Gatter Family Irish Adventure

Day 1 - Saturday 3^rd 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
Room Type: 3 King Doubles, 1 Queen Double
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Sunday 4^th August - Kilkenny & Cashel Enroute to Killarney

This morning, your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and whisk you away to Kerry – but not before stopping in the vibrant Kilkenny, 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 – a centre for Norman rule that has survived centuries of invasion and turmoil. After a tour of the castle head for lunch before you continue on your journey. Your next stop is the renowned Rock of Cashel, the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Checking into your hotel in Killarney this evening, your guide will join you for a welcome dinner.

Overnight: Killarney | The Lake Hotel
Room Type: 4 Lake View Double
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Monday 5^th August - Exploring Killarney National Park

After a leisurely breakfast, head into Killarney National Park – the jewel in the county’s crown. Soak up the beautiful views as you cruise along the lakes in a traditional boat. Be entertained by the history and folklore of the area from a lovable local and his canine friend. Relax in the park with a picnic lunch as you soak up the views and later on 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 | The Lake Hotel
Room Type: 4 Lake Doubles
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Tuesday 6^th August - Soda Bread Making on The Dingle Peninsula

Head off this morning to explore the wild and rugged Dingle peninsula, a distilled expression of the best of Ireland. Take a walk on the stunning white sand Inch Beach and admire the breathtaking scenery around you.  Continuing to Dingle, this is Gaeltacht country where the Irish language is still widely spoken as a first language and culture and traditions remain strong. You’ll try your hand at one of these traditions as you learn to bake Irish soda bread while learning the history of Irish food. Your table will never be without a fresh Irish loaf of homemade bread again! Heading back to Killarney this evening, we recommend catching a trad music session in one of the local pubs – if you haven’t already!

Overnight: Killarney | The Lake Hotel
Room Type: 4 Lake View Doubles
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 4 km / 2 miles

Day 5 - Wednesday 7^th August - Bunratty Castle & Doolin

This morning, you will make your way further north to the small village of Doolin. En route, stop in the wonderful and charming Adare, once voted “Ireland’s prettiest village”. Grab some lunch and have a wander before continuing on to visit the iconic Bunratty Castle – one of Ireland’s most historic castles and a viking trading camp in 970. This evening check into your boutique accommodation before strolling around town and perhaps stopping in Gus O Connor’s tavern, well known for their nightly music sessions.

Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn
Room Type: 4 Townhouse Executive Doubles
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 8^th August - The Cliffs of Moher

Set sail today with a ferry boat cruise under Ireland’s famed Cliffs of Moher for views most never see. 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 all from the safety and comfort of the ferry. This evening at a local distillery, a 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 each of your family can choose to take part in the tasting, as the host will provide a range of soft drinks as well. Your guide will join you tonight for a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn
Room Type: 4 Townhouse Executives
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 - Friday 9^th August - Return to Dublin

This morning, your guide will take you directly to the airport for your flight home. We do hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we once again have the opportunity to welcome to our shores.

*Shannon airport is the closest airport for departure, but Dublin is also possible

Meals Included: Breakfast