Koch Family's Irish Adventure

Monday 1st July – Monday 8th July 2024

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

Picturesque coastal towns and villages, green pastoral fields, soaring cliffs, wild barren landscapes, the crash of the ocean, the laugh of a local. Ireland is romantic, authentic, a home away from home where both old and modern seem to cohabit seamlessly on a small island in the middle of the sea. Packed with history and tradition your days are spent exploring Ireland’s famous and off the beaten track sites of natural, cultural and ancient interest. A world renowned food scene means your evenings are spent dining in style and with the promise of a pub just around the corner, music and laughter are never far away. Your trip to Ireland will surprise and delight you but the people of Ireland will stay with you, long after your journey has taken you home.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Monday 1st July | Welcome to Dublin | Overnight: Dublin

Day 2 | Tuesday 2nd July | Dublin to Killarney via Blarney | Overnight: Killarney

Day 3 | Wednesday 3rd July | Ring of Kerry | Overnight: Killarney

Day 4 | Thursday 4th July | Exploring Killarney National Park | Overnight: Killarney

Day 5 | Friday 5th July | The Cliffs of Moher | Overnight: Galway

Day 6 | Saturday 6th July | Galway Food Tour & Irish Dancing | Overnight: Galway

Day 7 | Sunday 7th July | The Aran Islands | Overnight: Galway

Day 8 | Monday 8th July | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Monday 1st July - Welcome to Dublin

Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you into the city centre to your 5 star hotel. Check-in is at 3pm however feel free to leave your bags, freshen up, or have a bite to eat. This afternoon, you are free to wander around Dublin as you please. Take a stroll over to Temple Bar, walk across the Ha’Penny Bridge, or visit the GPO, a historic landmark and a symbol of Ireland’s struggle for independence. Tonight, enjoy dinner at one of Dublin’s many award winning restaurants.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion
Room Type: Superior Double/Twin
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Tuesday 2nd July - Dublin to Killarney via Blarney

Your private guide will meet you in your hotel lobby this morning, and after introductions you will begin your journey into the countryside travelling through Ireland’s hidden heartlands. Your first stop is the quaint village of Blarney, ‘There is a stone there, that whoever kisses, OH! He never misses, to grow eloquent’. Less well known is the garden and grounds that surround the castle, between the entrance gates and the distant lake lie 60 acres of surprises, delights and mysteries waiting to be discovered. Enjoy some time here and after lunch, continue on to check in to your accommodation, nestled on the edge of Killarney National Park. Enjoy some free time to explore the colourful Killarney town this afternoon, known for its bustling atmosphere and traditional Irish pubs. Finish the day listening to some tunes by an open fire.

Overnight: Killarney | The Lake Hotel
Room Type: Lake View Double/Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Wednesday 3rd July - Ring of Kerry

This morning you’ll embark on one of the most scenic drives in Ireland along the Ring of Kerry, which has evolved beyond a simple driving route. It is an iconic destination wrapped in a stunning visual history, with diverse wildlife scattered across Ireland’s lush green hills. The glacial valleys of Moll’s Gap are one of the most dramatic views on the Ring of Kerry route. On the road between Killarney and Kenmare, Moll’s Gap boasts the ultimate view of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range, the predominant mountain range of the Iveragh Peninsula.   Throughout the day, your guide will share fascinating stories and insights into the region’s history, culture, and traditions, enhancing your appreciation for the stunning landscapes and timeless charm of this part of the island.

Overnight: Killarney | The Lake Hotel
Room Type: Lake View Double/Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 4th July - Exploring Killarney National Park

After a leisurely breakfast, head  into Killarney National Park – the jewel in the county’s crown. Today the park encompasses 26,000 acres of mountains, woodlands, lakes, waterfalls and history. Joined by your guide, enjoy a relaxing with a picnic lunch and soaking up the beautiful views. Later this afternoon, your guide will lead you through the grounds and gardens of Muckross House, a 19th century mansion set upon the shores of the glistening lake. Return to your charming accommodation this evening, sitting down to a delicious, locally sourced dinner.

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

Day 5 - Friday 5th July - The Cliffs of Moher

Leaving the Kingdom of Kerry behind this morning, make your way into the neighbouring counties of Limerick and Clare. Your first stop this morning is into the buzzing village of Adare, where you can stretch your legs with a wander between its traditional thatched-roof cottages, local art galleries, and warming cafes. Further up on your drive north, the real treat for the day is to see the famous Cliffs of Moher up close. Dropping some 700 feet below to the sea, the Cliffs are set among a jaw-dropping landscape with the cobalt waters swirling below and rolling green sheep-laden fields toward the land. Retire for the evening in Galway city, the unofficial capital of Ireland’s west coast with a rich history and strong culture which we will explore more tomorrow.

Overnight: Galway | The House Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Double / Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Saturday 6th July - Galway Food Tour & Irish Dancing

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. To top off the day , we have organised an intimate performance of Irish dance in one of the oldest pubs in Galway. Soak up the wonderful atmosphere, music and dance unique to this island while enjoying a glass of uisce beatha. .

Overnight: Galway | The House Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Double/Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Sunday 7th July - The Aran Islands

It’s hard to resist the allure of one of the many islands that dot the Irish coastline and today you 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. These islands seem to defy their size by all they have to offer: breathtaking scenery, medieval 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 and you will get to fully immerse into the culture. Your guide will introduce you to the well known as well as the off the beaten track locations and together you will pay a visit to Gabriel, fisherman-come-goat farmer and island native. Gabriel will introduce you to his flock of extraordinarily cute goats and you can sample some cheese while he regales you with his wealth of knowledge on the island’s history, language and culture.

Overnight: Galway | The House Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Double/Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Monday 8th July - Depart

This morning, your guide will drop you back to the airport for your flight home. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we look forward to welcoming you to our shores once again.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 8
  • Most meals as indicated above, breakfast each morning, 7 lunch
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 2 to Day 8
  • Ground transportation from Day 2 to Day 8
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking
  • A 20% 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
Pricing Read More

The price of this trip is €4,952 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Virtuoso

Koch Family’s Irish Adventure

Monday 1st July – Monday 8th July 2024