Seafood lovers dream tour!
Ireland is a fish lover’s paradise with fresh, organic, local seafood and clean, pristine waters. Salmon is king (and is celebrated in Irish mythology with the story of the “Salmon of Knowledge”), but salmon is only the beginning! The shellfish of Ireland is extraordinary and in restaurants along the coast, you will see local Blue mussels, lobster, native Irish oysters, clams, Spider crab, scallops, Dublin Bay prawns, and periwinkles on the menus. You will find mackerel, sea bream, red mullet, Bluefin tuna, Albacore, Bonito, Plaice, Turbot, John Dory, and Hake (to name a few) in Irish coastal waters. And the freshwater fish you will encounter in Ireland’s beautiful rivers and waterways include fabulous salmon of course; also, pike, brown trout, and tench.
The tour wouldn’t be complete without taking in Howth, a charming fishing village that is home to some interesting famous residents including U2’s drummer, actress Saoirse Ronan, and TV chef Donal Skehan. Howth is world famous for seafood and you will enjoy lunch at King Sitric, an institution that has been serving local residents fresh fish for over 40 years! Chef-proprietor Aidan Mac Manus cooks up fish caught daily by the restaurant’s own fisherman! It doesn’t get much fresher than this. Your fishy extravaganza will include local squid with house pancetta, Dublin bay prawns, and lobster from Balscadden Bay with Dublin lawyer sauce- served with great wines including Bollinger champagne and Pouilly Fumé.
Contact us for more information on customizing this fish lover’s tour of Ireland to your preferred dates, group size, and interests. We look forward to hearing from you.
Fish Lovers Tour of Ireland Highlights:
- Personal Ghillies and fresh water fishing experiences
- Sailing Excursion
- Wreck fishing and deep sea angling
- Private fish themed cooking class
- Smokehouse Tours and Tastings
- Irish Artisan Ciders, Craft Beers and Whiskey
- Michelin starred dining in Galway and Ardmore
- Chauffeured Mercedes Town Car & friendly Driver Guides
Below is a suggested Itinerary for your private Fish Lovers Tour of Ireland
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Dublin- Dalkey- Glendalough- Dublin
Chauffeured Mercedes Town Car & Friendly Driver Guides
Fishing boats in Howth harbor - 5* Luxury Hotel, Dublin
- Full breakfast, cooking class dinner with wine and Irish craft beers
- Privately Chauffeured Mercedes
Arrive at Dublin’s airport this morning and your friendly driver guide will be waiting for you in arrivals, he will settle you and your luggage comfortably in the town car. Hit the ground running and get some fresh air this morning in the delicious little town of Malahide, north of Dublin near the airport. This is where much of Dublin’s jet set resides, there is a castle, marina and nice jumble of cafes, high-end boutiques, antiques, collectibles, and jewelry shops. Stretch your legs after the flight, grab a cup of coffee and explore a little before lunch.
In the afternoon, your thoroughly charming local guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel and you will discover Dublin on foot. On a three hour private tour you will see some of the most interesting sites in Dublin such as eerie mummies in the crypt of a Viking church, the Celtic Book of Kells, medieval abbeys, the bustling Temple Bar quarter and the historic “Ha´Penny Bridge” (pedestrians used to have to pay half a penny to use the bridge). This is a relaxing way to spend your first afternoon. In the early evening, return to your hotel for free time. Tonight, you can expect a stellar gastronomic experience- your welcome dinner will be at Derry Clarke’s outstanding L´Ecrivain restaurant. Clarke is one of the gurus of modern Irish cooking and you will revel in the spectacular tasting menu expertly paired with wines per course. Fáilte!
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Dublin- Dalkey- Glendalough- Dublin
Scenic Driving Tour & Fish Cooking class
Monastic Settlement at Glendalough - 5* Luxury hotel, Dublin
- Full breakfast, cooking class dinner with wine and Irish craft beers
- Privately Chauffeured Mercedes
The beautiful garden county of Wicklow awaits today and en route you have some enchanting seaside panoramas. Head south of Dublin along the coast, taking in delightful Sandycove. Pass by James Joyce’s Martello Tower where it’s said he wrote the first chapter of his tome Ulysses. Take in the views and keep driving into Dalkey, a darling heritage village where you will stop for a visit. This adorable hamlet has a little castle, a row of charming restaurants and some famous pubs where you can have an aperitif and early light lunch at somewhere casual like Finnegans (where U2 hang out) or The Queen’s, with a lovely al fresco terrace.
