The Palmers Ireland and England Adventure - Final Information

Alison and Jeff

Friday 23rd August – Monday 2nd September 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Overview

Begin your journey in Dublin, exploring iconic sights like Trinity College and Dublin Castle. Enjoy a football game at Aviva Stadium and a delightful dinner in the city. Travel west to Galway and the historic Gregan’s Castle in The Burren, where you’ll tour local farms and visit the Cliffs of Moher. Continue to London, uncovering its rich history at the Tower of London and exploring the city in a classic Mini Cooper. Cruise to Kew Gardens and enjoy the tranquil Royal Botanical Gardens. Finally, journey through the picturesque Cotswolds, discovering charming market towns and idyllic landscapes, before departing from London with cherished memories.

Highlights

  • Experience Dublin and cheer on FSU at Aviva Stadium
  • Explore Ireland's wild west coast
  • Enjoy London and Kew Gardens
  • Discover the charm of the Cotswolds

Day by Day

Day 1 - Friday 23rd 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. Choose to put the feet up and relax after your flight, or head out and explore the array of iconic sights and attractions Dublin has to offer. From the historic Trinity College, home to the ancient Book of Kells, to the imposing Dublin Castle, steeped in centuries of history. Wander through the vibrant streets of Temple Bar, filled with colourful pubs, lively street performers, and eclectic galleries, offering a taste of Dublin’s renowned cultural scene. Don’t miss the chance to marvel at the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Grafton Street, Dublin’s premier shopping and entertainment district.

Overnight: Dublin | The Address Connolly
Room Type: Club King Room
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: August 22, 2024 | Airline: Delta Airlines | Flight Number: DL2745
Departure Airport: Orlando International Airport | Departure Time: 12:07
Arrival Airport: Detroit Metro Airport | Arrival Time: 14:46

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: August 22, 2024 | Airline: Delta Airlines | Flight Number: DL0132
Departure Airport: Detroit Metro Airport | Departure Time: 16:50
Arrival Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport | Arrival Time: 06:15

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: August 23, 2024 | Airline: Delta Airlines | Flight Number: DL9215
Departure Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport | Departure Time: 07:40
Arrival Airport: Dublin Airport | Arrival Time: 08:20

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Dublin Chauffeurs
Pick Up Location: Dublin Airport
Phone: +353 (0)87 233 8396

Justin or one of his drivers will meet you at arrivals. They will have a sign with your name on it. Please don’t be alarmed if you are delayed as they have your flight number.

Day 1 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend Bambino or Nancy Hands.

Day 1 - Suggested Stops - Dublin City Read More +

EPIC Museum 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.

Kilmainham Gaol For over 100 years Kilmainham Gaol held thousands of men, women and children for crimes that ranged from minor offences to being involved in some of the most momentous events in Irish history.

Dublin Castle 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.

Dublinia See Dublin from a new perspective as you travel back to the heart of the old city at Christchurch. Walk where Vikings walked, find out about Dublin’s rich past and even climb an original Medieval tower.

The GPO The GPO Museum is an immersive, interactive, and engaging experience telling the story of the 1916 Easter Rising and Modern Irish History.

Please check the opening hours for the dates you’ll be visiting.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend BANG Restaurant & Wine BarOne Pico or Etto.

Day 2 - Saturday 24th 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 2 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend Bunsen or The Lucky Tortoise.

Day 2 - Suggested Stops - Dublin City Read More +

National Gallery of Ireland At the corner of Merrion Square West and Clare Street, the recently renovated National Gallery is a treasure trove of permanent and temporary art exhibitions. Highlights include Ireland’s National Portrait Collection, the Yeats Archive and stained glass by Harry Clarke.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral As the largest cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for over 800 years.

The Jeanie Johnston One million Irish people fled Ireland during the famine. 2,500 took a grueling voyage on the Jeanie Johnston. Take a journey back in time, get an insight into life on board a Famine ship, and hear the stories of the people who made the arduous voyage.

Marsh’s Library Marsh’s Library is a beautifully preserved library of the early Enlightenment. It was built with money provided by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh, an academic and book lover with a strong belief in the public utility of education and learning.

Please check opening times for the dates you’ll be visiting.

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Day 3 - Sunday 25th August - Head West

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. 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 3 - Car Rental Pick Up Details Read More +

Car Rental Company: Enterprise (Car Rental) Ireland
Booking Reference: 1562192321
Pick Up Location: Enterprise Dublin City Centre | Pick Up Time: 11:00
Phone: (01) 844 5848

Enterprise Dublin City Centre: Location

Please note there is a €200 pick-up fee that will be refunded on drop off.

Kia Sportage or similar

  • AM/FM Stereo Radio
  • Air Bags
  • Automatic
  • Gasoline Vehicle
  • Air Conditioning

Protection Products

  • Collision damage waiver 1
  • Excess protection
  • Roadside assistance protection

Extras

  • Navigational System
  • Toll Payment Tag Pass

Day 3 - Directions Read More +

Dublin to Gregans via Galway: Driving Route

Day 3 - Suggested Stops - Galway Read More +

Eyre Square Eyre Square is the focal point of Galway and it was renamed Kennedy Memorial Park in 1965 after J.F.K himself had visited. Today Galway’s main square is a large, open plaza, home to mini festivals, local and international buskers, musicians, and street performers.

