A Tour Of Ireland
I recently joined our wonderful partners with the Calliope Collective for an immersive educational trip in Ireland. It was such a delight to experience three great hotels and participate in curated activities focused on Ireland's natural wonders and the country's culture of food, drink, history, music and craftsmanship.
This was my first trip to Ireland, and traveling with our partners is the key to learning about a destination from the people who know it best. The fact that this Calliope Collective trip was led by a Killarney resident made it all the more authentic. The care that our partners put into crafting our itinerary gave me so much insight into designing a variety of client itineraries for beautiful Ireland. I'm so excited to assist Hello clients with tailoring a memorable Ireland trip.
After a gracious welcome that started with a VIP meet-and-greet as I exited the plane in Dublin, a handful of travel advisors spent the day wandering the city, lunching on fish and chips and toasting to the week ahead with our first Guinness. The next day, we enjoyed a quick 30-minute transfer to our first two-night stay at The K Club. K is for Kildare, the Thoroughbred County. While this resort is recently known for its two Arnold Palmer-designed courses, the 550-acre property has so much to offer our clients beyond championship courses that have hosted Ryder Cup players and Rory McIlroy (when he won the 2025 Irish Open). In addition, its colorful history is intriguing, and the area was first developed in the 6th Century! Fast-forward to the 1800s when a wine merchant constructed the Straffan House, the manor home which is still the heart of the property. (And currently the Straffan House is the name of the luxe private villa that is favored by celebrities and dignitaries.)
The estate is home to a wonderful spa and on-site activities include clay shooting, archery, fishing, horseback riding and padel (a tennis-squash hybrid not to be confused with paddle boarding, another fun option on the River Liffey that winds through the grounds). The K Club just 30 minutes or so from Dublin airport, making it an ideal soft landing for your Ireland arrival or a relaxing estate stay to regroup at the end of your trip. If you aren't up for planning amusements, just wing it and wander the K Club's trails on bike or on foot and enjoy afternoon tea and delicious meals. I highly recommend a visit to the wine cellar with their sommelier, or you can pop over to the Straffan Pub in the nearby village.
If nature nurtures you, then you cannot miss exploring the Wicklow Mountains. We had a fleet of Grenadiers scoop us from The K Club, and we ventured into the hills with skilled drivers navigating the roundabouts, narrow roads and dirt paths so we could just soak up the views. Our day included stops at scenic vistas, a peek at a house that hosted the Beatles by Guinness Lake, a driver bursting into song on a white sand beach and sheep and horses living their best lives wandering among green hills painted with sunny swaths of yellow gorse. After an amble through a lush meadow, we returned to our tricked-out vehicles which revealed hidden surprises of Guinness taps and charcuterie boards chock full of local meats and cheeses. We snacked, sipped and soaked up the glorious Irish sun! (As the locals love to say, "it only rains at night" on this island.)
Following lunch at a charming restaurant, The Wicklow Heather, we enjoyed a sheep-herding demonstration and held spotty-legged lambs before fireside music and coffees at our Grenadier driver's cottage. No trip to Ireland is complete until you meet a guy named Paddy, chock full of hilarious tales and surrounded by adorable dogs and sheep. What a day!
EXCURSION IDEA: If you’re interested in horses, let’s chat about a customized experience at one of the area’s thoroughbred training facilities or even VIP tickets to a local race. Events run the gamut from posh to low-key, and there are horse races in Ireland almost every day of the year! We visited Ross O'Sullivan Racing, where the owner led us around to see the horses getting their morning workouts, then we toured the barn before enjoying a delicious lunch at his family's home on the property.
Before visiting the horses, we checked out of the hotel and our luggage was secretly being transported by van. We departed The K Club on helicopters and soaked up amazing views of the quilted landscape before flying over the Cliffs of Moher and landing at our next hotel, on a lakefront with country's highest mountains.
