Final Information Scott Dunn - Finkelson

Day 1 - Friday 31^st May - Arrival in Ireland - Free afternoon

Arriving into Ireland today, a private local transfer will meet you at the airport and whisk you into the city to your 5* hotel in the city centre.  Check-in is at 3pm however feel free to leave your bags, freshen up, or have a bite to eat.

This afternoon you can choose to enjoy the comfort of your hotel facilities including spa or take a wander through Dublin’s bustling shopping districts and streets.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite

Day 2 - Saturday 1^st June - Historical Walking Tour

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, 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 Merrion Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sunday 2^nd June - Free day in Dublin

Your walking tour yesterday will have given you lots of ideas and inspiration for places you would like to visit today and of course we have lots of our own suggestions and recommendations from the traditional Trinity College to Kilmainham Gaol to the Guinness Storehouse.

If a quieter, more relaxed day is your preference, enjoy a morning stroll down Grafton Street, a lively pedestrianised shopping street. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, street performers, and browse through the various shops, including high-end boutiques and traditional Irish craft stores. Take a break and grab a coffee or tea at one of the cosy cafes in the area.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Monday 3^rd June - Kilkenny Castle

Fionnuala, your private Wilderness Ireland guide/ driver will meet you this morning and after some short introductions you will leave the hustle and bustle of Dublin and begin your journey south, to Ireland’s original capital, Cork.

On route you will stop in the mediaeval city of Kilkenny and the iconic Kilkenny Castle, a fortress dating back to the 12th century. Immerse yourself in its rich history as you wander through the beautifully preserved rooms and explore the magnificent gardens. Afterward, take some time to wander around Kilkenny’s picturesque streets, lined with colourful buildings, quaint shops, and inviting cafes before continuing your journey to Cork, where more adventures await you.

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: Ford Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Tuesday 4^th June - Titanic Cobh

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, explore a little more of Cork and in particular Cobh, a charming harbour town with a rich maritime history. It was the final port of call for the ill-fated Titanic, and visitors can explore the fascinating Titanic Experience museum or a private titanic tour. Cobh also offers breathtaking waterfront views, colourful houses, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a delightful destination to visit in County Cork.

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: Ford Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Wednesday 5^th June - Cork to Kerry , Hike Gougane Barra

Gougane Barra is an area of immense wild scenery and natural beauty that you’ll find tucked away on 137 acres at the edge of the Sheehy Mountains. Visit the ruins of St. Finbarr’s Monastery on the island before embarking on one of the five different trails leading you up the beautiful Sheehy Mountains.

Later today, check into the 5 star Park Hotel in Killarney, an oasis in the heart of the town.

*Wilderness Ireland Guide: Fionnuala

Overnight: Killarney | Killarney Park Hotel
Room Type: Innisfallen Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Thursday 6^th June - Morning Boat Tour

In the southwest of County Kerry is an expanse of rugged, mountainous country that sweeps down to the world-famous Lakes of Killarney. Here, stretching across 10,000 hectares, lies Killarney National Park, with its unforgettable combination of mountains, lakes, woodland and waterfalls.

Board a traditional wooden boat this morning and tour the calm waters of their unique location, visiting a small deserted island on route. Back on land and be sure to visit the mediaeval tower house at Ross Castle.

Boat Experience is 1 hour approx

Overnight: Killarney | Killarney Park Hotel
Room Type: Innisfallen Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Friday 7^th June - Explore Killarney's sights

Yesterday you explored the park from the tranquillity of your boat, today Fionnuala will take you to some of the other must see destinations within the park such as Muckross Castle and Torc Waterfall.

Overnight: Killarney | Killarney Park Hotel
Room Type: Innisfallen Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Saturday 8^th June - Cliffs of Moher

A journey tracking north leaving the Kingdom of Kerry and entering in Co. Clare no trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to The Cliffs of Moher. Rising out of the Atlantic waters to a height of over 700 ft at its tallest point, the magical Cliffs of Moher and one of Ireland’s most enduring visitor experiences. Visually spectacular, the cliffs sit astride the striking landscape of the Burren on one side and the Atlantic on the other. Marvel at the dramatic soaring sheer drop into the Atlantic below, you have options to hike, partake in a more leisurely walk or simply visit the experience centre and stunning viewing points before checking into the stunningly located Gregans Castle in the heart of The Burren.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Sunday 9^th June - Hike the Burren

Stroll along laneways and green paths edged with wildflowers, hedgerows and dry-stone walls. Walking under the shadow of the wild Burren hills, marvel at the rocky ridges of the Burren. The unusually exposed limestone geology of the region was formed millions of years ago when Clare was on the sea floor, leaving behind an impressive lunar landscape.
The Burren is riddled with caves and caverns, and you will learn about the rich geological history as you walk.  There’s lots of walking trails that you can follow with Fionnuala who will pick a route that best suits you today.

*Wilderness Ireland Guide: Fionnuala

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Monday 10^th June - Galway

Galway is the capital of Ireland’s west. Known as the ‘town of the tribes’ the small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful store fronts is vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan. Spend some time wandering the bustling streets, shopping for gifts and keepsakes, dropping into a pub for a spot of lunch and absorbing the lively, musical atmosphere with buskers and street performers before leaving the city and entering the wilds of Connemara and one of our favourite properties, Ballynahinch Castle Hotel.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Tuesday 11^th June - Onsite at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel

Take a day to relax onsite at Ballynahinch Castle and its surroundings. Fionnuala will be on hand should you wish to have a morning activity and we suggest a hike up Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park if you are feeling energetic.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Wednesday 12^th June - Morning onsite, afternoon Ashford Castle

Set on a private 700 acre estate and once owned by an Indian Raj, Ballynahinch has a history full of colour and life. With its own fishery, on site bikes, acres of woodlands and gardens to explore, your morning can be as leisurely or active as you wish. Fionnuala is on hand to help you explore the grounds before departing for the journey to Ashford Castle for afternoon check in.

Once owned by the Guinness family, Ashford has a history dating back to the 12th century and has earned its place in Ireland’s history books. Today, Ashford is one of Ireland’s premier hotels offering an unforgettable experience.  The next couple of days are a break in driving and activities designed to allow you to relax on site at Ashford Castle, enjoying and absorbing this historic property and recharging after your tour around Ireland.

*Fionnuala will say goodbye to you at Ashford and leave you to enjoy your time here unaccompanied in the hands of the wonderful Ashford team.

Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: Stateroom
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Thursday 13^th June - Onsite at Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle boasts many outdoor activity pursuits for those wishing to try their hand at being the gentry. Please let us know if you would like us to prebook any onsite activities for you.

*Activities are not included but we do offer concierge service to book and you can pay locally. No tip included for any activities payable locally. 

Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: Stateroom
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Friday 14^th June - Onsite at Ashford Castle

Your final day in Ireland, spent in the luxury and opulent surrounds of Ashford offers you a wide choice in activities. There is estate horse riding, woodland walks, boats and bikes, afternoon tea, the library or simply relaxation in the glorious 800 year old castle.

Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: Stateroom
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 16 - Saturday 15^th June - Depart

A private transfer will meet you at Ashford today and take you to Dublin Airport in time for pre-flight clearance and your departure home. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we would love to welcome you back to our shores once again.

Meals Included: Breakfast