A Foodie Journey Through Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Welcome to Ireland! Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, a private transfer will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. Take some time to relax before heading out for the evening to explore Dublin’s vibrant food scene, choosing from a myriad of legendary institutions and exciting new openings.

It’s an exciting time to be a food-lover in Dublin. Talented chefs are firing up the city’s most anticipated kitchens, from the open-fire cooking at Kicks and Mongoose to the technical brilliance of D’Ollier Street. Newcomers like the Scandi-inspired Volumes, the wood-fired plates at Host, and the seasonal focus of Library Street prove how much the bar has been raised.Smash-hit arrivals are everywhere, from the maximalist Asian-fusion of Floritz to the vibrant energy of Gloria Osteria. These sit alongside legendary institutions like Chapter One and Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, which continue to set the gold standard. Global flavours—like the Irish-Filipino fusion at Kaldero—reflect a modern, multicultural city, while stylish hubs like The Hoxton offer the perfect base for a culinary crawl. Whether it’s an indulgent bite or a post-dinner pub visit, Dublin’s food scene has never been more compelling.

Dublin, Ireland

Start the day with a unique and unforgettable walking tour of Dublin. Guided by local storyteller Wayne, The Wolfhound Experience offers a unique 90-minute walking tour around St. Stephen’s Green, allowing visitors to walk a pack of Irish wolfhounds. This experience combines leisurely exercise with storytelling about Irish history, mythology, and the lineage of these “gentle giants”. Later, meet your whiskey expert guide to discover the Dublin Liberties, the city’s historic heart and the epicenter of a massive spirits renaissance. Once the 19th-century global capital of distilling known as the “Golden Triangle,” it is now home to vibrant newcomers like Teeling, Pearse Lyons, and Roe & Co, alongside the legendary Guinness Storehouse and the nearby Jameson Distillery Bow St. Today, this area perfectly blends industrial heritage with a trendy cultural scene, making it the world’s premier destination for both stout and spirit enthusiasts. Late afternoon, enjoy an Irish hands on cooking class followed by dinner at Howth Castle. So put on your aprons, roll up your sleeves and under the guidance of your chef, create the amazing dishes you will enjoy afterwards.

Cong, Ireland

Leave Dublin behind and travel west toward the magnificent Ashford Castle, with an enriching stop in Galway along the way. Widely regarded as Ireland’s “Cultural Capital,” Galway is a vibrant, bohemian city where medieval history meets a thriving contemporary arts and food scene. Its colorful shopfronts and cobblestone streets form the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, full of character and energy. On arrival, enjoy a private walking tour of the city. This award-winning experience moves beyond the usual routes, offering a deeper look at Galway’s creative spirit and evolving food culture. Along the way, you’ll meet local artisans, producers, and storytellers who are shaping the city’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most exciting culinary hubs. The journey continues with a visit to a traditional distillery, where you will discover the craft behind Irish spirits. This immersive experience explores the history and techniques of small-batch distillation, with insight into how local ingredients and traditional methods combine to create distinctive, characterful spirits rooted in place. From here, continue through the scenic landscapes of County Galway, travelling toward Ashford Castle, passing rolling countryside, stone walls, and quiet villages along the way.

Cong, Ireland

The Cree Kitchen Garden Experience at Ashford Castle offers an intimate, guided tour of the estate’s sustainable Victorian walled gardens, highlighting the “plant to plate” journey of produce used in the castle’s kitchens. Led by a member of Ashford Castle’s garden team, guests are invited to learn about seasonality and to touch, taste, smell, and pick items from the Kitchen Garden. Guests will then join Executive Head Chef Liam Finnegan and Sous Chef Hillary Casey at Squire Danagher’s cottage for a culinary insight into flavour balancing and preparation of a variety of dishes. This experience culminates in a three-course lunch prepared by the two chefs using harvested garden produce from the Kitchen Garden. This unique experience highlights the symbiotic relationship between gardener and chef as well as offering guests a memorable culinary experience in the historic building where ‘The Quiet Man’ was filmed. After lunch relax and explore the castle grounds, the expansive 350-acre Ashford Estate lends itself perfectly to a range of experiences, from country classic pastimes such as horse riding, fishing, falconry and clay-shooting, to more modern activities such as golf and cycling.

Cong, Ireland

Exploring Connemara offers a rich and authentic journey through one of Ireland’s most dramatic and culturally rooted regions, where mountains, lakes, and Atlantic air shape both landscape and way of life. The experience begins on a traditional hill farm set between sweeping mountain ranges, where you will witness the extraordinary skill of working sheepdogs guiding flocks across open terrain under the direction of local farmers. It is a powerful demonstration of age-old hill farming practices that have shaped Connemara for generations. From there, the journey continues into the world of small-batch artisan food production. Here, you will discover how sheep’s milk is transformed into award-winning yoghurt and cheeses, with a tasting that reflects the purity of the land and the influence of rich local pastures. It offers a genuine insight into how landscape and farming traditions combine to create distinctive regional flavours. The final element of the experience explores traditional textile craft, where raw fleece is transformed into handwoven garments using time-honoured techniques. Natural dyes sourced from plants and berries are used alongside spinning and weaving methods that preserve Ireland’s deep-rooted wool heritage. Visitors have the opportunity to meet the makers and see how each piece is crafted with skill, patience, and a strong connection to place. Together, these experiences reveal a side of Connemara where farming, food, and craft remain closely tied to the land. It is a living landscape where heritage is not simply preserved, but actively practiced by those who call it home.

