Burren Smoke House

The Burren Smokehouse is a family-run business that was set up in 1989 by Birgitta & Peter Curtin. They researched the smoking traditions in Ireland and in Sweden and the idea of the Smokehouse was born. For over a century now, the Curtin family have owned the ‘Roadside Tavern’ nearby which was the first place where their own smoked salmon was served. Its quality became known very soon, and pubs, hotels and restaurants in the Lisdoonvarna area started to order salmon from the Smokehouse. At that time three people were working in the Smokehouse, today there is a team of almost 20. Orders started to come in from all over Ireland, followed by those from hotels and restaurants in the UK. Nowadays, the Burren Smokehouse supplies smoked salmon all over the world, within 48 hours.

About Burren Smoke House

The Burren Smokehouse is a family-run business that was set up in 1989 by Birgitta & Peter Curtin. They researched the smoking traditions in Ireland and in Sweden and the idea of the Smokehouse was born. For over a century now, the Curtin family have owned the ‘Roadside Tavern’ nearby which was the first place where their ownsmoked salmon was served. Its quality became known very soon, and pubs, hotels and restaurants in the Lisdoonvarna area started to order salmon from the Smokehouse.

At that time three people were working in the Smokehouse, today there is a team of almost 20. Orders started to come in from all over Ireland, followed by those from hotels and restaurants in the UK. Nowadays, the Burren Smokehouse supplies smoked salmon all over the world, within 48 hours.

Visitor Centre

In 1995, we opened our visitor centre to showcase the traditional way of smoking, our products and those of other food producers in the area. Visitors can get a tasting of our Burren smoked Irish salmon and watch a DVD presentation about the smoking process. They can discover mosaics inside and outside our shop that are telling the story of the “Salmon of Knowledge”.

We carefully source our quality raw materials for the Burren Smoked Salmon, Trout and Mackerel.

“We believe in Finest Quality Food Products, good customer care and a good group of team workers to ensure that we keep up our standards.”

Book of Kells at Trinity College

The Book of Kells Exhibition is a must-see on the itinerary of all visitors to Dublin. Located in the heart of Dublin City, a walk through the cobbled stones of Trinity College Dublin will bring visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent Old Library building was constructed, and which displays the Book of Kells.

The Book of Kells contains the four Gospels in Latin based on the Vulgate text which St Jerome completed in 384AD, intermixed with readings from the earlier Old Latin translation. The book is written on vellum (prepared calfskin) in a bold and expert version of the script known as “insular majuscule”.

Brú na Bóinn & Boyne Valley

Newgrange, an ancient wonder of Neolithic Age in Europe. Newgrange is a large grass covered mound covering an area of over one acre with large kerbstones which are richly decorated with megalithic art. The tour of the monument involves travelling through a chamber into the center of the tomb. Here you will experience a re-enactment of the magical process of the center chamber lighting up with a thin shaft of early morning winter sunshine.

There is an exhibition of ancient life in the Boyne Valley to support the monument that is worthy of a visit as well as an excellent audio-visual show. The tour can be combined with visits to the lesser known monuments of Knowth and Dowth and Ireland’s most important battle site where the Battle of the Boyne took place in 1690.

Fireside Storytelling

Ireland is the land folklore, legends and storytelling. At Ireland Chauffeur Travel, we adore Ireland’s famed fireside storytelling sessions and we want to share that with you. We will arrange an authentic, engaging and private storytelling and music session with one of our favourite famed storytellers … and all in the comfort of your hotel or local pub

Cork Food Trail

A relaxed but highly-focused walking tour with an engaging and experienced guide. This culinary walk has lots of stops, including the English Market, with frequent, generous tastings along the way. Expect to be brought to places that are off the usual food route and visit markets, cheesemongers, fishmongers, butchers, bakers and more and meet the people who produce some of the best food in Ireland. As you stroll, you will learn about the history of the city and have the opportunity to view the interesting architecture.

Whiskey Experience Killarney

The Irish Whiskey Experience is an interactive and sensory experience that will guide you through the history of Irish Whiskey, from distilling to tasting. Private bookings on request.

