Judd - Irish Adventure Final Information

Kory & Darlene

Thursday 16th May – Saturday 25th May 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Overview

Enjoy the lively and colourful streets of Dublin with your 5 star hotel as a calm oasis to retreat to when needed.  Ireland’s capital city has culture and history living side by side with shopping, bars and restaurants in an eclectic mix of the ancient and the modern all on your doorstep. Travel west and uncover the natural history of the varied landscape from verdant green pastures, to wild mountain scenery, to lichen pickled traditional stone walls. These are just some of the 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.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Thursday 16th May | Arrival in Dublin | Overnight: Dublin

Day 2 | Friday 17th May | Historical Walking Tour of Dublin, Trinity College & The Book of Kells | Overnight: Dublin

Day 3 | Saturday 18th May | Meet your Guide & Galway Food Tour | Overnight: Connemara

Day 4 | Sunday 19th May | Visit Inishbofin with a Local Archaeologist | Overnight: Connemara

Day 5 | Monday 20th May | Oyster Farm Tour En Route to Clare | Overnight: Ballyvaughan

Day 6 | Tuesday 21st May | Burren Smokehouse Experience | Overnight: Ballyvaughan

Day 7 | Wednesday 22nd May | Cliffs of Moher En Route to Kerry | Overnight: Kenmare

Day 8 | Thursday 23rd May | Unique Seaweed Foraging Experience | Overnight: Kenmare

Day 9 | Friday 24th May | Return to Dublin | Overnight: Dublin

Day 10 | Saturday 25th May | Departure

Highlights

  • Feel the warmth of an Irish welcome from the moment you arrive in Ireland.
  • Meet locals and enjoy authentically Irish experiences.
  • Discover off the beaten path locations

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 16th May - Arrival in Dublin

Arriving into Dublin airport today you will be met at arrivals and transferred to your 5 star hotel for the night, The Westbury. Although these next couple of days are unguided, we have plenty of recommendations for you for places to visit and excellent tours that offer insight into Ireland’s culture and history.

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury
Room Type: Classic Double
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Dublin Chauffeurs
Pick Up Location: The Westbury | Pick Up Time: 12:50 | Approx Duration: 0.5 hrs
Phone: +353 (0)87 233 8396

Justin or one of his drivers will meet you in arrivals. He has your flight details, so please don’t be alarmed if you are delayed.

Day 1 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend having lunch at your hotel.

Day 1 - Suggested stops Read More +

EPIC Museum You won’t find leprechauns or pots of gold here, but you will discover that what it means to be Irish expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world.

Kilmainham Gaol For over 100 years Kilmainham Gaol held thousands of men, women and children for crimes that ranged from minor offences to being involved in some of the most momentous events in Irish history.

Dublin Castle Constructed in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland.

National Gallery of Ireland At the corner of Merrion Square West and Clare Street, the recently renovated National Gallery is a treasure trove of permanent and temporary art exhibitions. Highlights include Ireland’s National Portrait Collection, the Yeats Archive and stained glass by Harry Clarke.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Matt The Thresher
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: Kory Judd
Website: https://matts.ie/

Please cancel this reservation 48 hours in advance if you change your mind. Dinner should be paid for locally.

Day 2 - Friday 17th May - Historical Walking Tour of Dublin, Trinity College & The Book of Kells

Enjoy a morning 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. Your guide is a historian who will bring the city to life with colourful tales of life in the city in times gone by. Your tour ends near the campus of Dublin’s Trinity College, where you will join a group walking tour of the campus before viewing the Book of Kells and Old Library. Afterward, immerse yourself in the vibrant Temple Bar area, known for its lively pubs, restaurants, and live music. Have dinner at one of the many traditional Irish pubs and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Overnight: Dublin | The Wesybury
Room Type: Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Historical Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Historical Walking Tour
Tour Guide: Tommy
Start Location: The Westbury | Start Time: 10:00
End Location: Trinity College Campus | End Time: 12:00 pm
Phone: +353 (0)87 688 9412

Tommy or one of his guides will meet you in the lobby of your hotel.

Day 2 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend The Pig & Heifer or Shaka Poke.

