MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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Historic Hotels, Historic Places, luxury travel

Newly Renovated Dromoland Castle Brings Modern Luxury to 16th Century Ireland Living this Winter

November 25, 2019 MoralCompass

Set on 450 acres of parkland, Dromoland Castle dates back to 16th century Ireland when it was home of the O’Brien family, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland. Converted to a hotel in the 1960s and fresh off a $20 million renovation and restoration, Dromoland Castle exhibits the best of its regal Irish heritage.

As frosty days turn to long nights, there’s no need to escape the cold. Put the winter doldrums aside and embrace the best that the season has to offer, Downton Abbey-style, at Ireland’s Dromoland Castle. Think: Cozy spaces. Evenings spent by the fire. Brisk walks through the countryside. Days idle by, with opportunities to enjoy falconry or horseback riding. Warm up with afternoon tea or a signature spa treatment. Nights are for indulging in an artful take on traditional Irish ingredients at The Earl of Thomond Restaurant before retiring to the cocktail bar for a tarot-card inspired libation or a glass of Irish whiskey. Then, it’s off to the stately guest rooms for a restful night before beginning another day as a royal.

If Ireland’s temperate climate isn’t enough to lure travelers from the States – though it’s chilly, the daily low rarely dips below freezing – Dromoland Castle in County Clare has a number of winter specials on offer. Stay two nights and receive a special rate that includes a five-course Table d’Hote Dinner in the Earl of Thomond Restaurant. The two-night package starts at $700 based on double occupancy. Or, gather your gal pals for a special wine weekend from February 21–22. The getaway includes a six-course meal that showcases the best of the Co. Clare culinary scene, paired with six different wines. Rates start at $881 for the two-night package.

Set on 450 acres of parkland with 97 rooms and suites, Dromoland Castle dates back to the 16th century when it was home of the O’Brien family, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland. Converted to a hotel in the 1960s and fresh off a $20 million renovation and restoration, Dromoland Castle exhibits the best of its regal Irish heritage.

Central to Dromoland Castle’s appeal is its location. Just 15 minutes from Shannon Airport, Dromoland sits at the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way – the 1,553-mile route along Ireland’s west coast. Dotted with small fishing villages, the trail passes vivid seascapes, with plenty of opportunities to stop to enjoy a local catch. The Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just an hour’s drive from the Castle. And the limestone, lunar-like landscape of the Burren National Park is only 45 minutes away.

Though surrounded by Ireland’s famously dramatic landscapes, Dromoland Castle is just an hour away from Galway, which will be the European Capital of Culture in 2020. The arts abound, as the city has been designated a UNESCO City of Film, and it has a vibrant musical, theater and literature scene. Dublin, home to the newly opened Museum of Literature Ireland, is 2.5 hours east.

Families: Multigenerational families have the perfect venue at Dromoland, which features something for each age group – tennis lessons, bespoke golf clinics, horse and buggy rides, archery, garden tours, falconry, bubble baths on demand, and even a genealogy expert to help trace any Irish familial roots.

Golf: No one does greens better than Ireland. With its 18-hole parkland course, Dromoland offers expert lessons at its School of Golf, as well as a newly renovated driving range that feature “power tees,” eliminating the need for bending down to replace a tee each time.

Dromoland is perfectly suited to enjoy Ireland’s famed links courses – Lahinch, Ballybunion and Tralee – as well as the new Adare Manor, which will host the Ryder Cup in 2026. Stay at Dromoland and transfer between the courses via helicopter – which the Castle can arrange – or simply take advantage of Dromoland’s ability to book a tee time.

Weddings: All of Dromoland Castle can be rented out for royally lavish weddings. Among the Irish touches: The bride can make her entrance via horse and carriage; bagpipers can create fanfare as the guests arrive; tents or even glass pavilions can be erected on-site; step dancers can perform; and fireworks over the golf course will end the evening with a pop!

Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-On-Fergus, Co. Clare, Ireland, Tel: +353 61 368144, USA: 800-346-7007, Email: [email protected], https://www.dromoland.ie/vacation-ireland/.

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international travel, women-only travel

Women Traveling the World Features Ireland Tour

May 23, 2019 MoralCompass

*Killarney Castle, Ireland. Women Traveling the World is featuring an Ireland Emerald Island Tour, August 30-September 7, 2019.*

Women Traveling the World is offering an Ireland Emerald Island Tour that includes seven days (Aug 30 – Sept 7, 2019) experiencing first-hand this beautiful country known as the Emerald Isle. (Emerald Isle is the poetic name for Ireland due to its green countryside, first referred to in print by William Drennan in his poem “When Erin first rose”).