Food Delights

Ireland is a food island and each corner represents a different part of our food heritage. Whether in Belfast, Dublin, Donegal, Galway, Cork or the Causeway Coast, we can arrange a customized walking Food Tour of the area to introduce you to the local produce and producers…with tasty samples of course too!

Farm Friends

Ask anyone in Ireland if they are related to a farmer and they’ll surely say yes! We have built great relationships with some of the extra fun people whose live and breath agriculture and they’ll be happy to welcome you onto their working farm. Depending on the season, meet new-born lambs, watch sheepdogs at work, clamber over freshly baled hay or see traditional ploughing in action.

Foraging on Land and Sea

Foraging is a great way of gathering tasty and natural ingredients from hedgerows, fields, woods, country lanes and pathways of Ireland, not to mention the seaweed on the coast! If you would like to spend a few hours outdoors and slowly exploring the countryside and beaches, let us introduce you to one of our foraging friends!

Galway City Walking Tour

Galway is Ireland’s cultural, language, traditional music and artistic capital. The city centre is famous for its lively ambience, street entertainment, shopping, cafes and pubs. As the centre of the city is all walking streets, this is best explored on foot starting at Eyre Square and ending at the Claddagh Quay or vice versa. The Latin Quarter is veritably buzzing from the eclectic legacy of a European influenced maritime past which starts at the Spanish Arch. Dining and pubs are numerous, and the Quays Bar, Naughton’s Pub and McDonagh’s seafood restaurant are all favourites.

Music Lovers’ Night

Join in local trad session to hear tales and learn tunes deeply ingrained in Ireland’s lore. You’ll meet local musicians and storytellers and maybe enjoy a pint along  the way.

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden has been home to the Benedictine nuns since 1920. Visit the restored rooms of the Abbey and learn about its history of tragedy, romance, education, innovation and spirituality before exploring the walled gardens. The beautiful Gothic Church is a short walk from the Abbey and nestled nearby is the Mausoleum.

Cliffs of Moher

Stretching for five miles along Ireland’s western coast, the Cliffs of Moher are a sight more than 300 million years in the making. At their highest, the cliffs soar an impressive 702 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, offering inconceivable  views, according to Conde Nast. You might know them better as the Cliffs of Insanity from The Princess Bride and, along with the Burren, this is now a UNESCO site. We can bring you to this epic landscape by car, boat or air.

The Burren

The Burren (Irish for “great rock”) is not only a highlight of County Clare but of all of Ireland. Not only is it unearthly and ethereal, it’s also a geological rarity. The 150-square-mile area consists of thick layers of limestone dotted with a unique variety of flowers: Arctic, Mediterranean, and alpine plants grow together in the cracks between the rock slabs. The word “Burren” comes from an Irish word “Boíreann” meaning a rocky place – a name you will see to be appropriate. Here the rock has also been referred to as “fertile rock”. We’ll arrange a private guided walk to ensure you will learn about The Burren’s fascinating geological history.

Local Producers

Visit local producers in the area with your Driver Guide. Start with Linnalla Irish Ice Cream creamery – a dairy-lover’s dream. The creamery sits in the middle of a cow field, and Linnalla’s light scoops are flavored with hazelnuts, rose hips, and blackberries foraged in the Burren. We told you the limestone crevices were bountiful..

Take to the Water

Whatever watersport you favour, we can arrange it. From kayaking and surfing to stand-up paddle boarding (with a dog!) and seaside foraging, there’s something for all the family.

Two-Wheel Adventure

If you enjoy exploring on two wheels, let us arrange a cycling tour for a few hours south of Galway or in the wilds of Connemara. We highly recommend the electric bikes to make those hills easy!

Farm Your Oysters

Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way are renowned for delicious seafood delights and DK Connemara Oysters live up to this reputation. Ballinakill Bay is a perfect location to grow rich tasty oysters. Visit this glorious setting and smell the fresh Wild Atlantic air. See the farm crew working hard in the water to grow the most perfect meaty oysters. Shuck your own oyster or take a punt at the weight of one. And of course finish your tour with a taste of a beautiful fresh oyster.

