Belfast, County Down, County Antrim, North Atlantic Causeway Coast, Derry/Londonderry, County Tyrone, County Fermanagh, Enniskillen, Lough Erne, County Donegal
Based in Ireland living in Portrush on the North Coast of Ireland
Hazel designs and plans these exclusive tours. She has more than 25 years experience in general management, operations management, directorship roles, lecturing and senior business development management in Ireland, London and in Australia. She holds an Executive MBA from one of the leading Australian business schools. Hazel worked for many years with EY (Ernst & Young) as an Associate Director and has written for Forbes magazine’s leadership section through her role with the Trusted Advisor Associates.
As well as being a passionate golfer, Hazel is also an avid tennis player with a focus on Real/Royal Tennis. A member of Royal Melbourne Tennis Club and Coleraine Tennis Club in Northern Ireland, she aspires to play on all 46 Real Tennis courts globally. Beyond sports, Hazel finds joy in sea swimming in Portrush, her hometown on the Atlantic Ocean.
Arrive Belfast
Meet and greet and private transfer to Culloden Hotel, outskirts of Belfast.
Check into Hotel for 3 nights
Welcome dinner
Full Irish Breakfast
Venture along the scenic coast of County Down to taste fresh oysters paired with Guinness stout
Exclusive Victorian Cookery experience hosted by Lady Dunleath at her home in Ballywalter Park. Garden and Art tour.
Visit Mount Stewart Estate and Gardens (National Trust), home to the Marquesses of Londonderry for over 250 years, the house is steeped in history. Nine extraordinary gardens including a Shamrock garden.
Full Irish Breakfast
Private guided tour of Belfast, taking in the Belfast Peace Wall and the opportunity to sign it.
Visit the Titanic Centre. This is where the Titanic was designed, built and launched in 1912. Innovative, interactive galleries.
Visit a family owned pub - meet the owner. Listen to Irish Music over a hearty lunch and learn how to pull a pint of Guinness.
Visit the largest private collection of Whiskey in Ireland
Full Irish Breakfast
Travel to the Galgorm Castle and Spa resort
Check in for 2 nights
Design your day - Your Day your Options
Day to relax at spa
Or Play golf
Or Immerse yourself in authentic rural life on a farm visit, conversing with a local family over a farmhouse lunch
Or walk along an ancient trail in a forest and bird watching
Full Irish Breakfast
Tour the breath-taking Causeway Coastal Route. Giant’s Causeway, a world heritage site by UNESCO and Dunluce Castle private tour with local senior tour guide.
Whiskey on the Rocks at the Giant’s Causeway.
Lunch at the Bushmills Inn built in c1600 or in a Hotel with views over the Atlantic Ocean and Royal Portrush Golf Club.
Sample Bushmills Whiskey on a premium tour and tasting at Bushmills distillery the oldest licenced whiskey distillery in the world from 1608.
Option available
Go out in a fishing boat with a local to catch your own fish
Full Irish Breakfast
Visit the historic city of Derry/Londonderry
Check into Ebrington Hotel – 2 nights
Private Historical walking tour of Derry/Londonderry including 17th Century City Walls. It is the only fully walled city in Europe.
Private food tour of Derry City - Sample over 25 different local foods and drinks including unique Ales with one recipe from the 1600s. Get to know the passionate people behind these businesses
Private reception with Mayor in their Parlour (if it works with their schedule)
Full Irish Breakfast
Design your Day
Your day, Your options
* Travel to County Tyrone visiting Seamus Heaney Homestead.
Explore the Sperrin Mountains where astronomy meets archaeology.
Meet your special guide in the Davagh forest where you will discover a plethora of surveying ‘megalithic” monuments: standing stones, stone circles burial tombs. From 10,000BS when the first hunter gatherer settlers of Ireland came to the land - our ancestors who populated these hills in the Bronze Age.
Our own astronomer will link the landscape with the astronomical and archaeological heritage of the Sperrins. Only one of 78 places around the globe with official international dark sky accreditation.
OR Visit the Melon American Folk Park to learn about the lives of emigrants to America.
Visit countryside distillery "Wild Atlantic Way". Distills – Whiskey, Vodka, Gin.
OR Visit famous Tweed centre – weaving demonstration.
Temples who own Magee – Lunch with Elizabeth Temple who owns Magee centre and tour around gardens.
Derek Hill society Painter. House has been turned into a museum.
OR Immerse yourself in authentic rural life on a farm visit, conversing with a local family over a farmhouse lunch.
Full Irish Breakfast
We arrive at a Grand Castle Estate in the morning. Tour of Castle and Gardens and tea with His Grace, The Duke, one of only 26 Dukes in the world. The renovations of the castle were overseen by David Hicks.
