Butterfield & Robinson- Bob & Didi Scott Ireland

Bob & Didi Scott

21/04/2025

Number of Travellers: 2
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, 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.

Highlights

  • Explore Dublin's arts and history with some local insiders
  • Hike some of Ireland's most picturesque coastal trails
  • Indulge in meals made from some of the best, fresh and locally sourced ingredients
  • Enjoy the comfort and charm of the Irish hospitality staying in some bespoke and unique properties.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Dublin - Introduction to the city

The following days in Dublin will see Bob heading off to golf each day with friends, while Didi is looked after by our local guides. 

This morning, Didi will explore Dublin on 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.
Finish your tour at Trinity Collage Campus where you can enjoy a self guided tour of the Library & Book of Kells.

*walking Tour is about 2 hours 

Overnight: Dublin | The Grafton Hotel
Room Type: Booked by clients
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Arts & Parks in Dublin

This morning, a local guide with a creative eye will meet Didi for a walk through Dublin’s charming city centre parks such as St. Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square gardens, with a chance to soak up the Georgian architecture and admire some of the sculptures in and around the parks. We’ll then call in at a gallery or two from the well known National Gallery of Ireland to artist cooperatives such as the Icon Factory and smaller, commercial galleries.

The afternoon will be free for shopping and exploring,  browse some interesting bespoke shops in Dublins bustling shopping district, perhaps picking up a keepsake or two.

We recommend a group tour of the Guinness Storehouse later today followed by dinner.

*This is a half day guided experience 

Overnight: Dublin | The Grafton Hotel
Room Type: Booked by client
Meals Included: None

Day 3 - Powerscourt House & Garden with Spa

A private transfer will meet Didi at her hotel this morning and take her the 45 minute journey to the Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow.
Here you are are free to spend some time exploring Powerscourt House and Garden including the famed Japanese Garden and visiting the waterfall before indulging in lunch and some spa treatments at Powerscourt Hotel Spa.
A return transfer will be arranged for you .

*No Spa treatments are included but we are happy to make a spa reservation for you. Please see the listed Day Spa Packages available which include lunch/ afternoon tea. 

Overnight: Dublin | The Grafton Hotel
Room Type: Booked by clients
Meals Included: None

Day 4 - Explore Howth

Explore some of Dublin’s coastline today in the care of a local guide. Enjoy an immersive experience into the rich Irish culture and scenic beauty of Howth, a charming fishing village known for its stunning coastal walks and vibrant pub culture.

As you traverse the rugged cliffs and panoramic sea views of Dublin’s coastline, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the area’s history and myths, making every step an educational and enriching experience.

I recommend staying for lunch at Mamo, a fabulous seafood restaurant run by a husband-and-wife team in Howth.

* Half Day experience and we are happy to have the guide come to Dublin to meet Didi on the train. 

Overnight: Dublin | The Grafton Hotel
Room Type: Booked by clients
Meals Included: None

Day 5 - Into the West

This morning, you will both be collected from The Grafton for the journey to County Kerry, renowned the world over for its epic scenery.

We will stop after around 2 hours at the small town of Cashel, in County Tipperary. Our guide will take you on the short walk to the Rock of Cashel, a medieval hilltop complex featuring a ruined Gothic cathedral and 15th century castle with sweeping views over the town and county below.
Stop for a coffee and sweet treat in this picturesque little town before checking out Rossa Pottery Shop, Ireland’s oldest handmade pottery for some traditional handmade wears.

Our second stop of the day is to Macroom Buffalo Farm for a tour in its beautiful river valley setting. We’ll meet the buffalos and the farmers who take care of them, view the facilities and finish with a delicious tasting the cheese and meat produced on-site.

From here, it’s less than an hour to reach your home for the next 2 nights, Sheen Falls Lodge, where you can choose from various dining options for dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Beara Penunsula

Today, we’ll head out to explore The Beara Peninsula, through the lens of a local walking guide, writer and storyteller. The Beara Peninsula is densely studded with Bronze Age remains: wedge tombs, stone circles and standing stones. As you hike, you will learn of the history of some of the archaeological gems found in this remote and tranquil region.

The peninsula contains a long and varied scenic coast, two mountain ranges and a number of passes, and forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way. This remote spot is well and truly off the beaten track and offers some of the most stunning scenery.

*Your hike will be matched to your pace and wet weather options at the ready. More detail on this hike to follow.

We can head back to Kenmare for lunch, or stop in a village tea room.

There are great options for dinner in Kenmare and we’ll point you in the right direction for a trad session in a local pub.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Killarney National Park

Just 40 minutes from Kenmare is Killarney National Park, the oldest national park in Ireland and home to the country’s highest mountain range, gorgeous lakes, waterfalls, medieval castles and ancient oak forest.
There are many ways to explore the park and we propose a looped walk around Ross Castle and Lough Leanne to showcase some of the stunning views in the region. Alternatively, sit back, relax and be entertained as take a tranquil boat ride around the lakes visiting a remote island along the way.
Enjoy a well earned lunch in Killarney before your afternoon transfer to Gregan’s Castle Hotel in The Burren where we suggest you dine this evening.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - The Burren & Cliffs of Moher

This morning, after your delicious breakfast,  we’ll hike the looped Mullaghmore route in the Burren National Park, walking on the rocky limestone and looking out for the early arrival of wildflowers that carpet the rock in summer.

Hike details: 7km / 4.5 mi, elevation 177m / 580 ft.

With your lunch well and truly earned, we visit the local Burren Perfumery to see how this tiny business takes its inspiration from the plants and flowers on the The Burren and turns them into beautiful products.  Enjoy lunch in their lovely tea room with simple and delicious homemade soups, salads and sandwiches and join one of their daily group tours.