Day 2 - Campus Tour & Book of Kells Read More +

Activity: Campus Tour & Book of Kells
Start Location: Trinity College Campus | Start Time: 14:00 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs

Enter Trinity College through the Front Gate on College GreenYour Guided Tour will commence from the Camponile in Front Square*Download Visit Trinity App if you want to get the Audio Link for the book of Kells*

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Fire Steakhouse
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: Kory Judd
Website: https://www.firesteakhouse.ie/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic

Please note there is a €30 no show fee. Please cancel this reservation at least 24 hours in advance.

Day 3 - Saturday 18th May - Meet your Guide & Galway Food Tour

This morning, it’s time to meet your guide. Galway has a lively traditional and contemporary music and arts scene and you will find buskers and street performers to entertain you as you wander the cobbled streets. Making your way towards Connemara, 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. Your accommodation for the next three nights, Ballynahinch Castle, sits on its own 700 acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara. There is shooting, walking, fly fishing, horse back, falconry, hill walking, and a handful of villages to visit close by. Tonight, your guide will join you for a welcome dinner.

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Guide Details - Warner Wilders Read More +

Name: Warner Wilders
Contact Number: +353 (0)86 022 9952
Meeting Place: The Westbury | Meeting Time: 08:30

Warner will meet you in the lobby of the Westbury.

Day 3 - Galway Food Tour Read More +

Activity: Galway Food Tour
Sheena:
Start Location: In front of McCammbridges 38, Shop Street. | Start Time: 12:00 | Approx Duration: 3 hrs

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Fisherman's Pub at Ballynahinch Castle
Reservation Time: 19:30

Your guide will join you for dinner tonight. Note: Dinner is included.

Day 4 - Sunday 19th May - Visit Inishbofin with a Local Archaeologist

Meet a local historian and archaeologist today and together explore the nearby Inishbofin Island. Inhibition on the island dates as far back as 8000-4000 BC, and her most famous resident was a Pirate Queen. Today the 16th century Cromwellian Barracks is well preserved along with a host of heritage sites. Spend the evening onsite at Ballynahinch or catch a trad session (and some craic!) in one of the nearby villages.

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Inishbofin with an Archaeologist Read More +

Activity: Inishbofin with an Archaeologist
Guide: Michael Gibbons
Start Location: Cleggan Pier | Start Time: 11:00 | Approx Duration: 6 hrs
Phone: +353 (0)95 21379

Please wear comfortable walking shoes and waterproof clothing if necessary. Warner will collect your ferry tickets.

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Mitchell's Seafood Restaurant | Location: Clifden
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: Kory Judd
Phone: +353 (0)95 21867

Day 5 - Monday 20th May - Oyster Farm Tour En Route to Clare

Venturing into the heart of Connemara National Park, Killary Fjord dominates the landscape as an important fishing source throughout history for the locals. The fresh tidal waters on this part of Ireland’s coastline make a perfect growing ground for oysters and shellfish from here are shipped worldwide, renowned for the flavour and texture. Today you will donn waterproofs and join an oyster farmer as he does his rounds, learning all about the process of oyster growing and a little bit about what life is like on Ireland’s west coast. Afterwards, it’s time to head down to county Clare and check in to your next accommodation, located right on the pier in Ballyvaughan.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Monks
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Private Oyster Farm Tour Read More +

Activity: Private Oyster Farm Tour
| Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs

Please wear waterproof clothing.

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Monks
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: BLXZ4Z42
Website: https://monks.ie/

Day 6 - Tuesday 21st May - Burren Smokehouse Experience

After a relaxing morning, make your way to a local smokehouse for a Master Class in Smoking Salmon while enjoying a glass of wine or a pint of beer! Learn of the unique smoking processes and techniques that go into creating the company’s award winning products. Meet Peter Curtin, master brewer and their generation owner of the micro brewery and pub and sample some delicious beers before enjoying an onsite lunch.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Monks
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Private Tour of Burren Smokehouse Read More +

Activity: Private Tour of Burren Smokehouse
| Start Time: 11:30 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Doolin Inn
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: Kory Judd
Website: https://www.doolininn.ie/

Day 7 - Wednesday 22nd May - Cliffs of Moher En Route to Kerry

This morning, visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher. 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. After a walk along the cliff edge, take a tour of the visitors centre before heading to Kenmare for the evening. On the way, you will visit the wonderful and charming Adare village – known as the prettiest village in Ireland. Arriving in the Kingdom of Kerry, your 5 star hotel and base for the next few nights is just outside the small town of Kenmare.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: Superior Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - The Cliffs of Moher Read More +

Activity: The Cliffs of Moher
| Start Time: 09:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs

Exact timings will be discussed the day before with your guide.

