Between Sea and Sky: An Intimate Journey Through Ireland's Most Beguiling Landscapes

There’s a Gaelic word, ‘idir’, that means ‘between’—and it’s in these in-between spaces that Ireland’s true magic dwells. Between the wild Atlantic and the Irish Sea. Between ancient stone circles and Michelin-starred restaurants. Between misty mornings in castle gardens and evenings spent in cosy pub snugs, where candlelight catches in cut crystal glasses and stories flow as smoothly as aged whisky.

Tailor Made Journey

Luxury Beyond Convention

At Mr Hudson, we understand that true luxury lies in the freedom to explore the world exactly as you envision it. Our curated collection of exceptional properties and experiences speaks to those who seek refinement in every moment—whether discovering hidden gems in storied cities, unwinding at distinguished resorts, or sailing aboard elegant vessels. We celebrate the sophisticated traveler who appreciates understated elegance and meaningful discovery.

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Rainbow flags flutter alongside historic pub signs, whilst creative energy pulses through the cobbled streets of Temple Bar

Where old Dublin meets new dreams

Dublin wears its progressive heart proudly on its Georgian sleeve. Rainbow flags flutter alongside historic pub signs, whilst creative energy pulses through the cobbled streets of Temple Bar. But to truly understand Dublin’s transformation, venture beyond the obvious to Stoneybatter, where artisan coffee shops and intimate wine bars have transformed this working-class neighbourhood into the city’s most vibrant LGBTQ+ enclave.

The Dylan, our chosen sanctuary in this literary city, occupies a quiet corner of Dublin 4, where Victorian red-brick mansions stand in elegant rows. Here, mornings begin with the gentle clink of Waterford crystal and the aroma of freshly baked brown bread. But it’s as dusk falls that the hotel truly comes alive, when the copper-hued cocktail bar becomes a gathering place for Dublin’s creative set. Let the bartender craft you his signature cocktail—a smoky blend of Irish whisky and local botanicals that tells the story of Dublin in a glass.

Dublin

Photo: Diogo Palhais

Photo: Yuli Como

Into the ancient east: where myths whisper through garden walls

As you leave Dublin behind, the landscape softens into rolling hills and hidden valleys. This is Ireland‘s Ancient East, where every stone seems to hold a story. At Ballyfin Demesne, an 18th-century mansion set among 614 hectares of private parkland, luxury takes on an almost mythical quality. But it’s not just about the impeccable service or the museum-quality art collection—it’s about moments like discovering a secret grotto in the pleasure gardens, or having your personal butler arrange a picnic in the property’s Victorian fernery, where delicate fronds create natural curtains for intimate moments.

Venture further into County Laois to explore the Slieve Bloom Mountains, where expert local guides lead hikes to viewpoints where you can see four provinces of Ireland, sharing their intimate knowledge of hidden megalithic tombs along the way. Stop for lunch at a family-owned smokehouse where organic salmon is cured using centuries-old techniques, and where tales of local folklore are as intoxicating as the house-made gin served with dessert.

Ballyfin Demesne

Ballyfin Demesne

Southern grandeur: where heritage meets haute cuisine

In Ireland’s lush south, Adare Manor rises like a gothic dream amid centuries-old gardens. This majestic estate embodies the grand vision of its creators, where every gargoyle and graceful spire tells a story. But it’s not just the architecture that captures the imagination—it’s the way contemporary luxury has been woven seamlessly into the historic fabric of the place.

The Michelin-starred Oak Room restaurant offers a canvas where Irish ingredients shine in innovative ways, whilst the La Mer spa provides sophisticated pampering with views over the manicured gardens. Golfers will find themselves torn between playing the championship course and simply admiring how it enhances the estate’s historic landscape. As evening falls, retiring to the drawing room for a whisky tasting becomes an education in both fine spirits and local lore.

The surrounding village of Adare, with its thatched-roof cottages and medieval monastery, offers a perfect morning’s exploration. Here, local artisans continue centuries-old crafts in studios tucked down narrow laneways, and tea shops serve fresh-baked scones that would tempt a saint.

Adare Manor

Western promises: where stone meets sea

Travelling west, the landscape grows wilder, more dramatic. At Dromoland Castle, five centuries of history rise in golden stone above a landscape that captures the essence of Ireland’s untamed beauty. The castle grounds offer their own adventures—try your hand at falconry or clay pigeon shooting, or simply lose yourself in gardens designed to surprise and delight at every turn.

This is your perfect base for exploring the lunar landscape of the Burren, where wildflowers somehow flourish in the cracks between ancient limestone pavements, or taking a day trip to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, where the Atlantic crashes against 214-metre cliffs in a display of natural drama that never fails to humble.

