Budden Family Irish Adventure V3

Claire Budden & Family

Saturday 7th September – Monday 16th September 2024

Number of Travellers: 4
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, 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 | Saturday 7th September | Welcome to Dublin | Overnight: Dublin

Day 2 | Sunday 8th September | Travelling West to Galway & Falconry Experience | Overnight: Galway

Day 3 | Monday 9th September | Inishbofin Island | Overnight: Galway

Day 4 | Tuesday 10th September | Galway City Food Tour | Overnight: Galway

Day 5 | Wednesday 11th September | Sheepdog Experience, Cliffs of Moher & Adare | Overnight: Adare

Day 6 | Thursday 12th September | The Adare Manor Experience | Overnight: Adare

Day 7 | Friday 13th September | Drive to the Kingdom of Kerry via Killarney National Park | Overnight: Kenmare

Day 8 | Saturday 14th September | Vintage Buick Tour & Time at Sheen Falls | Overnight: Kenmare

Day 9 | Sunday 15th September | Unique Seaweed Foraging Experience | Overnight: Kenmare

Day 10 | Monday 16th September | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 7th September - 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 Merrion
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Sunday 8th September - Travelling West to Galway & Falconry Experience

After a leisurely breakfast, meet your guide and begin your journey west. Take the time to stop in Co. Longford en route. Mornin Tower House was a stronghold of the O’Farrell clan, who were the lords of Annaly (as Co. Longford was previously known). The branch of the O’Farrells that owned Mornin retained its lands through the turmoil of the 17th century during which many Irish families lost their lands.  Continue on to what is known as the capital of Ireland’s west, Galway! Known as the ‘town of the tribes’ the small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful store fronts is vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan.  Your hotel for the next three nights is located just outside of the city. After check in, you’ll come up close and personal with a variety of birds of prey within the 138 acre estate – meet a Falcon, Barn Owl, Eagle and a White Owl named Yoda! Tonight your guide will join you for a welcome dinner.

Overnight: Galway | Glenlo Abbey
Room Type: x1 superior king, x1 family room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Monday 9th September - Inishbofin Island

After a hearty breakfast you will begin your journey into Connemara, a Gaeltacht (Gaelic-speaking region) known for its windswept landscapes of mountains, beach and bog. In the village of Cleggan you’ll 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 true Irish gentleman Michael 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 Glenlo Abbey for some down time.

Overnight: Galway | Glenlo Abbey
Room Type: x1 superior king, x1 family room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Tuesday 10th September - Galway City Food Tour

This morning, make your way into the city and what is known as the capital of Ireland’s west, Galway! 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? 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, you’ll have some free time to explore the city – enjoy the hustle and bustle of Shop Street, visit Galway Cathedral or simply city by the Spanish Arch and enjoy a coffee.

Overnight: Galway | Glenlo Abbey
Room Type: x1 superior king, x1 family room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wednesday 11th September - Sheepdog Experience, Cliffs of Moher & Adare

Time to hit the road today, taking your time, exploring along the way as you move from Galway to Adare, passing through the Burren’s rocky alien landscape, said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy. Visit a local sheep farm where you’ll enjoy the opportunity to walk through this unique landscape and see the sheepdogs at work. This tour will also include a walk to a prehistoric stone fort, with a worldly history which will be brought to life by the farm’s local guide and multi-sensory presentations. Excavations from the site, ranging from Venetian glass and Baltic amber, serve to juxtapose the ancient settlement against its contemporary trading inhabitants. From there, you’ll head over to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most impressive natural sites. Continue on to Adare, voted the “prettiest village in Ireland”. The village is beloved for its delightful thatched roof cottages, lively pubs, and antique shops. For the next 2 nights you are staying in the Adare Manor Lodges at Adare Manor, a breathtaking 19th century Neo-Gothic manor set amidst manicured gardens and rolling parklands.