The Quiet Man

Do you remember ‘The Quiet Man’? Let us arrange a private  tour from the Ashford Estate and the nearby village of Cong. Cong village also has a beautiful abbey worth visiting as well as The Quiet Man Cottage and Heritage Center. The Squire Danaher’s House from the movie is on the grounds of the castle. 

Old English Market, Cork

Cork’s Old English Market is the most celebrated food market in Ireland. The unique covered food and artisan market dates back to the Middle Ages. The center is populated with some of Ireland’s finest gourmet restaurants and a trip to the English Market the heart of the city is a must.

Charles Fort & James Fort, Kinsale

Perhaps the best-known historical attraction in Kinsale, Charles Fort, is on the road just beyond Summercove. It is open all year, and regular guided tours are available. Charles Fort is one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th Century star-shaped fort, and much of the construction begun in 1678 remains. The fort has two enormous bastions overlooking the estuary, and three facing inland. Within its walls were all the barracks and ancillary facilities to support the fort’s garrison. The fort continued in military use until 1922.

Midleton Distillery

At Jameson Distillery Midleton you’ll come face to face with the largest pot still in the world, see the new micro distillery in action, experience the live maturation warehouse and taste whiskeys along the way. You’ll even get the chance to make new friends at the bar. Private tours and tastings can be arranged.

The West Cork Coastal Drive

The southernmost stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way zigzags gently, past gardens lush with sub-tropical plants. Between hedgerows thick with fuschia and monbretia. By hundreds of inlets, tiny coves, safe harbours and Blue Flag beaches, just right for long days spent in the salty air –  beachcombing, island-hopping, whale-watching, learning to sail, kayaking on a saltwater lake in the moonlight, or simply enjoying a pint on the quayside while the fishing boats land their catch. Your Driver Guide will arrange it all!

Muckross House & Gardens

Muckross House and Gardens is the finest Victorian Mansion and Estate in Ireland. Its position overlooking the Lakes of Killarney becomes impossibly romantic when the Rhododendrons are in full bloom. The House documents the history of all the influential families who dominated local life and politics for centuries. The estate can be walked on foot or admired from the many jaunting cars which are about.

Skellig Ring Tour

The Skellig Ring region just off the Ring of Kerry route has some of the best scenery seen anywhere in Ireland and Europe. It is loaded with history, tradition, religion, innovation, landmarks, pre-Christian monuments, 385-million-year-old footprints and some breathtaking scenery. Whew!  It won’t disappoint.

Skellig Michael Landing Tour

Although the boat ride out to Skellig Michael from the coast of Kerry can be a rocky one, it is well worth the effort. The craggy, emerald-green island houses the remains of a 6th monastery, which you can explore after ascending a steep 600-step climb. Marvel at the beehive style huts and you might even find a brooding Luke Skywalker among the puffins.

*Due to limited availability during the season (Mid May – September), we would highly recommend that you if you would like to include this experience on your tour, please request at the time of booking.

Spaces are not released until March each year and they do fill up very quickly so booking well in advance is a must!

Shopping Spree

Love fashion and shopping? Dublin’s Grafton Street has you covered with big name favourites and an institution of Irish fashion – Brown Thomas. Let us arrange a local stylist to accompany you on your shopping trip to introduce you to Irish designers and ensure you are dressed to impressed!

Guinness Storehouse

Wander through the seven floors that make up the Home of the Black Stuff, and learn about its rich heritage and see how our famous drink is actually brewed. Once you reach the top you’ll get to sit back and enjoy a pint of perfection as well as an unequaled panoramic view of the city.

Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin

Established in 1796, Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison in Dublin where numerous revolutionaries were locked up and executed. The guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol starts off at the prison’s chapel, where Joseph Plunkett married Grace Gifford shortly before being executed for participating in the Easter Rising. Visit the cells, still gloomy and dank and continue to the patio where the prisoners were executed. Kilmainham Gaol continues to be an iconic symbol for most of the Irish population, as a symbol of their rebellion against British domination.