Dromoland Castle

Dromoland Castle-Cocktail-bar-scaled

Dromoland Castle

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At Dromoland Castle, five centuries of history rise in golden stone above a landscape that captures the essence of Ireland’s untamed beauty

Further north, Ashford Castle stands as a testament to human ambition to match nature’s grandeur, its grey stone walls rising from the shores of Lough Corrib like something from a fever dream. But it’s not just the castle’s grandeur that captivates—it’s the intimate moments that unfold within its walls. Perhaps it’s a falconry lesson at dawn, where expert instructors help you forge a connection with magnificent birds of prey, their knowledge and wit making the experience all the more memorable.

Venture beyond the castle grounds to discover Connemara’s hidden treasures. Take a private boat to the island of Inishbofin, where local artists welcome visitors to their galleries in converted fishermen’s cottages, or join guided sunset kayak expeditions in search of playful seals and dolphins in the quiet bays.

Ashford Castle Spa-and-gym-view

Ashford Castle

Kerry's kingdom: where mountains meet the sea

The Ring of Kerry has long been celebrated, but few know its secret paths and hidden coves. At Sheen Falls Lodge, overlooking Kenmare Bay, your experience begins with the warmest of Irish welcomes. The expert concierge team, with generations of local knowledge, can arrange private guided experiences to hidden Kerry—perhaps an early morning hike to ancient stone circles, timing your arrival to catch the first light as it illuminates the megalithic stones.

The lodge itself serves as a sophisticated base for exploration. In the evening, the bar becomes a gathering place where guests share stories of their day’s adventures. The hotel’s sommelier’s passion for wine is matched only by his knowledge of local folklore, as he introduces you to exceptional Irish wines whilst recounting tales of the local ‘fairy forts’ that dot the landscape.

Sheen Falls Lodge Cottage

Sheen Falls Lodge

Sheen Falls Lodge Summer-Exterier-scaled

Sheen Falls Lodge

Dublin's dramatic finale: where urban sophistication meets Irish soul

Returning to Dublin feels like coming full circle, but now with new eyes to appreciate its sophistication. Spend your final days exploring the city’s creative quarters—the Design District, where independent galleries showcase contemporary Irish artists, or the rapidly evolving Docklands, where tech meets tradition in glass-fronted wine bars and renovated warehouse spaces.

Book a table at Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, where Finnish precision meets Irish hospitality in one of Europe’s most exciting restaurants. Here, in a private dining room beneath vaulted Georgian ceilings, each course tells a story of Ireland’s culinary revolution. The sommelier might pair your wild Irish venison with a surprising local wine, whilst sharing tales of Dublin’s underground wine scene.

Photo: Liudmyla Shalimova

The rhythm of the seasons

Ireland’s charms shift with the seasons, each offering its own particular magic. Spring brings carpets of bluebells to castle gardens and the first warm sunshine of the year. Summer’s long evenings are perfect for seaside dinners and twilight walks in ancient woods, whilst autumn paints the countryside in rich golds and russets. Winter offers its own intimate pleasures—imagine watching Atlantic storms from the comfort of a sea-view suite, or sharing stories by peat fires in cosy pub snugs.

For the discerning traveller

Ireland’s progressive nature means LGBTQ+ travellers are welcomed with genuine warmth throughout the country. From Dublin’s vibrant gay scene to small village pubs where locals might raise a glass to your happiness, the legendary Irish welcome extends to all who visit these shores. Many of our recommended properties have hosted same-sex weddings and honeymoons, their staff trained to ensure every guest feels not just accepted, but celebrated.

Photo: Jason Murphy

Photo: Daniel Jensen

The Mr Hudson difference

Let us craft your Irish journey with the same care that built these ancient castles. We’ll ensure every detail is perfect, from arranging private after-hours access to historic sites to securing the most romantic table in Ireland’s finest restaurants. With our connections, you’ll enjoy preferential rates at the country’s most exceptional properties, along with thoughtful extras that transform a wonderful journey into an unforgettable story.

In Ireland, luxury isn’t just about thread counts and tasting menus (though you’ll find plenty of both). It’s about moments that take your breath away: watching the sun set over the Atlantic from a private hot tub, discovering your own secret garden within castle grounds, or sharing stories with a local guide whose knowledge of hidden Ireland is matched only by his passion for sharing it. It’s about feeling not just like a guest, but like the temporary keeper of Ireland’s eternal story, if only for a little while.

This is Ireland as few get to experience it: refined, authentic, and utterly unforgettable. Where every castle stay, every coastal drive, and every cultural encounter is tailored to those who appreciate the finer things in life, delivered with that legendary Irish warmth that makes everyone feel not just welcome, but truly at home.

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