As our helicopter touched down at The Europe Hotel & Resort in Killarney, we knew we were in for a special visit. After warmly welcoming us with hot towels and cold bubbles, the charming staff quickly directed to our rooms to settle in before our ESAP Spa appointments. What a treat! The rooms are so comfortable, and I loved unlocking my door, which triggered the blackout curtains to open to my mountain-view balcony. After a relaxing massage and some sorbet with a stellar views of MacGillicuddy's Reeks, I enjoyed a quick visit to the sauna and infinity pool. As a travel advisor, I've visited many spas and pools during site visits, but it's wonderful to experience these as our clients do.
Instead of rushing to clean up for a group dinner, I returned to find a gift of loungewear on my bed with a note that our dinner would be a PJ party in the Hans Liebherr Suite (named for the German engineer who opened The Europe in 1961). We arrived to our chill evening to tour the beautiful two-bedroom suite and soak up the terrace views as food stations were serving up grilled prawns, crepes, delicious salads and wood-fired pizzas from one of the restaurants on property. Later we were treated to a visit from some sibling songstresses before the evening wrapped with sweet treats and a more off-key karaoke party. What a perfect night!
Breakfast at The Europe is an amazing way to start the day: sweeping views of Loch Lein and mountains with coffee, eggs and a tasty spread of sweet and savory options. Fortified and satiated, we were ready for another adventuresome day, starting with clip-clopping on a jaunting car into the Gap of Dunloe, a 7-mile glacial mountain pass. Chilly gusts and overcast skies seemed fitting as we wound through the narrow mountain pass over the Wishing Bridge and past several lakes. We were gobsmacked by the views and worked up quite an appetite for lunch (and Irish coffees) at Lord Brandon's Cottage. We traded our horse-and-cart drivers for boat captains that eased us along the water past various areas of heritage and history before docking at Ross Castle, built by an Irish chieftain in the 15th century. We loved our Gap of Dunloe excursion! Guests who aren't keen on bouncy buggies or boats can soak up the views while hiking, cycling or on horseback – just make sure you fall into the Gap.
The afternoon gave us time to explore the charming town of Killarney, just minutes from our lovely lakefront hotel, The Europe. Our hostess surprised us with a visit to her home, where her husband had whipped up some snacks and poured a champagne cocktail with vermouth. (If you've made it this far and think we noshed and sipped a lot, you're not wrong. Taste the culture!)
Next, we visited a lively and massive pub established in the 1870s, J.M. Reidy's. Its maze of snugs and storefronts is like a museum for the people, especially when we were treated to a family concert with three siblings playing instruments and dancing on floor, barrel and stage; the eldest sister has mad broom-hopping skills! Finally, we bellied up behind the main bar (1 of 15!) to earn our pint-pulling certificates. Yep, certified Guinness gal here. Now I just need to learn to play the concertina. Later we strolled through some shops in Killarney's charming and colorful town center. It's a good thing spring was springing; I was able to avoid the temptation to load up on Aran sweaters, tweed caps and colorful scarves!
Back at The Europe, it was time for a proper cocktail hour before our finale dinner overlooking Killarney's mountains. The common spaces at this hotel are gracious and varied, and it's easy to find your favorite window seat, upholstered sofa or leather chair with a view. Our meal at The Panorama Restaurant was fantastic and wrapped with more family musicians – this time, a father and son duo on accordion and guitar. And because it seems everyone in this country has some musical skill, The Europe's GM joined in and sang for us.
New day, new places! We bid farewell to Killarney and boarded our luxe Sprinter van, then a car ferry and finally two types of boats (a gorgeous yacht and a nimble inflatable). Then we passed through the lock gates that manage the 5-meter tides, allowing for a smooth transition over the River Shannon. Our destination was historic Scattery Island, where we enjoyed wandering with a local guide around the 5th-century monastic sites, former churches, deserted homes, working lighthouse and Napoleonic artillery battery.