National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland is in the heart of Georgian Dublin. It houses over 2,500 paintings and approximately 10,000 other works in different media. The Yeats museum is a special favourite, with works by Jack B Yeats, his father John Butler and other members of this artistic family. We can arrange private guided tours as well as a very special after-hours tour of the gallery.

Garden of Ireland

Wicklow is rightly known as the Garden of Ireland due to the spectacular natural scenery which couple mountains with lakes and meandering glens and a long coastline. The Sally Gap, a high mountain drive is akin to being in the Wild West and the lush landscapes of Glendalough, the Glen of the two lakes nestled deep in the Wicklow Mountains. Here St Kevin founded a monastery in the 6th century that still stands today in its same peaceful abode. There are also the delightful villages of Roundwood and Avoca where picturesque mountains meet pretty hamlets.

Garden Tours

Wicklow’s gardens are abundant and absolutely beautiful. Stroll through the magic in the world-renowned Powerscourt Garden and Waterfall, walled garden of  Mount Usher in Ashford, 19th century National Botanic Garden Kilmacurragh and the gardens of Elizabethan-Revival mansion Kilruddery. Private guided tours with experts can be arranged on request.

Medieval Mile Kilkenny

The former St Mary’s Church has been converted into a modern museum and as the starting point of the ‘Medieval Mile’ trail, it brings to life Kilkenny’s history as Ireland’s premier medieval city. Kilkenny’s 800-year story is told with a contemporary twist within the new museum. The customer experience contains a long colourful interactive table similar to a giant iPad, an elongated plasma TV screen and projected imagery onto a giant wall allowing visitors to get immersed in the rich history with the aid of modern technology.

Belfast Titanic Experience

This award-winning tour experience will allow you discover: the truth about the myths surrounding the sinking; what happened to Bruce Ismay, the owner of the White Star line and who survived the sinking; how the brother of the man who designed Titanic became Northern Ireland’s second Prime Minister. Across the road, enjoy tea in the former Drawing Rooms where the plans for the ill-fated liner were designed.

Get Political

There are two sides to every story and there’s nowhere that this is more true than Belfast. Let us arrange a private tour to learn about Northern Ireland’s political past and present and visit Belfast’s neighbourhoods and political murals.

Game of Thrones

A loop of the Causeway Coastal Route, from Belfast to the north Antrim coast, on one of the world’s best driving routes, according to Forbes. This route includes the Giant’s Causeway and locations now famous as Game of Thrones filming locations, such as the Glens of Antrim, Cushendun and the Dark Hedges. What are you waiting for?

Clonmacnoise

From Dublin there are a number of historical stops en route to the west of Ireland.We will stop in the quaint village of Glasson on the banks of Irelands inland lakes for lunch.We may visit Clonmacnoise on the banks of the River Shannon an ancient and mystical monastery that has survived millennia of plundering by Vikings and Norman invaders.In the evening we will travel to the west of Ireland, famed for its wonderful colourful culture.

Scenic West Coast & Cliffs Tour

West Clare is among Ireland’s most rugged and dramatic landscapes with shifting and sculpting stone creating unforgettable scenery such as the Cliffs of Moher, Burren Plateau and The Aran Islands. The Cliffs of Moher is the highlight of the region and can be experienced from the lofty heights looking down into the abyss of Atlantic rollers below. An alternative way to enjoy is with a cliff cruise from Doolin Pier which can be arranged depending on time of day and of course the unpredictable west coast weather.

Ashford Castle Estate

The grounds of Ashford Castle are among the most delightful in Ireland spanning over 350 acres of woodlands, lakeside and river walks. Multiple activities such as falconry, clay pigeon shooting and horse riding as well as interesting guided walks are available on request. We recommend taking a boat ride on Lough Corrib and perhaps stop on the Island of St Patrick to view the ruins of an ancient monastery.

Irish Castles and Forts

County Meath is an archaeological voyage of unparalleled importance which has many attractions dating from very ancient to medieval times. The Hill of Tara stands in the centre of this fascinating county, once the seat of the ancient Kings of Ireland. Little remains today of the ancient capital with the exception of raised mounds, a giant “Stone of Destiny” and a Chamber for Hostages. Trim Castle to the west is almost perfectly intact and one of Ireland’s most interesting castles. Used for many film sets, including Braveheart, the castle sits proudly on the banks of the Boyne and has many ruins in the area that make a perfect guided walk.

