Fernweh Travel – Pearson Group

Tuesday 3rd September – Monday 9th September 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

Lichen pickled traditional stone walls, undulating soft green fields, an ancient history and warm people, oh and the odd spot of rain. There are many images Ireland conjures in the mind of a wanderer and this wonderful adventure in Ireland offers you all the time in the world to explore and enjoy. Whether your day consists of an exhilarating hike on a remote peninsula, an evening wandering the quaint cobbled streets of a little village or breathing in the sea air along the coastal trails, you will be met with warm smiles and an open heart by the people who call Ireland home.

Highlights

  • Explore two of Ireland’s National Parks on foot, by bike, and on the water
  • Meet locals as you enjoy uniquely Irish experiences off the beaten track
  • End with a luxurious stay in a 5-star manor house and golf resort

Day by Day

Day 1 - Tuesday 3rd September - Welcome to Ireland & Walk in The Burren

Arriving into Ireland today, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel nestled on the outskirts of The Burren National Park. The Burren’s rocky alien landscape is said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy – and today as you explore this other-worldly region, it’s easy to see why! Get the legs warmed up with a walk along one of the National Park’s undulating trails, perhaps getting the chance to summit one of its many low peaks. Your guide will join you for dinner this evening in the hotel to round out your welcome to Ireland, and make a toast to the week of adventure ahead.

Overnight: The Burren | Gregans Castle
Room Type: 4x Superior Rooms
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles

Day 1 - Guide Details - Andrew Lynas Read More +

Name: Andrew Lynas
Contact Number: +44 777 370 7416
Meeting Place: Shannon Airport Arrivals Lounge

Your guide Andrew will meet you in the Arrivals Lounge of Shannon Airport, carrying a sign with the client names and your agency on it.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: The Dining Room | Location: Gregans Castle Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:30

Andrew will join you for dinner tonight in your hotel’s fine dining room, where you can keep introductions rolling for the week ahead.

Day 2 - Wednesday 4th September - The Burren Farm & Irish Whiskey Tasting

After breakfast, head into the heart of The Burren to meet with a local farming couple for a guided experiential tour of their farm. Discover how a real Irish farm works and learn about the ancient agricultural practices unique to the Burren’s landscape, before settling in with a home-grown picnic lunch among the fields. This evening at a local pub, the owner and resident whiskey expert will treat you to an appreciation session and will introduce you to a few of the lesser known Irish whiskeys. Tastings are entirely optional and the host can provide a range of soft drinks, as well.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: 4x Superior Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 7 km / 4 miles

Day 2 - The Burren Farm Experience Read More +

Activity: The Burren Farm Experience
| Start Time: 10:00

Local farmer Bronagh will meet you at her working farm, where you will embark together on a walk and tour of agricultural life in The Burren’s unique limestone landscape. Finish up the tour with an award-winning home cooked lunch with ingredients straight from the farm.

Day 2 - Private Whiskey Tasting Read More +

Activity: Private Whiskey Tasting
| Start Time: 18:00

Step into a locally renowned Irish whiskey bar where bar owner & whiskey expert Margaret will walk you through a tasting of Ireland’s finest lesser known whiskeys. You will have the pub to yourselves to enjoy the experience exclusively and intimately.

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Monks
Reservation Time: 19:00
Website: https://monks.ie/

Dinner has been booked on a concierge basis for the group at Monks Seafood.

Day 3 - Thursday 5th September - Cycle the Clare Coast and The Cliffs of Moher

This morning, get on the ground experience with the ruggedly beautiful 1,600 mile long Wild Atlantic Way. Begin your cycle along a stretch of this coastal route directly from your hotel, riding along the coast to the village of Doolin for lunch. Before setting off you will meet your second guide, who will join you for the next three days as your dedicated bike support van driver. They will be following closely, ready to support your cycle as needed with stops enroute for snacks, beverages, and needed rests to ensure your comfort on the road.

Your next destination of the famous Cliffs of Moher is only a short drive away from here, where you will be able to take in the immaculate views of the 700 foot tall cliffs from high up. From here you will continue your drive down to “The Kingdom” of County Kerry. Your 5-star hotel tonight is nestled on a hill in the heart of Kenmare village, offering perfect proximity to the village while overlooking gorgeous views of Kenmare Bay.

Overnight: Kenmare | Park Hotel Kenmare
Room Type: 4x Deluxe King Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Ride Details: 34 km / 21 miles

Day 3 - Guide Details - John Neary Read More +

Name: John Neary
Contact Number: +353 (0)87 4144035
Meeting Place: Gregans Castle Hotel | Meeting Time: 09:00

Your bike support guide John will join you and Andrew at Gregans this morning, ready to hit the road on two wheels together.

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: Landline Restaurant | Location: The Park Hotel Kenmare
Reservation Time: 20:00

Dinner has been booked on a 3-course concierge basis for the group at their hotel’s fine dining restaurant.

