Jill Bueddefeld and friends

Day 1 - Saturday 29^th June - Dublin to Clare- Afternoon Cliffs of Moher

Meeting your private Wilderness Ireland guide this morning at your Dublin hotel, together you will journey west, to The Wild Atlantic Way and to Ireland’s famed Cliffs of Moher. Connecting the lively villages of Liscannor and Doolin, the full walk is 20km long and can take up to 4.5 hours however, you will enjoy a section of it this afternoon cumulating at the cliffs with tea and cake in the visitors centre before making your way to your accommodation for the evening where your guide will join you for dinner.

Overnight: Clare | Gregans Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 6 km / 4 miles

Day 2 - Sunday 30^th June - The Aran Islands

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.

Once back on the mainland, a unique whiskey tasting experience in a local pub boasting one of the largest private collections of whiskey in Ireland.

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

Day 3 - Monday 1^st July - The Burren Perfumery

The Burren region is world-wide unique, known for its vast array of wildflowers, including over 40 species of orchid, that blanket the rocky limestone landscape from spring through summer. In the heart of the National Park is The Burren Perfumery, a boutique perfumer influenced by the natural beauty of the landscape. Here you will enjoy a private hands-on experience, meet the producers and see how the products are made.
Leaving Clare, passing through lively Galway City we once again head to the coast and into the wild expanse of Connemara. Your hotel is nestle in the shadows of the 12 Bens Mountain Range, surrounded by acres of lush woodlands and manicured gardens it even boats its own fishery and cycling greenway. For your entertainment this evening a local storyteller will join you with folklore and fables of old before dinner.

Overnight: Galway | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Tuesday 2^nd July - Connemara

The hills and mountains of Connemara are defined by the ocean surrounding, and this is particularly evident at the beautiful Killary Fjord. This morning you will visit a family run shellfish farm where you can head out onto the fjord, lift a string of mussels for hauling and harvesting and understand the lifecycle of these delicious shellfish. After, your guide will lead you on a short hike along the shores along 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 into town this evening for a traditional music session in a local pub after a fantastic dinner of locally caught seafood. Your guide will join you making this your final guided nights together.

Overnight: Galway | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 - Wednesday 3^rd July - Ashford Castle

The 800-year-old Ashford Castle on the border of Galway and Mayo was once owned by the Guinness family. Ashford has a history dating back to the 12th century and has earned its place in Ireland’s history books. Today, Ashford is one of Ireland’s premier hotels offering an unforgettable experience to all its visitors.

Making your way to the castle to enjoy as much time onsite as you can, your guide will take their leave of you and the group at the castle, leaving you to enjoy your final night unaccompanied. Take advantage of the activities and enjoy some outdoor pursuits this afternoon including Falconry and Clay Shooting.

Dining options this evening range from fine dining tasting menus in the George V dining room to more casual restaurant and bistro options. We are happy to make reservations for you.

Overnight: Mayo | Ashford Castle Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Thursday 4^th July - Transfer to Dublin

Leaving the serenity of Ashford Castle behind a private transfer will take you and the group back east to Dublin Airport in time for pre flight clearance and your onwards travel home.

We hope that your time with us in Ireland has been memorable and we have the opportunity to welcome you to our shores once again.

Meals Included: Breakfast