Continue on next to Glendalough, one of Ireland’s most beautiful monastic settlements set in a splendid glacial valley. This area has been the movie set of many famous films like Braveheart and Excalibur. Your driver is a certified tour guide and will take you on an entertaining, gentle walk through the 6th-century ruins and alongside the peaceful lake. Rain or shine, this is a special visit you will appreciate. Around mid-afternoon, head back into Dublin, and get ready to switch gears for a cooking class. Fish is on the menu and with your own private chef, you will learn all about how to buy and select seafood, how to recognize different species, and how to take the fear out of preparing and deboning fish. All of the fish used in the course is line caught, local and sustainable and you will have a hands-on class creating a three-course dinner which will be enjoyed after with Irish craft beers from Dungarvan Brewing Company & Eight Degrees Brewing, and Spanish Albariño white wine.
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Dublin- Leenane
Fly Fishing at Delphi Lodge
Fly fishing at Delphi Lodge - 4* Fishing Lodge, Connemara
- Full breakfast, light lunch, Dinner with wines
- Privately Chauffeured Mercedes
This morning you will make for the west of Ireland and over the next few days you will take in some amazing scenery! Your destination is Leenane, at the mythical Delphi Lodge, Ireland’s best-loved fishing lodge set in an elegant country house dating to the 1830s that was once the retreat for the Marquis of Sligo. This is an extraordinary place of natural beauty where you can really disconnect. There are no TVs or room service, and after spending most of your time outdoors in the evenings you can relax in the library, shoot pool in the billiards room, enjoy some Irish whiskey by the roaring fire, or explore the stunning grounds- the lodge is set on 1,000 acres!
Your day will be spent today learning how to perfect your fly-fishing, on the beautiful Delphi system of lakes. The wild salmon here is supplemented by Delphi’s hatchery program and the number of rods is limited to twelve daily. The fishing rotates between the Glencullin lake, Doo Lough (one of the deepest lakes in Ireland), Bundorragha River (called Delphi’s crown jewel) and Finlough lake- this gives you a range of opportunity and incidentally a nice mix of landscapes. The in-house instructor here, Peter O´Reilly, is an industry legend and has written a number of books on fly-fishing. This is an extraordinary way to improve your skills and as the class is private it can be tailored to your level, be it beginner or advanced. All fishing tackle is provided, you just need to bring your waterproofs and wellies! Dinner tonight is Downton Abbey style, with a communal table where you can chat with fellow guests and share adventures.
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Connemara
Mussel Farming and more Fishing
Fresh shell fish from Killary Harbour - 4* Fishing Lodge, Connemara
- Full breakfast, light lunch, Dinner with wines
- Privately Chauffeured Mercedes
Learn about the area’s local seafood traditions today on a fascinating excursion through Killary Harbour, which is actually a Fjord that cuts 7 ½ miles inland from the mighty Atlantic into the Delphi’s clean and pure waterways. The shellfish here is some of the best in Ireland, and certainly some of the best in Europe. Today you are going to taste it! Your day begins when the speedboat picks you up at Delphi pier. Visit a mussel farm first where you will learn all about how the mussel beds work on a guided tour, followed by a sampling of local oysters and mussels served with Guinness, what else? After the tour, you can enjoy a cruise of the harbor, or a lovely walk up to a local sheep farmer who will show you how to cut the famous turf (Irish firewood).
A picnic lunch will be enjoyed in a scenic setting, weather permitting on one of the islands, and after lunch, you will enjoy another relaxing fishing session. Learn how to check and bait the lodge’s lobster pots on the way back, this might even be on the dinner table tonight! Dinner is served at a wonderful long country house table and will, of course, feature fresh, local seafood.
