Spain and Tobin - Ireland Explorations

Chris and Caroline Spain & Michael and Lizzy Tobin

Thursday 23rd May – Sunday 2nd June 2024

Number of Travellers:  4
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Thursday 23rd May | Welcome to Dublin | Overnight: Dublin

Day 2 | Friday 24th May | Dublin Music Tour | Overnight: Dublin

Day 3 | Saturday 25th May | Dublin to Clare | Overnight: Clare

Day 4 | Sunday 26th May | Cliff of Moher | Overnight: Clare

Day 5 | Monday 27th May | Connemara | Overnight: Connemara

Day 6 | Tuesday 28th May | Exploring Connemara | Overnight: Connemara

Day 7 | Wednesday 29th May | Killary Fjord | Overnight: Connemara

Day 8 | Thursday 30th May | Galway to Waterford | Overnight: Waterford

Day 9 | Friday 31st May | Explore Waterford and Relax at Ballyfin | Overnight: Waterford

Day 10 | Saturday 1st June | Spains Depart, Tobins Transfer to Ballyfin | Overnight: Ballyfin

Day 11 | Sunday 2nd June | Tobins Depart to Dublin

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 23rd May - Welcome to Dublin

Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you into the city to your 5 star 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.

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.

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury
Room Type: Classic King
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Dublin Chauffeurs
Pick Up Location: Dublin Airport Terminal 2 Arrivals Hall | Pick Up Time: 08:45
Phone: +353 87 233 8396

The Spains’ private driver will meet them in the arrivals hall of Dublin Airport Terminal 2, carrying a sign with their name on it, in line with their arrival flight DL176. They will be transferred directly to The Westbury where they can drop their bags and freshen up ahead of check-in.

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Dublin Chauffeurs
Pick Up Location: Dublin Airport Terminal 2 Arrivals Hall | Pick Up Time: 11:45
Phone: +353 87 233 8396

The Tobins’ private driver will meet them in the arrivals hall of Dublin Airport Terminal 2, carrying a sign with their name on it, in line with their arrival flight IE60. They will be transferred directly to The Westbury where they can drop their bags and freshen up ahead of check-in.

Day 1 - Dublin Historical Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Dublin Historical Walking Tour
Start Location: The lobby of The Westbury | Start Time: 15:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Phone: +353 87 688 9412 | Website: https://historicaltours.ie/

Your private walking tour guide will meet you in the lobby of The Westbury at 3:00pm.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Matt the Thresher | Location: 31-32 Pembroke Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 Y523
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +353 1 676 2980 | Website: https://matts.ie/

Day 2 - Friday 24th May - Dublin Music Tour

Take a unique saunter through Ireland’s musical heritage as you delve into the history and stories of Dublin and Ireland through song and Irish Music. Stroll through the history of Irish music and Dublin City and enjoy stories of Dublin’s 18th Century dens of iniquity in an area known as ‘Hell’, hear songs from Dublin with roots as far back as the 9th Century, and get a fascinating insight into the role of music in creating an Irish identity, driving a cultural revolution, and the contemporary Irish music & folk scene.

Be sure to check out some of the local pubs this evening, we recommend O’Donoghues right around the corner from your hotel, for a trad session and bring along your guitar. You will soon know your jogs from your reels.

Overnight: Dublin | The Wsetbury
Room Type: Classic King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - EPIC Genealogy Appointment Read More +

Activity: EPIC Genealogy Appointment
| Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs

Day 2 - Dublin Music Tour Read More +

Activity: Dublin Music Tour
Start Location: The Icon Factory on 3 Aston Place, Temple Bar | Start Time: 14:00 | Approx Duration: 2.5 hrs
Phone: +353 86 333 4177 | Website: https://www.alternativedublincity.com/

Your private guide will meet you at The Icon Factory in Temple Bar, which is a 10 minute walk from your hotel, and will finish at The Westbury.

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Patrick Guilbaud | Location: The Merrion Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:30 | Booking Reference: BVHTJL9C
Phone: +353 1 676 4192 | Website: https://www.merrionhotel.com/dine/restaurant-patrick-guilbaud/

Day 3 - Saturday 25th May - Dublin to Clare

Your expert guide will meet you this morning and after some short introductions, whisk you away from the city, cross country to Clare, the home of the Cliffs of Moher.

This afternoon, after a briefing over lunch followed by bike fitting, you will cycle off into the dramatic limestone landscapes of the Burren National Park. The route starts inland near Poulnabrone Dolmen (a Neolithic tomb) and ends at the Flaggy Shore, a favourite spot of Irish poets before making your way to your accommodation this evening, Gregans Castle Hotel

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

Day 3 - Guide Details - Donncha O'Brien Read More +

Name: Donncha O'Brien
Contact Number: +353 87 986 1202
Meeting Place: The lobby of The Westbury | Meeting Time: 09:00

Your guide Donncha will meet you in the lobby of The Westbury Hotel at 9:00am, ready to start the drive over to The Burren.

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: Gregans Dining Room | Location: Gregans Hotel
Reservation Time: 18:30
Phone: +353 65 707 7005 | Website: https://www.gregans.ie/fine-dining.html

Day 4 - Sunday 26th May - Cliff of Moher

After breakfast, we’ll cycle from the hotel to the Cliffs of Moher along the Wild Atlantic Way—a breathtaking 2,500 km (1,550 mi.) coastal route flanked by crashing waves, white sand beaches, rugged cliffs and charming seaside villages. Our morning cycle starts takes us through the Burren, via Poulnabrone, stopping at the Burren Centre in Kilfenora.

After a delicious Lunch in Liscannor – you’ll have the option to choose from several classic pubs and a characterful cafe, which serves up some of the region’s best fish n’ chips, its off for this afternoons short pedal to the famous Cliffs of Moher, which are well worth the hype! You’ll have plenty of time to admire the geographic wonder before you cycle or hitch a ride back to the hotel.

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

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Monks | Location: The Pier, Lisnard, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, H91 W9TN
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +353 65 707 7059 | Website: https://monks.ie/dine/

Day 5 - Monday 27th May - Connemara

After check out, it’s a 90-minute drive to the village of Cong, the backdrop of the Oscar-winning movie, The Quiet Man. Our day begins at 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.

After lunch, take a short drive to Maam, where we’ll pedal through the Maam Valley to the North Atlantic Coast and bogs of Connemara. The ride ends at our final hotel, Ballynahinch Castle, which is located on a wooded, 700-acre estate.
Relax for the rest of the afternoon on site at Ballynahinch

*There are options to drive straight to your accommodation today and partake in some Fly Fishing this afternoon on site at Ballynahinch for those interested, and/or a visit to meet some Connemara Ponies.

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

Day 5 - Hawk Walk at Ashford Castle Read More +

Activity: Hawk Walk at Ashford Castle
| Start Time: 12:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: Mitchells Seafood Restaurant
Reservation Time: 18:30
Phone: +353 95 21867 | Website: http://www.mitchellsrestaurantclifden.com

Day 6 - Tuesday 28th May - Exploring Connemara

Today, we set off on a looped ride through Connemara, a region rich in Gaelic history and culture. We’ll start through the interior through a lunar bog scenery set against the Twelve Bens Mountain Range. When we reach the coast, you have the option to ride an extra loop around Sky Road or continue directly to the fishing village of Roundstone for lunch. Music lovers may want to make a stop at the bodhran workshop, known for its traditional Irish drums.

This afternoon, join a local archaeologist and longtime friend of B&R for an easygoing walk on Inishnee Island in Roundstone Bay. It’s a short bike ride back from there to the hotel.

Tonight, you’ll have the chance to do a bit of exploring and dinner on your own in the town of Clifden, the unofficial capital of Connemara. Be sure to take your guitar with you as there is always a tune to be had in Clifden.

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

Day 6 - Archaeological Walk on Inis Nee Read More +

Activity: Archaeological Walk on Inis Nee
Local Guide: Michael Gibbons
| Start Time: 14:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Pub: Guys Bar & Snug | Location: Main Street, Clifden Co. Galway
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +353 95 21130 | Website: http://guysbarclifden.com

Day 7 - Wednesday 29th May - Killary Fjord

The men are booked in this morning for a full day of fly-fishing onsite at Ballynahinch Castle with one of their local experts. Caroline and Lizzy then will have an open guided day in Killary Fjord with Donncha, where he will be on hand to arrange a hike or a cycle to and from the fjord.

We will reconvene later on for a memorable final night pub dinner and a “trad session'” featuring Irish music.

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

Day 7 - Full Day Fly Fishing Read More +

Activity: Full Day Fly Fishing
Start Location: The lobby of Ballynahinch Castle | Start Time: 09:30 | Approx Duration: 6 hrs
Phone: +353 95 31006

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: The Owenmore Restaurant | Location: Ballynahinch Castle
Reservation Time: 18:30
Phone: +353 95 31006 | Website: https://www.ballynahinch-castle.com/en/dining/fishermans-pub-ranji-room

Day 7 - Traditional Music in Fisherman's Pub Read More +

Activity: Traditional Music in Fisherman's Pub
| Start Time: 20:30

Local Galway musicians will settle into the Ballynahinch Castle pub tonight ready to play around 8:30pm – make sure Michael brings his guitar to jam along!

Day 8 - Thursday 30th May - Galway to Waterford

Leaving Galway behind us today we make the journey south, through Ireland’s hidden heartlands to the very southern coast and Waterford.

On the way, stop for lunch at Ballyfin Demesne where the Spains will settle in for the night of relaxation ahead. Donncha will then continue on with transferring the Tobins to Waterford to join their friends for the next few days.