The tour starts in Dublin, a city offering many pubs, live music, historic cathedrals, Trinity College, The Guinness Storehouse, St Stephens Green and so much more. Then, head off to the Wicklow country side and explore the breathtaking mountains and Powerscourt Estate. Traveling to Killarney you will pass through some quaint Irish villages.

You will get to stay in two different Castle Hotels and truly experience Ireland and all its heritage, Celtic history, and natural beauty.

The trip features beautiful landscapes and lush green colors set against the Atlantic Ocean – the cliff sides are worth the visit alone. The shorelines are trimmed by golden sands and rocky cliffs. Inland lakes and rural idylls are varied and tranquil. The Irish are some of friendliest people and enjoy sharing in myths and tales of this magical place. Home, too, of many great music artists such as U2, this is truly a gem worth exploring and taking in local Irish fare and music.

Tour Dates: Aug 30 – Sept 7, 2019
Cost: $1841 based on double occupancy (roommates can be provided); single supplement $750

Included:
7 nights’ hotel in 4* hotel with taxes
Daily breakfast
5 Dinners Including 1 Irish show
1 lunch
Entrance fees to all sites visited as per itinerary
Tour Leader with 6 or more clients
Private transfers to all included sites and cities visited
Shannon car ferry
Local Tour Guide/Private driver
Arrival transfers in Dublin if traveling on tour dates and at the same times as other travelers. TBA
Departure transfers in Shannon if traveling with the group.

More information at https://womentravelingtheworld.com/tour/ireland

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Cultural Travel, European travel, luxury travel

Discover the Beauty and Mystery of the Emerald Isle with Luxury Gold’s New ‘Ultimate Ireland’ Itinerary

November 29, 2018 MoralCompass

*Luxury Gold guests admire the falcons at Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland*

RYE, NY – Think you know Ireland? Whether you’ve always wanted to visit – or even if you’ve been before – you’ll discover facets of the Emerald Isle that you never knew existed on Luxury Gold’s exceptional new ‘Ultimate Ireland’ itinerary.

This new 12-day luxury escorted journey introduces you to local people who show you the natural wonders, fascinating history, and culinary heritage of this fabled country through storytelling, hands-on demonstrations and immersive experiences. You meet accomplished dancers, distinguished authors, passionate naturalists as you make your way from energetic Belfast to lovely Limerick, and from the rugged Giant’s Causeway to the majestic Ashford Castle.

Here are just a few of the highlights:

Enjoy an exclusive VIP meeting with esteemed author and food critic Trevor White during a rare, private after-hours visit to The Little Museum of Dublin, which he founded, and receive a signed copy of his latest book.

Stay for two nights at the magnificent five-star Ashford Castle, and choose between an elegant afternoon tea service or a unique falconry experience at the oldest established falconry school in Ireland.

Enjoy an exceptional dining experience at the Michelin-starred L’Ecrivain restaurant in Dublin, renowned for its flavorful classic French cuisine.

Visit the iconic Giant’s Causeway on a private tour with a wildlife ranger, and learn more about this magnificent natural phenomenon.

Discover the history of Londonderry with a Local Expert who just happens to be one of Northern Ireland’s best storytellers.

Explore the Guinness Storehouse before it opens to the public, and take a private lesson on how to pull the perfect pint.

Take a jaunting carriage ride through scenic Killarney National Park and drink in stunning views of its sweeping mountains and lush lakes.

Enjoy a truffle tasting at Kilkenny farmers market, where you can stock up on delectable local chocolate bars, fudge, brownies and cakes.

As with all Luxury Gold journeys, throughout this trip guests move from city to city on luxury coaches with extra legroom, stay in five-star hotels in stunning locations, and enjoy the personal attention of an expertly trained Traveling Concierge.

Luxury Gold is offering a 10% Early Payment Discount when booking is paid in full by January 31, 2019. $200-$550 deposit must be paid within 3 days of booking with full payment made 45 days prior to departure.

Guided by a Traveling Concierge, Luxury Gold guests enjoy exclusive VIP Experiences, savor exceptional dining and relax in luxury hotels on every curated itinerary. To find out more, visit www.luxurygoldvacations.com.

For reservations, contact your travel agent, call 1-888-862-5952, or visit www.luxurygoldvacations.com.