Newmarket On Fergus, Ireland

The Aran Islands lie off the west coast of County Galway at the mouth of Galway Bay, offering one of Ireland’s most authentic and culturally rich experiences. Your journey brings you to Inis Oírr, the smallest and most easterly of the three islands, where Irish traditions remain a vibrant part of daily life. Your day begins with a scenic drive from your hotel to Connemara Airport, where you will board a short flight to the island. In just eight minutes, you’ll cross the Atlantic coastline, with views of the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the rugged beauty of the Aran Islands unfolding beneath you, before landing beside Inis Oírr’s sandy shoreline. On arrival, you’ll step into a world shaped by stone walls, Gaelic language, and a deeply rooted island community. Time is set aside to explore the village, meet local islanders, and discover its unique heritage, including the remarkable St. Caomhán’s Church, partially hidden beneath the sands. A highlight of your visit is a private lunch experience featuring the very best of local produce, where fresh seafood and native lobster take centre stage. As you dine, award-winning local musicians and dancers will perform, bringing the spirit of traditional Irish music to life in an intimate and memorable setting. In the late afternoon, you will depart the island by ferry to Doolin, enjoying one final perspective of the Atlantic coastline. From here, a private transfer will bring you onwards to Dromoland Castle, where you will arrive for the evening, concluding a truly memorable day on Ireland’s wild west coast.

Newmarket On Fergus, Ireland

Exploring the Burren offers a remarkable journey through one of Ireland’s most distinctive landscapes—an ancient limestone region where dramatic geology, rare flora, and a deep-rooted food culture come together in an immersive experience.The day begins with a guided foraging walk led by a local expert, revealing the Burren’s extraordinary natural pantry. As you cross the fractured limestone terrain, you’ll discover edible plants, wild herbs, and coastal seaweeds that have been foraged and used in traditional Irish cooking for generations. Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how seasonality and landscape shape the region’s culinary identity.The experience continues with a “Meet the Makers” visit at a traditional smokehouse. Here, you will gain exclusive insight into the craft of smoking salmon using time-honoured methods, from careful curing to slow wood smoking. This intimate experience highlights the skill, patience, and respect for quality that define one of Ireland’s most celebrated artisan food traditions.The journey concludes with a private lunch in a local craft brewery, set in a relaxed and characterful setting. Seasonal Burren-inspired dishes are paired with small-batch beers brewed on site, showcasing the region’s evolving but deeply authentic food scene. Each course reflects the surrounding landscape—simple, local, and full of flavour.Together, these experiences reveal the Burren as a living landscape where food, foraging, and tradition are closely intertwined. It is a place best understood through taste and storytelling, guided by the people who continue to shape its identity every day.

Cork, Ireland

Departing the elegance of Dromoland Castle, you will travel through the rolling countryside toward Cork, Ireland’s vibrant southern capital known for its strong culinary identity and independent spirit. En route, visit the charming heritage town of Adare, widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most picturesque villages. Its thatched cottages, tree-lined streets, and boutique cafés make it an ideal stop for a relaxed stroll and refreshment. Continue to a local craft brewery experience, where traditional brewing methods meet modern innovation. Enjoy a guided tasting and insight into small-batch production, with a focus on flavour, balance, and locally inspired ingredients—an authentic introduction to Ireland’s evolving craft beer culture. You will also enjoy a relaxed stop at a local gastropub or bistro, where seasonal Irish ingredients are reimagined in contemporary dishes that reflect Cork’s progressive culinary outlook. In Cork, the experience centres on the iconic English Market. This historic covered market is at the heart of the city’s food culture, filled with artisan producers offering fresh Atlantic seafood, farmhouse cheeses, baked goods, and seasonal specialties. A guided visit allows you to meet select traders and explore its rich culinary heritage, which has earned Cork its reputation as Ireland’s leading food city.

Cork, Ireland

Today you will visit Kinsale, widely known as Ireland’s gourmet capital and a vibrant harbour town where colourful streets, a lively marina, and an exceptional food scene come together. Your experience includes a guided walking tour through the town, led by a local expert, focusing on Kinsale’s celebrated culinary culture. As you wander through its winding streets and waterfront lanes, you will discover artisan food producers, speciality shops, and tasting opportunities that showcase why the town has earned its reputation as a leading destination for food lovers. You will also explore Ireland’s ancient tradition of mead-making. This includes an introduction to this historic honey-based drink, once associated with feasting and celebration, with the opportunity to learn about its production, flavour profiles, and to enjoy a curated tasting experience. Time is also set aside to enjoy Kinsale at leisure, with its renowned restaurants, artisan food shops, and lively harbour atmosphere offering plenty of opportunities to sample local flavours or simply soak in the coastal setting. Together, this experience captures the essence of Kinsale—where exceptional food, coastal charm, and a relaxed maritime atmosphere blend seamlessly, making it one of Ireland’s most distinctive gourmet destinations.

