tel: 1-844-235-6240
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 afternoon wandering the quaint cobbled streets of a little village or breathing in the sea air along the coastal roads and bylanes, you will be met with warm smiles and an open heart by the people who call Ireland home.
Arriving into Ireland this morning, a private transfer will meet you at the airport and drop you at your 5* city centre hotel.
Once you get settled, head out 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 Merrion
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Checking out of your accommodation this morning, say goodbye to Dublin as it’s time to head west. Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and together you will begin your journey. The Burren National Park was designated a UNESCO site due to its unique other-worldly limestone landscape containing a fascinating mix of unusual flora, fauna, geology and ancient archeology alongside the thriving farming communities – and you are staying in the heart of it!
Your accommodation for the next three nights is a family run, 18th century manor house, complete with welcoming open fires, antique furniture and their very own organic garden. Check in and relax onsite – tonight your guide will join you for a welcome dinner.
Overnight: The Burren | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Together with your guide you will spend today exploring some of the natural and historical sites found in the Burren region. Said to be inspiration for JRR Tolkein’s Middle Earth, this fascinating landscape is known for the variety of wildflowers that grow in the cracks and crevices of the limestone earth. Wind your way over the stark rocky terrain, past prehistoric tombs and through wildflower grasslands. Afterwards, stop at a local smokehouse for a Master Class in Smoking Salmon while enjoying a glass of wine. Learn of the unique smoking processes and techniques that go into creating the company’s award winning products. Meet Peter Curtin, master brewer and third generation owner of the micro brewery and pub and sample some delicious beers before enjoying an onsite lunch.
Overnight: The Burren | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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. The Aran islands seem to defy their size by all they have to offer: breathtaking scenery, mediaeval castles, cliffs and prehistoric forts are all to be found on this little group of islands.
Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands, is your destination today. The first port of call is a goat farm, here Gabriel, fisherman-come-goat farmer and island native will introduce you to his flock of extraordinarily cute goats. You’ll taste his award-winning cheese, but more importantly, you will leave with his wealth of knowledge on the island’s history, language and culture. We 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.
Overnight: The Burren | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Checking out of your hotel this morning, it’s time to head further north. 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. What better way to spend an afternoon here than a delectable food tour? Stop off in the city and tantalise your taste buds with a delightful journey through Galway’s culinary scene. From artisanal cheeses, craft beers, to handcrafted chocolate, this will be a true feast for the senses. Continuing the gastronomic theme (Galway is renowned for its exceptional cuisine) why not try one of the city’s best Michelin starred restaurants before converging on one of the many lively, music-filled pubs. Your accommodation for the next two nights is ideally located right off Eyre Square.
Overnight: Galway | The Hardiman
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
It’s hard to believe located only an hours drive from the city is one of the most beautiful National Parks Ireland has to offer. 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: Galway | The Hardiman
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning, your guide will take you directly to Dublin 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
