Your Irish Adventure with Elsewhere

Cheryl, Calley & Kinley

Wednesday 30th April – Friday 9th May 2025

Number of Travellers:  3
Duration: 10 Days / 9 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 the island of Ireland’s famous and off-the-beaten-track sites of natural, cultural and political 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.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Wednesday 30th April - Welcome to Dublin

Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will meet you at arrivals and take you to your boutique hotel in the city centre. Head out in the afternoon to 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, 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.

Reservation no. 22552381, 22552380

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: x2 classic rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Dublin Chauffeurs
Pick Up Location: Dublin Airport | Pick Up Time: 11:45 | Approx Duration: 30 mins
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 lunch at your hotel.

Day 1 - Private Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Private Walking Tour
Guide: John
Start Location: The Alex Hotel | Start Time: 16:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Phone: +353 877604709 | Website: https://historicaltours.ie/

We will forward your guide’s name closer to the departure date.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend BANG Restaurant & Wine BarOne Pico or Etto. For pubs, we recommend Doheny & Nesbitt’sThe Hairy Lemon or No Name.

Day 2 - Thursday 1st May - Exploring Dublin

Dublin, Ireland’s capital, has been described as the ‘city with a village feel’, and as you explore its cobbled streets and historical monuments, it will be easy to see why. Dublin is best explored on foot or using public transport such as the LUAS, our light rail system. Many of Dublin’s highlights are within walking distance, and indeed you will discover it is in the act of wandering from one to another where you will soak up Dublin’s authentic atmosphere.

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: x2 classic rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - 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.

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.

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.

14 Henrietta Street When you enter 14 Henrietta Street you’ll experience over 300 years of city life in the walls of one address. By connecting to the personal stories of those who called 14 Henrietta Street home, the building’s hidden histories are revealed. See the house, hear its stories and discover the layers of Dublin history within its walls.

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

The Jeanie Johnston One million Irish people fled Ireland during the famine. 2,500 took a gruelling 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 the opening hours for the dates you’ll be visiting.

Day 2 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend Bambino or Nancy Hands.

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Day 3 - Friday 2nd May - Heading West

After a leisurely breakfast, meet your private guide and begin your journey west. If you wish, take the time to walk along the banks of the River Shannon, a waterway that divides the East from the West and eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Hear about the drowned goddess who gave the river its name, visit a monastic monument, and learn about Viking raids. Check in to your 18th-century manor house in time to enjoy a pint of Guinness by the open fire.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x2 Superior & x1 Classic Queen
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Guide Details - Kevin Cronin Read More +

Name: Kevin Cronin
Contact Number: +353 86 817 3458
Meeting Place: The lobby of your hotel | Meeting Time: 09:00

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend dining at your accommodation tonight.

Day 4 - Saturday 3rd May - 4x4 Experience On Inis Mor

We hope the weather gods are on our side today as we head out to visit one of the remote islands that dot the Irish coastline. Inis Mor (Inishmore) is the largest of the three Aran Islands and our destination this morning. Explore the island with the aid of some off-road adventure vehicles as your local guides, Padraig and Aonghus bring you to all the off-the-beaten-track spots on the islands that only their 4×4 can reach. Learn of the Irish language spoken on the islands, the unique Irish culture and traditions of the local people, the flora and fauna that inhabit the islands and of course the filming site from the recent Banshees of Inisherin film!

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x2 Superior & x1 Classic Queen
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Ferry to Inis Mor Read More +

Activity: Ferry to Inis Mor

Your guide will discuss your departure time the previous evening. He will drop you at the ferry port and will collect Calley in Galway.

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Monks | Location: Ballyvaughan
Reservation Time: 20:00 | Booking Reference: BTPD9Y37
Website: https://monks.ie/dine/

Dinner is booked for you tonight, to be paid locally.

Day 5 - Sunday 4th May - 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 walk 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. Tucked away down a quiet laneway, a locally sourced perfumery and cafe makes for a perfect afternoon lunch visit. Everything is made on-site, by hand, and in small batches by the experts; be sure to ask for their tips!

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x2 Superior & x1 Classic Queen
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Exploring The Burren Read More +

Activity: Exploring The Burren
Guide: Tony
| Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend The Homestead Cottage, which is about a 25-minute drive from your hotel.