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Leenane- Kylemore-Clifden- Oughterard- Galway
Explore Connemara
Kylemore Abbey - 4* elegant hotel, Galway
- Full breakfast, Michelin starred dinner with wines
- Privately Chauffeured Mercedes
Tonight you will dine at Galway’s newly minted Michelin restaurant Aniar, but first, a full day of breathtaking countryside and dramatic coastlines. From Delphi, travel through uplifting and invigorating scenery to Kylemore Abbey, about 20 minutes away. This historic estate houses a beautiful Victorian walled garden, and a little boutique where you can pick up local pottery. We suggest a short visit here, taking a walk along the ethereal lake and Gothic church. Carry on then to Clifden, another quick spin. Clifden is a lively little town tucked in between the Atlantic and the Twelve Bens Mountains, with great shops and restaurants. It’s the perfect spot for lunch and attracts gourmets for the local gastropubs. A good choice for lunch is Mitchell’s; their creamy fish pie is divine, served with Irish soda bread.
Next stop is Oughterard, a cute little hamlet known for its 16th-century castle and traditional colorful shop fronts, located on the shore of Lough Corrib. Pop in to see the Aughnanure Castle ruins and grounds, a neat short visit and then in the village you can stop for an afternoon tea or something stronger at one of the quaint pubs like the Boat Inn. It’s a short drive then to Galway and en route you will love the views of the traditional thatched cottages and wildflowers, not to mention the photogenic sheep! Your hotel tonight in Galway is right downtown in Eyre Square and set amid great pubs and shops. Settle in, freshen up and go exploring. Dinner tonight is at Aniar, the first Galway eatery to attain a Michelin star. Native Galwegian head chef Ultan Cooke prepares mouthwatering menus featuring local producers like Gannet fishmongers, Arrabawn Dairy and Ronan Byrne, AKA, the Friendly Farmer. Sample their tasting menu with wine pairings.
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Galway- County Clare touring
The Burren, Smokehouse and Cliffs of Moher
Dromoland Castle - 5* Luxury castle hotel, County Clare
- Full breakfast
- Privately Chauffeured Mercedes
This morning you will visit the wondrous Burren (which comes from the Gaelic term “Boíreann” which means “rocky place”). This national park has landscapes as you have never seen before, basically, hundreds of square miles of porous limestone pavement bursting with local flora and home to over 200 species of wild birds. The first visit this morning is at the Burren Perfumery, an artisan perfumery who have created the sweetest little tea shop cum perfumery, where you can pick up fantastic balms, perfumes, and creams inspired by their natural surroundings.
In the late morning, you will head to the nearby Burren Smokehouse, one of Ireland’s most revered and awarded smokehouses. Run by the friendly Curtins since the late ’80s, they have expanded their business over the years and have a great little gourmet shop onsite and make a range of top quality smoked products with salmon, mackerel, trout. One of our personal faves is their Smoked Organic Salmon with Honey-glazing, Whiskey & Fennel. You will enjoy a tasting of their products before carrying on to the pretty fishing village of Liscannor for a sit-down lunch at Vaughan’s Anchor Inn, widely considered to be the best seafood bar in Ireland. Denis Vaughan is a passionate chef who uses the best local produce and their own veggies, herbs, and salad from the pub’s garden. You can order delish dishes like Irish langoustine scampi in panko breadcrumbs, Michael O´Connor’s Liscannor Bay crab claws and Irish cod pavé with beurre noisette and brown shrimp. Before heading to the luxurious Dromoland castle, followed by a visit to the stunning Cliffs of Moher. What a day! Free evening at your leisure at the castle.
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County Clare to County Kerry touring
Killarney Lakes and Seafood at Jacks' Coastguard
Beautiful Lakes of Killarney - Luxury Country House, Caragh Lake
- Full breakfast, dinner with wines
- Privately Chauffeured Mercedes
Enjoy a later start today to enjoy your hotel’s picturesque grounds and facilities and in the late morning, you will head to the absolutely gorgeous lakes of Killarney and Killarney national park. Your driver guide will drive you through the most scenic areas along the lakes and mountains and you can enjoy gentle walks up to Muckross House, to Ross castle and to the Torc waterfall. If you would like a more vigorous walk today we can make suggestions for the route. And on the day, we can also organize boat trips on the lakes. Lunch will be a relaxed picnic affair or casual pub depending on the weather, the theme of the day is lush scenery and clean air. In the early evening, head to your beautiful, luxurious country house right on the shore of Caragh Lake, and freshen up.
