Secret Ireland Escapes has always been unique in that each of our exclusive destinations and experiences, boat charters, vintage cars and helicopter transfers are always 'private' and only accessible to our guests. Now more than ever, we are committed to providing safe immersive experiences with the highest in hygiene and safety standards.
Surrounded by the untouched beauty of this distinctive landscape, you will spend the day in the heartland’s warm embrace.
These exclusive experiences reveal Ireland at its most authentic offering you deeper insight to the culture and countrymen of this storied isle.
Further enhance your experience as you hug the Lakeland’s by road, air or water, from chauffeur driven vintage car, to Ireland’s first and only skippered motor yacht.
One of Ireland’s most innovative companies in destination experiences, Secret Ireland Escapes was inspired by founder Mark’s travels throughout Europe, Australasia and the Middle East, where he saw first-hand that experiential and hyperlocal engagement could turn a mere journey into an immersive experience.
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One of Ireland’s most innovative companies in destination experiences, Secret Ireland Escapes was inspired by founder Mark’s travels throughout Europe, Australasia and the Middle East, where he saw first-hand that experiential and hyperlocal engagement could turn a mere journey into an immersive experience
Having grown up in Ireland’s undiscovered Lakelands region, Mark set about curating an exclusive range of experiences for discerning travellers that centered around avoiding the crowds, accessing hidden gems, meeting the real locals and travelling by water via Ireland’s first and only skippered motor yacht, The Azul.
Eight years later, Secret Ireland Escapes has grown from strength to strength, assembling a crack team of skippers, local-guides, performers, artisans and hosts, offering more than 100 exclusive elements at secret locations and whisking guests through this distinctive landscape by water, and now also by road and by air.
"a trusted network of travel advisors to create bespoke itineraries fusing private locations and engaging encounters with unique modes of transportation"
Instead of selling off-the-rack solutions, Mark partners with a trusted network of travel advisors to create bespoke itineraries fusing private locations and engaging encounters with unique modes of transportation, delivering a cornucopia of non-Googleable day tour experiences. 'Our core principle is taking hyperlocal travel to the next level, connecting visitors with captivating local personalities and sharing a sense of place and culture, always sensitive to preserving this undiscovered landscape'.
We welcome solo travellers, couples, multi-generational and nuclear families as well as groups of up to 36 with itineraries from three hours to an entire day.
Secret Ireland Escapes is about creating memories to last a lifetime and stories told for years to come:
“Will you ever forget that day in Ireland when...”How Our New Logo Evolved
Nestled on a tiny private island, escape to this lovingly restored medieval keep with panoramic lake views, lush tastings and revelry inspired by centuries gone by…
a castle is built with stone and beams, a home is built with love and dreams
"we were enchanted with every minute"
sandstone acoustics with entertainment fit for a King & Queen
a hidden gem awaits
Welcoming smiles above a cottage half door, a sampling of traditions handed down through generations like home baking, roof thatching and step dancing on the flagstone hearth…
where an ancient craft comes alive
the best of Irish ingredients
just add tea
one of Ireland's smallest villages
Eclectic interiors that tell stories of love and adventure, tastings ranging from rich local cheeses and homemade spiced chutneys to small batch gins, a welcome as warm as the open peat fire…
those 40 shades of green
indulge without sin
'this entire day felt like a warm Irish hug'
crafted from over 18 Irish botanicals
Wholesome treats foraged from the wildflower meadow, a harpist tugging at your heartstrings, body and soul restored in this Palladian oasis overlooking the Lakelands…
gloves at hand
revitalise those taste buds
blend classical, traditional and contemporary
take to the road in true 'classic' style
A tantalising taste, literal and figurative, of the Ireland of today with refreshing insight into the latest cultural currents – all against the background of a masterpiece in modernist architecture…
a fusion of art and architecture
saliviate
let your creativity flow
engage.. to disengage
When it comes to further enhancing your experience - from a motor yachting charter to a flight seeing adventure, the sky is (literally!) the limit.
"You folks exude confidence in your private tours with gracious hospitality, surprise catering, enthusiasm and aplomb! Composure, self-confidence and assurance were the hall marks of our day with you and we were enchanted with every minute and every special surprise along route."
"A wonderful trip, you both were fabulous hosts and we can’t thank you enough for all you planned for us, it has been truly memorable. This entire day felt like a warm Irish hug, from the private art tour, live entertainment at anchor and unique horse jumping surprise, it was all so touching and full of love, just beyond fabulous, from start to finish!"
"Thank you so much for introducing us to the most amazing places and passionate people, and for treating us royally. Our grandchildren had such an adrenaline rush at their mini experience, their parents were so moved with the Famine and Bog elements referencing their Irish roots. And myself and Dora can’t thank you enough for allowing us to furnish our family with memories they will cherish forever. You have created the most idyllic tapestry of experiences and we are forever grateful."
"Our colleagues had the most enjoyable time with you all. We cannot believe how you managed to fit so much in, yet kept us all on schedule without us even noticing. It was a whirlwind of personalities, fun, food and frolics with many very special treats along the way. You have raised the bar and it will be hard to top this day!!"
Secret Ireland Escapes whisks guests to secret locations in and around Ireland’s undiscovered Lakelands, usually departing from Killaloe or Tuamgraney in County Clare. For travelers with a transfer to the Ring of Kerry or Galway Bay, we can furnish you with an ideal rest-stop with a private experience and lunch.
For guests staying at one of the five-star properties within an hour’s drive, our half and full-day experiences are within easy reach.
And for self-drivers making their way due east or west, we are conveniently located just 10 minutes off the M7 highway.
Our packed portfolio of over 100 private elements are all within a 35 minute road or water transfer.
The most important thing to remember is that when you arrive, our packed portfolio of over 100 private elements are all within a 35min road/water transfer. This is the true Gem which we refer to as Ireland’s undiscovered Lakeland’s.
See our Travel EnhancementsFor more information visit our dedicated agent page to log-in or register your agency with Secret Ireland Escapes.
Contact your preferred travel advisor and let us work with them to plan your ideal day out in Ireland’s Lakelands.
