Biven's Family Irish Adventure

Monday 1st July – Sunday 14th July 2024

Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights

Overview

Picturesque coastal towns and villages, green pastoral fields, soaring cliffs, wild barren landscapes, the crash of the ocean, the laugh of a local. Ireland is romantic, and authentic, a home away from home where both old and modern seem to cohabit seamlessly on a small island in the middle of the sea. Packed with history and tradition your days are spent exploring Ireland’s famous and off-the-beaten-track sites of natural, cultural, and ancient interest. A world-renowned food scene means your evenings are spent dining in style and with the promise of a pub just around the corner, music and laughter are never far away. Your trip to Ireland will surprise and delight you but the people of Ireland will stay with you, long after your journey has taken you home.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Monday 1st July | Welcome to Dublin | Overnight: Dublin

Day 2 | Tuesday 2nd July | Musical Walking Tour & Vintage Afternoon Tea | Overnight: Dublin

Day 3 | Wednesday 3rd July | Drive to Wicklow | Overnight: Wiclow

Day 4 | Thursday 4th July | Guided Hiking Day - The Wicklow Way | Overnight: Wicklow

Day 5 | Friday 5th July | Medieval Kilkenny | Overnight: Kilkenny

Day 6 | Saturday 6th July | Historical Walking Tour | Overnight: Kilkenny

Day 7 | Sunday 7th July | Drive to Kinsale | Overnight: Kinsale

Day 8 | Monday 8th July | Kinsale Food Tour | Overnight: Kinsale

Day 9 | Tuesday 9th July | Blarney Castle & Killarney | Overnight: Killarney

Day 10 | Wednesday 10th July | Guided Hiking Day - Killarney National Park | Overnight: Killarney

Day 11 | Thursday 11th July | Adare and The Cliffs of Moher | Overnight: Galway

Day 12 | Friday 12th July | Galway City Food Tour & Irish Dancing | Overnight: Galway

Day 13 | Saturday 13th July | The Aran Islands | Overnight: Galway

Day 14 | Sunday 14th July | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Monday 1st July - 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. Check in, grab a bite and Dublin is yours to explore for the afternoon. We’ll give you plenty of recommendations to keep you busy throughout the day. This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Dublin’s many award-winning restaurants before ending the night in a cosy pub.

Overnight: Dublin | Brooks Hotel
Room Type: x1 Triple Room
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Tuesday 2nd July - Musical Walking Tour & Vintage Afternoon Tea

After a delicious breakfast head out to enjoy a walking tour with a private guide through the rich musical heritage of Dublin. Led by a knowledgeable local, you’ll stroll through the streets of Dublin and discover the stories and songs of the city’s most impactful musicians. From traditional Irish music to the sounds of rock, pop, and beyond, Dublin has been a melting pot of musical creativity for centuries. Along the way, you’ll visit iconic landmarks and venues associated with legendary artists such as U2, Thin Lizzy, The Dubliners, and more, hearing tales of their rise to fame and the lasting impact of their music on the city. Afterward, you’ll 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 the historic Temple Bar, and 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 | Brooks Hotel
Room Type: x1 Triple Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Wednesday 3rd July - Drive to Wicklow

This morning, you’ll drop Jay off at his program, pick up your rental car, and head south out of the city to your next accommodation, located in a secluded County Wicklow Valley. Spend the afternoon relaxing or take a walk along the nearby trails before grabbing dinner – we recommend the Strawberry Tree Restaurant!

Overnight: Wiclow | Brooklodge
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Thursday 4th July - Guided Hiking Day - The Wicklow Way

One of Ireland’s six national parks, the Wicklow Mountains are the epitome of Irish countryside. Meet a local hiking guide this morning, pull on your hiking boots to trundle through the heather-topped Wicklow Mountains, following trails once traversed by pilgrims and monks. On your way, bask in panoramas of patchwork fields dotted with white fluffy sheep, each lined with hedgerows and old stone walls. With a few different options through the Wicklow Mountains, work with your guide to find the best one for you. In the evening, tuck into a cosy pub for a satisfying end-of-hike pint.

Overnight: Wicklow | Brooklodge
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Friday 5th July - Medieval Kilkenny

The medieval town of Kilkenny is certainly one of our best-kept secrets. An artsy, colourful town, Kilkenny is home to local artists such as ceramics and other hand-made crafts found in the craft village. Probably the most impressive sight in town is Kilkenny Castle. One of the most fascinating castles in Ireland, you’ll take a guided tour to learn about the massive restoration process behind the castle, following clues back through the years to restore the castle to its former glory. As the hometown of Smithwick’s beer, you’ll certainly have to enjoy some of the local brews.

Overnight: Kilkenny | Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel
Room Type: x1 Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Saturday 6th July - Historical Walking Tour

Today you will meet a local historian for a guided tour of Kilkenny city. Admire the Medieval architecture and stories of those who built it, and visit all the major Medieval sites, such as Rothe House, the Black Abbey, St. Canice’s Cathedral, St. Francis’ Abbey, the market area and St. Mary’s Church. Learn all about the fascinating stories of the people who lived during these times. Afterward, take some time to wander around Kilkenny’s picturesque streets, lined with colourful buildings, quaint shops, and inviting cafes.