In the late afternoon, we will visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher for a short walk across the tops of these dramatic sea cliffs, home to thousand of migrating birds with views of the Aran Islands and beyond.

We suggest dinner this evening in a local restaurant renowned for their fresh fish.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Into Connemara : Galway & Spiddal Local Crafts

Leaving Clare and the Burren behind, we continue north into Galway, a lively bohemian city with a passion for the arts. On street corners there are artists and buskers a plenty to enjoy and entertain however you will meet a local walking guide and historian for a private insiders tour.With ancient city walls hidden in shopping centres, a Spanish Arch down by the docks, and the history of 12 clans to cover, Galway is a fascinating visit to enjoy.

Leaving behind the streets of Galway we make our way out along the coast to the village of Spiddal.  Here you can enjoy lunch in the local café and small craft village, see local artists at work and have a chance to buy pottery, artworks and more before checking in to the stunning Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in the heart of Connemara surrounded by the Twelve Bens Mountain range.

For dinner, we recommend either the Owenmore Restaurant or the Fisherman’s Pub at the hotel.

 

 

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Rural Life in Connemara

This morning we hop onto some E-bikes for a day peddling around Connemara. Our first stop is to see our friend Tom, a local sheep farmer looking after his flock in a beautiful setting on the shores of Killary Fjord.  Tom will give us a demonstration of sheep herding with one of his dogs and we’ll learn a little of life on the farm.
As we continue to bike along the quiet lanes and roads, we see see the vision of Kylemore Abbey rise up to meet us. A haven of history, beauty, and serenity and home to a Benedictine order of Nuns for the past 100 years. Tour the abbey and church, feed the pigs in the walled garden and indulge in some handmade chocolates made by the nuns onsite before returning to Ballynahinch Castle.

This evening, head into the lively little town of Clifden (10 minutes from the hotel) for dinner and a trad session in a local pub.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Hike Connemara & Falconry at Ashford Castle

After checking out of Ballynahinch, we’ll head to the heart of the Connemara National Park for a 5-mile hike up Diamond Hill with beautiful views over the park and Atlantic Ocean beyond.

Hike details: 8km /5 miles with elevation of 112m / 1211ft. Whilst there is quite a bit of elevation on this hike, the path is on a wooden boardwalk and so is quite easygoing.

Followiong the hike, it’s a 1-hour drive to the village of Cong, the backdrop of the Oscar-winning movie, The Quiet Man. This afternoon we arrive at Ashford Castle and the oldest falconry school in Ireland, where we will be joined by an expert to learn about this fascinating Medieval sport and then see the birds of prey in action.

Dinner will be at one of Ashford Castle’s excellent restaurants.

Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: Lake View Corrib Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Galway to Ballyfin Demense

Enjoying your relaxing morning onsite at Ashford Castle, take your time over breakfast, walk the castle estate, enjoy the onsite spa r simple relax in the library absorbing the castle atmosphere and history.
Your guide will be on hand should you need them.
Setting off from Ashford, we take you to the heart of Ireland and our most exclusive hotel, Ballyfin Demense. The 500-acre estate at Ballyfin is yours to explore unguided for the next two days. Surrounded by woodlands, lakes, grottos, follies, and walled gardens, along with an abundance of activities and bespoke experiences to choose from there is no shortage of entertainment to be had.

Your guide will say goodbye to you here for you to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Overnight: Ballyfin | Ballyfin Demesne
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13 - Optional activities: Hike the Slieve Bloom Mountains / Estate Activities at Ballyfin

Today, we can arrange for a local guide to take you on a hike into the Slieve Bloom Mountains with sweeping views over County Laois. There’s the option of a local pub lunch before heading back to Ballyfin for an afternoon in the spa.

If you don’t wish to hike, there are plenty of activities on the Ballyfin estate, including clay pigeon shooting, archery, boating on the lake, horse riding or a trip around the estate in a horse drawn carriage. Or simply relax in the beautiful Saloon and visit the spa.

Overnight: Ballyfin | Ballyfin Demesne
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 14 - Farewell

Today marks the end of your B&R journey, and we include a transfer from Ballyfin back to Dublin (90 minutes) in time for your return flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 5 to Day 14
  • Most meals as indicated above, breakfast and lunch daily while guided, full board at Ballyfin
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 5 to Day 12
  • Ground transportation from Day 5 to Day 12
  • Airport transfer for 2 on arrival Dublin Airport to Dublin hotel
  • Return transfer to Powerscourt Estate for Didi
  • Airport transfer on departure Ballyfin to Dublin Airport
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
    – Guided Historical Walking Tour Dublin
    – Half Day guided walk around parks and galleries Dublin
    – Half Day guided walk Howth incl return train ticket
    – Guided tour Rock of Cashel
    – Private farm tour and cheese tasting
    – Private Beara Hike with local folklorist
    – Hike or Boat ride Killarney National Park
    – Hike Burren with B&R Guide
    – Group tour Burren Perfumery
    – Visit Cliffs of Moher
    – Private historical guided walk Galway City
    – Ebike rental one day in Galway
    – Private Sheep Farm Tour
    – Kylemore Abbey Entry
    – Hike Diamond Hill with B&R Guide
    – Private Falconry at Ashford Castle
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • B&R Hosting budget
  • All tips and gratuities for all included hotels, restaurants cafes and experiences.
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Accommodation nights 1 to 5
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions, ie dinner while guided
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Pricing Read More

The NET price of this trip is12,462 per person based on 2 people sharing.

 

Prices are based on availability at the time of quoting and are not guaranteed to be the same at the time of booking.

The above quote includes a €12 per person opt out Conservation Contribution.

Conservation Contribution

This voluntary donation of €12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate.  If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know.

Click here for more information.