Tuesday 6th to Sunday 11th June 2023
We would like to welcome you on the 2023 McLaren Glasgow, Ultimate Roadtrips Ireland Tour!
This trip is only for current McLaren owners.
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We have worked alongside Lee and the team at McLaren Glasgow to create the Ultimate Road Trip for you, bringing you the best ownership experience and showcasing what your car can really do on the open road.
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Our plan is to spend time on some of the best driving roads, catching the best scenery, whilst taking time to stop in superb locations for lunch and spectacular hotel stays to relax each evening.
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Please find an outline below of the planned tour.
On this trip you can look forward to:
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A spectacular tour of the stunning roads and scenery just over the water in the Republic of Ireland
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Road sections lead by Andy Gordon – Former racing driver, qualified ARDS Instructor and known for frequently driving all over Europe in his spare time
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Ferry transfers - upgraded priority boarding and lounge access
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5 Star Accomodation at Glenlo Abbey with dinner at the unique Pullman Restaurant
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Spectacular scenery at the Aghadoe Heights Hotel for two nights to base ourselves for the Ring of Kerry
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Castlemartyr Resort Hotel near Cork – a grand eighteenth century manor house next to the ruins of an 800 year old castle
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Powerscourt Hotel and Spa - Part of the Autograph collection, one of Irelands best hotels for our final night
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Inland Ferry Killmer to Tarbert included
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Skellig Michael Boat tour included
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Our guest experience host on hand to assist with any requirements you have over the duration of the Road Trip
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Make it your trip – optional elements including additional sightseeing, spa treatments and more!
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Costs are per car - including a driver and one passenger.
This year’s tour takes in the best of the Coast of Ireland, focusing solely on the Republic and heading further South and East than we have previously featured.
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Taking in the Atlantic way, a full day exploring the incredible Ring of Kerry and then featuring the Eastern coast up to Powerscourt Hotel just South of Dublin, this really is a comprehensive tour of Ireland’s unbeatable coastline!
Day 1 – Tuesday 6th June 2023
With two ferry options (Cairnryan to Larne and Holyhead to Dublin), we gather for a late lunch at the scenic Tyrrellspass Castle approx 1 hour inland from Dublin, en route to the Atlantic Coast of Ireland. This gives us a relaxing start to meet and get to know your fellow tour guests, before a short run (optional back roads, or a straight motorway run for ease) to our first overnight stay, the stunning Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate.
Here you’re welcome to pre-book any spa treatments or leisure activities before our memorable meal in the Pullman Restaurant – housed in repurposed 1920s carriages from the Orient Express!
Day 2 – Wednesday 7th June
On day two, we forge South along the spectacular Atlantic Coast, stopping mid morning for a visit to the stunning Cliffs of Moher. Following this, we head due south for the Trump Doonbeg Golf Course, where we will enjoy a luxurious lunch in wonderful surroundings with a truly world class view.
Something different after lunch – a 20 minute crossing on the Killmer to Tarbert ferry cuts out a big route past Limerick and keeps us to the lesser trafficked coast roads to properly experience the views the Atlantic Coast Way is famous for. Various stop options for coffee and photos await as we make our way south for our base for the next two nights’ stay – the unbeatable views from the Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa - one of the real highlights of our last Ireland Tour.
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The Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa is a luxury five star hotel with a spectacular location overlooking the spectacular world famous Lakes of Killarney and the magnificent MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range. It's key attraction is offering breath-taking views, either of the hotel gardens, the rolling Kerry countryside or the magical lakes and mountains, along with superb, friendly service. As such, it offers a fantastic base for our Ring of Kerry section.
Day 3 – Thursday 8th June
Day three is Ring of Kerry Day. A full day to explore and take in all that’s great about this world famous driving and sightseeing loop.
Highlights include a boat tour round the famous Skellig Michel Island (made famous as Luke Skywalker’s retreat in The Last Jedi) featuring the incredible wildlife it’s truly famous for. It hosts a huge population of Puffin in the summer months when we’ll be visiting.
