Rzeminksi & Ansley Family Irish Adventure

Day 1 - Sunday 7^th July - Arrival in Dublin

This morning, Alexandra, Brooke & Brandon arrive in Dublin airport and will be met in arrivals by a private transfer. Make your way to your three star hotel and your Irish adventure begins! After your flight you may just want to relax at your hotel, grab a bit of dinner and catch up on some sleep before exploration tomorrow.

Overnight: Dublin | Drury Court Hotel
Room Type: x1 triple room
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Monday 8^th July - Dublin Castle

Today Carol arrives in Dublin airport and there will be a private transfer waiting for her at the airport. In the meantime, you will embark on a fascinating journey through Ireland’s history and architectural heritage at Dublin Castle – located just a short walk away from your accommodation. Constructed in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government. The castle now serves as a symbol of the country’s evolution and is a great way to learn more about Ireland’s history.

Overnight: Dublin | Drury Court Hotel
Room Type: x1 triple room, x1 double room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Tuesday 9^th July - Howth

Today you are heading north out of the city to the charming seaside town of Howth. With its picturesque harbour, pretty beaches and wildflower-covered sea cliffs, it feels like the kind of village you’d find on a far-flung stretch of the west coast rather than a 25-minute train ride from the city centre. From the moment you arrive and walk along the waterfront, spotting the resident seals poking their heads up between the docked boats, you’ll see why it’s the go to spot for Dubliners looking for a weekend breath of fresh air. Howth is perfect day trip fodder, the shore lined with excellent seafood restaurants and the cliff walks along the headland bringing some rugged wilderness into the equation. However you want to spend your day, there’s plenty to keep you occupied and we will give you plenty of recommendations.

• We recommend taking a direct train to and from Howth from the city centre. This is not included in the trip price.

Overnight: Dublin | Drury Court Hotel
Room Type: x1 triple room, x1 double room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Wednesday 10^th July - Historical Walking Tour

After a leisurely morning, head out in the afternoon to enjoy a walking tour with a local private guide through this vibrant capital city, with its mix of 1,000 years of architecture from the mediaeval to the Georgian to the modern. See the Georgian style Merrion Square, lush St. Stephen’s Green and Fitzwilliam Square, as well as O’Connell Street, the site of the ‘1916 Uprising’ that led to Ireland’s independence in 1922. Your guide is also a historian who will bring the city to life with colourful tales of life in the city in times gone by.

Overnight: Dublin | Drury Court Hotel
Room Type: x1 triple room, x1 double room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Thursday 11^th July - Bru Na Boinne

This morning a local guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and together you will journey to the World heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, Ireland’s richest archaeological landscape with its famous prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth dating back to 3200BC.  These ceremonial structures are among the most important Neolithic sites in the world and contain the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe. Visit the monuments before heading to the Visitor Centre exhibition – a fully interactive visitor experience exploring the Neolithic culture, landscape and monuments of Brú na Bóinne. On route back to Dublin you will stop for lunch with your guide before saying goodbye.

Overnight: Dublin | Drury Court Hotel
Room Type: x1 triple, x1 double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Friday 12^th July - Vintage Tea Trip

Enjoy a morning to yourself before heading out for some lunch time fun! Take a step back in time with Vintage Tea Trips and experience Dublin in a unique way. Indulge in afternoon tea treats, great conversation and tap your feet along to some fabulous 1950s jazz while taking in the sights of the city. Board your vintage Routemaster bus in historic Temple Bar. Soak up the nostalgia as your host gets the conversation started, the music begins, and a classic afternoon tea is served. Pass sights such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church, Trinity College, St. Stephen’s Green, Wood Quay, O’Connell Street, Phoenix Park, and the grand buildings of Georgian Dublin.

