Castelain Family's Irish Adventure

Monday 1st July – Monday 15th July 2024

Duration: 15 Days / 14 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.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Monday 1st July | Arrival in Ireland & To Mayo | Overnight: Belmullet

Day 2 | Tuesday 2nd July | Atlantic Sea Safari | Overnight: Belmullet

Day 3 | Wednesday 3rd July | Drive to Westport | Overnight: Westport

Day 4 | Thursday 4th July | Cycle the Great Western Greenway | Overnight: Westport

Day 5 | Friday 5th July | Explore Westport & Surrounds | Overnight: Westport

Day 6 | Saturday 6th July | Killary Fjord & Sheepdog Demonstration | Overnight: Connemara

Day 7 | Sunday 7th July | Inishbofin Island | Overnight: Connemara

Day 8 | Monday 8th July | Fly Fishing at Ballynahinch Castle | Overnight: Connemara

Day 9 | Tuesday 9th July | Galway Food Tour | Overnight: Clare

Day 10 | Wednesday 10th July | Hiking in The Burren National Park | Overnight: Clare

Day 11 | Thursday 11th July | Cliffs of Moher & North Kerry | Overnight: Killarney

Day 12 | Friday 12th July | Hiking Killarney National Park | Overnight: Killarney

Day 13 | Saturday 13th July | Drive to Dublin & Guinness Storehouse | Overnight: Dublin

Day 14 | Sunday 14th July | Kilmainhaim Gaol | Overnight: Dublin

Day 15 | Monday 15th July | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Monday 1st July - Arrival in Ireland & To Mayo

Arriving into Ireland this morning, pick up your rental car and make your way to Mayo. Mayo is a myriad of different vistas and landscapes, from the windswept coastline of Downpatrick Head where some of Europe’s tallest sea-cliffs make for a dramatic backdrop, to the rolling green hills of the area’s interior. Enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, visit a 15th century church, dramatic blow holes and stand atop wild cliffs in this forlorn but breathtaking region. Check into your accommodation and enjoy dinner onsite tonight.

Overnight: Belmullet | The Talbot Hotel
Room Type: x1 Triple, x1 Double
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 - Tuesday 2nd July - Atlantic Sea Safari

This morning you will make your way to the remote area of Blacksod for an exhilarating sea safari and island hopping tour! You’ll view the famous Blacksod Lighthouse from the glistening bay and see the picture perfect village of Faulmore, and An Steanreilig. After a quick break, you’ll head back to the south island for a stop off where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll and see the unspoilt beauty of this majestic island, maybe go for a dip in the turquoise waters. You’ll pay a visit to the local seal colony, head to see the cliffs of Duvilluan island and the myriad of wildlife that lives in this part of Ireland.

Overnight: Belmullet | The Talbot Hotel
Room Type: x1 Triple, x1 Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Wednesday 3rd July - Drive to Westport

Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of Clew Bay and embraced by the rolling hills of County Mayo, Westport stands as a charming gem along the Wild Atlantic Way. Westport’s heart beats with a lively atmosphere fuelled by its traditional pubs, artisanal shops, and a bustling market square. Surrounded by lush landscapes, including the iconic Croagh Patrick looming in the distance, this will be your home for the next three nights. You might like to arrive in town early to explore the colourful streets and visit some fantastic shops and artisans!

Overnight: Westport | Knockranny House Hotel
Room Type: x2 grand deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Thursday 4th July - Cycle the Great Western Greenway

Part of a project to restore abandoned railway tracks, the Great Western Greenway was refurbished as a car-free cycling track. Today you’ll meet an expert biking guide and pedal past rushing waterfalls, ancient ruins, megalithic tombs and scenic bridges on a canvas of coastal and mountain views as you learn how this fascinating prophecy came to be true. Enjoy as much of the 42 km Great Western Greenway as you’d like as we’ll arrange a return transfer back to town.

Overnight: Westport | Knockranny House Hotel
Room Type: x2 grand deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Friday 5th July - Explore Westport & Surrounds

Mayo is yours to explore today and we will provide plenty of recommendations. Choose to explore Achill Island by foot, Achill is the largest island in the country and encompasses dramatic land and seascapes which have provided inspiration for artists and writers for many years. Recommended stops include a 400 year old historic house and an outdoor adventure park.

Overnight: Westport | Knockranny House Hotel
Room Type: x2 grand deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Saturday 6th July - Killary Fjord & Sheepdog Demonstration

Leaving Westport behind, feast your eyes upon the breathtaking shores of one of Ireland’s only three fjords before heading to the expanses of Connemara. Once described as “a savage beauty” by author Oscar Wilde, explore the wild, windswept region. You will start the day with a sheepherding demonstration at a local farm, and you’ll have the opportunity to cut peat from the bogs – a method that’s been used to harvest fuel in these parts for eons. Afterwards, we recommend a stop at a neo-gothic abbey before hiking in the Connemara National Park. Tonight dinner is included at your accommodation.

