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Patrons island of Ireland tour

Sunday 20 - Friday 25 September

Experience an unforgettable journey of culture, heritage and royal hospitality

Join us for a special journey through the island of Ireland, exploring its history, art, and culture on a trip curated exclusively for Patrons of Historic Royal Palaces. Over six memorable days, you’ll enjoy special access to iconic cultural sites, behind-the-scenes experiences, and the warm hospitality for which the island is renowned. 

6-day tour

Arrival: Sunday September 20

Programme Begins: Monday September 21

Departures: Friday September 25

UK Patrons

Individual - £5,000

(£2,500 trip cost, £2,500 suggested donation to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens)

Couple/shared room - £8,000

(£3,500 trip cost, £4,500 suggested donation to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens)

US Patrons

Individual - $6,500

($3,300 trip cost, $3,200 suggested donation to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens)

Couple/shared room - $10,500

($4,700 trip cost, $5,800 suggested donation to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens)

Trip highlights

  • Welcome reception at the recently refurbished Georgian Townhouse No. 11 Parnell Square, home to Irish Heritage Trust
  • VIP tour of the Guinness Storehouse Experience
  • Private tour of the Book of Kells Experience, Trinity College Dublin
  • Sparkling reception at the National Gallery of Ireland with a guided tour of its Irish art collection
  • Intimate tour of St Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin
  • Private tour at Titanic Belfast
  • Refined Irish dining experiences
  • Curator-led exploration of Hillsborough Castle, including the new display, Franklin, Hillsborough and the Seeds of Independence, led by Head of Collections, David Orr
  • Garden Discovery Walk through Hillsborough Castle’s 100 acres with Head Gardener Claire Woods OBE
  • Black-tie Privy Council Dinner at Hillsborough Castle featuring the exquisite Benjamin Franklin Dining Experience
  • Expert-led tour of the natural wonder Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site  

Please scroll to the bottom of this page for the full itinerary.

Book your space

To confirm your space, please complete the registration form below.

What’s included

  • Accommodation in 4 and 5-star hotels
    o  2 nights in Dublin, The Westbury Hotel
    o  1 night in Belfast, Grand Central Hotel Belfast
    o  1 night in Royal Hillsborough Village, Arthur's
    o  1 night in Dublin, St. Helen’s Hotel
  • Welcome drink & canapés
  • Full Irish or continental breakfast each day
  • Refined Irish dining experiences
  • Travel to and from all excursions
  • Visits to: Guinness Storehouse Experience, Book of Kells Experience, National Gallery of Ireland, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Titanic Belfast, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Giant’s Causeway
  • Black tie Privy Council Dinner featuring a reception and three-course Benjamin Franklin Dining Experience
  • All excursion costs

What’s not included

  •  Return flights to Dublin
  • Airport transfers
  • Travel insurance

How will my support help?

Your donation will help shape the future of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, where vital projects include the restoration of the Fort and Courthouse - two of Royal Hillsborough’s most significant historic buildings. These spaces will be brought back to life as free, welcoming spaces for learning, conversation and community use. Other exciting plans include the creation of the Wellbeing Garden - a fully accessible space where children and young people facing mental health challenges and limited access to safe green spaces can spend time in nature. Through carefully designed outdoor programmes, we aim to build confidence, resilience and a lasting sense of connection.

Image: Hillsborough Fort

The South Terrace looking north, June 2021. Close up of purple allium flowers in the foreground. Dramatic blue sky. Hillsborough Castle is a late Georgian mansion built in the 1770s by Wills Hill, first Marquis of Downshire. The palace today functions as the official residence of the Royal Family when they are in Northern Ireland, and it has been the home of the Secretary of State since the 1970s.
The Red Room at Hillsborough Castle with rich red walls and paintings.
Throne Room with silk green damask walls, wooden floor and large rug. Two red and gold Chairs of State, or 'thrones' are situated at the far end of the room. Gold-framed paintings of landscapes adorn the walls and three large chandeliers hang above.
The State Drawing Room at Hillsborough Castle, design based on the inter-war feminine ideal of a country house drawing room, showcasing light neutral colours and paintings on the walls, as well as two marble columns.
A young male and female couple sit and talk together on the stone balustrade in front of the pond, which is in front of Lady Alice's Temple. The still, calm pond is framed by mature plants and the small, white columned temple sits on a small hill above.
Lady Alice's Temple looking north, June 2021. Showing purple rhododendron flowers blooming in the foreground. This domed temple was given as a wedding gift to Lady Alice Hill by her brother, the 5th Marquess of Downshire in 1867. A circular seat inside the temple sits behind a screen of Ionic columns.

Full itinerary

Day 1: Sunday 20 September

Welcome to Ireland! Upon arrival, please make your way to the 5-star Westbury Hotel, your base in the heart of Dublin for two nights. In the early evening, we invite you to join us at No. 11 Parnell Square, a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse, home to Irish Heritage Trust for a warm welcome reception. Enjoy drinks and canapés as you meet fellow guests.

Day 2: Monday 21 September

Our day starts with a VIP tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Experience the rich history and brewing process of Guinness with an experienced guide, topped off with a personalised pint and panoramic views from the Gravity Bar.

After lunch, we’ll step inside the grounds of Trinity College Dublin for a private tour of the Old Library and Book of Kells, one of the world’s most precious medieval manuscripts. In the evening, we will head to the National Gallery of Ireland for a sparkling reception and a tour of its Irish art collection, before continuing on for dinner at The Dining Room at Fallon & Byrne, celebrated for its contemporary take on Irish dining.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tuesday 22 September

Early risers will have the chance to start the day with a tour of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest cathedral, that dates from 1220-1259. We then make our way to Belfast, stopping for lunch at the atmospheric Drawing Office Two - housed in the original Harland & Wolff offices where Titanic was designed - before embarking on a private tour of the immersive galleries at Titanic Belfast.

Later that afternoon, we will check in to the five-star Grand Central Hotel and take time to unwind. Join us for cocktails at The Observatory, the hotel’s spectacular rooftop bar offering sweeping views across the city, before dinner at the elegant mrDeanes Social Prive.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Wednesday 23 September

Today is dedicated to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. After a short journey from Belfast, we’ll check in to Arthur’s Hillsborough, before a personal welcome by Head of Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, Caroline Walker.

In the morning, enjoy a guided exploration of the Castle’s 100 acres of magnificent gardens, led by Head Gardener Claire Woods OBE, who will share stories of seasonal blooms, centuries-old trees, and gardening traditions unique to the estate.

After lunch, Head of Collections, David Orr will guide us through the Castle and our new display, 'Franklin, Hillsborough and the Seeds of Independence', offering insights into global history shaped in this very place. You will then have free time to explore Royal Hillsborough village at your leisure before getting ready for the evening’s grand event.

Our black-tie Privy Council Dinner at the Castle will begin with a reception and entertainment in the Castle, followed by a three-course Benjamin Franklin Dining Experience - a feast inspired by the tastes and tales of the 18th century.

Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Thursday 24 September

Following breakfast at Hillsborough Castle, we’ll travel to Giant’s Causeway with expert guides leading us through one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Enjoy rich storytelling and unhurried exploration as we wander among the dramatic basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity and steeped in legendary folklore. An unforgettable highlight of the trip.

After exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will make a stop in the historic village of Bushmills for lunch. From here, we will travel back to Dublin and check in to the 5-star St Helen’s Hotel, where dinner awaits in the beautiful Orangerie.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Friday 25 September

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is reserved for departures.

Includes: Breakfast

Important information