Overnight: Dublin | Drury Court Hotel
Room Type: x1 triple room, x1 double room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Saturday 13^th July - The Dead Zoo

With the polished wood, the old brass fittings and the glass cases, you feel enveloped in the comfort you find in a good old pub. But this isn’t a pub. This is a place of learning. Or to be more precise, this is a place of fun. This is the “Dead Zoo”. This museum exhibits more than 10,000 species in its galleries, a great way to capture the imagination of anyone who walks through its doors! Spend the day immersed in all things insect, mammal, bird & predator before heading back to your hotel for dinner.

Overnight: Dublin | Drury Court Hotel
Room Type: x1 triple room, x1 double room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Sunday 14^th July - Trinity College & The Book of Kells

This morning enjoy exploring the stunning campus of Trinity College Dublin, set on 46 acres of leafy squares surrounded by cobblestone pathways and historic architecture. Trinity is Ireland’s oldest university, founded in 1592. The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the Book of Kells, housed in the awe-inspiring Old Library. This meticulously illuminated manuscript, dating back to the 9th century, showcases intricate illustrations and ornate calligraphy and is steeped in the richness of Ireland’s cultural and literary heritage.

Overnight: Dublin | Drury Court Hotel
Room Type: x1 triple room, x1 double room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Monday 15^th July - EPIC Museum

Today brings a new day of exploration and a family visit to the EPIC museum in Dublin is a great way to do it! You won’t find leprechauns or pots of gold here, but you will discover that what it means to be Irish expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world. Discover Ireland from the outside in and find out why saying “I’m Irish” is one of the biggest conversation starters, no matter where you are. Today Steven will arrive in Dublin airport and there will be a private transfer waiting for him on arrival.

Overnight: Dublin | Drury Court Hotel
Room Type: x1 triple and x1 double room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Tuesday 16^th July - Dublin Zoo

This morning, enjoy your first full family day out and no better place to spend it than Dublin zoo! The kids will eagerly explore the diverse habitats and creatures hailing from all around the world and you can stroll about with a coffee. From the majestic elephants to the playful penguins, each exhibit offers an opportunity for education and awe. Afterwards, we recommend taking a stroll through Phoenix Park and enjoy the lush landscapes and the views of Aras an Uachtaráin – where the president of Ireland lives!

Overnight: Dublin | Drury Court Hotel
Room Type: x1 triple room, x1 double room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Wednesday 17^th July - Roundwood to Glendalough

The Monastic City of Glendalough, founded by St Kevin in the 6th century became an important learning centre for early Christian monks and was the site of many viking raids and attacks over the years. Today the site is recognised for its historic importance with the addition of an interactive centre helping visualise the city in its former glory. Spend today in the company of a guide who will pick you up at the hotel for a day of exploration and enjoy a lunch stop later on. Arrive back in your hotel this evening just in time for dinner.

Overnight: Dublin | Drury Court Hote
Room Type: x1 triple room, x1 double room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Thursday 18^th July - Viking Splash

Roar your way through Dublin City in a unique land and water experience on a WW2 amphibious DUKWs. This is a fun and informative day out taking in the cities cathedrals, Georgian Dublin and much more before splashing into the Grand Canal basin for a short cruise by the iconic U2 studios. This is your last day in Dublin so we recommend doing anything you haven’t done yet! Take a walk around St. Stephen’s Green, go shopping on Grafton St and listen to some buskers, or simply relax at your hotel for the evening.

Overnight: Dublin | Drury Court Hotel
Room Type: x1 triple, x1 double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Friday 19^th July - Travel to Cork via Kilkenny Castle

Carol heads home this morning and a private transfer will be in the lobby of the hotel to pick her up. For everybody else, it’s time to pick up your rental car and head to Cork! En route, break up the drive in the the vibrant Kilkenny – a stronghold of Ireland’s national sport, hurling. Kilkenny is an artist’s heaven where you will find local craft shops with unique and interesting pieces of art, jewellery and craft to browse and explore. Kilkenny’s centre piece is the 11th century castle – a centre for Norman rule that has survived centuries of invasion and turmoil. Take a tour before hitting the road and checking into your boutique accommodation in the city centre.