You will stay in their best suite with panoramic views over the lake, superb! Why not have an aperitif here in their drawing room before heading to dinner at the nearby Jacks’ Coastguard in Cromane, a fine dining seafood restaurant. This local, elegant fish haunt (a Seafood Circle member) is indeed named after the Coast Guard station it once served as, and sitting here you can enjoy views of the McGillicuddy Reeks Brandon mountains simultaneously. Enjoy dishes like their famous Cromane Mussels a La Mariniére; oysters (in season); and Fillet of Seabass on Celeriac Mash with Fricassee of Wild Mushrooms, Pernod Chervil Cream. The desserts here are a real treat and you might find Lavender Infused Panacotta with Berry Compote on the menu. You will have a taster menu with wine pairings. Your driver will then take you back to the country house, only a few minutes down the road and you can have a nightcap by the fire or retire.
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County Kerry touring
Sea Trout and Salmon Fishing in Kerry
Your own private ghillie - 5* Luxury hotel, Kenmare
- Full breakfast, lunch and dinner reservations
- Privately Chauffeured Mercedes
It’s a beautiful one hour drive to Caherdaniel where you will head this morning for another memorable fishing experience. Your own private ghillie and local guide Vincent Appleby will be your host today, and with his 30 years ghillie experience on Lough Currane, it suffices to say you are in able hands! You will go fly fishing for lake salmon and sea trout. This is Ireland’s best sea trout lake in fact, which is especially rich in summer. Explore the Waterville area on a small fishing boat with your ghillie with equipment and tackle provided, taking on board new tricks and techniques whilst having fun!
Relax over a casual lunch then, with great views of Ballinskelligs Bay at the convivial Smuggler’s Inn. Try their Dingle Bay prawns in pastry and the delish pan-seared Ballinskelligs Black Sole. And if you want a break from fish they have great steak here too! After lunch, take a digestive stroll on the beach and carry on to the captivating town of Kenmare for an early afternoon arrival. Kenmare is one of the sweetest little towns in Ireland and there is great live music here at the numerous pubs, fine little craft and artisan food shops, wine bars. You will stay at The Park, a legend for hospitality in Ireland and a Victorian landmark. They have a top-class spa, which you might like to enjoy, and the grounds are a treat- you are right on idyllic Kenmare Bay. Free evening to dine in or wander out to the great local restaurants.
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Kenmare- West Cork- Cork city
Irish Artisan Cider, Ummera Smokehouse & Colorful Kinsale
Old Head of Kinsale lighthouse - 4* Historic Hotel, Cork city
- Full breakfast & lunch with wines
- Privately Chauffeured Mercedes
From Kenmare, it’s a bewitching drive from County Kerry into West Cork this morning passing purple mountains, Lusitanian flora like strawberry trees and the glistening sea. Travel to Timoleague first via quaint Glengarrif and stop in Ummera, our absolute favorite smokehouse in Ireland. Your host is proprietor Anthony Creswell, a super charming chap who will give you a little tour of the smokery and then sit down with you to chat over a tasting platter of his mega high-quality products like smoked chicken and smoked duck (to die for), and of course smoked organic salmon and gravadlax. You will also taste a range of excellent artisan ciders from Stonewell, made in the nearby gorgeous Nohoval Cove.
Following this delightful snack, stretch your legs at the Franciscan abbey around the corner, founded in 1300. The setting is divine, overlooking Courtmacsherry Bay, perfect for some beautiful photos. Next up is one of the prettiest, most colorful villages in Ireland, Kinsale. Kinsale is home to Fishy Fishy, where beloved local chef Martin Shananan turns out tantalizing fresh fish dishes served in a pampering, friendly dining room. Sit down to a delectable seafood lunch with top wine pairings and after lunch, enjoy some free time on your own to visit the excellent high-end shops, you can pick up some great gifts here. Before continuing on to lively Cork city, you will enjoy a truly entertaining private guided walking tour of Kinsale including Charles Fort with is commanding views over the harbor. Conclude the walk with a warming drink in The Bulman, possibly the most charming pub in Ireland. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure in the heart of Cork city, with great wine bars and restaurants just steps from your historic hotel, the Imperial.