Overnight: Connemara | Cashel House Hotel
Room Type: x2 Junior Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7 - Sunday 7th July - Inishbofin Island

After a hearty breakfast you will transfer 40 minutes to the village of Cleggan to catch your ferry to Inishbofin. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seals along the way! Today you will be joined by a local archaeologist and gentleman, John, for a walk around this fascinating island. Highlights include rugged cliffs, blowholes, Bronze and Iron Age ruins and the crumbling Cromwellian fort where ‘Don Bosco’, the infamous Spanish pirate was stationed in the 16th century. You’ll have a picnic lunch before heading back to Cashel House for some down time. This evening we recommend heading into the town of Clifden for dinner and music.

Overnight: Connemara | Cashel House
Room Type: x2 Junior Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Monday 8th July - Fly Fishing at Ballynahinch Castle

This morning you’ll make your way to the nearby Ballynahinch Castle for a morning of fly fishing. Ballynahinch offers Atlantic Salmon, Sea Trout & Brown Trout fishing on 3km of the pristine Owenmore River. Renowned as one of the finest fisheries in Ireland, the Ballynahinch Catchment drains an area of 68 square miles and is a diverse system of interconnected loughs and rivers, drained by the Ballynahinch River and offering the very best of fly fishing in Ireland. For those not fishing, we recommend a walk in the walled garden, which provides fruit and vegetables to the restaurants on-site. There are plenty of breath taking walking trails around the hotel for all levels of fitness. We recommend having a delicious lunch on site.

Overnight: Connemara | Cashel House
Room Type: x2 Junior Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Tuesday 9th July - Galway Food Tour

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. 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. Afterwards, make your way to County Clare and the quaint and colourful village of Doolin.

Overnight: Clare | Doolin Inn
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Twin, x1 Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Wednesday 10th July - Hiking in 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. Stop in a botanical cafe and perfumery for lunch – it’s the oldest perfumery in Ireland!

Overnight: Clare | Doolin Inn
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Twin, x1 Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Thursday 11th July - Cliffs of Moher & North Kerry

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. Leaving County Clare behind, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine wildlife as you cross the mouth of the mighty River Shannon. As you make your way south through North Kerry, we’ll recommend a great beach walk along one of Kerry’s best-kept secret coastlines, as well as a few other great stops to make a leisurely day of it. Alternatively, you may prefer to head straight to Killarney where you can wander around the lively streets and enjoy some trad music.

Overnight: Killarney | The Lake Hotel
Room Type: x1 Family Room, x1 Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Friday 12th July - Hiking Killarney National Park

This morning head over 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 mediaeval tower house at Ross Castle, visit Torc Waterfall and take hike around the woodlands. A day spent in Killarney National Park will always be memorable.

Overnight: Killarney | The Lake Hotel
Room Type: x1 Family Room, x1 Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Saturday 13th July - Drive to Dublin & Guinness Storehouse

After breakfast, make your way to Dublin. En route, dive right into wonder of ancient Ireland with a stop at the Rock of Cashel, an immaculately preserved cathedral overlooking the sweeping landscape below. Continue on, check into your hotel and this evening you will visit the Guinness Storehouse. You’ll be immersed in the rich heritage of Guinness, tracing its roots back to its founding by Arthur Guinness in 1759. Tonight, enjoy dinner at one of Dublin’s many award winning restaurants.

Overnight: Dublin | Brooks Hotel
Room Type: x1 Triple, x1 Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Sunday 14th July - Kilmainhaim 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. Discover the stories of people held here as ordinary criminals alongside those who fought for Irish independence. From the 1798 rebellion, to the 1916 Easter Rising, the Anglo-Irish War (1919-21), to the devastation of the Irish Civil War (1922-23) all these important events have a chapter in the story of Kilmainham Gaol. We’ll give you some recommendations on the hidden gems to explore across the city – including an old tenement building-turned-museum and historic castle.

Overnight: Dublin | Brooks Hotel
Room Type: x1 Triple, x1 Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Monday 15th July - Depart

This morning, drop your rental car at the airport and it’s time to head home. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and 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 15
  • Breakfast each morning, dinner on the first night at your accommodation
  • Car Rental from Day 1 to Day 15
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;
  • Private Sea Safari
  • Ebike Hire
  • Guided Biking on the Great Western Greenway
  • Private Sheepdog Demonstration
  • Private Archaeology Tour on Inishbofin
  • Ferry Tickets
  • Fly Fishing at Ballynahinch
  • Private Galway Food Tour
  • Private Hiking Guide in The Burren
  • Private Hiking Guide in Killarney National Park
  • Entry to Ross Castle
  • Entry to the Guinness Storehouse
  • Entry to Kilmainham Gaol
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 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 or day guides
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 price of this trip is €5,866 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

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Virtuoso

Castelain Family’s Irish Adventure

Monday 1st July – Monday 15th July 2024