Overnight: Cork | Hotel Isaacs
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Saturday 20^th July - Buffalo Farm Tour & Cheese Tasting

This afternoon enjoy a trip to a working dairy farm for an immersive tour and tasting. Meet the herd, chat all things agriculture with John and finish with a spectacular tasting session of some fine Irish cheese, made right there on the farm. Depending on the season, you may even get to pet the baby buffalo! Back in the city, you have the evening to yourself to explore as you wish.

Overnight: Cork | Hotel Isaacs
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Sunday 21^st July - Titanic Cobh

The nearby town of Cobh is cemented in history as the last port in which the ill fated Titanic docked before embarking on its maiden journey to America. Formally called Queenstown, Cobh today has many attractions and not just for Titanic enthusiasts. Small colourful houses line the streets that cup a picturesque harbour while the impressive Cobh Cathedral dominates the skyline overlooking the town. Meeting a guide you will explore Cobh’s history with the Titanic away from the harbour and learn the stories of those from the area whose lives were forever changed.

Overnight: Cork | Hotel Isaacs
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 16 - Monday 22^nd July - Kinsale

Kinsale is recognised across Ireland as a foodie haven, and we will recommend our favourite restaurants for you to delve into Ireland’s culinary culture. Set out to explore Kinsale’s wonderful winding streets, colourful boutiques and enchanting craft shops. Or perhaps you’d rather to simply relax at one of the many fantastic cafés overlooking the bustling marina. Want a truly authentic experience? Grab some fish & chips fresh from the sea while sitting out overlooking the water or visit the 17th century star-shaped Charles Fort or a sunset stroll along a waterside walkway is a perfect end to your day’s touring.

Overnight: Cork | Isaacs Hotel
Room Type: 1 Deluxe Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 17 - Tuesday 23^rd July - Cape Clear Island

It’s hard to resist the lure of the many tiny islands that dot the West Cork coastline, so today meet a local guide and hop on the ferry to the island of Cape Clear. Cape Clear’s wild romantic scenery, sparkling harbours, jagged cliffs, eerie bogs and stunning lake, all contribute to the island’s unspoilt charm. Heather, gorse and wildflowers cover the rugged hills. In the waters encircling the island, whales, leatherback turtles, sunfish, dolphins and sharks are spotted regularly every year. Millennia of human history sit alongside one another – everything from a 5,000 year old megalithic tomb to a ruined 12th century church. This tiny island is also unique in that Cape Clear’s inhabitants speak Gaelic on a daily basis.

Overnight: Cork | Isaacs Hotel
Room Type: 1 Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 18 - Wednesday 24^th July - Exploring the City

Today, stop into Cork City Gaol, which is a magnificent castle-like building which once housed 19th century prisoners. Cork has a very rich historical and archaeological heritage, much of it still in evidence today. If you’re looking to spend a peaceful sunny afternoon (Ireland does have them!) visit Fitzgerald Park. This popular park is home to lakes and manicured lawns, lots of sculptures,  and wandering paths, as well as the Cork Public Museum, which makes for a great place to  duck inside if the weather turns grey. Dinner dinner and a unique taste of old Cork look no further than the long standing ale house steeped in tradition that is The Mutton Lane Inn.

Overnight: Cork | Hotel Isaacs
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 19 - Thursday 25^th July - Cork City

Your final day in Cork will be spent in the city with a guide who will share their love of Cork with you with tales of its unique history, friendly people, colourful culture and Corkonian wit and traditions. Enjoy some lively music en route and finish up with a tasting at the oldest market in Europe, trading since 1788. The English Market in Cork City has survived famine, flood, war, fires, and multiple recessions to remain a strong part of Cork’s fabric. Tonight, your final meal can be had at one of Cork’s many award winning restaurants.

Overnight: Cork | Isaacs Hotel
Room Type: 1 Deluxe Family Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 20 - Friday 26^th July - Depart

This morning, head to the airport, drop your rental car off and it’s time to say goodbye. We do hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we once again have the opportunity to welcome to our shores.