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A MONUMENTAL JOURNEY TO IRELAND
ITINERARY
Itinerary length : 4 nights, 5 days
Our itinerary includes exclusive access and rare opportunities to experience and explore some of Ireland’s most beautiful homes and estates, hosted by the families and custodians of this country’s extraordinary heritage. We look forward to welcoming you to the Emerald Isle and sharing this memorable journey with you all.
A virtual introduction for guests to learn more about the journey, including a detailed itinerary, will be scheduled.
The team at The Luminaire are on hand to answer any questions about our Ireland experience.
Call us, chat on Whatsapp or send us an email: enquire@theluminaire.com
DAY 1
Independent arrivals to Dublin
11:00am – Guests will be collected from central Dublin for transfer to Newbridge House.
Our Irish excursion begins with a warm welcome from Alec Cobbe, descendant of the Archbishop of Dublin for whom Newbridge House was built in 1747 by renowned architect of the era James Gibbs. Today, Newbridge House remains a remarkably preserved example of Georgian architecture, nestled amongst the picturesque wildflower meadows of Newbridge Demesne. Alec will lead a private tour and tell the personal history of his ancestral home, followed by a light luncheon in the historic servant’s hall.
After departing Newbridge, guests will return to central Dublin for a special private tour of the Old Library building at Trinity College where our group will get an exclusive view of the Book of Kells, the precious 9th century manuscript featuring an exquisite combination of ornate Latin text and intricate illuminations.
Guests will then be driven to Ballyfin, Ireland's most luxurious historic hotel, to check in and freshen up before pre-dinner drinks in the Gold Drawing Room with guest speaker Donough Cahill, Executive Director of the Irish Georgian Society, followed by dinner in the State Dining Room.
DAY 2
9:30am – Depart Ballyfin
Russborough House, a 2010 World Monuments Watch site, has been long regarded as one of Ireland's most beautiful houses, with magnificent views of the Blessington Lakes and Wicklow Mountains. Guests will enjoy a guided tour of the celebrated interiors led by Pauline Swords, Russborough’s Head of Collections and Conservation, followed by lunch.
Built in the mid-1700s to display the great art assembled by the 1st Earl of Milltown, Russborough House is home to countless collected treasures and has been carefully preserved over three centuries.
Upon returning from Russborough, guests have an opportunity to experience one of Ballyfin’s many estate activities, including clay pigeon shooting, horse riding, falconry or coarse fishing. Their horse drawn carriage tour highlighting the history of the demesne is highly recommended. If you wish to organise an activity in advance, please contact us.
Pre-dinner drinks will be hosted in the Cellar Bar with Jim Reynolds, landscape architect and principle project manager of Ballyfin’s much commended restoration. Dinner is followed by a whiskey tasting.
'No expense was spared in reacquiring furniture and paintings that had once been in the house, and in supplementing them with other appropriate pieces. For instance, John Hoppner's charming portrait of Sir Charles Coote as a fresh-faced boy now hangs behind the reception desk, while Sir George Hayter's great family group of his four children dominates the Gold Room.' - House & Garden Magazine
DAY 3
9:00am – Depart Ballyfin
Our first stop is the ancient site of Clonmacnoise, one of Ireland's most scenic and archaeologically important sites, it comprises a beautiful complex of ruins including churches, towers, a castle and three iconic high crosses. Clonmacnoise was placed on the 1996 World Monuments Watch and has since been added to Ireland's Tentative World Heritage List.
We follow this visit with a full day at the majestic Birr Castle, home to the 7th Earl of Rosse and his family. The Earl and Countess, whose family have inhabited the castle since the 17th century, will lead a tour of their private residence, including a rare opportunity to see the exquisite collection of couture dresses from the historic family archives
Guests will then enjoy a hosted lunch in the castle dining room with the family, followed by a guided exploration of the gardens, science park and the world-famous Birr Leviathan; a restored historic 72-inch reflector telescope, built during the 19th-century and which was, for a period, the largest ever built, gaining global attention.
Back at Ballyfin, preceding our final dinner in the State Dining Room, we are delighted to have the celebrated Irish poet Moya Cannon lead a private reading, accompanied by harpist Kathleen Loughnane in the Gold Drawing Room. Inspired by the dramatic mountains and coasts of her native Donegal, Moya's poetry explores themes of history, archaeology and music as gateways to understanding Ireland's cultural past.
DAY 4
9:00am – Depart Ballyfin for Lismore Castle via The Store Yard, providing an opportunity for guests to explore Ireland's famous treasure trove. The go-to destination for purchasing fine antiques, curiosa and architectural salvage.
Lord Burlington will give us a generous welcome to Lismore Castle, his family home on the banks of the River Blackwater dating back to 1170. Built on the site of a 7th-century monastery, Lismore Castle displays an extraordinary history, from cannon-ball marked walls to contemporary art and Old Masters. Guests will be shown their rooms after which lunch is served, followed by a tour of the castle, art gallery and gardens which offer spectacular views of the estate and surrounding countryside. An intimate dinner in the castle concludes our final evening in Ireland.
DAY 5
10:00am – Guests depart Lismore for Kilshannig House, Cork
For our final visit, guests have privileged access to Kilshannig House. A private residence containing a splendid series of rich 18th-century rooms. This tour offers another opportunity to see the exquisite work of the Lafranchini brothers whose fine stucco plasterwork we will also have seen at Russborough. Lunch will be served in the private dining room following the tour.
2:30pm – Transfer back to Cork. Guests' independent departures.
PACKING SUGGESTIONS
For the day, smart casual attire. Comfortable footwear for walking is recommended, and light layers as there will be a notable chill in the air. A waterproof layer is also recommended for any damp weather.
For the evenings, cocktail attire.
Active wear and swimwear would be useful, if guests wish to explore the pool and wellness facilities at Ballyfin.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
There are currently no Covid-19 related restrictions affecting this journey from the US or the UK. We will continue to monitor for any updates.
The currency in Ireland is the Euro. There are no visa requirements for US Citizens travelling to Ireland.
FROM COUNTRY HOUSES TO CASTLES
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