Gorey, Ireland

Departing Cork, you will continue into East Cork, a region celebrated for its rich food heritage, artisan producers, and world-renowned culinary experiences. Your day begins at the renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School, one of Ireland’s most respected culinary institutions. Set within an organic farm, gardens, and orchards, Ballymaloe embodies a true farm-to-table philosophy. Here, you will enjoy a private cookery demonstration led by expert chefs, showcasing seasonal Irish ingredients and simple, flavour-led dishes that reflect the school’s celebrated approach to natural, sustainable cooking. You will also have time to explore the gardens and gain insight into how produce moves from soil to plate. From there, you will enjoy a very special private visit to the ancestral home of the Jameson family descendants. Welcomed by members of the family—direct descendants of John Jameson—you will experience an intimate glimpse into their historic home and gardens, where heritage, storytelling, and hospitality come together. The visit includes refreshments, offering a relaxed opportunity to enjoy the setting and hear personal stories connected to one of Ireland’s most iconic whiskey dynasties. Together, these experiences showcase East Cork at its finest—where culinary excellence, family legacy, and a deep sense of place come together to create a rich and authentic Irish journey.

Gorey, Ireland

Exploring the Sunny South East of Ireland in County Wexford offers a beautifully relaxed blend of coastline, countryside, and artisan craft, where food, nature, and storytelling come together in an intimate and authentic way. Your stay is based at Marlfield House, the first Relais & Châteaux property in Ireland. This elegant country house is known for its timeless charm, refined hospitality, and exceptional dining, set within peaceful gardens just moments from Wexford’s coast. During your stay, you will enjoy a guided woodland walk and immersive workshop in a private forest setting. Led by local experts, this gentle experience invites you to slow down and connect with the natural landscape of Wexford. As you explore native woodland, you’ll learn about seasonal plants, foraging traditions, and the ecological heritage of the region, with moments to pause and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings. You will also visit a celebrated artisan chocolatier, where small-batch chocolate is crafted using locally inspired ingredients. A guided tasting reveals creative flavour combinations influenced by Irish landscapes, sea salt, and wild botanicals, offering a true sense of place through taste. One of the highlights of your stay is a storytelling dinner experience at Marlfield House, where a local storyteller brings Irish myths, folklore, and county legends to life between courses. This immersive evening combines narrative, atmosphere, and fine dining for a memorable and uniquely Irish experience.

Ballyfin, Ireland

Leaving the elegance of Marlfield House, you will journey north through Ireland’s scenic countryside toward County Wicklow, with a focus on gardens, artisan food, and refined country-house experiences. Your first stop is the magnificent Powerscourt House and Gardens, one of Ireland’s most celebrated estates. Set against the backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains, the gardens are among the finest in Europe, offering sweeping terraces, ornamental lakes, and beautifully curated planting. Within the estate, enjoy a relaxed lunch at the renowned Avoca café, where seasonal Irish dishes are served in a bright, garden setting—think fresh salads, hearty soups, homemade bakes, and locally sourced produce that reflects the surrounding landscape. Continuing the journey, you may also enjoy a stop in nearby Enniskerry village for artisan coffee, handmade chocolates, or a visit to a small local food producer showcasing Wicklow’s rich farming and craft heritage. From here, travel onward to the extraordinary Ballyfin Demesne, one of Ireland’s most exclusive country house hotels. Set within 614 acres of private parkland, lakes, and woodland, Ballyfin offers an atmosphere of complete tranquillity and refined luxury. The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the estate—perhaps with a walk through the gardens, a seasonal tasting experience, or a light afternoon tea featuring freshly baked scones, preserves, and pastries. In the evening, dinner is served in the atmospheric wine cellar, where an exceptional tasting menu is paired with fine wines in an intimate, candlelit setting.

Dublin, Ireland

On your final morning, enjoy a relaxed private transfer from Ballyfin Demesne to Dublin Airport, travelling through the peaceful Irish countryside one last time. As your journey comes to a close, we hope you have truly enjoyed discovering Ireland through its exceptional food culture—from artisan producers and foraging experiences to world-class dining, historic markets, and intimate encounters with the people behind Ireland’s culinary scene. This itinerary has been designed to showcase the very best of Ireland’s food landscape—rooted in tradition, shaped by the land, and brought to life by passionate makers and chefs. We trust you leave with lasting memories of flavour, place, and hospitality, and a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s vibrant and evolving food story.