Day 6 - Monday 5th May - To Dingle

This morning your guide will take you further south to the mountainous region of Kerry. There’ll be plenty of stops to break up the journey, including a lunch stop in a quaint village known for its thatched cottages. Not only is Dingle beautiful, but its rural community is also one of Ireland’s last bastions of Irish tradition such as cuisine, music, dance, and even the Irish language. You have a free afternoon to explore the many beaches, galleries, and pubs before enjoying a deliciously fresh dinner – Dingle is known for its seafood!

Overnight: Dingle | Dingle Skellig Hotel
Room Type: x3 doubles (single occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Boatyard | Location: Strand Street, Dingle
Reservation Time: 20:00 | Booking Reference: B7XQAVW9
Website: https://theboatyardrestaurant.ie/

Dinner is booked for you tonight, to be paid locally.

Day 7 - Tuesday 6th May - Dingle Sea Safari

Today you’ll join Jimmy, a charismatic wildlife expert, boating around Slea Head and the Blasket Islands, an abandoned archipelago famous for its rich literary heritage and learn about life in Ireland’s westernmost fringes. Spot seabirds and marine wildlife such as whales, seals porpoises, and dolphins. Tonight, why not indulge in a bit of a pub crawl, we’ll recommend our favourite spots!

Overnight: Dingle | Dingle Skellig Hotel
Room Type: x3 doubles (single occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Dingle Sea Safari Read More +

Activity: Dingle Sea Safari
| Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs

Please wear waterproof clothing.

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend The Fish BoxHalf Door Restaurant or Fenton’s of Dingle.

The Fish Box does not take bookings, so you will need to walk in.

Day 8 - Wednesday 7th May - The Dingle Peninsula

Following a relaxed Irish breakfast hit the road to explore the beautiful Dingle Peninsula. This is Gaeltacht country where the Irish language is still widely spoken as a first language and culture and traditions remain strong. Tour around the peninsula visiting a fascinating array of ancient sites including Iron Age forts, beehive huts, inscribed stones, and historical churches. The Peninsula culminates at the dramatic Slea Head—Europe’s most western point. Meet some feather friends on an exhilarating Hawk Walk. Watch as these magnificent birds of prey swoop and soar with breathtaking speed and learn all about their fascinating habits.

Overnight: Dingle | Dingle Skellig Hotel
Room Type: x3 doubles (single occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

Day 9 - Thursday 8th May - Ireland's Fair City

After enjoying a relaxing morning, it is time to leave the south coast and return to Dublin. Your guide will make sure there are a couple of interesting stops on the way! They will drop you at your hotel, say goodbye, and you guys can spend one last night in the city!

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: x3 doubles (single occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Winding Stair | Location: 40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1
Reservation Time: 20:00 | Booking Reference: #122513
Website: https://www.winding-stair.com/

Dinner is booked for you tonight, to be paid locally.

Day 10 - Friday 9th May - Depart

This morning, a private transfer will take you to Dublin airport for you flight home. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we look forward to welcoming you to our shores once again.

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: x3 doubles (single occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Dublin Chauffeurs
Pick Up Location: The Alex | Pick Up Time: 13:00 | Approx Duration: 30 mins
Phone: +353 (0)87 233 8396

Justin or one of his drivers will meet you in the lobby of your hotel.

Trip Details

Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Ireland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

EU: +353 (0)91 457 898
US: 844 235 6240


Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+353 (0)86 873 7223


Emergency Services

999

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.


Accommodation

The Alex Hotel

2 Fenian Street | Dublin 2 | Dublin |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)1 607 3700
Web: thealexhotel.ie

Gregans Castle

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

Dingle Skellig Hotel

Dingle | Kerry |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)66 915 0200
Web: dingleskellig.com


Meet Your Guide

Kevin Cronin

Contact Number: +353 86 817 3458

From my earliest memories, I have been drawn to exploring the remote, the wild and the isolated. Sharing these places with others on foot or bike brings me the greatest joy. The change of seasons, the abundance of nature, the sun, the wind and the rain are my oxygen. Hidden valleys, stone walls and ancient roads race in my blood. A quiet pint, fresh crab claws, a beautiful ballad or a story well told feed my soul.

I have been fortunate to have walked, cycled and explored much of Europe’s most amazing backdrops but I am always drawn back to the wilds of Ireland. As a child and later as a parent its extraordinary landscape, history and culture have kept me nurtured.