Highlights
National Parks
Inimitable in its natural beauty, Ireland is home to a number of stunning National Parks. County Kerry is a region of sweeping, golden bays, surf-pounded cliffs and lush farmland, boasting the striking lakes and mountains of the idyllic Killarney National Park. In County Galway, the Wild Atlantic Way boasts a coastline of extraordinary beauty, including the Connemara Peninsula. The Connemara National Park is a magical place of bogs, grasslands, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, and age-old landscapes where wild deer and ponies roam free.
Dublin
A lively, cosmopolitan and friendly city, particularly renowned for its art and literature scene, Dublin will captivate you from the minute you arrive. Spot the Book of Kells in Trinity College Library, before browsing masterpieces from Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet in The National Gallery. Contemporary art features at the Hugh Lane Gallery, including Francis Bacon’s original London studio - walls and floor included! Other highlights include the Dublin Writers Museum, Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), The National Museum of Ireland and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. As evening falls, sample the fantastic cuisine and dance the night away in a bustling, traditional pub surrounded by the friendly locals.
History
Ireland is a land laced with a fascinating history. Charming County Waterford is home to Waterford City, dating back to Viking times. Today, it’s a lively port filled with medieval lanes, Norman churches, Georgian architecture and three excellent museums retelling what life was like during the Middle Ages. Trace the steps of Lord and Lady Waterford’s family around the beautiful Curraghmore Estate, with guided tours of the Georgian manor-house and quirky shell house. Meanwhile, close to County Cork, discover the 15th-century Blarney Castle, home to the legendary Blarney Stone. For a taste of Ireland’s more recent history, take a trip to the 200-year-old Jameson whiskey distillery for tours, tastings and whiskey-themed keepsakes.
Festivals, Nightlife and Guinness
Proud of its past, modern-day Dublin brings an exciting present and future. It is a global city with a cosmopolitan culture, best depicted in its flamboyant festivals and street celebrations covering everything from dance and food to film and art. Calendar high points include St. Patrick’s Day, Dublin Dance, Handel Festival, Taste of Dublin and Culture Night Dublin. Year-round, entertainment includes the latest dramas, operas and musicals on stage. A top visitor attraction is the Guinness Storehouse, in which you learn about Ireland’s creamy-topped stout in a high-tech museum and sample a free pint in the Gravity Bar over spectacular city views.
Golf
Exclusive golfing excursions can be arranged for Belmond Grand Hibernian guests. Pick from a two-night tour from Dublin on which you travel to the Causeway Coast and its sensational links courses – the Royal Portrush Golf Club, the Dunluce Links and the Valley Links. The four-night itinerary heads west, starting at the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club on the Ring of Kerry, followed by the Lahinch Golf Club on the craggy coast of Liscannor Bay and then on to Westport Golf Club. Meanwhile, those visiting Dublin can tee-off at the illustrious Portmarnock Golf Club, just ten miles away, for a formidable test of play.
Rail
Sibling of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Eastern & Oriental Express, the Belmond Grand Hibernian offers a glamorous and luxurious adventure roaming Ireland’s verdant landscapes. Choose from two, four and six-night journeys exploring Ireland’s iconic sights, setting off from Dublin Heuston Station. Huge picture windows fill interiors with light and provide personal viewing galleries to soak up Ireland’s star attractions - including ancient sites, like Blarney Castle, and atmospheric towns like Galway. Days end with exquisite cuisine and wine onboard, as the sun sets over stunning Ireland.
Horse-Racing
An easy day trip from Dublin, Kildare is a rich agricultural region of deep-green grazing pastures dotted with award-winning stud farms breeding champion racehorses. Spot the majestic horses as they rest in their stables, or watch them gallop across the springy turf of The Curragh, which appropriately means ‘place of the running horse’. This world-class racecourse draws in spectators, jockeys, trainers and owners from all over the world, and a true highlight of the racing calendar is the Irish Derby – a flat race that takes place in late June or early July.
Glass
Beyond the charming cities and rolling landscapes, Ireland is also known for its glass creation. The greatest attraction in County Waterford is the House of Waterford Crystal in which you can watch skilled glassmakers turn dollops of red-hot molten glass into exquisite crystal-ware. The tour concludes in the extensive shop, perfect for picking out a twinkling Irish keepsake.