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Cork- Cobh- Ardmore
Fish and Chips with a View
Anne Moore statue, Cobh heritage museum - 5* Luxury hotel, Ardmore
- Full breakfast, Michelin starred dinner with wines
- Privately Chauffeured Mercedes
The Queen of England recently put Cork city on the map when she had an official visit to the wonderful English Market, Cork’s pride and joy. This covered 18th-century food market is an epicure’s dream. You can find everything from quality meats (like Cork’s famous spiced beef), seafood, fresh fruit and veg, a mind-boggling array of cheeses, olives, cured meats, gourmet dips, and exotic food imports. This morning you will have free time to pop in for a stroll and perhaps a coffee or food sampling in the market, before carrying on to scenic Myrtleville. Adored by locals and a best-kept secret, Bunnyconnellan (nicknamed Bunny’s) serves great fish and chips and the bar cum restaurant has spectacular views over Roches Point and Myrtleville Bay. While they serve good wines, if you are a beer lover try Murphy’s (the local stout, Cork’s version of Guinness).
After lunch, you will head to Cobh, which was the Titanic’s last port of call as well as the last stop for the famine ships before their epic voyage to Ellis Island. Spend the afternoon visiting the Queenstown Story Heritage Centre and Titanic Experience, which sensitively tell these fascinating stories. Conclude a fantastic day of scenery and history with a drive to Ardmore, home to the Cliff House. Before settling into this luxurious seafront hotel, you will have a quick look at the gorgeous 12th century round tower and Romanesque cathedral. Tonight you have a culinary treat in store- a tasting menu prepared by Michelin starred chef Martijn Kajuiter served in a refined dining room overlooking the ocean. Enjoy!
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Ardmore - Youghal- Midleton - Ardmore
Wreck Fishing and Jameson Whiskey
Jameson Whiskey Distillery - 5* Luxury hotel, Ardmore
- Full breakfast, Seafood dinner with wines
- Privately Chauffeured Mercedes
This morning you have a few free hours to enjoy the superb spa facilities. There is a 45-foot infinity indoor swimming pool with sea views, a natural outdoor rock pool, an outdoor jacuzzi, a sauna, steam room, spa, and little gym. You might like to spoil yourself with one of their treatments like their deep marine purifying facials or a black sand body ritual. Have a light early lunch at the hotel’s bar and around half 12 you will head to nearby Youghal where you will board the Sea Hunter, a charter boat specialized in wreck fishing (there are 38 wrecks within a 30 mile radius, most from WWI and WWII) as this area was one of the Western approaches for the U-boats. You will have some great mixed fishing which depending on the month can include Gurnard, Dogfish, Pollack, Ling, and Conger and based on the weather your journey will include trips from Ballycotton Island to Mine Head. Great way to blow away the cobwebs! This afternoon you will visit the Jameson Distillery in Midleton, a close half hour drive. This famous Irish distillery is located on the grounds of the original John Jameson distillery dating back to 1780 and they produce one of the most appreciated whiskeys in the world. You will tour the old warehouses and kilns, see the water wheel and copper stills and enjoy a tasting of connoisseur whiskeys. Then head back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner, which is at Aherne’s tonight, the South East’s most famous seafood restaurant. The tasting menu with wine pairing will be served. Relish this last night of your fish lover’s tour of Ireland!
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Ardmore- Dublin
Slán Abhaile- safe travels home
Safe journey home. - None
- Full breakfast
- Privately Chauffeured Mercedes
After a fantastic breakfast, at your preferred time, you will depart for Dublin a 2-hour 45-minute drive and your driver will drop you off at your desired location. We hope you enjoyed this amazing taste of Ireland.