LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR & IRELAND NATIVE JENNY O’NEILL WILL MAKE YOUR EMERALD ISLE DREAMS COME TRUE IN WAYS YOU CAN ONLY IMAGINE.
Insider Ireland.
Sharing my homeland.
Ireland is my homeland and I know it intimately from the vantage point of both a local and a travel expert. Whether you’re into art, history, cuisine and craft beverages, or simply want to savor the natural beauty and warm Irish hospitality, I can help chart a course for you to discover your personal Ireland. Along the way, you’ll be charmed by its unique history and beautiful scenery and connect with some of the genuinely warm and hospitable people who call Ireland home.
Designing a trip that is tailored to my clients’ interests is always my goal. My reward is having people return with a strong connection to the places they visit and lasting affection for the people and culture they encounter.
FINDING YOUR ROOTS AND CONNECTING THE PAST WITH THE PRESENT.
Irish family heritage.
Whether you have recently learned from 23andme or Ancestry.com that you are of Irish descent or you remember your great grandparents’ tales from the “old country” and want to know more, we can help you uncover your family history.
Personalized itineraries
Explore your passions.
I love finding ways to integrate my clients’ interests into their itineraries. For example, one of my clients was a Game of Thrones fan, so I arranged for her to visit some of the filming sites including Dark Hedges, and to “meet” the wolves from the set. I also arranged a lunch invitation into a local home where the family taught her
how to make Irish brown bread. What is your Irish dream? I can make it happen.
Pub hopping.
A great way to connect with the wit, wisdom, and soul of Ireland is to get off the beaten path and go pub-hopping. Pubs are an integral part of Irish society and I love to incorporate classic pubs into itineraries. Really get to know locals over a pint or two and make friends for the evening or for life.
Multigenerational family travel.
Few countries in the world are a more perfect destination for families of all ages traveling together. Especially if you are seeking to explore and uncover your own family heritage, Ireland is the ideal destination to create family memories. Children will be inspired and delighted by adventure and mythology. Parents and grandparents will enjoy the culture, cuisine and so much more.
Golf.
As a golfer and a golf specialist,
I am well-versed and well-connected and can usually guarantee tee times as well as suggest golf destinations you may not be aware of. Pictured above is the beautiful 18-hole par 72 championship Concra Wood Golf Club, County Monaghan. Insider tip: One of my favorites is Lahinch Golf Club, near the Cliffs of Mohr. Similar to Scotland’s St. Andrew, but less known.
Castles & manors.
A great way to experience Irish culture is to stay at one of the many castle hotels, manor houses, and historic boutique properties. For example, iconic Ashford Castle with its formal gardens, forests to explore by foot or horseback, plus falconry, archery, and other historic experiences. Rooms feel palatial and the service is exceptional. Everything you dream of in Ireland is there. And the small town of Cong, where the classic Irish movie The Quiet Man was set, is just a short walk from the castle. Other amazing castles include Adare Manor and Dromoland Castle.
Gastronomic Galway.
Food trails, fabulous artisan produce, and a plethora of eclectic restaurants make Galway a foodie haven. Galway: a bohemian beauty set like a jewel on Ireland's rugged west coast is a city with everything to offer. It's got a fascinating history filled with intrigue and romance. It’s a gateway to the stunning beauty of Connemara, the legendary Aran Islands and the stunning Wild Atlantic Way.
The Gaelic Games.
Like baseball in America, rugby in New Zealand, or sumo wrestling in Japan, sport is integral to the cultural identity of countries worldwide. In Ireland, it is all about Gaelic games. If you want to truly grasp the essence of Irish culture you need to understand the country’s passion for its ancient national sports.
Distillery tours.
Many of my clients enjoy following the “Whisky Trail.” Irish whiskey was among the earliest distilled drinks in Europe. The classic trail starts in Dublin and visits select distilleries around the country where I can arrange privileged access that offers insights into Irish culture as well as the heritage of this time-honored craft.
Game of Thrones® and beyond.
When it comes to dramatic backdrops, you can’t do much better than Ireland, which is why it’s become the ‘go-to’ place for movie-makers. From Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Star Wars and Braveheart to Brooklyn, Educating Rita, Michael Collins, and The Italian Job. See firsthand where the magic is made.
Southern peninsulas.
Ireland's southwest features five great peninsulas–Dingle, Iveragh, Beara, Sheep's Head (above) and Mizen–that stretch miles out into the ocean. Marvel at breathtaking Instagrammable views with a distinctly edge-of-the-world feel. Make friends with whales and dolphins or stargaze under Ireland's darkest skies.
Irish Dance.
Traditional dance was taught by “travelling dance masters” across Ireland in the 17th and 18th centuries and became a significant part of Irish national culture. Solo Irish Dance includes the most well-known form: Irish stepdance, which was popularised by shows such as Riverdance.
Ireland by rail.
I recently discovered Ireland in a totally novel way: I took a two-night trip aboard the posh Belmond Grand Hibernian train. Though on pause for renovations in 2021, this luxurious train is owned and operated by the legendary Orient Express, and is like taking an elegant old-world land cruise through Ireland.
The beauty of Northern Ireland
Preview 10 amazing places to visit in Northern Ireland via this stunning aerial footage. Courtesy: Irish Tourism.
WHERE TO STAY: NORTHERN IRELAND PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
5-Star Luxury Belfast
Culloden Estate is one of my favorite properties. A gorgeous 19th-century Bishop’s estate just 100 minutes from Dublin featuring 98 bedrooms—including 25 suites and villa/apartments—as well as a world-class wellness ESPA Spa. This urban retreat offers a fine dining restaurant, an Irish country pub within the Estate, and the best of local quality ‘farm to fork’ produce. Perfect for couples, multi-generational families, weddings, and groups.
Book with me and enjoy exclusive VIP perks:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full restaurant breakfast, for 2 guests per bedroom
One complimentary Traditional Afternoon Tea for two
Hotel Car Transfer to Belfast City, subject to availability
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stunning exterior & location
Farm-to-fork dining
Romantic grounds
Vespers Restaurant
Private gatehouse
Historic interiors
Palace Suite
Lough Bar
ESPA Spa
Northern Ireland’s premier sanctuary for complete body and mind wellbeing, and an antidote to the stress of everyday life. Here you will find an oasis of tranquillity where treatments fuse advanced techniques with ancient therapies to deliver the finest modern holistic therapeutic experiences in the world. Recharge with luxurious treatment suites, relaxation rooms, a swimming pool, and a range of pampering experiences and therapies offering the perfect haven to enjoy some time out in a calming environment.
Yoga classes
Personal trainers
Indoor pool
ESPA amenities
More to love about Ireland
Mountains & meadows.
Traditional craftsmanship.
Sailing.
Countryside.
Silver & lace.
Adventure.
Churches & cathedrals.
Music!
Ancient history.
“I had a very happy childhood, which is unsuitable if you are going to be an Irish writer.”
— MAEVE BINCHY
