as a rustic landscape characterised by undulating mountains, waterfalls, loughs, and valleys where fairytale forests have inspired countless myths for centuries.
Spend a few days exploring the remote trails tracing the Wicklow Mountains in whichever manner you choose, whether that be hiking, driving, horseriding, kayaking, or all of the above! From adrenaline seekers and adventurers to slow-paced wanderers and nature lovers, there’s a way for everyone to explore.
As you delve deeper into the mountains, you’ll discover that people have been treading the same path for hundreds of years. Frolicking through Glendalough Valley, you’ll stumble upon ruins from an early Medieval monastic settlement dating back to the 6th century. The valley is also home to remnants of its prominent mining industry which began in the late 18th century.
Your stay in the ancient Wicklow Mountains will be complete with a visit to Powerscourt House. The glorious 18th-century mansion is surrounded by an impressive 47-acre estate which was recognised by National Geographic as one of the top 10 gardens in the world.
Best historic stay in Wicklow:Powerscourt Hotel, Autograph Collection
There’s nowhere better to experience Wicklow than at the Powerscourt Hotel, set beside the Powerscourt House estate. The five-star resort and spa offers a luxurious stay in a timelessly historic yet chic setting with a golf course and spa for afternoons of relaxation.
3 days in Wexford & Waterford
Spend three days exploring the history woven into the southeast of Ireland starting with the Irish National Heritage Park in Wexford. This inspiring model museum provides a fascinating insight into life in Ireland during different eras with a reconstruction of a neolithic farmstead, a Celtic stone circle, and Viking harbour.
Next, continue to Waterford, and discover the archeology and architecture that prove it’s Ireland’s oldest city. Join a private walking tour through Waterford’s Viking Triangle where a knowledgeable local historian will point out remnants of this era whilst painting a picture of life in Viking Ireland. Afterward, treat yourself to a visit to Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum to gawp at the architecture and artifacts on display.
On your final day in Waterford, spend an afternoon at the 12th-century Lismore Castle gardens, now home to the Duke of Devonshire. Whilst strolling around the landscaped garden, you can fully appreciate the grandeur of what’s often considered Ireland’s most beautiful castle.
Best historic stay in Waterford: Waterford Castle Hotel
Stay in your very own 16th-century luxury castle, located on a private island just outside the city. Find golf, relaxation, and plenty of excellent food from afternoon tea to medieval dining room feasts.
2 days in Rock of Cashel & Kilkenny
Circling back north toward Dublin, your road trip will take you to Golden Vale of the Irish countryside where a key piece of Ireland’s history resides known as the Rock of Cashel. Proudly presiding over the vale from its hilltop, the historic cathedral emulates a sense of power and splendour endowed upon it by the Kings of Munster who chose it as their seat.
From there, continue through the Irish heartlands to Kilkenny where you’ll stay for the next two nights. The next day, you will explore this idyllic little city centred upon its legendary castle with a magnificently restored interior. Complete another beautiful day in Ireland walking along the riverside to the city centre for a traditional Irish dinner and drinks in the local pub.
Best historic stay in Kilkenny: Butler House & Garden
Where better to stay on a historical tour of Kilkenny than in the Dower House of Kilkenny Castle? As well as an unbeatable location, Butler House promises sumptuous suites and sensational food.
3 days in Dublin, Ireland
As the capital of Ireland, Dublin holds some of the most powerful pieces of the country’s history among its streets from each prominent era. Your journey starts with a private city walking tour finishing at Dublin Castle, one of Ireland’s most pivotal historical locations, to hear tales of heroism and defeat. Having become acquainted with Dublin’s history, it’s time to get acquainted with its culture by sipping on a premium whisky at a top distillery before settling on one of the city’s highest-rated restaurants for dinner.
The next day, you’ll take a private tour of the magnificent Gothic halls of Trinity College which has taught some world-leading writers throughout its 400-year history including Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett. While you’re there, feast your eyes on the Book of Kells, a priceless beautifully illustrated religious manuscript that’s over 1000 years old. From there, spring forward to 20th-century Dublin with a tour of Kilmainham Gaol where some of Ireland’s most influential and infamous prisoners were held during the Anglo-Irish War and Irish Civil War.
For a broader and deeper overview of Dublin and Ireland’s history, spend a morning in awe over the incredible archive of archeological, artistic, cultural, and natural historical artifacts on display at the National Museum of Ireland. Afterward, explore Stoneybatter, the hip neighbourhood surrounding the museum, and find a spot for lunch amongst the expansive selection of restaurants.
Best historic stay in Dublin: The Shelbourne
Considered Dublin’s most stately historic city centre hotel, The Shelbourne boasts an impressive facade that alludes to its equally impressive suites, restaurants, and bars. It’s the place where Ireland’s elite sleep, dine, and drink.
Start Planning your Luxury Two-Week Historic Ireland Road Trip
If you want to deep dive into Ireland’s riveting history from the Vikings to the Celtics and beyond, this luxury two-week historic Ireland road trip is for you. The above itinerary covers all of Ireland’s historic highlights giving you a well-rounded insight into this fascinating nation’s past. However, it can be completely tailored to your time schedule and preferences by our team of Ireland travel experts if there is anything you want to change. To book and find out more get in touch by calling us toll-free at 1 (800) 707-5184/ direct in the UK +44 (0) 2045 781 580 or email us here.