Since our group had split between the two boats, we killed some time waiting for the yacht with sunbathing and daisy crafts. The peacefulness of the island was enough to inspire a few cartwheels before we had a spinning demo and feasted (once more) on a variety of local sandwiches and beverages. Such a special island visit!
After returning through the locks (on the bow of the yacht, a bit more chill than the RIB), we made it back to our driver and headed to our final hotel of the week. A Horse and Hound welcome to Dromoland Castle was just like a movie! The horseman led the way to the castle and the dogs loosened their pack and gleefully ran alongside us on the grounds until we were welcomed into this iconic hotel. One host took guests to the 2nd floor, and another escorted some advisors the 3rd floor. I waited patiently at reception joking (manifesting?) that I must be sleeping in the turret. Dreams do come true! We had another 24 steps to climb to the Tower Suite, and it was magnificent! Sweeping views over the golf course and lake from my room, and a different stunning vista from the bath.
I cleaned up for our "Taste of Clare" dinner and we assembled to tour the Dromoland Lodge, a gorgeous five-bedroom private residence overlooking the 14th hole of the golf course. This is a wonderful accommodation for a multi-gen family (the kids' room may be my favorite!), a group of golfers or a corporate retreat. In one room, we had a fun surprise awaiting us: we each had a station to craft a Claddagh ring, a traditional Irish ring in which a heart represents love, the crown stands for loyalty and the two clasped hands symbolize friendship. The Silverworks team shared their tips and gave some insight to customize this meaningful memento.
During our craft time, we were summoned to the sunroom individually to strike a pose for a quick snapshot. This was the start of our second amazing surprise of the evening!
We returned to Dromoland Castle for a private dinner in the gorgeous drawing room, decked out with candles and flowers. We feasted on County Clare's array of specialties and enjoyed learning about the upcoming renovations planned for the property at the end of 2026. At the end of this special dinner, a charming artist gifted each of us a handpainted portrait that she created during the dinner based on our snapshots taken in the Lodge sunroom. I was blown away by the artist's quick work of infusing personality into these charming (and packable) works of art! Later, I climbed a few staircases to my tower, leaned out both windows to soak up the starry landscapes. A final surprise: watching several deer run beneath my window, along the edge of Dromoland Lough and into the darkness signaled tuck-in and I slept like a queen!
The next morning started with an outdoor wellness activity, taking in the peaceful grounds as we were led to the walled garden for some stretches and breathwork beneath a gallery of yew trees dating to 1740. What a stunning way to begin the day! Then it was time to enjoy the fantastic Irish breakfast and array of treats and pastries.
Our last field trip included a drive to Spanish Point, where we cheered on the brave members of our group as they ran into the sea for a chilly dip after we sampled oysters and learned about seaweed foraging. And since no visit to Ireland is complete without a proper whisky tasting, we headed to J.J. Corry for a tour of their operation. They don't distill whisky here, but rather they finish it by maturing Irish product in various American bourbon barrels to develop the character. Then we sat down for a delightful lunch and more magnificent musicians.
Upon returning to Dromoland Castle, our afternoon was for the birds (and the amazing falconry program run by Dave Atkinson). This immersive experience is very popular and we book our clients in advance, whether solos, families or small groups like ours. It started with some demonstrations and info, with the birds swooping by like fighter jets as they buzzed us at high speeds to grab snacks. Later we met gorgeous owls (from wee to supersized), and that was more than enough, but Dave even called birds from the castle tower and they landed on our gloved arms. Such magnificent creatures!
We wrapped our fantastic tour of Ireland with a last delicious dinner in the grand Earl of Thomond restaurant. We adjourned for a perfect finale in the cozy, octagonal cocktail bar and toasted to new partnerships and special friends.
Ireland is such a special place, and I can't wait for more of my clients to experience this culture and its special residents who delight in the nature, music, geography, land and sea on this magical island. It's an easy trip since it's closer to the Eastern U.S., and there's not (as much of) a language barrier once you start rolling with the singsong lilt of the charming people.
Thank you from the bottom of my Claddagh heart:
