Final Information Wendy Perrin- Julie Lehman Family Ireland

Julie Lehman

Sunday 19th May – Saturday 25th May 2024

Number of Travellers: 4
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure with a tailor-made self-drive itinerary through the captivating landscapes of Ireland. Designed with your family in mind, this journey promises a perfect blend of freedom and exploration. Traverse winding roads, uncover hidden gems, and indulge in authentic culinary delights as you discover the rich cultural tapestry and scenic beauty that Ireland is renowned for. From historic castles and charming villages to dramatic coastlines and vibrant cities, our meticulously curated experience ensures an immersive and personalised exploration. Let every turn of the road unveil new chapters in your family’s Irish odyssey, creating cherished memories against the backdrop of this enchanting destination.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 19th May - Welcome to Ireland

Arriving in Dublin this morning, collect your rental car at the airport and make your way out of the city, heading west, to where the crashing Atlantic Ocean meets the Irish shores. On route, we have a selection of recommended stops for food and activity with the ancient monastic ruins of Clonmacnoise being one of the most popular.

St Ciarán founded his monastery on the banks of the River Shannon in the 6th Century. The monastery flourished and became a great seat of learning, a University of its time with students from all over Europe. Today the ruins include a Cathedral, two round towers, three high crosses, nine Churches and over 700 Early Christian grave-slabs.

This afternoon, explore Galway’s bohemian charms with a foodies walking tour. Galway’s streets are full of street performers, buskers, live theatres and those who love to immerse themselves in the arts and culture scene. Along with the arts, Galway has a firm hold on its place on the Irish Foodie scene with fresh produce in abundance. Sample sweet and savoury treats as you walk the bustling streets learning as you go.

Overnight: Galway | The Hardiman
Room Type: Deluxe Double & Classic Twin
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: May 19, 2024

Day 1 - Car Rental Pick Up Details Read More +

Car Rental Company: Arranged privately by client

Arranged privately by client

Day 1 - Galway Food Tour Read More +

Activity: Galway Food Tour
Guide Name : Sheena Dignam
Start Location: Outside McCambridges Shop, 38 Shop Street, Galway, H91 T2N7 | Start Time: 15:30 | Approx Duration: 3 hrs
Phone: +353 (0)86 733 2885 | Website: http://www.galwayfoodtours.com/

Sheena will be waiting outside McCambridges Shop for you.

The address is 38 Shop Street, H91 T2N7

You can park behind your hotel, The Hardiman in the marked car park and walk to Shop Street. The walk is less than 10 minutes

Walking Route

Day 1 - Directions Read More +

Driving Route Dublin to Galway via Clonmacnoise 

About Clonmacnoise 

*Please check local opening days and times 

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Please see attached Galway Recommended Restaurants list below.

We are happy to make reservations for you and would always recommend booking in advance especially on a Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Day 2 - Monday 20th May - The Wilds of Connemara

Connemara is an exceptional region with wild open plains surrounded by mountains and hills all waiting for you to explore. Described by Oscar Wilde as a “savage beauty”, the heather clad, windswept hills of the Connemara landscape beckon you today.  Take a hike in the park, the views from the top of Diamond Hill’s glittering quartzite summit are worth the effort for sure before exploring the coast with little villages and beaches a plenty such as Carraroe, Roundstone and Dogsbay.

This evening your hotel is just outside the lively town of Clifden, home to Irish Traditional music and native Irish speakers. We recommend dining in town before checking out the pub scene.

 

Overnight: Connemara | Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double & Standard twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Suggested Hike Read More +

Activity: Suggested Hike
Name of Hike: Diamond Hill
Website: https://www.visitgalway.ie/things-to-do/hiking-and-walking-trails/diamond-hill/

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Enjoy the onsite restaurant or eat in nearby Clifden Village.

Please see attached Clifden Recommended Restaurants list below.

We are happy to make reservations for you and would always recommend booking in advance especially on a Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Day 2 - Directions Read More +

The Hardiman to AbbeyGlen Castle Hotel
via Diamond Hill & Kylemore Abbey

Day 3 - Tuesday 21st May - Connemara to Clare

Time to hit the road today, taking your time, exploring along the way as you move from Galway to Clare passing through the Burren’s rocky alien landscape, said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Visit a local sheep farm where you’ll enjoy the opportunity to walk through this unique landscape and see the sheepdogs at work. This tour will also include a walk to a prehistoric stone fort, with a worldly history which will be brought to life by the farm’s local guide and multi-sensory presentations. Excavations from the site, ranging from Venetian glass and Baltic amber, serve to juxtapose the ancient settlement against its contemporary trading inhabitants.
Your hotel this evening stands on the coastal edge with stunning sea views, surrounded by beaches. There are so many activities here to choose from including surfing, kayaking and hiking the Cliffs of Moher Trail.

 

Overnight: Clare | Armada Hotel
Room Type: Ocean View Superior & Classic Twin Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sheep Farm Experience Read More +

Activity: Sheep Farm Experience
Owner name : Sean & Maura
Start Location: Caherconnell, Carran, Co Clare V95 YK31 | Start Time: 13:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Booking Reference: Lehman
Phone: +353 (0)65 708 9999 | Website: http://caherconnell.com/sheepdog/

Private Caherconnell Sheepdog Demo & Fort- if you arrive early you can enjoy lunch onsite at Mount Haven cafe.

Instructions for Clients without a guide:
You can park behind the visitor centre rather than public car park, first left after public car park if coming from Kilfenora/Corofin side, first right before car park if coming from Ballyvaughan.

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend you eat onsite at the hotel with gorgeous sea views to enjoy

Day 3 - Some additional stops and places of interest Read More +

Day 4 - Wednesday 22nd May - The Aran Islands

It’s hard to resist the allure of one of the many islands that dot the Irish coastline and today, 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 where you will join up with two brothers for an exciting 4×4 adventure on the island. Explore hidden parts of the island, learn the history and culture from the locals and see the native flora and fauna, the blue flag beach and natural landmarks.

Overnight: Clare | Armada Hotel
Room Type: Ocean View Superior & Classic Twin Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Ferry Details Read More +

Operator: Doolin Ferry Company/ OBrien Line
Booking Reference: Lehman
Contact Number: +353 (0)65 707 5555 / +353 87 235 9918

Outward Journey Departure Port: Doolin Harbour | Outward Journey Departure Time: 09:00
Outward Journey Arrival Port: Inish Mor | Outward Journey Arrival Time: 09:40

Return Journey Departure Port: Inish Mor | Return Journey Departure Time: 16:15
Return Journey Arrival Port: Doolin Harbour | Return Journey Arrival Time: 17:00

Return Ferry To Inis Mor

You will need to collect your tickets 30 minutes before departure time.

Please mention that they are booked through Wilderness Ireland. Tickets will be ready at the desk.

Day 4 - 4x4 Experience Read More +

Activity: 4x4 Experience
Guide name : Pádraigh and Aonghus
Start Location: Aran Harbour | Start Time: 09:45 | Approx Duration: 6 hrs
Booking Reference: Lehman
Phone: +35383 018 5175 | Website: https://www.aranoffroadexperience.ie/

Aran Off Road will be parked about a 2 minute walk up from where the boat docks. Just walk up in the direction of the main village and you will see the vehicle.

Feel free to take drinks and snacks with you and warm layers should it be breezy. You will have the opportunity to stop for lunch on the island.
We advise wearing trainers, good walking shoes. Nothing too light.

Day 4 - Directions Read More +

Armada Hotel to Doolin Harbour

Paid parking is available at the harbour.

Day 4 - Details Read More +

There are some fantastic restaurants in Doolin and we recommend staying on for dinner after the islands before returning to your hotel.

The Ivy Cottage

Anthony’s @ Doolin Inn

Gus O’Connors

 

Day 5 - Thursday 23rd May - Clare to Dublin

A last jump in the ocean or beach walk this morning before the journey back east to Ireland’s capital for a few days of city exploration with friends.

