Castles and Manors (Boutique Journey)

Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Drive south and view the Rock of Cashel, an impressive medieval fortress complex perched atop a verdant hill. Stop at the Old Midleton Distillery, home of Jameson Irish Whiskey, a Local Specialty, and taste the triple-distilled, twice-as-smooth whiskey. Continue to charming Killarney.

See the dramatic, near-vertical Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet above the Atlantic. Next, head to Galway for a visit to the cathedral. Then continue through lovely Connemara to Ballynahinch Castle, the luxury castle hotel that will be your home for the next two nights.

Venture north to Sligo and into the heart of Yeats Country. Here, amid the hills and loughs that inspired the lyrical lines penned by beloved poet William Butler Yeats, you will be treated to a celebration of “The Gathering Ireland 2013” with a visit to a private home for a bit ‘o food, fun and poetry. Damien Brennan and his wife Paula, together with their adult children Sarah and Paul, live at Broc House, a modern abode with rustic touches overlooking beautiful Lough Gill. Inside, you will find walls adorned with contemporary Irish paintings and a table set for a You’re Personally Invited feast prepared by Paula, a noted chef. Damien, meanwhile, is an acknowledged expert on the Yeats family. Scrumptious food, fine company and the delicious poetry of Yeats come together ‘round the accommodating table, positioned in front of gracious windows that let in countryside views. Hearts warmed and souls nourished, say fare thee well to your hosts and head to Donegal and the 17thcentury Lough Eske Castle hotel.

May the road rise to meet you as you transfer to the airport, where your Emerald Isle adventure concludes.