Overnight: Adare | Adare Manor
Room Type: 1 Manor Cottage (3 bed)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 12th September - The Adare Manor Experience

When the 2nd Earl of Dunraven built Adare Manor in 1832 carriages were a familiar part of their everyday life. Today a carriage tour is still the best way to experience all the magic of the Adare Manor Estate the way it was meant to be seen. Settle into a beautifully appointed carriage for a meandering 45 minute exploration of this enchanting 840 acre estate. Take in the sweeping views of the lush Irish countryside, fascinating historic sites, and memorable points of interest along the tour route as your personal guide shares engaging tales of Adare’s long history: the Norman invasions of the 12th century, the rebellions and uprisings which shaped the land and its families, the establishment of the quaint village with its picturesque thatch cottages, and stories of life in the Manor, from the days of the Dunravens up to today. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, there are plenty of activities onsite for you to enjoy including the spa, golf, a cinema, whiskey tasting or try your hand at archery. We are happy to make bookings for you in advance.

Overnight: Adare | Adare Manor
Room Type: 1 manor cottage (3 bed)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Friday 13th September - Drive to the Kingdom of Kerry via Killarney National Park

You have a 2 hour scenic drive ahead of you this morning as you make your way through southern Ireland. Departing from Adare Manor, the journey unfolds with winding roads bordered by ancient stone walls and rolling green hills. You’ll stop in Killarney for a walk in the national park centred around Ross Castle, regaling its historical and cultural significance including the legend of O’Donoghue and his snow-white horse. Enjoy a delicious lunch in town with your guide before continuing on to Sheen Falls. Situated amidst the majestic landscapes of the Ring of Kerry, you’ll be greeted by cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and panoramic views of Kenmare Bay, culminating in a journey of unparalleled beauty and tranquility.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: x2 suites, x1 sig suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Saturday 14th September - Vintage Buick Tour & Time at Sheen Falls

Step back in time and experience the enchanting beauty of Kenmare in style with a tour aboard a meticulously restored 1936 vintage Buick. As you glide through the streets of this picturesque town, you’ll feel as though you’ve entered a bygone era. Your knowledgeable guide will regale you with tales of Kenmare’s rich history, pointing out hidden gems and local treasures along the way. With the wind in your hair and the purr of the Buick’s engine as your soundtrack, you’ll savour every moment of this nostalgic journey through one of Ireland’s most charming destinations. This afternoon you are free to spend time onsite and partake in the many activities Sheen Falls has to offer. Relax at the spa, enjoy some clay pigeon shooting or falconry, book a tee time or try your hand at fishing. We are happy to make reservations for you in advance.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls
Room Type: x2 suites, x1 sig suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Sunday 15th September - Unique Seaweed Foraging Experience

As you make your way into the southern part of the Ring of Kerry, the landscape becomes wilder and more rugged. At a secluded bay, meet a local foraging expert and storyteller who will take you on a wander along the shoreline learning about life on Ireland’s West Coast. Have a toast and enjoy some seaweed nibbles including the flavoursome Duilleasc and Nori, the famous sushi roll wrapping. Afterwards, visit the home of one of Ireland’s most famous revolutionary political figures, Daniel O’Connell, lawyer, politician and statesman, and one of the great figures in modern Irish history. Many relics of O’Connell’s life and career are preserved in Derrynane House, but the house is more than just a museum. The House was officially opened to the public as a museum commemorating Daniel O’Connell by President Eamon De Valera in August 1967. This evening your guide will join you for a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls
Room Type: x2 suites, x1 sig suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10 - Monday 16th September - Depart

This morning, your guide will drop you to the airport for your flight home. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable 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 10
  • Most meals as indicated above: breakfast and lunch each day, 2 dinners
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 2 to Day 10
  • Ground transportation from Day 2 to Day 10
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;
  • Private airport transfer to hotel on Day 1
  • Historical walking tour of Dublin city
  • Ferry Tickets
  • Private Tour with Archaeologist on Inishbofin Island
  • Private Sheepdog Demonstration and Tour
  • Private Galway City Food Tour
  • Entry to Ross Castle
  • Private Falconry Experience at Glenlo Abbey
  • Private Adare Manor Horse & Carriage Tour
  • Vintage Buick Tour of Kenmare
  • Private Seaweed Foraging Experience
  • Entry to Derrynane House
  • 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 the main driver guide
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 NET price of this itinerary, based on 5, is €10,802 per person

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

View More

View More

View More

View More

View More

View More

Virtuoso

Budden Family Irish Adventure V3

Saturday 7th September – Monday 16th September 2024