Wethersfield Travel Doug Gordon Ireland

Day 1 - Monday 26^th August - 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 Davenport Hotel
Room Type: Executive King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Tuesday 27^th August - Free day in Dublin

Your walking tour yesterday will have given you lots of ideas and inspiration for places you would like to visit today and of course we have lots of our own suggestions and recommendations from the traditional Trinity College to Kilmainham Gaol to the Guinness Storehouse.

If a quieter, more relaxed day is your preference, enjoy a morning stroll down Grafton Street, a lively pedestrianised shopping street. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, street performers, and browse through the various shops, including high-end boutiques and traditional Irish craft stores. Take a break and grab a coffee or tea at one of the cosy cafes in the area.

Overnight: Dublin | The Davenport Hotel
Room Type: Executive King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Wednesday 28^th August - Medieval Kilkenny

Your private Wilderness Ireland guide/ driver will meet you this morning and after some short introductions you will leave the hustle and bustle of Dublin and begin your journey south, to Ireland’s original capital, Cork.

On route you will stop in the mediaeval city of Kilkenny and the iconic Kilkenny Castle, a fortress dating back to the 12th century. Immerse yourself in its rich history as you wander through the beautifully preserved rooms and explore the magnificent gardens. Afterward, take some time to wander around Kilkenny’s picturesque streets, lined with colourful buildings, quaint shops, and inviting cafes. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the local eateries, sampling some of Kilkenny’s delicious cuisine. Once you’ve had your fill of this historic gem, continue your journey to Cork, where more adventures await you.
Your guide will join you for a welcome dinner this evening in the picturesque harbour Village of Kinsale

Overnight: Kinsale | Perryville House
Room Type: Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Thursday 29^th August - Visit Charles Fort and Discover Kinsale

After breakfast over looking the stunning harbour, join your guide to meander through the bright coastal town of Kinsale. Historically a medieval fishing port, its spectacular waterfront setting and candy-coloured houses, shops and restaurants, make it a glorious blend of old and the new. After a mellow morning, walk to the historic Charles Fort – a 17th-century military fortress which stretches across the cliffs and down to the seashore. Learn about the turbulent years of the Williamite War and hear the haunting tale of the White Lady. This afternoon, join a local for a delicious food tour, discovering Kinsale’s culinary delights. Return to your hotel this evening, perhaps sitting in the blooming courtyard garden to enjoy a cocktail before dinner.

Overnight: Kinsale | Perryville House
Room Type: Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 30^th August - Farm Tour and Cheese Tasting

Leaving Cork behind today, you will head west to the Kingdom of Kerry. On route, stop at a working dairy farm for an immersive tour and tasting. Meet the herd, chat all things agriculture with John the local farmer, and finish with a spectacular tasting session of some fine Irish cheese, made right there on the farm.

Check into your stunning hotel in the heart of Killarney this evening and be sure to head into town for some of the nightlife.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double Manor House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Saturday 31^st August - Exploring Killarney National Park

Spend today discovering some of Killarney’s most breathtaking mountains, lakes and waterfalls. Killarney National Park is the most famous of Ireland’s national parks – and with good reason! Historic manor houses and abbeys make for an interesting visit but Killarney is best explored via its beautiful looped forested and mountain hikes and by heading out onto the lakes of Killarney in a traditional boat.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double Manor House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Sunday 1^st September - Coastal Foraging

Into the southern part of the Ring of Kerry, the landscape becomes wilder and more rugged. At a secluded bay, join a foraging and foodie expert for a seaweed discovery and tasting walk to uncover the Kerry coast’s edible gems. Together, discover how to sustainably harvest these sea plants, learning how they earned their reputation as a super-food. Enjoy a few nibbles of seaweed yourself, including the flavoursome variety, Duilleasc, which sustained the monks on Skellig Island, the rock pinnacles rising dramatically from the sea on the horizon, or Nori, the famous Sushi roll wrapping.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double Manor House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Monday 2^nd September - Killarney to Ashford Castle

A morning transfer awaits you as you say goodbye to Killarney and make your way north, through Clare, past Galway and onto Mayo where the impressive 800 year old Ashford Castle awaits you. Once owned by the Guinness family, Ashford has a history dating back to the 12th century and has earned its place in Ireland’s history books. Today, Ashford is one of Ireland’s premier hotels offering an unforgettable experience.

Ashford Castle boasts many outdoor activity pursuits for those wishing to try their hand at the life of the gentry. We particularly recommend the falconry experience, do let us know if you would like us to book any activities for you.
Your guide will leave you at Ashford so you may enjoy your final night of this leg of the trip in comfort and style.

Overnight: Cong. Co Mayo | Ashford Castle
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Tuesday 3^rd September - Transfer Ashford to The Armada Hotel Clare

After a leisurely morning at your castle retreat, a private transfer will take you to The Armada Hotel, Spanish Point in Co. Clare where you will join family for your celebration no doubt regaling them with tales of your adventure in Ireland.

Meals Included: Breakfast