The Palmers Ireland and England Adventure

Day 1 - Friday 23^rd August - Welcome to Dublin

Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you to your boutique hotel in the city centre. 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 Georgian to 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 | The Address Connolly
Room Type: Club King Room
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 24^th August - FSU Game

Today promises to be an unforgettable experience as you enjoy the lively football game against the iconic backdrop of the Aviva Stadium, right in Dublin city centre. On your last night in Dublin, we recommend dining in one of the city’s many award winning restaurants.

Overnight: Dublin | The Address Connolly
Room Type: Club King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sunday 25^th August - Galway Food Tour

This morning, pick up your rental car as it’s time to leave the east coast behind and head west to Co.Clare! En route, stop off in the colourful Galway city, with its cobbled pavement and street performers, Galway is the west coast’s most vibrant urban centre and a great place to visit. What better way to spend an afternoon here than a delectable food tour? Tantalise your taste buds with a delightful journey through Galway’s culinary scene. From artisanal cheeses, craft beers, to handcrafted chocolate, this will be a true feast for the senses. After your tour, spend some time wandering down Shop Street, stop for a coffee at the Spanish Arch or head out to Salthill and enjoy the view over Galway Bay – there is plenty to do on this afternoon stop! Afterwards, make your way south to your 18th century manor house and home for the next three nights, Gregan’s Castle, which has long been a source of inspiration for its visitors. Guests have included J.R.R Tolkien, who’s said to have been influenced by the Burren when writing The Lord of the Rings, as well as other revered artists and writers such as Seamus Heaney and Sean Scully.

Overnight: The Burren | Gregan's Castle
Room Type: Classic Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Monday 26^th August - The Burren National Park

The Burren’s rocky alien landscape is said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy – and on your guided hike through this other-worldly region, it’s easy to see why! Home to a plethora of unique wildflowers, you will learn about the human history of the area dating back thousands of years. You’ll have lunch at a local tearoom followed by a visit to the adjoining Burren Perfumery where only natural and organic ingredients are used in production. It’s the oldest working perfumery in Ireland!

Overnight: The Burren | Gregan's Castle
Room Type: Classic Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Tuesday 27^th August - The Cliffs of Moher

Start your day off at Ireland’s most-famous cliffs, the Cliffs of Moher, before the crowds arrive, enjoying a walk along the dramatic cliff edge on a background of coastal panoramas. The area is teeming with wildlife and 20 different species of birds, including puffins, make this area their home. We recommend heading into Doolin for a fish n’ chips lunch in a historic stone cottage before returning to Gregans’ Castle via Black Head, a mesmerising stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way. For your final night in Ireland, we’ll recommend a cosy restaurant, located right on the pier of a nearby village for dinner.

Overnight: The Burren | Gregan's Castle
Room Type: Classic Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Wednesday 28^th August - Welcome to London

This morning, make your way to Shannon airport for your flight to London. On arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel and take some time to relax ahead of your first evening in England. An unmissable destination for travellers, the capital city is an international melting pot that brims with culture, history and iconic landmarks. With a well-known and well-deserved reputation for an eclectic and globally diverse food scene, your dinner this evening is sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable affair. Later, draw the curtains on the twinkling lights of the city to enjoy a good night’s sleep ahead of an exciting day of exploring tomorrow.

Overnight: Soho Square | Hazlitt's Hotel
Room Type: Club Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Thursday 29^th August - Highlights of London

This morning your driver will meet you at your hotel to tour the city in a classic Mini Cooper, a symbol of British heritage. Your expert driver-guide becomes your storyteller, weaving tales of London’s transformations over the past few decades. Listen intently as your guide shares captivating stories about the city’s changing skyline, from the revitalisation of the East End to the evolution of London’s iconic landmarks like the Shard and the Gherkin. This immersive experience not only offers a thrilling ride but also provides a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic narrative of London’s recent history, making your journey through the city’s streets truly unforgettable.

This afternoon, meet your expert city guide and visit the Tower of London. Steeped in history, this ancient fortress whispers tales of royalty, intrigue, and ancient artefacts. Marvel at the grandeur of the White Tower and the medieval architecture that surrounds you. Afterwards, your expert tour guide will bring the iconic Tower Bridge structure to life, combining key facts from the Bridge’s fascinating history with curious, interesting anecdotes.

Overnight: Soho Square | Hazlitt's Hotel
Room Type: Club Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Friday 30^th August - Foodie Tour

This morning, meet your expert guide and get to know the real London as you discover the local’s favourite spots sharing insider secrets to the best spots to eat and admire this vibrant bustling city. Your guide will take you on a journey through time from the oldest of London’s pubs & ale houses. Eat & drink in the footsteps of Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, or enjoy a pint in Gandalf the Greys’ very own hostelry.

Enjoy a free afternoon exploring at your leisure.

Overnight: Soho Square | Hazlitt's Hotel
Room Type: Club Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Saturday 31^st August - Day at Leisure

Today is free for you to choose how you spend it. Perhaps relax at your luxurious hotel or explore more of the hidden corners of this great city. Maybe take a stroll through Hyde Park, once Henry VIII’s private hunting grounds and ponder as you stroll past the memorials, monuments and Italian gardens. Browse an art gallery collection or hit the flagship shops on Regent street. The choice is yours.

Overnight: Soho Square | Hazlitt's Hotel
Room Type: Club Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Sunday 1^st September - Kew Gardens

As you continue your exploration of London, meet your expert local guide and start the morning with a trip to the enchanting Kew Palace and Royal Botanical Gardens. Cruise down the Thames, through a number Boroughs for a scenic sail past river round islands and stately homes before your arrival. Step back in time as you wander through the palace halls, once a beloved retreat for King George III and his family. Then, immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Royal Botanical Gardens, where lush greenery and vibrant blooms paint a picture of natural beauty. In the early evening, board your traditional Thames boat for the return journey where your guide will leave you at the hotel for a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Soho Square | Hazlitt's Hotel
Room Type: Club Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Monday 2^nd September - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast