Mustin Irish Adventure
Mark & Joyce
Friday 19th April – Wednesday 24th April 2024
Overview
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 visit to a remote island, 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.
Day by Day
Day 1 - Friday 19th April - Meet Your Guide - Off to Connemara
This morning meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel and together you will head off to the rugged and wild Connemara. Your accommodation for the next two 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 onsite.
Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle
Room Type: Classic Riverside Room
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2 - Saturday 20th April - Exploring Connemara
Located only a short drive from your accommodation 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. This evening, we recommend dinner in the local village of Clifden and perhaps catch some traditional music post dinner in one of the many village pubs.
Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle
Room Type: Classic Riverside Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3 - Sunday 21st April - Hiking in The Burren
Checking out of your accommodation this morning, say goodbye to Connemara as you head further south. 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! After check in, spend the day 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.
Overnight: Co. Clare | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4 - Monday 22nd April - 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 Irish 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. Back on the mainland this evening, your guide will join you for a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Co. Clare | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 - Tuesday 23rd April - Dublin City
This morning your guide will drop you to Dublin city, it’s time to say farewell but your adventure isn’t over yet. After check in, 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: Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6 - Wednesday 24th April - Depart to Edinburgh
A private transfer will pick you up in the lobby of your hotel this morning and drop you at Dublin airport. It’s time for your next adventure! We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we look forward to welcoming you to our shores once again.
Meals Included: None
Trip Details
- Inclusions
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- All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 6
- Most meals as indicated above, breakfast each morning, 4 lunch, 2 dinner
- Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 5
- Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 5
- All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;
- Guided hike in Connemara
- Entry to Kylemore Abbey
- Guided hike in the Burren
- Private Goat Farm Tour & Tasting
- Ferry to Inis Mor
- Historical Dublin walking tour
- Personalised trip design and delivery
- Snacks throughout the trip
- 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
- Exclusions
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- 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
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- 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
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This is NET pricing and includes a €12 per person conservation contribution