There are trips that remind me exactly why I became a travel advisor, and my journey through Ireland with Calliope Collective was one of them.
Over six incredible days, I had the opportunity to experience Ireland alongside a small group of fellow luxury travel advisors, traveling from the rolling countryside of Kildare to Killarney and ultimately to County Clare. We stayed at some of Ireland’s most iconic properties, experienced the country in ways most visitors never get to, and—perhaps most importantly—met the people who make Ireland such an extraordinary destination.
For me, trips like this are about much more than seeing beautiful hotels. I want to experience the rooms, meet the teams, understand the logistics and discover those special experiences that I can ultimately bring back to my clients.
And Ireland delivered.
Day 1: An Incredible Irish Welcome at The K Club
Our journey began at The K Club in County Kildare, a magnificent estate set on 550 acres of Irish countryside with rivers, islands and two championship golf courses. The resort has hosted both the Ryder Cup and the Irish Open, but you definitely don’t need to be a golfer to fall in love with this property.
We arrived just as The K Club was launching its new Padel Club, but there wasn't much time for settling in before our Ireland adventure officially began.
One of our first experiences was an exhilarating 4x4 drive in INEOS Grenadiers through the rugged Wicklow Mountains. It was the perfect introduction to the Irish countryside—and a great example of the type of experience I love incorporating into an itinerary because it gets travelers beyond simply sightseeing.
Then came Irish wolfhounds, Guinness in a glacial valley and a private lakeside performance by an incredibly talented Irish flautist.
It was one of those afternoons where you stop for a second and think, "This is exactly why you come to Ireland."
We finished our first day with dinner at the Palmer Clubhouse, followed by champagne on the terrace as the sun disappeared over the estate.
Not a bad way to begin.
Day 2: Ireland's Horse Country
After breakfast in The K Club's beautiful Barton Restaurant, we headed into the Curragh of Kildare—Ireland's famous Horse Country and home of the Irish Derby.
One of the most memorable experiences of the entire trip was a private visit to the stud farm of legendary jockey and trainer Johnny Murtagh and his wife, Orla.
This wasn't simply a tour.
We were welcomed into their home, where Orla had prepared freshly baked scones, cakes and cookies while Johnny shared stories about racing, training and life in Ireland's thoroughbred industry.
These are exactly the kinds of experiences I look for when I'm traveling—opportunities to meet people who actually live and breathe the culture of a destination.
Back at The K Club, I also had a chance to see just how much there is to do without ever leaving the estate. Guests can experience falconry, archery, fly fishing, golf, spa treatments and beautiful riverside walks.
Another standout was a private wine tasting in The K Club's impressive cellar. Our tasting was led by Lisa, who has been part of the resort's wine program for more than two decades. Her knowledge and storytelling transformed what could have been a traditional wine tasting into one of the most memorable experiences of our stay.
We ended the evening with an Irish celebration filled with local food, traditional music, dancing and plenty of laughter.
Exactly what an evening in Ireland should be.
Day 3: Castles, Countryside & Killarney
Leaving The K Club wasn't easy, but it was time to head southwest toward Killarney.
Along the way, we stopped in the picturesque town of Cashel for lunch and a visit to Cashel Palace.
Cashel Palace beautifully blends historic Irish character with modern luxury, and its location makes it a wonderful stop when traveling through this part of Ireland.
Just nearby is one of Ireland's most recognizable historic sites—the Rock of Cashel, once the seat of the Kings of Munster. Standing among buildings that tell centuries of Irish history is a pretty remarkable experience.
From there, we continued to Killarney and The Europe Hotel & Resort.
And the setting is spectacular.
The hotel overlooks the Lakes of Killarney with the McGillycuddy Reeks rising in the distance. My room had electric curtains that opened dramatically to reveal an incredible view across the water—one of those hotel-room moments you don't forget.
The property is also home to an enormous ESPA spa and offers complimentary horseback riding along the lakeshore.
For travelers who want to explore southwestern Ireland, the location is ideal. Killarney, the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula are all within easy reach, while golfers have access to some of Ireland's legendary courses, including Waterville, Tralee, Ballybunion and Dooks.
That evening we were treated to cocktails in the Presidential Suite, accompanied by an unexpected performance from Liam O'Connor, known for his extraordinary talent on the piano accordion.
After dinner, naturally, there was an Irish singalong.
When in Ireland.
Day 4: The Gap of Dunloe
This was easily one of my favorite days of the trip.
After a morning spa treatment at The Europe, we set out to experience one of Ireland's most beautiful landscapes—the Gap of Dunloe.
