Tourism Ireland and Avanti Destinations have partnered to promote independent travel across Ireland and Northern Ireland, spotlighting regions beyond Dublin, including Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and the Hidden Heartlands. The partnership focuses on driving vacations, cultural and culinary exploration, and locally grounded experiences that connect travelers to authentic sights and traditions.
“We always suggest that advisors create vacations that take their clients beyond the well-known destinations and out into the countryside, preferably in off-peak seasons—spring and fall are ideal for avoiding tourist crowds,” said Paul Barry, CEO of Avanti Destinations, in a press statement. “To encourage that kind of exploration, two of the four customizable vacations in the e-brochure are self-driving, two use a driver-guide. Driving allows you to stop and visit castle and abbey ruins along the way, admire dramatic natural wonders along the coast, such as the Giant’s Causeway or Cliffs of Moher, investigate Neolithic tombs that predate the pyramids, and stop for a bite in a pub when you please. Even if your client chooses to travel by rail between cities, we strongly recommend using a driver guide for a day at one or more points during their vacation in order to discover the real Ireland in the rural areas—whether it’s staying in a secluded luxurious castle or manor house, or visiting a working sheep farm to see how the dogs work the herd, an experience we offer on one of our new tours.
Customized by Avanti
A new 56-page e-brochure, Ireland, is now available on Avanti’s portal and details four customizable vacations, 17 sightseeing tours and 31 accommodations, including castles, manor houses and B&Bs. Most properties hold 4-star or higher ratings, with private, shared and small group tours designed around themes of nature, history, food, beer and whiskey. A joint webinar on Ireland will be held on May 14 at noon Eastern, highlighting travel options featured in the guide.
Avanti’s online portfolio currently lists more than 170 tours and experiences, 260 hotels in 17 destinations, and eight customizable vacations for Ireland and Northern Ireland. Four hotels in Dublin, Cork and Kilkenny now offer Avanti Advantage perks, including early check-in, late check-out, room upgrades, afternoon tea, gin and chocolates on arrival and spa treatments, subject to availability.
New tours include a private 1.5-hour buttermilk scone cooking class at Ballyknocken House, a 3.5-hour countryside visit with sheepdog and shearing demos and guided e-bike and walking tours in Galway, Kilkenny and Belfast. Dublin is among eight cities added to the new Avanti Advantage Insider program, offering guaranteed small-group walking tours that explore local history and culture Monday through Thursday, May through October.
Featured customizable vacations include Scenic Southern Ireland and Scenic Northern Ireland, both self-drive itineraries; and driver-guided programs such as Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and Northern Ireland Highlights, which visit key sites from the Cliffs of Moher and Kylemore Abbey to the Titanic Belfast Experience and Giant’s Causeway. Each can be adjusted for length, budget and destination mix through Avanti’s online planner.
For more information, book.avantidestinations.com.