Luxury Gold is part of The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands, which has created The TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit working to help safeguard the planet, wildlife & people for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has supported over 50 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The Foundation’s guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism through conservation, leadership and support for communities. The Foundation’s priorities are set by the Steering Committee. Past project partners include WWF, Conservation International, WildAid, The Travel Foundation and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include supporting various women’s social enterprises, the recently announced Wildlife Conservation Society’s Big Cat fund, WE.org and working with inspiring nature advocates like Céline Cousteau, Costas Christ and Terri Irwin. To learn more about past and current work at TreadRight, visit treadright.org and follow us on Facebook , Instagram, and Twitter using hashtag #MakeTravelMatter.

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Active Travel, Cultural Travel, heritage travel, hiking, Historic Places, Historic Preservation, international travel, Multisport adventures

Hike, Horseback Ride, Pub & Fiddle Crawl Thru Castles, Celtic Ruins, Manors on Vagabond Irish Adventure

March 9, 2018 MoralCompass

COUNTY WICKLOW, Ireland–Vagabond Small Group Tours of Ireland’s 12-day “Giant Irish Adventure” circumnavigates the island nation. Beginning in Dublin, guests poke around impregnable fortresses, ring forts, beehive huts, manor houses and castles. The common element to the sites is the stone – indestructible and a metaphor for the Irish spirit

Nature’s stone edifices also play a role in the Giant Irish Adventure that includes Ireland’s highest mountain range called the Macgillycuddy Reeks or black stacks of glacial-carved sandstone; the Cliffs of Moher of shale and limestone overlooking the Atlantic; and the Giant’s Causeway, a natural sculpture playground of basalt columns created by volcanic activities in the Atlantic Ocean a millennia ago.

Per person double rate of €2,769 includes the services of a highly trained professional Vagabond tour guide for 12 full days; 11 nights accommodation (4 nights B&B, 6 nights hotel, 1 night in a castle); 11 full Irish breakfasts; guided walks; entrance to most of the historical and archaeological sites and to some natural sites; demonstrations of local craftsmen at work; and all relevant fees and taxes. See: https://vagabondtoursofireland.com/tour/irish-tours-12-day-giant-irish-adventure/.

This tour caters to active travelers who want time aplenty to explore where they are by foot. Hikes of up to two hours are daily highlights. Some activities such as horseback riding, sea kayaking and surfing and biking in Killarney National Park are optional. The tour is flexible and guests can arrange to opt out of one activity and into another.

Among the historic stone structures guests may visit Dunluce Castle is a cliff-edge ruin from the 13th century, with views over the Irish Sea to Scotland; Stone Ring Fort (1700 BC) constructed by Bronze Age farmers as defenses against cattle thieves with such precision that no mortar was required; Glenveigh Castle and Gardens. a Victorian (1867) edifice in what is now Glenveagh National Park; the original owner drove poor tenants from the land so he could transform it into an aristocrats’ hunting playground; Donegal Castle was built in the 15th century on the site of a one-time Viking fortress; Abbeyglen Castle Hotel where the mountains of Connemara meet the sea was constructed in 1832 (overnight here); Beehive huts (Clochán) date to 5th century monastic settlements (think Luke Skywalker’s retreat in Star Wars); Blarney Castle dates to medieval times; kissing the Blarney Stone is said to bestow the gift of eloquence; Rock of Cashel or St. Patrick’s Rock from the 12th century boasts a Romanesque chapel harboring ancient frescoes.

On the daily walks and hikes, guests explore: Slieve Gullion Mountain, the highest point in Ireland which harbors Neolithic passage tombs; Cliffside Trail including 132 steps to Giants Causeway; Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs in Europe; Croagh Patrick, the famous holy mountain where every step taken means a sin forgiven; Cliffs of Moher, 700-foot sea cliffs; Kilkee Cliff Walk overlooking the Atlantic; Glacial valley of Lough Annascaul.

Throughout the journey, the Vagabond arranges stops at locally owned accommodations, pubs and restaurants Transport is in a 4×4 Land Rover or Mercedes ‘Vagatron’ that allows intimate access beyond where regular tour buses go.
(see https://vagabondtoursofireland.com/tour/irish-tours-12-day-giant-irish-adventure/.)

For details on Vagabond Small-Group Tours of Ireland itineraries, visit https://vagabondtoursofireland.com/, 833-230-0288, or email: [email protected] or [email protected].

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