Rather than simply driving through it, we traveled approximately seven miles through the glacial valley in traditional horse-drawn jaunting cars.
The scenery was spectacular.
At Lord Brandon's Cottage, the team from The Europe had created an incredible outdoor lunch for us, complete with white linens and silver service surrounded by the Irish countryside.
It was such a beautiful reminder that luxury isn't always about chandeliers and five-star dining rooms.
Sometimes it's an impeccably set table in the middle of nowhere.
From there, we boarded boats and traveled across the Lakes of Killarney toward medieval Ross Castle, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way.
Back in Killarney, we headed to Reidy's Pub for a very important lesson in Irish culture: learning to make an Irish coffee and pour a proper pint of Guinness.
There may have been some live music and dancing later that evening as well.
Research, of course.
Day 5: The Wild Atlantic Way & Dromoland Castle
The next morning we left Killarney and headed north through County Kerry toward County Clare.
We crossed the River Shannon by car ferry—complete with a few dolphin sightings—and continued along the legendary Wild Atlantic Way.
Our destination was the Cliffs of Moher.
An Irish storyteller joined us along the way, sharing local myths, legends and history as the landscape unfolded around us. Once at the cliffs, we met our walking guide, Cormac, who added even more context to one of Ireland's most famous natural landmarks.
Seeing the Cliffs of Moher is impressive.
Understanding the stories and history behind them makes the experience entirely different.
Lunch that day was another highlight: a seven-course experience at Homestead Cottage in Doolin showcasing local ingredients and flavors.
And then came Dromoland Castle.
I have stayed in some extraordinary hotels around the world, but our arrival at Dromoland was something I will never forget.
Think Downton Abbey—Irish style.
We arrived to horses and hounds with members of the Dromoland team lined up at the private entrance to welcome us.
It was theatrical, warm and completely unforgettable.
That evening we gathered in the Drawing Room for an intimate dinner, with the chef introducing the courses and highlighting ingredients from County Clare. Irish musicians and dancers joined us later, turning dinner into a celebration.
Dromoland doesn't simply feel like a luxury hotel.
It feels like you've been invited into an Irish country estate.
Day 6: Falconry, Forest Bathing & Life at the Castle
Our final full day began with breakfast at The Earl of Thomond before meeting Dromoland's head falconer for one of the experiences I was most excited about—a hawk walk.
We learned about the estate's hawks, falcons and owls and even met Mr. Pickles, one of Dromoland's resident owls and quite possibly one of the biggest personalities at the castle.
From falconry, we shifted gears completely.
Our next experience took us into the ancient woodlands surrounding the estate for forest bathing, gentle yoga and quiet reflection.
Phones away.
No distractions.
Just Ireland.
It was peaceful, grounding and a wonderful contrast to the action-packed days we'd experienced earlier in the trip.
Later, we headed out onto the River Shannon with Secret Ireland. During the journey, we visited a privately owned island castle and learned more about Ireland's history, including stories surrounding the famine era and how those events continue to shape the country today.
Before returning to Dromoland, we stopped at Dromoland Lodge, a beautiful private five-bedroom residence on the estate, where the castle team surprised us with a cocktail-making experience.
We finished our final evening with dinner back at The Earl of Thomond.
A fitting end to an extraordinary journey.
Why Ireland Continues to Be One of My Favorite Destinations
What stayed with me most from this trip wasn't one hotel, castle or spectacular view.
It was the people.
Ireland certainly has the ingredients for an incredible luxury vacation—beautiful countryside, historic castles, exceptional hotels, golf, incredible food and endless opportunities for adventure.
But the warmth of the Irish people is what ties everything together.
This trip also reinforced something I tell my clients all the time: the best travel experiences often aren't the ones you can simply find and book online.
Having a pint of Guinness in a glacial valley. Meeting one of Ireland's legendary horsemen at his home. Crossing the Lakes of Killarney after lunch in the Gap of Dunloe. Walking with a falconer on the grounds of a castle. Sitting around a table listening to Irish music after dinner.
Those are the moments that turn a vacation into a story you'll tell for years.
And experiencing them myself means I now know exactly which ones I would recommend, who they're right for and how they can fit together into a seamless Ireland itinerary.
A huge thank you to Marie Chawke and Calliope Collective, along with the incredible hotel teams, guides and local partners who welcomed us throughout the journey. Their relationships and local knowledge gave us access to an Ireland that went far beyond the traditional itinerary.
Ireland, you were every bit as magical as promised.
And I'll definitely be back.