Galway City Museum & The Spanish Arch Learn all about the history of Galway City through the archaeology, art, geology, natural history, social, political and industrial materials preserved here. Take a peek at the historical Spanish Arch, located where Galway’s River Corrib meets the sea. This is a tranquil spot that tourists and locals alike enjoy. Visit the remnants of a 16th century bastion which was used to protect merchant ships from looting.

Galway Cathedral One of the city’s biggest buildings, Galway Cathedral is home to a huge octagonal dome visible for miles. Building of the cathedral began in 1958 on the site of an old county jail. The modern cathedral houses some interesting statues, a rose window and a huge crucifixion mosaic. It is built of Galway limestone and locally quarried Connemara marble.

Shop Street Packed with buskers, restaurants, pubs, and people – Shop Street is the beating heart of the city. It’s worth a browse in the local shops and at the street art.

Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop A must-visit for book lovers! Explore their labyrinthine maze of over 100,000 books: new, second-hand, bargain, and antiquarian.

Salthill Promenade Salthill is a seaside resort area on the northern shores of Galway Bay and features a promenade offering views of the nearby harbour city of Galway and the Aran Islands. Take a stroll along the shores and be sure to stop in one of the best ice cream parlours in the country.

Please check the opening hours for the dates you’ll be visiting.

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend The Corkscrew Bar at your hotel.

Day 4 - Monday 26th August - The Burren Farm Tour

Be sure not to fill up too much at breakfast today, as your first activity today involves meeting with local farmers on a tour of the craggy, alien landscapes of The Burren, a place said to be J.R.R. Tolkien’s inspiration for Middle Earth in Lord of the Rings. End the tour with a picnic sampling of the farm’s delicacies as your guides regale you with stories and lessons taken from the unique methods of farming demanded by The Burren’s unique landscape.

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

Day 4 - Burren Farm Experience Read More +

Activity: Burren Farm Experience

Start Location: Burren Farm Experience | Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Phone: +353 (0) 86 3990 440 | Website: https://burrenfarmexperience.ie/

GregansBurren Farm: Driving Route

Day 4 - Suggested Stops - The Burren Read More +

Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations  The only sheepdog demonstration in all of county Clare, renowned for the talent, agility, and skills of their border collies (and shepherds)

The Burren Perfumery A small, west of Ireland-based company making cosmetics and perfumes inspired by the landscape. It is the oldest perfumery in Ireland!

Ailwee Burren Experience Home to one of the oldest caves in Ireland, with geology and history stretching back over 300 million years.

Please check the opening hours for the dates you’ll be visiting.

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend heading for dinner at the Roadside Tavern or Homestead Cottage.

Day 5 - Tuesday 27th 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 5 - Directions Read More +

GregansCliffs of Moher: Driving Route

Doolin – Gregans Castle via Black Head: Driving Route

Day 5 - Suggested Stops Read More +

The Cliffs of Moher No trip to Ireland is complete without visiting the world-famous cliffs.

The Burren Smokehouse Take a guided or self-guided tour of the visitor centre, a stimulating home to the story of Irish smoked salmon creation, a haven to explore other local food producers, and a rich source of fascinating Irish mythology.

Moher Cottage A great coffee stop with outstanding views of the Atlantic, selling Irish fudge and handmade gifts.

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Day 6 - Wednesday 28th August - Welcome to London

This morning, make your way to Shannon airport for your flight to London. On arrival, meet your private transfer to take you to the city centre, where you’ll meet your local expert guide. Start your London adventure by stepping into the Tower of London, where centuries of history unfold before your eyes as you explore its ancient walls. Witness the Crown Jewels gleaming in their splendour, and hear tales of royal intrigue echoing through its halls.

Later this afternoon, 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.

Please note: The hotel will take your breakfast order the night before for delivery to your room in the morning – please discuss this with the hotel reception

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

Day 6 - Car Rental Drop Off Details Read More +

Car Rental Company: Enterprise (Car Rental) Ireland
Booking Reference: 1562192321
Drop Off Location: Enterprise Car Hire - Shannon Airport | Drop Off Time: 10:00
Phone: (01) 844 5848

Gregans CastleEnterprise Car Hire – Shannon Airport: Driving Route

Day 6 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: August 28, 2024 | Airline: Aer Lingus | Flight Number: 380
Departure Airport: Shannon Airport | Departure Time: 07:40
Arrival Airport: London Heathrow | Arrival Time: 09:05

Day 6 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Little's Chauffeur Hire
Pick Up Location: London Heathrow Terminal 2 | Pick Up Time: 09:05
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your driver will meet you in the terminal arrivals hall holding a sign showing your name.
Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44 (0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 6 - Guide Details - Isabel Wrench Read More +

Name: Isabel Wrench
Contact Number: +447956664080
Meeting Place: Hotel Lobby | Meeting Time: 11:00

Your local expert guide will meet you on arrival in the hotel lobby to take you to the Tower of London for your afternoon explorations and drop you back at the hotel for 4pm

Day 7 - Thursday 29th 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.