This afternoon leave your car back to its rental office or parked up at your hotel before heading the mecca for Guinness lovers and novices alike, The Guinness Storehouse for your tour and tasting.

Overnight: Dublin | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: Executive King & Classic Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Guinness Storehouse Read More +

Activity: Guinness Storehouse
Start Location: St James' Gate, Dublin 8 | Start Time: 15:45
Booking Reference: 901975647
Phone: +353 (0)1 408 4800 | Website: https://ttp://www.guinness-storehouse.com

Tickets attached

Guinness Storehouse – Stoutie Experience
The Guinness Storehouse Experience is a self-guided tour and will take approximately 90 minutes.

An audio guide is complimentary and subject to availability.

To ensure a comfortable experience for all visitors, if you don’t arrive within your 15-minute time slot, your Guinness Storehouse Experience booking will be moved to the next available time slot.

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Please see attached recommended restaurants list for Dublin

We always advise you check local opening days and times and book in advance.

Day 5 - Parking at The Alex Hotel Dublin Read More +

Parking The Alex Hotel Dublin

Alexander Court Car Park

The car park for The Alex, Alexander Court, is also located on Fenian Street and is a short few minutes’ walk to the hotel. There is an overnight rate of €15 for guests (which is in line with the check-in time of 4pm and check out time of 11am). The hourly fee is €3 per hour before and after those times. To access the car park, guest need an access code. Our reception team can provide this information during your check in.

Day 6 - Friday 24th May - Celtic Games

Dare to be a Celtic Warrior today! Take a journey of discovery deep into Irish culture, where our sports and language meet. From hurling, one of the oldest field sports in the world, to Gaelic football you will experience an enthralling energy packed introduction to our National Games that will literally take your breath away and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

The Canaday’s will join you for the games today.

Overnight: Dublin | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: Executive King & Classic Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Clash Gaelic Games Read More +

Activity: Clash Gaelic Games
Guides: eil, Cillian and Gareth O'Driscoll
Start Location: Naomh Mearnóg GAA club Portmarnock Dublin | Start Time: 15:00 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs
Phone: +353 876408017 | Website: https://www.clash.ie

Head to Naomh Mearnóg GAA Club, Portmarnock for your afternoon GAA Experience where you can test you skills with a Sliotar and Hurl.

The Canaday’s will also join you.

If you prefer not to drive, the hotel can pre book a cab or two for you all

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

See attached recommended restaurants Dublin list.

As always we encourage you to check local opening days and times and to pre book your table.

Day 7 - Saturday 25th May - Depart Dublin

Departing Dublin airport today we hope your time in Ireland has been memorable for all the family.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 7
  • Breakfast daily
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
    – Galway Food Tour
    – Sheep Farm Tour
    – Aran Ferry & Off Roading Experience
    – Tickets Guinness Storehouse
    – Celtic Games Experience
  • Guide book, driving maps and electronic routes.
  • Personalised trip design
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Car Rental
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
Notes Read More

Please note the following Hotel Reservation Numbers:

The Hardiman Galway – 285131362 & 285134915

AbbeyGlen Castle: 24373WG

Armada Hotel : 285846964 & 285847895

The Alex Hotel : 22380558 and 22380559.

Important Additional Information Read More
  • General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Dublin Suggested Restaurants - PDF: View Now
  • Galway Suggested Restaurants - PDF: View Now
  • Clifden Suggested Restaurants - PDF: View Now
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Get in Touch


Accommodation

The Hardiman Hotel

Eyre Square | Galway | Galway |
H91 NFD2 | Ireland
Phone: +33 91 64041
Web: thehardiman.ie

Abbeyglen Castle

Clifden | Galway | Galway |
Ireland
Phone: +353 9521201
Web: abbeyglen.ie

Armada Hotel

Breaffy South | Spanish Point | Clare |
Ireland
Phone: +353 65 707 9000
Web: armadahotel.com

The Alex Hotel

2 Fenian Street | Dublin 2 | Dublin |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)1 607 3700
Web: thealexhotel.ie