The Ring of Kerry is littered with viewpoints. Should you not fancy the boat trip there are the Cliffs of Kerry nearby which offer stunning views. This truly is a spectacular part of the world and makes it very easy to fall in love with Ireland.
Also on the itinerary is Rossbeigh Strand – a view that needs to be seen to be believed.
The chosen lunch spot is a bar which leads out onto it’s own secluded sea cove, where we can relax before experiencing some truly memorable driving and views on the run back to Aghadoe Heights.
The dinner option features a night run round the Ring of Kerry, taking in a great Pizza Restaurant based in a disused church.
On our 2022 run, the evening run around the Ring of Kerry was sublime. Lightly trafficked, no deadlines, go at your own pace and enjoy one of the finest roads in Europe.
Day 4 – Friday 9th June
On Friday, we head further south from Aghadoe Heights, keeping to the Atlantic Way, taking in picturesque break stops and one of the most stunning hill passes we’ve ever seen. Skirting round the coastline to the southernmost part of Ireland, we’ll pass through colourful small villages on spectacular roads as we start to head East.
Lunch on Friday will be in the vibrant and colourful town of Kinsale. The official end of the Atlantic Way, but by no means the end of our trip!
After lunch, we have a trip round the outskirts of Cork (with an optional visit into town for those who wish a town excursion) before the short run East from Cork to our venue for the evening – the stunning 18th Century Manor of Castlemartyr - a new venue for this year.
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With a storied history that includes Strongbow, Walter Raleigh, the Knights Templar and more, the Castlemartyr Resort was officially opened for guests in 2008. Over the years the grounds and buildings have been tastefully updated, they have been magnificently restored and elegantly enhanced to offer stunning accommodation in beautiful surroundings.
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The bedrooms and suites, located in the hotel building, have a luxurious contemporary feel and contain all the facilities for today’s traveller.
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The Resort is nestled in 220 acres of mature landscape, with meandering streams, parklands and a tranquil lake that is abundant with wildlife and gardens that include a reconstruction of the historical, classical parterre beds.
There is a myriad of possibilities for outdoor pursuits and activities including, tennis, kayaking, cycling, archery, croquet on the lawn, clay pigeon shooting, or a game of hurling. Guests can also choose to take a stroll around the beautiful formal gardens or a walk through the adjacent Castlemartyr Wood.
Day 5 – Saturday 10th June
Saturday sees us push North for our final stay at Powerscourt – one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels. Sticking to the East of the island, we’ll pass Waterford on flowing “N” roads, before a hop onto the Motorway to fast-track us to our lunch stop at an award winning traditional Irish Pub with the brewery right next door, with an optional Brewery tour available.
After lunch, we take the road less travelled to Powerscourt, through the incredible views of the Wicklow Mountains, as we take the mountain military road cutting through the heart of Wicklow Mountains National Park. Incredible flowing, well sighted sections of narrow, but well maintained roads with scenery that will stay with you for the rest of your life!
Saturday night is our last evening – at the stupendous Powerscourt Hotel. Dining options include the formal restaurant or in an informal meal at McGills Irish Bar, in the heart of the hotel. What’s guaranteed is great tales, friendships, laughter and chat covering the previous five days.
Day 6 – Sunday 11th June
Its time to say our farewells, and head back home! After a lovely breakfast the team will split up and head back towards the relevant ferry ports for your return crossing to the UK.
Once onboard, relaxing in the Lounge, its time for that age old question……… where to next?
Please note – While there is a guideline itinerary in place elements are TBC and may change
The trip cost includes, Ferry crossings (upgraded) overnight accommodation and breakfast.
Not included are dinners, lunch, drinks, fuel and any additional motoring costs.
Dinner reservations are made with the group and you are free to attend, or make your own arrangements
Spa or leisure facilities are available at all hotels and can be arranged directly - please avoid making bookings before 4:30pm to ensure we will be on site in time