Arrive this afternoon to check into Crom Castle – 3 nights. Meet Lord and Lady Erne, the Earl and Countess of Erne, your hosts where you will enjoy warm Irish hospitality. Total exclusivity and privacy assured. Tour the Castle and its magnificent interiors and the private gardens. We will also explore the historic boathouse, the ruins of the 1600s old castle and the Victorian Teahouse. Pre-dinner drinks are served each evening in the drawing room with dinner served in the state dining room - An exclusive entertaining dinner with your hosts.
Full Irish Breakfast
Relax at Crom Castle.
Or Talk on discovering the roots of your own family tree.
Lunch and all drinks in Castle
Afternoon
The pristine waterways of Lough Erne and the vast areas of rolling countryside.
Begin by exploring Ireland’s only island town Enniskillen, with its landmark castle, which straddles upper and lower Lough Erne.
Taking to the water on a private water taxi to explore this bio diverse ecosystem and hear stories of the island life. Lough Erne has more than 150 islands, one of which is Devenish Island. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the 6th Century monastery and see the ruins of the notable churches.
For many people, this is a spiritual moment for others its simple a fascinating slice of history.
OR Enjoy a private hand crafting experience at Ireland’s oldest pottery, Belleek Pottery.
Have a go yourself and make a piece.
Your piece will then be fired and shipped to your home as a lasting memento of your time here.
Dinner and all drinks at Crom Castle.
Full Irish Breakfast
Relax, enjoy the Castle or go for a leisurely walk around the Estate.
Lunch and all drinks in Castle
Sadly say our goodbyes – Transfers to airport – Or option to stay in Dublin, the Capital of Ireland, for a few nights to explore this wonderful, lively, historic city.
The most prestigious luxury five star hotel in Northern Ireland. Originally built as an official palace for the Bishops of Down.
Rest your head in luxury at Northern Ireland’s premier luxury Resort and Spa. Winner of World Spa Award 2024.
A Hotel & Spa Steeped In History, Culture And Character. A new hotel in Derry/Londonderry beside the peace bridge awaiting 5 star status.
Crom Castle has been the historic seat of the Earls of Erne for over 350 years, set in rolling parkland amongst the wooded islands and peninsulas of the tranquil Upper Lough Erne.
“Hazel your attention to detail, choice of accommodation sublime. You should be proud Hazel. Such a special country so refreshing in such a generic world !! Beautiful people.”
C and R Acquroff
“Dear Hazel, the extraordinary long trip home [to Australia] has done nothing to quell my excitement about a marvelous trip. It was truly exciting and stimulating. I could never have had such a trip without your expertise guiding it. A heart felt thank you for your brilliant efforts. I have never enjoyed Ireland so much. Would really like to take another of your tours. Warm regards”
Hon A Vanstone
"Thank you so much for a wonderful trip and for your friendship. Ireland has been good for my soul."
C Shannon
“Dear Hazel, you are an absolute gem. Your care and consideration of us all is outstanding. My overwhelming memory is one of quality, of the top courses, hotel choices, your arrangements and communications before and during our trip . Tailoring a tour with such a full schedule of courses, special meals, occasions and Irish culture plus the pleasure of meeting your welcoming friends was truly unique.”
L Flahery
Experience a curated, fun journey through Ireland:
- Privileged access to private estates only available to a select few. Stay in private castles hosted by aristocratic families. Explore stunning private gardens and view Ireland’s largest private art collections.
- Indulge in an exclusive Victorian Cookery experience.
- Taste fresh oysters with guinness along the scenic coast of County Down.
- Visit a family-owned pub, enjoy Irish music, and learn to pull a perfect pint of guinness.
- Private guided tours of Belfast, including the Peace Wall and Titanic Centre.
- Spa or round of golf or visit farm.
- Discover the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle on the Causeway Coastal Route.
- Premium tour and tasting at Bushmills distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
- Explore the historic walled city of Derry/Londonderry and its local foods on a private food tour.
- Visit Seamus Heaney’s Homestead and the Sperrin Mountains.
- Experience life as an emigrant at the Melon American Folk Park.
- Tour the new distillery “Wild Atlantic Way” and make your own gin.
- Explore Magee Tweed Centre, meet Elizabeth Temple, and enjoy a weaving demonstration.
- Visit the Derek Hill museum, immerse yourself in rural life on a farm visit, and tour Lough Erne by water taxi.
- Enjoy traditional to classical music, and customise your tour to relax at your accommodation as desired.
(Some experiences are Options on a few days). In the event that an experience is not available for unforeseen circumstances, it will be substituted by an experience of equal standing.
Meals included
10 Full Irish Breakfasts
6 lunches including lunches at private estates
3 Dinners including dinners at private estates
Length of Stay between 7-10 days
Option to add on a stay in Dublin. Option to commence the tour on day 4.
Accomodation
Solo, Double and Twin options available. Tour is for Men, Women, solo travellers, couples and friends.
Group of friends or a multigenerational family can book a private, personalised tour - please contact us for more information.