A Local's Guide to London and Ireland

Kensington Neighborhood walk

Long before Kensington Palace was built, Kensington was a small village on the road out of London. Now it is one of the most desirable places to live, and this tour beautifully showcases why. Wander through Kensington Gardens, spot iconic memorials along the way and even walk along London’s most exclusive residential street. Your guide will also stop at Kensington Palace and tell of its famous residents throughout history. A story of the development of a much-loved area of London.

Notting Hill

Located in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Notting Hill is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse culture. Here you can explore landmarks such as Portobello Road Market, famous for its antiques, vintage clothing and food stalls — Holland Park, home to a number of gardens, including the Kyoto Garden and the Japanese Garden — St. Stephen's Church, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.

London Eye

Avoid lines with the Fast Track option for this iconic Ferris Wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames as a way to observe all of London and her beauty. Share the most impressive photos you have ever captured from this viewpoint.

Behind the Glass Tour

Guided by an expert guide, this truly fascinating private tour takes you behind the glass — into rooms not normally accessible to the public, and where Churchill and his cabinet coordinated Britain’s War efforts. Experience what it was like to work beneath the heart of Westminster during the Blitz, and literally walk in Churchill’s footsteps through the atmospheric corridors and learn about the big decisions he made inside this iconic site.

Westminster Abbey

Since 1066, with Harold Godwinson and William the Conqueror, virtually every king or queen of England has been crowned in Westminster Abbey. Fan vaulting, flying buttresses and other architectural masterpieces make the beauty of this structure a must-see. Westminster Abbey has seen much of British history unfold inside its hallowed halls. From coronations to burials, baptisms to marriages and the unveiling of many monuments dedicated to the esteemed monks, scientists, authors and leaders of the British Empire, the Abbey is an incredible place to learn and admire British history. Guests can also pay their respects to historical figures such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Oliver Cromwell, to name a few. Westminster Abbey also has a long tradition of hosting Royal Weddings, most recently the marriage of Prince William and Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

Secrets of The City Tour

Explore many of London’s most iconic highlights with an expert guide. Start your tour by appreciating one of the true symbols of London: Tower Bridge. Built in the 19th century, this bridge has become one of the most iconic symbols of the city, and you will have the opportunity to take photos of it from the Tower of London. You will then proceed to visit the Tower of London, a secure fortress, Royal Palace, infamous prison and home to The Crown Jewels. You will also enjoy Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece — St Paul's Cathedral — where notable events have included the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer, as well as the state funerals of Sir Winston Churchill and Admiral Nelson.

Borough Market

Located in South East London, Borough Market is one of the largest food markets in London. The market itself claims roots all the way back to 1014, and was abolished in 1754 by an Act of Parliament due to the traffic congestion it created. The Act moved the market to its current location on Southwark Street and Borough High Street. Now, consisting of over 70 stalls, the market sells a variety of foods from all over the world, and hosts many events, including cooking demonstrations.

Belfast

Ringed by gentle hills with the River Lagan running through it, Belfast has a beautiful setting. All roads radiate out from Donegall Square like the spokes of a wheel, with City Hall, built in 1906 of Portland Stone, standing in the center. Statues around the building include a glum-looking Queen Victoria by the main entrance and Sir Edward Harland on the east side. Historically, Belfast was the center for the linen, rope-making and shipbuilding industries, all of which allowed Belfast to grow rapidly both in prestige and wealth at the beginning of the 20th Century. This wealth manifested itself in the gorgeous Victorian buildings visible throughout the city. While the city suffered from a decline due to decreased interest in its supporting industries and The Troubles during the last 30 years of the 20th Century, Belfast today is known as being a very vibrant city.

Giant’s Causeway & the stunning coastline of Antrim

Just one hour north of Belfast lies one of Northern Ireland's most captivating regions, the stunning Antrim Coast! With your driver guide, explore one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes as well as the Nine Glens of Antrim that intersect your route. You will be able to detour into a few of these scenic glens before arriving at one of the world’s most unique settings, Giant’s Causeway, which is a wild geological phenomenon and UNESCO Heritage Site. Here you will learn the incredible legend as well as the true geologic history of this formation. The Causeway Coast has many other sites to explore, such as the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, which is 65 feet long and extends over 100 feet above the sea. Dunluce Castle is a ruined shell hanging precariously over a cliff and will be a familiar sight to Game of Thrones fans.

Dublin exploration

Enjoy a guided sightseeing cruise on River Liffey, followed by a private walking tour of Dublin. This enchanting walk with one of Dublin’s best guides will take you on a storytelling adventure as you visit many of the city's highlights. You will focus on the historic "Golden Kilometer" as you travel through broad streets and narrow passageways, and you will learn about the influential people who also walked these lanes. You will pass by the former Houses of Parliament, the pedestrianized Grafton Street, Powerscourt Townhouse (an 18th century Georgian Mansion, now full of independent shops) City Hall, the courtyards and gardens of Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty Library, the medieval city walls, the Old City & Temple Bar West, Fishamble Street (site of the first performance of Messiah by Handel) and Christ Church Cathedral (Ireland’s oldest church). You will also visit Trinity College and see the city's treasured Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating back to the 9th century.

Dublin Castle is situated in the very heart of historic Dublin, directly above the Dubh Linn, or Black Pool (dubh means black), which gives the city its name. Originally built as a defensive fortification by the Normans, it later evolved into a royal residence, resided in by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Over the years, Dublin Castle played host to parliament and courts of law before they were given their own designated buildings. It also served as a military garrison. Upon the formation of the Free State in 1922, the castle immediately assumed the role of court complex. It was decided in 1938 that the inauguration of the first President of Ireland, Douglas Hyde, would take place in the castle, and every other inauguration has since been hosted here. The castle is used for official state visits and for more informal foreign affairs engagements, such as state banquets and government policy launches.

