Tailor-made Holiday · Ireland
Luxury Cultural Tour of Ireland: Writers, Poets & Music
Tailor-made, always
Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
At a glance
Our Cultural Tour of Ireland is a thoughtfully curated itinerary that celebrates the country’s greatest writers and musicians - bringing their stories to life across cities, coastlines and sacred landscapes.
Arrive into Dublin, a UNESCO City of Literature that has played home to many of Ireland's revolutionary movements. Explore iconic landmarks with expert guides, from the Book of Kells at Trinity College to Wilde’s childhood home and Temple Bar’s lively musical pulse.
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Then venture west into the Wicklow Mountains and on to Sligo, where the poetry of W.B. Yeats was first inspired and crafted.
Continue to Derry and Belfast, where political murals, musical traditions and poetic rebellion offer insight into Northern Ireland’s creative legacy.
Along the way, enjoy private performances, intimate poetry readings, and behind-the-scenes access to literary homes and heritage centres.
This itinerary is designed for curious, thoughtful travelers who wish to experience musical and literary culture firsthand, all whilst enjoying the finest luxury accommodations Ireland has to offer.
Day by day
This is a sample plan, not a fixed departure. Days can be added, removed or reordered, and almost every client changes something. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Days 1-3: Dublin - Writers, Rebels, and Rhythm
Begin in Dublin, a UNESCO City of Literature where storytelling runs through the streets. Trace James Joyce’s footsteps with a private walking tour of Ulysses landmarks. Stand beside Oscar Wilde’s sculpture in Merrion Square, opposite his childhood home, and visit the Museum of Literature Ireland to see rare manuscripts come alive.
Your guide tells tales of revolution and rebellion, from Dublin Castle to the General Post Office. At night, dive into Temple Bar’s musical pulse, where trad sessions unfold beneath fairy-lit ceilings. Between literary treasures and live music, you will experience a capital shaped by soul, spirit, and song.
Day 4: Wicklow - Words in the Wild
Leave the city behind and journey into the Wicklow Mountains, known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’. Visit Glendalough, a monastic settlement perched between lakes and ancient woodland, a landscape that has inspired poets and spiritual seekers for centuries. Continue to the Vale of Avoca, where much of Thomas Moore’s poetry was written.
Enjoy a private picnic overlooking the glen, surrounded by the same misty peaks that stirred so many verses. This is a day to breathe, reflect, and feel connected to Ireland’s quieter, wilder inspiration. Return to your base in Dublin for one final evening of city culture.
Days 5-6: Sligo - Yeats Country and Coastal Dreams
Head west to Sligo, the land of W.B. Yeats. Begin with a visit to Drumcliffe Church, his final resting place beneath Benbulben Mountain. Continue along the Wild Atlantic Way to explore the rugged coastline that inspired much of his work. Visit Lissadell House, once home to Yeats’ muse Constance Markievicz, and tour its grand interiors. A private poetry reading in the gardens or on the beach brings Yeats’ words to life.
Day 7: Derry - Voices of Resistance
Cross into Northern Ireland and discover Derry, a city with a complex and creative soul. Visit the Museum of Free Derry for a powerful introduction to civil rights history, then walk the city walls with a guide who shares stories of conflict and creativity. Derry is the birthplace of both political song and queer expression; home to voices that refused silence.
In the evening, experience a local music session in a historic pub or attend a theatre performance that captures the city’s raw energy.
Days 8-9: Belfast - Echoes and Expression
Arrive in Belfast, where history and artistry intertwine. Tour the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, where murals, street poetry, and installations showcase the city’s creative edge. Visit the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, a moving tribute to Ireland’s Nobel Laureate, with private readings available on request. Dive into the legacy of Van Morrison on a guided tour of his East Belfast neighbourhood.
Enjoy your final evening with a private storytelling dinner or live acoustic performance, celebrating a journey shaped by language, memory, and music.
Day 10: Departure from Belfast
After breakfast, meet your private driver for a seamless transfer to Belfast or Dublin Airport. Depart with a deeper understanding of Ireland’s creative soul and rich cultural history.
Our Experts
I love Ireland. It's one of the most magical destinations in the world, and you can sense the layers of mysticism and heritage.
Dublin is such a blast and home to Ireland's best gay scene. The pubs and clubs here are a cut above the rest and always promise a good night.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first enquiry to homecoming. No call centre, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.