Deforrest Family's Irish Adventure

Day 1 - Saturday 13^th July - Céad míle fáilte - Welcome to Ireland!

Arriving in Ireland this morning, you will meet your private guide in the arrivals hall of Dublin Airport and after some short introductions, together you will transfer west from Dublin to County Clare, the home to Ireland’s famed Cliffs of Moher. Enroute, stop at the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise. St Ciarán founded his monastery on the banks of the River Shannon in the 6th Century. The monastery flourished and became a great seat of learning, a University of its time with students from all over Europe. Today the ruins include a Cathedral, two round towers, three high crosses, nine Churches, and over 700 Early Christian grave slabs. Continue on to Ireland’s ‘Wild West’, a region of immense beauty, ancient history, and Irish tradition. For the next five nights, you are staying in a delightful cottage retreat with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Tonight a private chef will prepare you a delicious, locally sourced dinner.

Overnight: Clare | Saltcliff Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 - Sunday 14^th July - Biking on Inis Mór

Today you will get to fully immerse into the culture of Inis Mór – its history goes back millennia and today Irish is still the daily spoken language of the inhabitants. Hop on the ferry with your guide and on Inis Mór you’ll pick up your bikes to explore the breathtaking scenery, medieval castles, cliffs, and prehistoric forts that dot the sprawling island. Stop for lunch at a traditional, thatched roof cottage and take a leg stretch off the bikes by taking the short hike up the cliffside to the stone fort of Dun Aonghasa. You’ll return to your ferry in the late afternoon to return to the mainland.

Overnight: Clare | Saltcliff Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Monday 15^th July - Surfing Lahinch Beach

Take advantage of the swell along The Wild Atlantic Way by catching some waves at Lahinch, or L. A as the local surfers call it. The beach itself is perfect for beginners while the surrounding coastline has countless points, slabs, and reefs to suit all abilities. You’ll meet a local, highly-trained instructor for a personalized surfing experience. The small town nearby has a great surfy vibe with plenty of shops and of course, pubs where a creamy pint of Guinness awaits after a few hours in the water.

note: your guide will provide transfers but will not be surfing with you

Overnight: Clare | Saltcliff Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Tuesday 16^th July - Hiking in The Burren

This morning, your guide will take you for a 20-minute journey to the Burren – a rugged, limestone escarpment that comes alive in the spring and summer with wildflowers. You’ll set off for the Mullaghmore Loop Walk in The Burren. Its unique, striated limestone landscape was shaped by ancient seas and is famous for its Mediterranean and alpine wildflowers. The region is steeped in history as well, with over 2,500 historical monuments to be explored. Lunch will be held at a local tearoom followed by a visit to the adjoining Burren Perfumery where only natural and organic ingredients are used in production. It’s the oldest working perfumery in Ireland!

Overnight: Clare | Saltcliff Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 - Wednesday 17^th July - The Cliffs of Moher

Most visitors to the iconic and jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher only see one short section. But the best way to fully experience the magic of the Cliffs of Moher on foot is to hike the full length of the cliffs. From the Napoleonic tower at Hag’s Head in the south to the cheerful village of Doolin in the north, you’ll hike the cliff-side path where emerald fields roll out to one side, and cobalt-blue waters swirl at the base of the cliffs to the west. Falling some 700 feet and winding in and out, the Cliffs of Moher merit their celebrity status. You’ll finish in the village of Doolin, famous for its traditional music scene. Stop for a fish n’ chips lunch in a historic stone cottage and a chance to browse the quaint shops, before returning to your cottage. If you’re up for it, we recommend the coastal drive along Black Head, a mesmerizing stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Overnight: Clare | Saltcliff Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 - Thursday 18^th July - Galway City

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. After time for lunch and a bit of shopping, you’ll continue onward this evening to arrive at your hotel, Ballynahinch Castle, one of Ireland’s finest castle hotels set in a private 700-acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks within Connemara National Park. Before settling in for the evening, you will have some time for a stroll along the wooded trails. For dinner, we have booked the property’s historic Fisherman’s Pub, a lively place where guests and locals mingle.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior Triple & x1 Superior Double (Interconnecting)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 - Friday 19^th July - Sheepdog Demonstration in Connemara

Connemara National Park is defined by the ocean surrounding, and this is particularly evident at the beautiful Killary Fjord. Spend the late morning meeting our favourite local character of the area overlooking the fjord. Tom operates a working sheep farm in the open fields of the park, and this morning he will share his knowledgeable experience of the region capped off with a demonstration of his sheepdogs at work. Enjoy lunch at an award-winning locally sourced food truck (be sure to try the mussels for any seafood enthusiasts!). If you’d like, your guide can lead you on an afternoon walk along an abandoned famine route along the southern shoreline of the fjord. This evening we have booked a farewell dinner with your guide at Ballynahinch’s Owenmore Restaurant, which overlooks the Salmon River and the wooded estate.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior Triple & x1 Superior Double (Interconnecting)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 - Saturday 20^th July - Depart

This morning your guide will drop you back at the airport for your flight home. We hope you had a wonderful Irish adventure and look forward to welcoming you to Ireland once again.

Meals Included: Breakfast