Spend the afternoon getting to know the real London as you discover the city at your own leisure.

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

Day 7 - Mini Cooper Tour Read More +

Activity: Mini Cooper Tour
Small Car Big City: Nikolaos (Niko) Zacharioudakis
Start Location: Hazlitt's Hotel | Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Booking Reference: B-WDRME75
Phone: +44 (0)7954 819644

Your Mini Cooper Tour will meet you outside the hotel entrance and take you on a 2 hour highlights tour of London, returning you to the hotel afterwards

Day 8 - Friday 30th August - 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 8 - Guide Details - Isabel Wrench Read More +

Name: Isabel Wrench
Contact Number: +447956664080
Meeting Place: Hotel Lobby | Meeting Time: 09:30

Your local expert guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and have all your tickets needed for todays activities

Day 9 - Saturday 31st August - Arrival into The Cotswolds

This morning, your private transfer will collect you from the hotel and transfer you to Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires. Here you’ll enjoy exploring the city at your leisure.

This afternoon, embark on a picturesque journey from Oxford, winding through lush countryside and charming villages until you reach your hotel retreat in the heart of the Cotswolds. As you traverse rolling hills and meandering streams, quintessential Cotswold stone cottages and historic market towns gradually reveal themselves, offering glimpses into a timeless landscape of beauty and tranquility. Take some time settling into your peaceful hotel.

Overnight: Broadway | The Fish Hotel
Room Type: Medium Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Little's Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2709286
Pick Up Location: Hazlitt's Hotel | Pick Up Time: 10:00
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your driver will meet you at the hotel entrance to whisk you to Oxford for some leisurely explorations.
A meeting location for the onward transfer to the Fish Hotel in the Cotswolds will be discussed with the driver on the morning journey.

Day 10 - Sunday 1st September - Exploring the English Countryside at Leisure

Spend today enjoy the facilities at your countryside retreat and delve into timeless allure of this enchanting region.

Perhaps, head to the thriving historic market towns of Moreton-in-Marsh or Chipping Campden and take the opportunity to enjoy a delightful lunch at one of the old eateries dating back to the 1600’s, savouring locally sourced ingredients and hearty Cotswold specialties. There’s plenty to see as the day unfolds and ends with a quintessential English countryside at sunset.

Please note that this day is unguided and as such, the hotel would need to arrange a taxi for you to go to the villages mentioned above.  This would need to be paid locally.

Overnight: Broadway | The Fish Hotel
Room Type: Medium Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Monday 2nd September - Depart

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Little's Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2709287
Pick Up Location: Fish Hotel | Pick Up Time: 10:30
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your driver will meet you at the hotel entrance to whisk you to Heathrow Airport for your flight home

Day 11 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: September 2, 2024 | Airline: Delta Airlines | Flight Number: DL0037
Departure Airport: London Heathrow | Departure Time: 15:55
Arrival Airport: Atlanta Airport | Arrival Time: 20:30

Day 11 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: September 3, 2024 | Airline: Delta Airlines | Flight Number: DL1162
Departure Airport: Atlanta Airport | Departure Time: 22:30
Arrival Airport: Orlando Airport | Arrival Time: 11:59

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 10 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Car Rental from Day 3 to Day 6
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 6 to Day 8
  • Private transfer from London to the Cotswolds
  • Airport Transfer on Arrival Day
  • Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private half day walking tour with expert city guide in London
    • Entry to the Tower of London
    • Private city tour in a Mini Cooper
    • Thames River ferry and Entry to Kew Gardens
    • Farm Tour of The Burren
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More

Please note: all flights are booked by clients

Hotel confirmation numbers

The Address Connolly – ZZ2L8RW

Gregans Castle – 031091

Hazlitt’s, London – 104770

The Fish, Cotswolds – 2561888

 

Recommended Restaurants – London

Recommended Restaurants – Cotswolds

Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness England Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

UK: +44 (0)1768 721 210
US: 833 574 0690


Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+44 (0)7482 170 401


Emergency Services

999

Important Additional Information Read More
  • England General Information General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Eat | See | Stay - Eat - See - Stay - Dublin - PDF: View Now
  • Eat | See | Stay - Eat - See - Stay - Galway - PDF: View Now
  • On Call Number - PDF: View Now
  • - PDF: View Now
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.


Accommodation

The Address Connolly

Amiens Street | Dublin | Co. Dublin |
D01 X6P6 | Ireland
Phone: +353(0)1 836 3136
Web: theaddressconnolly.com

Gregans Castle

Gregans Castle Hotel | Ballyvaughan | Co. Clare |
H91 CF60 | Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)65 707 7005
Web: gregans.ie

Hazlitt's Hotel

6 Frith Street | Soho Square | London |
W1D 3JA | England
Phone: +44 (0)2074 341 771
Web: hazlittshotel.com

The Fish Hotel

Farncombe | Broadway | The Cotswolds |
WR127LH | England
Phone: 01386 858000
Web: thefishhotel.co.uk