Secret Ireland Escapes

Secret Ireland Escapes is a private touring company based in County Clare, in the lakeland landscape of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Founded by Mark, who grew up in the region, the company designs bespoke day experiences that take guests away from the crowds to secret, privately accessed locations. Tours usually depart from Killaloe or Tuamgraney, and the company describes its full portfolio of experiences as sitting within roughly a 35-minute road or water transfer, around ten minutes off the M7.

The heart of the offering is a portfolio of more than one hundred exclusive elements, arranged into experiences themed around different periods of Irish life, from Medieval and Traditional to Georgian, Classical and Modern Ireland. Days are built around meeting local hosts, artists, performers and artisans, often in their own homes, with food, drink and entertainment woven throughout. Itineraries can run from around three hours to a full day and cater for solo travellers, couples, families and groups of up to 36.

A distinctive feature is the range of transport used to move between locations. Secret Ireland Escapes operates the Azul II skippered motor yacht, described as Ireland’s first and only skippered motor yacht, alongside the Azul Zero solar electric cruiser, an enclosed rib, classic and vintage cars, and helicopter transfers. These enhancements allow guests to travel across the Lakelands by water, road or air as part of a tailored day out.

Experiences are curated and booked exclusively through the company’s network of travel advisors and partner agencies rather than sold directly to the public, so those interested are directed to arrange a visit through their preferred travel advisor.