Fernbacher's Wild Atlantic Way tour of Ireland

Day 1 - Wednesday 27^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 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.

Overnight: Dublin | The Davenport Hotel
Room Type: Executive King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Thursday 28^th August - Cliffs and the Rebel County

Meet your guide this morning as you depart Dublin and head south to County Cork. On route, enjoy a scenic walk along the stunning Ballycotton Cliffs, where you’ll take in the breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. After your walk, continue your journey westward.

End your day in the beautiful Hayfield Manor, where you can relax and unwind in luxury after an exciting day of exploration.

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: Manor King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Friday 29^th August - Coastal Kinsale

After breakfast, 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.

After a bit of fresh local lunch, spend some time enjoying Cork City. From the historic English Market, to the River Liffey, there’s plenty to experience and take in.

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: Manor King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Saturday 30^th August - Killarney National Park

After breakfast, you’ll make your way to Killarney National Park, the jewel in Kerry’s crown. Here you will board a boat with Dux and his canine friend and cruise the tranquil lakes of Killarney with one of the most spectacular backdrops imaginable as you are overlooked by Ireland’s highest mountain peaks.

Later this afternoon, visit Ross Castle and hear about the legend of O’Donoghue and his snow-white horse before checking in to your charming accommodation this evening, sitting down to a delicious, locally sourced dinner.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Garden Wing
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Sunday 31^st August - Dingle Peninsula

Explore the historic Dingle Peninsula with a scenic hike led by your guide through stunning landscapes and remarkable ancient monuments, including standing stones and beehive huts. Enjoy breathtaking coastal views as you walk parts of the Dingle Way and along beautiful, unspoiled beaches. After a rewarding day of exploration, return to Killarney to relax and unwind in this charming town, surrounded by natural beauty.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Garden Wing
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Monday 1^st September - Local Life, Furry Friends, and Fresh Flavours of Ireland

Leave the Kingdom of Kerry behind and head toward County Clare, making a stop at a local farm along the way to experience Ireland’s rich agricultural history. Experience the Burren at its finest with a fully guided tour of a working beef farm against the backdrop of dramatic landscapes and national monuments. Sample local produce with a rustic picnic and capture the true essence of Ireland’s west.

Afterward, continue onto your lovely and relaxing accommodations settled amongst the rocky terrain of the Burren.

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

Day 7 - Tuesday 2^nd September - The Burren National Park and The Cliffs of Moher

This morning, head out to explore the fascinating Burren landscape – fissured plateaus of limestone and shale, vast in their captivating and barren beauty. Accompanied by your guide, wind your way over the stark rocky terrain, past prehistoric tombs and through wildflower grasslands.

Later, visit the striking Cliffs of Moher, absorbing their majesty. Home to thousands of seabirds, including razorbills, fulmars and puffins, the cliffs are alive with activity above the crashing waves far below. This evening, return to your luxury hotel retreat for a drink or two by the crackling fire.

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

Day 8 - Wednesday 3^rd September - 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. A local military historian will meet you at the city’s main square to guide you through the bustling alleys sharing Galway City’s important roles in the clash of the French, Spanish, Russian and British Empires from 1700 to 1922, including in Ireland’s revolution for independence.

Your accommodation this evening is a fitting finale to your time on the Wild Atlantic Way. Ballynahinch Castle is one of Ireland’s finest luxury castle hotels, set in a private 700 acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway. This authentic and unpretentious Castle Hotel stands proudly overlooking its famous salmon fishery, with a backdrop of the beautiful Twelve Bens Mountain range.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Thursday 4^th September - Connemara

The hills and mountains of Connemara are defined by the ocean surrounding them, and this is particularly evident at the beautiful Killary Fjord. This morning your guide will lead you along the shores of the fjord, delving into Irish history at a famine-era abandoned village and bringing to life the rich and ancient histories of the landscape. Head back to your hotel via the stunningly beautiful Kylemore Abbey and Gardens to tour the grounds and hear the romantic story behind this iconic site.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Friday 5^th September - Return to Dublin

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you back to Dublin. Check into your 5* accommodations and meet up with your son for some quality time before Kathy will make her departure tomorrow.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: 2x Merrion Queen
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Saturday 6^th September - Depart

A private transfer will collect Kathy from The Merrion and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

* Golf itinerary to follow.

Meals Included: Breakfast