Cork Pub Trail

Brimming full of life, character and history, spending time in the best pubs in Cork is the ideal way to spend an evening. Corcaigh was born in the guise of a monastic settlement in the 6th Century before developing into a Viking trading port and vibrant merchant city over time. The city has a rich cultural history of writers, singers and songwriters and you’ll find their charms throughout the city.

Killarney Craic & Ceol

The town of Killarney is famous for its excellent array of restaurants, pubs and evening entertainment, see attached dining recommendations. Bars such as Danny Mann, The Failte and Laurel’s Singing Pub have regular sessions. The NEC has quality live shows during the summer, including Celtic Steps The Show. Nearby Siamsa Tire in Tralee can be booked on request. Time your trip well and catch horse racing just outside of town.

Old Head of Kinsale

Occupying a stunning and unique headland reaching out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean, the Old Head of Kinsale is home to the most spectacular world-class golf course and luxury members’ accommodation. The club has developed into one of the most recognized and sought after golf experiences anywhere on earth. It is a sanctuary for those seeking the finest in personalized service.

Tralee Golf Club

Designed and built by Arnold Palmer, this stunning setting represents a true paradise for those willing to challenge what is widely acclaimed as one of the finest links courses in the world.

Waterville Golf Club

Waterville is a unique combination of classic links land in a pristine remote setting. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Inny River estuary, its beauty and challenge was recently enhanced by world renowned architect, Tom Fazio.

Ballybunion Golf Club

This course is worth two rounds – the Old Course exudes a majestic feel that simply cannot be compared to any other course on earth. With beautifully contoured fairways that tumble down through a blanket of grassy dunes, it’s no wonder these challenging holes have been consistently rated among the top courses in the world. The Cashen course flies under the radar of many visiting golfers but is a majestic challenge not to be missed.

Lahinch Golf Club

Lahinch Golf Club may not be the best known course in Ireland but it really is one of the very best. Rugged and enchanting, it was first laid out in 1892. Tom Morris, Alistair Mackenzie (of Augusta fame) and Martin Hawtree (of Trump Scotland and Turnberry renovation) have left their marks. UK Golf Guy claim: “Lahinch is a courses that you will find yourself grinning at while you are playing and you’ll look back with an even bigger smile.”

Adare Golf Club

Set to host the 2026 Ryder Cup, this is a special parklands course. Tom Fazio has taken what was already an award-winning course and transformed it into a parkland paradise befitting a country in the top tier of global golfing destinations. The new course has been created in harmony with the natural beauty of its surroundings: lush, softly rolling terrain, mature tree scaping, and the sweeping banks of the River Maigue.

Walk the Gateway to the Isles

The coastal resort town of Oban is the unofficial capital of the West Highlands. As the “Gateway to the Isles” is has a spectacular natural setting – its beautiful bay looks out over the islands of Kerrera and Mull, while high above the town is McCaig’s Tower dominates the skyline. The tower is a granite folly reminiscent of Rome’s Coliseum in its circular shape. It was commissioned by wealthy banker John Stewart McCaig and was intended to become a museum containing statues of his family. Work began in 1897 but McCaig died before it could be completed. It’s well worth taking a walk up to the tower site to enjoy superb views of the town and bay especially at sunset.

Oban Whiskey Distillery

Nestled beneath the steep cliff that overlooks Oban is one of Scotland’s oldest sources of single malt Scotch whisky. Take a tour of the senses at Oban Distillery by knowledgeable guides exploring each part of the whisky making process. Your tour will finish with a sample of our Oban 14-year-old single malt with some crystallised ginger. Oban Town is known as the “Gateway to the Isles”. It occupies a beautiful setting in the Firth of Lorn. Oban Bay is a near perfect horseshoe bay, protected by the island of Kerrera and the famed Isle of Mull.