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Lime Tree
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: Kory Judd
Website: https://www.limetreerestaurant.com/

Day 8 - Thursday 23rd May - Unique Seaweed Foraging Experience

As you make your way into the southern part of the Ring of Kerry, the landscape becomes wilder and more rugged. At a secluded bay, meet a local foraging expert and storyteller who will take you on a wander along the shoreline learning about life on Ireland’s West Coast. Have a toast and enjoy some seaweed nibbles including the flavoursome Duilleasc and Nori, the famous sushi roll wrapping. Afterwards, visit the home of one of Ireland’s most famous revolutionary political figures. This evening, a golf tee time has been reserved for you – the southwest of Ireland is a golfer’s paradise – and as you overlook Kenmare Bay you will see why! Tonight your guide will join you for a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: Superior Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 - Private Seaweed Foraging Experience Read More +

Activity: Private Seaweed Foraging Experience
| Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs

Please wear waterproof clothing.

Day 8 - Tee Time at Sheen Falls Read More +

Activity: Tee Time at Sheen Falls
| Start Time: 15:00

A shuttle service to the golf course is provided by the hotel. Note: Tip for caddy is not included.

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Stables Brasserie
Reservation Time: 20:00

Your guide will join you for a farewell dinner this evening.

Day 9 - Friday 24th May - Return to Dublin

This morning, it’s time to check out and say goodbye to the South West of Ireland! Your guide will drop you to your hotel in Dublin City, the Westbury. Depending on how you feel, choose to stop off in Cork City at the famed English Markets. This evening, put your feet up and relax before your flight in the morning!

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury
Room Type: Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Suggested Stops Read More +

The GPO The GPO Museum is an immersive, interactive and engaging experience telling the story of the 1916 Easter Rising and Modern Irish History.

The Jeanie Johnston One million Irish people fled Ireland during the famine. 2,500 took a gruelling voyage on the Jeanie Johnston. Take a journey back in time, get an insight into life on board a Famine ship and hear the stories of the people who made the arduous voyage.

Marsh’s Library Marsh’s Library is a beautifully preserved library of the early Enlightenment. It was built with money provided by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh, an academic and book lover with a strong belief in the public utility of education and learning.

Day 9 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Pichet
Reservation Time: 18:30
Website: https://pichet.ie/

Day 10 - Saturday 25th May - Departure

This morning, your private transfer will collect you in the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to the airport where it’s time to head back home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Dublin Chauffeurs
Pick Up Location: The Westbury | Pick Up Time: 08:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Phone: Justin

Justin or one of his drivers will meet you in the lobby of your hotel.

Trip Details

Important Additional Information Read More
  • Ireland Guide General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Book of Kells Tickets - PDF: View Now

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Meet Your Guide

Warner Wilders

Contact Number: +353 (0)86 022 9952

I have over 15 years of biking and hiking experience and am also a Fully Qualified Mountain Bike Guide and Instructor. My hobbies include sailing, surfing, hiking, cross-country and downhill mountain biking and hanging out with friends.

I have a real passion for Sligo and the northwest of Ireland and this reflects in my tours of the area. I love nothing more than letting people know that northwest Ireland is the best place in the world and that I would live nowhere else. I spend my time exploring Sligo and making the most of what the area offers. I make this my business.

Outside the tourist season, I am a sports therapist. I’ve travelled throughout the world and know what it is like to be a tourist. I have a strong belief that the time you spend on your holiday is very important and every minute counts. This belief helps ensure you enjoy your trip from start to finish. Whether it is a guided day tour or a week-long tour, my main aim is to make sure you have the experience of a lifetime.

Virtuoso

Judd – Irish Adventure Final Information

Thursday 16th May – Saturday 25th May 2024