Day 4 - Friday 6th September - Killarney National Park by Land and Lake

Killarney National Park is the most famous of Ireland’s national parks – and with good reason, as it is flourishing with breathtaking mountains, lakes and waterfalls. Historic manor houses and abbeys make for an interesting visit but Killarney is best explored via a beautiful forested and mountain hikes and a private boat trip across the lake. After your morning boat tour, your guide will lead you along a looped forest trail which finishes with a descent along Torc Waterfall, following its snaking path down to the lush green valley floor below.

Overnight: Kenmare | Park Hotel Kenmare
Room Type: 4x Deluxe King Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 15 km / 9 miles

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: No. 35
Reservation Time: 19:30
Website: https://no35kenmare.com/

Dinner has been booked on a concierge basis for the group at No. 35 in Kenmare.

Day 5 - Saturday 7th September - Explore the Beara Peninsula

Too often overlooked by visitors, the Beara Peninsula is a hidden paradise. At each turn, there is a new view to marvel upon, with panoramas over the hidden valleys, rocky slopes, sheep-dotted hills and far away lakes. This morning you will meet a guide and member of the local historical society as they lead you through the history and impact of the peninsula’s prominent copper mine. She is quite a character and wonderful storyteller as she brings to life the sounds and sights of the contemporary Industrial Age workers living within this stunning landscape.

After lunch in a seaside village, you will make your journey back to Kenmare by bike, allowing you to take in the coastal scenery and mountainous backdrops at your own pace and arrive at the door of your hotel as you finish. Your lead guide will join you for dinner tonight to celebrate your final night together and make a toast to the week of adventure gone by.

Overnight: Kenmare | Park Hotel Kenmare
Room Type: 4x Deluxe King Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Ride Details: 42 km / 26 miles

Day 5 - Beara Copper Mines Tour Read More +

Activity: Beara Copper Mines Tour
| Start Time: 10:00

Join a local historian for a tour of the Beara Peninsula’s copper mines, learning about their significance to the local landscape and communities while taking in the beautiful panoramic scenery.

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Lime Tree
Reservation Time: 19:30
Website: https://www.limetreerestaurant.com/

John and Andrew will both join you tonight for dinner in The Lime Tree in Kenmare, ready to make a toast to the week of adventure gone by.

Day 6 - Sunday 8th September - Unwind at Adare Manor

Saying goodbye to Kerry this morning, the drive back inland takes you to the bustling village of Adare. Adare has been voted Ireland’s prettiest town and with its traditional thatched roofed cottages, quaint tea rooms and inviting craft shops it is easy to see why. Your stay for your final night is in the Gothic splendour of Adare Manor, situated on 840 acres of pristine parkland with a Michelin starred restaurant, golf course and spa among some of the on site activities. From here, your lead guide will say farewell to leave you to relax at your own accord.

A golf tee time can be reserved for those keen for a round of 18 holes, with others having the chance to indulge in one of the manor’s range of experiential activities including falconry, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, horse riding and much more.

Overnight: Adare | Adare Manor
Room Type: 4x Deluxe Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Monday 9th September - Private Transfer to Departure

Your time in Ireland has come to an end and we wish you all the best as your private driver transfers you to your departure destination today. Slán Go Fóill! (Goodbye for now!)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 6 nights accommodation at hand-picked hotels
  • Breakfast each morning from Day 2 to Day 7
  • Lunch each day while guided from Day 1 to Day 6
  • Dinner on your first and final night with your lead guide
  • Services of an experienced lead cycling and hiking guide from Day 1 to Day 6
  • Services of an experienced support guide from Day 3 to Day 5
  • Bike rental on Day 3 and Day 5
  • Ground transportation in a hired Sprinter van from Day 1 to Day 6
  • A support van for days out cycling from Day 3 to Day 5
  • Private transfer to your departure destination from Adare Manor on Day 7
  • All guided hikes, entrance fees and activities, specifically:
    • Burren Farm private tour and lunch
    • Private Irish whiskey tasting
    • Cliffs of Moher entry
    • Private boat tour of Killarney lakes
    • Private tour of Beara copper mines
    • An onsite activity at Adare Manor (e.g. falconry, fishing, clay pigeon shooting)
  • All tips and gratuities for included activities and meals
  • Gratuities for your hired Sprinter driver
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 in-country support
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions (e.g. dinner on Days 2-4 and Day 6)
  • Activities and fees not mentioned in the inclusions (e.g. golf fees at Adare Manor)
  • Spa treatment at any hotels
  • Gratuities for your lead guide and support guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking
  • A 15% 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

Meet Your Guides

Andrew Lynas

Contact Number: +44 (0)7773 707 416

I grew up in the Glens of Antrim playing in the beautiful natural surroundings nearly every day – I guess that’s still what I do and it’s great helping others do the same! I love seeing people’s happy, windswept faces!

John Neary

Contact Number: +353 (0)87 4144035