Inveraray Castle & Gardens

Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell is a unique piece of architecture and was the first of its size and type to be built on the West Coast of Scotland. We can arrange a private tour of the Castle, exploring the many historical rooms and gardens.

Loch Ness Drive

Loch Ness is famous for its fabled Monster is the deepest lake in the British Isles and its mystery is enhanced by the dark peaty colour of its waters. The Caledonian Canal runs from Inverness down the geographical fault line known as the Great Glen. Less than 10 miles southwest, the canal runs into Loch Ness, home to the mysterious monster, ‘Nessie’. Loch Ness which is 24 miles long, one mile wide and can reach depths of over 700ft is the largest body of fresh water in Europe.

Culloden Battlefield

One of the most famous battle sites in Britain where Scotland’s Jacobite Pretender Bonnie Prince Billie took on the mighty Williamites in the last pitched battle to take place in Britain. Nearby in Cawdor is Cawdor Castle a beautiful 15th century tower house which has recognized connections with Shakespeare’s Mac Beth.

Highland Shopping

House of Bruar, nestling at the side of the famous Bruar Falls, for a variety of shopping opportunities in Scotland’s most prestigious country store. There is also an extensive range of Scottish foods for the gourmet and a fabulous country kitchen restaurant. Nearby Queen View overlooking The River Tummel is one of Scotland most celebrated beauty spots.

Edinburgh Castle and City Walking Tour

A walking tour provides a great insight into the history, culture and traditions of the capital.  Climb Castlehill to explore the mighty castle, a fortress and former royal residence, now a major part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scotland’s crown jewels are among the national treasures on display within the castle walls. Known as the ‘defender of the nation’, Edinburgh Castle remains an active military base.

Burren Brewery

The Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, is a local institution that started as a pub in 1865 and expanded to include a bakery as the years went by. In 2001, Peter Curtin embarked on creating a microbrewery bringing in a Master Brewer and they now brew their own range of beer in the same room above the pub in which Peter was born.

Their Black is a creamy stout that is nuttier than Guinness and their Red rich in malty flavour. The brewery is named after the karst ecosystem that covers much of this part of Clare. A visit to the family’s Burren Smokehouse is also a must.

West Kerry Brewery

West Kerry Brewery is Ireland’s most westerly brewpub. This is a real hidden gem, brewing beer in very small batches – some in cask being served in the adjoining pub. Adrienne, the brewster is a passionate artist and takes pride in her garden also using botanicals in the brewing process where possible.

The summer ale uses rose hips and the autumn stout uses blackberries both creating great aroma and flavours. This cosy pub is a place you could get lost in time and forget entirely about the world.

White Gypsy Brewery, Templemore

Cuilan Loughnane, the owner and brewer at White Gypsy, County Tipperary, is one of the early pioneers of Irish brewing. He has built up a great reputation for his quality beers aged in French and US virgin oak. This small, family-owned brewery is dedicated to brewing authentic, traditional style beers with a focus on using the best available malt and hops from farmers and people they’ve actually met and visited. Our groups enjoy a local lunch of meats, cheeses and salads, all accompanied by White Gypsy beers. 

Franciscan Well Brewery, Cork

The Franciscan Well Brewery in Cork is built on the site of an old Franciscan monastery and well, dating back to the year 1219. Legend has it that the water from the well has miraculous and curative properties and people would come from afar to drink it. The award-winning brewpub is now favoured by locals and students of the local University College Cork. During the 1940s the site was used to bottle Guinness for the people of Cork in the 1940s. These days, there are weekly music and storytelling evenings to accompany the beer.

Black’s Brewery, Kinsale

Maud Black gave her husband Sam a beer-making kit for Valentine’s Day and what started as a hobby quickly developed into an obsession. In 2013, the couple opened Black’s Brewery in Kinsale. They are the first co-located micro-brewery and distillery in Ireland gives them the option to age their beers in spirit barrels and vice versa to improve the depth of flavor. Located in the colourful town of Kinsale, this is a great brewery to visit.

Nearby, visit Charles Fort, a military fort which was built by the English in the 1670s to a star fortification design. It has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history.