Matthew Stein
Matthew Stein
Expert Travel: Inspirational Irish Experiences
Giant's Causeway is Extraordinary
Ireland is an inspirational destination, especially for travelers looking to connect with their heritage. As a luxury travel advisor in New York City, it’s also a popular destination for golfers. While Ireland may be a small country, there are plenty of extraordinary experiences. The size makes it possible to pick one or two bases and plan several day trips.
What to See & Do in Dublin
You are most likely going to arrive in Dublin. Highlights include Kilmainham Gaol, The Book of Kells at Trinity College, The Jameson Distillery and The Guinness Storehouse. Those are all popular spots Google will tell you all about.
Unique Luxury Travels focuses on the experiences. We believe that’s how the best memories are created. My favorites include The Irish Emigration Museum (EPIC), The Little Museum of Dublin, and The Irish Whiskey Museum.
EPIC tells the story of Ireland and its people. It focuses on the country's mass emigration in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries and how Irish culture spread worldwide. It’s a hands-on experience letting you explore the country’s fascinating history in the style right for you.
The Little Museum of Dublin lives up to its name but the true and astonishing stories you’ll hear are larger than life. History comes to life in this museum through the artifacts and splendid storytelling guides.
The Irish Whiskey Museum may be for tourists but it’s a unique experience. If you’re a whiskey drinker, the tasting room is the spot for you. The best part is that it’s not sponsored by or specific to any brand. This means there’s always a variety of authentic Irish whiskeys. Remember to say sláinte before taking your first sip; it means cheers in Irish.
Golf Vacations in Ireland
The natural beauty of Ireland makes it the perfect spot for golf lovers. It’s home to some of the world's most majestic and historic courses. The rolling green hills across the country make several Ireland courses must-plays for any enthusiast.
Some of the most renowned have centuries-old castle ruins, dramatic ocean cliffs and coastal drives; favorites include Portmarnock, Ballyliffin, Donegal, and Ballybunion. My custom service will help you plan the perfect golf itinerary, including securing your tee times, arranging transportation from city to city, sightseeing and all-inclusive cuisine.
Another great course is Castlerock which is in Northern Ireland. This country is still off the beaten track for most travelers and is a largely undiscovered gem. Spending time here allows you to travel in the style most comfortable for you. Whether it’s a relaxed atmosphere or if you’re looking for something more formal, every stop in Northern Ireland is focused on your personal comfort.
Discover Northern Ireland
Highlights in Northern Ireland include the Giant’s Causeway (bring a jacket) and The Titanic Belfast Museum. But my favorite experience in Northern Ireland was Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen. You walk into Tracey’s home and she immediately treats you like family. She also makes some of the best Irish soda bread in the world.
When you visit Tracey, you’ll learn her easy-to-replicate recipe and how to make it. I am not a good cook, but with her help, even I mastered how to make it. Cooking in an Irish kitchen is a unique opportunity most people will never experience.
Unparalleled Luxury Travel
If you want an unparalleled luxury experience, Ashford Castle near the quaint town of Cong is the place for you. When you look up luxury travel, you should see a picture of Ashford Castle. Staying at the 800-year-old castle is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and beyond extraordinary.
The personal service is the most professional while managing to be incredibly friendly at the same time. Ashford Castle is the perfect spot for exclusive access to any amenity you want. The castle has a small boat that holds about a dozen people and only people staying at Ashford Castle can access it. You’ll explore the pristine surroundings and a few of the more than 300 nearby islands.
My favorite was the exclusive wine tasting in a cellar first built in 1615. The tasting was catered to my pallet and specific tastes. My friend and I were served by two sommeliers- one for each of us!
Other activities exclusive to guests are falconry, shooting, jewel and gin tours, and equestrian trails, just to name a few. There’s also a nine-hole golf course with complimentary tee times and the latest Titleist clubs.
These are just a few of the great destinations and experiences in Ireland. There are also the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, driving the Ring of Kerry, exploring Dingle Peninsula, going to a rugby match and the list goes on and on.
Let’s Start Planning
I’m a destination expert certified by Ireland’s National Tourism Board with extensive personal experience in one of the closest destinations for oversea travel if you live on the east coast. Call me at 917-225-1360 or email [email protected] when you’re ready to start planning your vacation.
My Areas of Expertise
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My Beer Journey Across Ireland
There are many great reasons to list Ireland as a must-see destination. It’s an extraordinary country and the natural beauty across the island is inspirational. You’ll also find some of the nicest people in the world and the service wherever you go is top-notch.
Guinness Beer
One of the many great things Ireland ... Read more from my My Beer Journey Across Ireland story.
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Matt is a seasoned traveler who is knowledgeable, resourceful, and thorough. If there was something he didn’t know, he would take the time to research it and get back to us right away. Matt respected our desire to plan some things ourselves and he helped fill in the gaps. He got us great rates on hotels, found the best excursions, and even helped make restaurant reservations. His skills shined when he found us a private tour guide to see Stonehenge and figured out the best way to get from city to city. Most importantly he ensured that the trip went smoothly with no mishaps. This was our first time hiring a travel consultant and plan on using him again in the future.
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