Van Epp Irish Adventure

Day 1 - Thursday 26^th September - Welcome to Dublin

Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk 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. Afterwards, head into town for a delicious dinner at one of Dublin’s many award winning restaurants. You may want to have an early night – adventure starts tomorrow!

Overnight: Dublin | Drury Court Hotel
Room Type: x1 classic double
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Friday 27^th September - Kilkenny Castle & Ballymaloe

This morning, your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and whisk you away to Co. Cork – but not before stopping into Ireland’s rolling green midlands! The vibrant Kilkenny is a stronghold of Ireland’s national sport, hurling. Ireland’s eastern seaboard was Europe’s centre for scholarly learning in the middle ages, as evidenced by the plethora of ancient monasteries, abbeys and churches in this part of the country. Kilkenny’s centre piece is the 11th century castle – built in 1129 by Norman occupiers, this 12th century castle has been the scene of many of Ireland’s most important and historic events. After your castle tour, enjoy lunch in the historical city before setting off for your accommodation for the next two nights, a family owned country house set on a 300 acre farm in east Cork.

Overnight: Cork | Ballymaloe House
Room Type: x1 cosy classic double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Saturday 28^th September - Exploring Cobh

The nearby town of Cobh is cemented in history as the last port in which the ill fated Titanic docked before embarking on its maiden journey to America. Formerly called Queenstown, Cobh today has many attractions and not just for Titanic enthusiasts. Small colourful houses line the streets that cup a picturesque harbour while the impressive Cobh Cathedral dominates the skyline overlooking the town. Immerse yourself in Irish history with a visit to the heritage centre – follow the story from the 1600’s when transportation to the British overseas colonies was commonplace, from Virginia and New England to Barbados, Jamacia and Monserrat. Learn about the transportation of convicts to Australia and the connection between this port town and two of the biggest shipping disasters of the early 20th century, The Titanic  & The Lusitania.

Overnight: Cork | Ballymaloe House
Room Type: x1 cosy classic double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Sunday 29^th September - Buffalo Farm Tour & Cheese Tasting

Leaving Cork behind today, you will head further north into the Kingdom of Kerry. On route, stop at a working dairy farm for an immersive tour and tasting. Widely known as the Buffalo Lady, Dorothy has a wealth of knowledge and passion for Water Buffalos, nature, Irish culture and locally produced food. Meet the herd, chat about all things agriculture with John and finish with a spectacular tasting session of some fine Irish cheese, made right there on the farm. This evening, check into your secluded boutique hotel, located in Kenmare between the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House
Room Type: x1 deluxe double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Monday 30^th September - Exploring Killarney National Park

After a leisurely breakfast, head into Killarney National Park – the jewel in the county’s crown. Joined by your guide, enjoy an engaging hike, relaxing with a picnic lunch and soaking up the beautiful views. Later this afternoon, visit Ross Castle and hear about the legend of O’Donoghue and his snow-white horse. Return to your charming accommodation this evening, sitting down to a delicious, locally sourced dinner.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House
Room Type: x1 deluxe double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Tuesday 1^st October - Foraging the Ring of Kerry

Found on the shores of the south Kerry coast is one of our favourite characters. A fisherman, foraging expert, storyteller and a true Irish gent, John will take you on a wander along the shoreline learning about life on Ireland’s west coast all the while regaling you with tales of characters from the region, from lonely monks to 18th century civil rights activists to mythical heroes. Together, learn how seaweed earned its reputation as a super-food. Enjoy a few nibbles yourself, including the flavoursome variety, Duilleasc, which sustained the monks on Skellig Island, or Nori, the famous Sushi roll wrapping. Afterwards, your guide will take you to some of the best known spots along the Ring of Kerry, a route which covers the perimeter of the Iveragh Peninsula’s stunning coastline, beaches, mountains, and hidden lakes. Top your day off with a visit to the home of one of Ireland’s most famous revolutionary political figures.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House
Room Type: x1 deluxe double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Wednesday 2^nd October - Adare Village & Bunratty Castle

This morning you will make your way further north, to Co. Clare. You’ll have a couple of stops to break up the journey, the first being the wonderful and charming Adare village – once voted  the prettiest village in Ireland. The village is beloved for its delightful thatched roof cottages, lively pubs, and antique shops, so enjoy a wander around and coffee break. Continue on to Bunratty Castle, the site on which it stands was in origin a Viking trading camp in 970. The present structure is the last of four castles to be built on the site. Head to the folk park where you can experience village life in 19th century Ireland – the sweet sounds of traditional Irish music are carried through the air, and the village characters, including the schoolteacher, policeman and village doctor are on hand to entertain and enthral all who visit. Continue on and check in to your lovely inn for the night, located in the centre of the quaint village of Doolin.

Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn
Room Type: x1 double room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Thursday 3^rd October - The Aran Islands & The Cliffs of Moher

It’s hard to resist the allure of one of the many islands that dot the Irish coastline and today you and your guide will take to the water and ferry to The Aran Islands. The history of these islands goes back millennia and today Gaelic is still the daily spoken language of the inhabitants. Experience breathtaking scenery, mediaeval castles, cliffs and prehistoric forts on Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands. On your hike your guide will make sure you don’t miss the incredible prehistoric cliff top fortress at Dun Aenghus as well as some hidden spots along the island’s shore. Back on the mainland, visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Rising 700 feet from the crashing Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs are home to a myriad of seabirds and aquatic life with views of the stacks, the Aran Islands and O’Brien’s tower.

Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn
Room Type: x1 double room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Friday 4^th October - Galway City

This morning, you’ll make your way to your final stop of the trip, the city of Galway. Known as the ‘town of the tribes’ the small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful store fronts is vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan. Say goodbye to your guide and you are free to explore. We recommend a stroll through Shop Street and a coffee stop down by the Spanish Arch overlooking the water. This evening join a local whiskey guide who will lead you around the streets of Galway into some of the oldest pubs to discover the finest Irish whiskey. Tasting the Uisce Beatha (water of life) will certainly leave you in the mood to go to your final stop to meet Galway’s famous storyteller in a cosy pub corner for an hour of tales and regaling. Allow yourself to be immersed in a world of creativity, laughter and amazement as the story’s told will let your mind wonder.

Overnight: Galway | The House Hotel
Room Type: x1 deluxe double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Saturday 5^th October - Depart

This morning, a private transfer will meet you at your hotel and take 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 Ireland once again.