Take a guided stroll along a trail through the historic Liberties area of Dublin (where the 'real' Dubliners still live and work). The tour begins outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, dating from 1191, where you will learn about the important history of the tallest church in Ireland. By the mid-1800s, the cathedral was in danger of collapse, and it underwent a major restoration between 1860 and 1865 funded by Benjamin Guinness, of the Guinness brewing family. You will then set off for the Liberties, a district of medieval monasteries, former Dutch and Huguenot houses and the historic brewing and distilling center of Ireland. You will pass current distilleries and hear great stories of other long-gone distilleries, breweries and heritage sites. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a tour and tasting at Teeling Distillery, in addition to the Guinness Storehouse. The Guinness Storehouse is located in the heart of the St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin and is Ireland’s #1 international visitor attraction. Situated in the heart of Old Dublin, this is the home of Guinness Stout, the famous black (truly red in color) beer with the distinctive creamy head, which is now produced around the world at the rate of over 10 million glasses a day. Arthur Guinness purchased Rainsford Brewery in 1759 and began creating his unique brew. The storehouse has since been converted into one of Dublin's finest venues for historical and cultural exhibitions, with a 9,000-year lease. Here you can visit the “World of Guinness Exhibition,” which is seven floors of history and interactive experiences. One of the more popular spots within the storehouse is The Gravity Bar, where you can sample Dublin's finest brew at your leisure and enjoy the very best views of Dublin. Proceed to the famed Old Jameson Distillery! Set in the heart of Dublin, The Old Jameson Distillery captures the imagination and the spirit of Ireland. The distillery’s expert guides lead you through the fascinating story of Jameson, the world’s preferred quality Irish Whisky. Follow the path through malting, milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling and maturing. The journey is completed with a visit to the Jameson Bar, where you can enjoy a whisky tasting experience. After the tour, browse in the gift shop or have lunch in the restaurant or bars and absorb the unique atmosphere.

Irish golfing

Golfers will enjoy the Royal Dublin Golf Course and Island Club Golf Course. The Royal Dublin Golf Course is a prestigious golf course located in Dublin, Ireland. It is one of the oldest and most renowned golf clubs in the world, having been established in 1895. It is situated on the coast, overlooking Dublin Bay, offering stunning views. Island Club Golf Course is designed to mimic the traditional Scottish links style, with firm fairways, undulating terrain and plenty of wind. You will be challenged at these two courses, and completely enchanted by the views.

Evening guided pub crawl

Dublin is where pubs are born. Escape with the locals to learn how to savor a pint of Guinness. Find out how to ensure you always get a great pint and why it's important! Follow in the footsteps of the Irish literary giants like Patrick Kavanagh, Flann O'Brien and Brendan Behan. If Dublin has hidden gems, they're the pubs that don't advertise to tourists. The locals. The authentic Irish pub where a conversation is flowing faster than the beer, where the character of the pub is as fascinating as the characters in it, where literature, society and history eternally lives. You will experience a traditional Irish music band, sample some Irish craft beers/ciders, learn the secrets of Guinness beer and family, learn about the heritage of Irish pub culture.

A visit to Howth

You will be met by your driver guide for a half-day tour to Howth, a bustling village that offers visitors a myriad of attractions. Look out for Lambay Island, Ireland’s Eye, Howth Castle, The National Transport Museum, the Martello Tower and the Baily Lighthouse. Wildlife enthusiasts will adore this area, particularly Ireland’s Eye and its bird sanctuary, which boasts guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, gulls and gannets. If you’re lucky, you may even see grey seals diving for fish just offshore. You can drive along the harbor before climbing away from the village around the Nose of Howth and onto the clifftops. Take in the stunning views of Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye, and be overwhelmed by the heady scent of coconut from the bright yellow gorse on the heath. The Baily Lighthouse, the last of Ireland’s lighthouses to become automated — comes into view before you ascend towards the car park at ‘The Summit’ and return to Howth Village along a path running parallel to your outward route.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

Located in Chelsea, London, and has been awarded three Michelin stars. It offers a tasting menu featuring exquisite French cuisine.

Hawksmoor

Classic British fare featuring dry-aged beef, in a stylish atmosphere.

Chiltern Firehouse

Elegant lodging in an 1880s former fire station offering warm quarters and acclaimed dining.

'O Ver St. James

Contemporary Italian menu with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is known for its stylish atmosphere, attentive service and delicious food.

Sophie’s

Situated around the corner from Piccadilly Circus in the heart of theatreland, Sophie’s Soho is a modern steakhouse & cocktail bar specializing in native breed West Country British beef, dry-aged and butchered in-house, served in a fun and authentic environment.

Johnnie Fox's Pub

Traditional pub in mountain location with decorative farm tools, hooley nights and live Irish music.

Balfe's Restaurant

Lively brasserie serving elevated bistro seafood & meat mains, with a full bar & patio.

Wilde

Celebrating the best of Irish produce served in beautiful surrounds echoing 1930s vintage glamor. Its covered garden terrace is unique in Dublin and floods the space with natural light. Meanwhile, an abundance of greenery gives an al-fresco vibe and even a bucolic feel throughout the fine-dining restaurant which, also offers views over the lively Grafton Street.