Overnight: Waterford | Cliff House Hotel
Room Type: Sea View with Balcony
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: The Cellar Bar | Location: Ballyfin Demesne
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: Spain
Phone: +353 57 875 5866 | Website: https://www.ballyfin.com/en/cellar.html

The above reservation is for the Spain couple only

Day 8 - Massage Appointment Read More +

Activity: Massage Appointment
| Start Time: 16:45
Booking Reference: Mr & Mrs Spain

Day 9 - Friday 31st May - Explore Waterford and Relax at Ballyfin

The day is free for each couple to enjoy their time at their respective Ballyfin and Waterford.

Overnight: Waterford | Cliff House Hotel
Room Type: Sea View with Balcony
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Swedish Full Body Massages Read More +

Activity: Swedish Full Body Massages
Start Location: The Well Spa at Cliff House Hotel | Start Time: 14:30
Phone: +353 24 87800 | Website: https://cliffhousehotel.ie/wellness/spa-therapies/

Feel free to arrive an hour early to use the pool facilities before the messages, and arrive to the massage reception 15 minutes prior to scheduled start time.

Day 9 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The House Restaurant | Location: Cliff House Hotel
| Booking Reference: Booked by Lucy
Phone: +353 24 87800 | Website: https://cliffhousehotel.ie/house-restaurant/

The Tobins can enjoy the 5-course tasting menu tonight in their Michelin starred hotel restaurant

Day 9 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: The Dining Restaurant | Location: Ballyfin Demesne
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +353 57 875 5866 | Website: https://www.ballyfin.com/en/restaurant.html

The Spains will end their stay in Ireland in style with a dinner in Ballyfin’s fine dining room.

Day 10 - Saturday 1st June - Spains Depart, Tobins Transfer to Ballyfin

A private transfer will collect the Spains from Ballyfin Demesne this morning, ready to whisk them directly to Dublin Airport for the departing flight. 

The Tobins meanwhile will get their chance today to experience Ballyfin, with a private transfer meeting them at The Cliff House Hotel in Waterford in the morning and making the direct transfer to Ballyfin. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the range of onsite activities or relax at the spa.

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

Day 10 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Dublin Chauffeurs
Pick Up Location: The lobby of Ballyfin Demesne | Pick Up Time: 06:30 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs
Phone: +353 87 233 8396

The Spains’ private driver will meet them in the lobby of Ballyfin Demesne bright and early at 6:30am, to be transferred directly to Dublin Airport in time for their departing flight DL177.

Day 10 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Ballyfin Demesne
Pick Up Location: The lobby of The Cliff House Hotel | Pick Up Time: 11:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Phone: +353 57 875 5866

The Tobins’ private driver will meet them in the lobby of The Cliff House Hotel at 11:00am, to make the direct transfer to Ballyfin Demesne arriving in time for lunch.

Day 10 - Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Dining Restaurant | Location: Ballyfin Demense
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +353 57 875 5866 | Website: https://www.ballyfin.com/en/restaurant.html

2pax for the Tobins

Day 11 - Sunday 2nd June - Tobins Depart to Dublin

A private transfer will meet the Tobins at Ballyfin Demesne this morning after an early breakfast, and from here they will be transferred directly to Dublin Airport in time for their departing flight back home. We hope you have enjoyed your time in Ireland, and we cannot wait to welcome you back to our friendly shores.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Dublin Chauffeurs
Pick Up Location: The lobby of Ballyfin Demesne | Pick Up Time: 08:00 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs
Phone: +353 87 233 8396

The Tobins’ private transfer will meet them in the lobby of Ballyfin Demesne at 8:00am, ready to whisk them to Dublin Airport with plenty of time ahead of their departing flight IE61

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 10 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above, breakfast and lunch daily while guided, no evening meals.
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide in Ireland from Day 3 to Day 8 inclusive
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide in Scotland from Day 3 to Day 8 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by your guides on guided days
  • 2x airport transfers on arrival Day 1
  • 2x airport transfers on departure Day 10 for the Spains, and Day 11 for the Tobins, from Ballyfin Demesne
  • A private transfer from Cliff House Hotel to Ballyfin for the Tobins on Day 10
  • All guided bike rides mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Walking Tour of Dublin
    • Music Tour Dublin
    • Entry Cliffs of Moher Visitors Centre
    • Private Hawk Walk Experience Ashford Castle
    • Island exploration with archeologist
    • Music session at Ballynahinch Castle on Day 7
  • €100 B&R Hosting Budget
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 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 your main driver guide
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Meet Your Guide

Donncha O'Brien

Contact Number: +353 87 986 1202

I am and always have been for as long as I can remember, mad for being outdoors. I think the world would be a better place if everyone walked, ran, paddled, biked, or just went outdoors more regularly. I take my four young children outside to do these things and camp for multiple nights each year. I feel very lucky to guide people through the beautiful landscapes we have in Ireland. Mostly I love to help convey a sense of the rich and varied history/culture we Irish are famous for, either through song or story, early or late.

Virtuoso

Spain and Tobin – Ireland Explorations

Thursday 23rd May – Sunday 2nd June 2024