Overnight: Kilkenny | Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel
Room Type: x1 Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Sunday 7th July - Drive to Kinsale

This morning you will continue your journey south to Kinsale. A foodie haven and the end of the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale is a bolthole for Ireland’s most culinary-minded and its pretty harbour with mystical sea views is an idyllic place for an adventure. En route, we have booked you tickets to the Rock of Cashel, an immaculately preserved cathedral overlooking the sweeping landscape below. Continue on after lunch and check into your accommodation with stunning harbour views.

Overnight: Kinsale | Perryville House
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Monday 8th July - Kinsale Food Tour

After breakfast, it’s time to explore Kinsale. Historically a medieval fishing port, its spectacular waterfront setting, and candy-coloured houses, shops, and restaurants, make it a glorious blend of old and the new. You’ll embark on a delightful culinary journey where every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and local flavour. As your local guide regales you with stories of the town, enjoy fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, and vibrant produce sourced from nearby farms. Afterward, enjoy a stroll through the village and a browse in the stores before heading back to your accommodation.

Overnight: Kinsale | Perryville House
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Tuesday 9th July - Blarney Castle & Killarney

Checking out of your hotel this morning, say goodbye to Cork as you make your way further north to Killarney. Before doing so, the first port of call is Blarney where you will visit the castle and kiss the Blarney Stone. Continue on after lunch to check in to your accommodation, nestled on a private estate on the edge of Killarney National Park. Enjoy some free time to explore the colourful Killarney town this afternoon, known for its bustling atmosphere and traditional Irish pubs. Finish the day listening to some tunes by an open fire.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House
Room Type: x1 Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Wednesday 10th July - Guided Hiking Day - Killarney National Park

This morning you’ll make your way in to Killarney National Park – the jewel in the county’s crown. Today the park encompasses 26,000 acres of mountains, woodlands, lakes, waterfalls, and history. Enjoy Kerry’s most breathtaking scenery on your doorstep. A local guide will meet you here and together you will visit the medieval tower house at Ross Castle, visit Torc Waterfall, and enjoy a hike around the woodlands. A day spent in Killarney National Park will always be memorable.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House
Room Type: x1 Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Thursday 11th July - Adare and The Cliffs of Moher

Leaving the Kingdom of Kerry behind this morning, make your way into the neighbouring counties of Limerick and Clare. Your first stop this morning is into the buzzing village of Adare, where you can stretch your legs with a wander between its traditional thatched-roof cottages, local art galleries, and warming cafes. Further up on your drive north, the real treat for the day is to see the famous Cliffs of Moher up close. Dropping some 700 feet below to the sea, the Cliffs are set among a jaw-dropping landscape with the cobalt waters swirling below and rolling green sheep-laden fields toward the land. Retire for the evening in Galway city, the unofficial capital of Ireland’s west coast with a rich history and strong culture which we will explore more tomorrow.

Overnight: Galway | The Dean
Room Type: x1 Super Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Friday 12th July - Galway City Food Tour & Irish Dancing

Known as the ‘town of the tribes’ the small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful store fronts is vibrant, fun, and cosmopolitan. What better way to spend an afternoon here than a delectable food tour? Stop off in the city and 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. To top off the day and to celebrate your final night in Ireland, we have organised an intimate performance of Irish dance in one of the oldest pubs in Galway. Soak up the wonderful atmosphere, music and dance unique to this island while enjoying a glass of uisce beatha (water of life).

Overnight: Galway | The Dean
Room Type: x1 Super Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Saturday 13th July - The Aran Islands

It’s hard to resist the allure of one of the many islands that dot the Irish coastline and today you and a local guide will take to the water and ferry to The Aran Islands. The history of these islands goes back millennia and today Gaelic is still the daily spoken language of the inhabitants. Experience breathtaking scenery, mediaeval castles, cliffs, and prehistoric forts on Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands. Your walk today can be tailored to you and there is plenty of exploration to be done if that suits you better!

Overnight: Galway | The Dean
Room Type: x1 Super Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Sunday 14th July - Depart

This morning you can drop your rental car in Galway and take a train back to Dublin or drive to Dublin and drop the car at the branch there. We hope you had a wonderful time exploring Ireland and we look forward to welcoming you to our shores once again.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 14
  • Breakfast each morning
  • Car Rental from Day 3 to Day 13 or 14
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;
  • Private Musical Walking Tour of Dublin
  • VIP Tickets to Vintage Tea Experience
  • Guided Hiking in Wicklow
  • Entry to Kilkenny Castle
  • Historical Walking Tour of Kilkenny
  • Private Kinsale Food Tour
  • Entry to Blarney Castle
  • Guided Hiking in Killarney National Park
  • Private Galway Food Tour & Irish Dancing Experience
  • Ferry to Inis Mor
  • Private Guide on Inis Mor
  • ACTIVITY X…cont
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for activity providers
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision
Pricing Read More

The total price for this itinerary is €15,445 including a €12 conservation contribution per person.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Virtuoso

Biven’s Family Irish Adventure

Monday 1st July – Sunday 14th July 2024