McLeod Uncovering Family Heritage and Fun in Ireland

Saturday 14th June – Monday 23rd June 2025

Duration: 10 Days / 9 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, and 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 the island of Ireland’s famous and off-the-beaten-track sites of natural, cultural and political 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.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 14th June - Welcome to Ireland

Upon your arrival in Ireland this morning, a private transfer will be waiting to greet you at the airport and whisk you away to your boutique hotel in the heart of the city. As you’re arriving early, your accommodation has been booked for the night before. Feel free to check in and take some time to rest and refresh after your journey. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace — explore the city’s charming streets, discover hidden gems, or simply unwind and soak up the atmosphere.

Overnight: Dublin | The Spencer
Room Type: 1x Deluxe King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Sunday 15th June - Exploring Dublin On Your Own

Wandering solo through Dublin is like stepping into a story where every cobblestone and corner has a tale to tell. With no set schedule, you can linger over a strong coffee in a cozy café, lose track of time browsing quirky bookshops, or follow the sound of traditional music down a narrow street. From the quiet beauty of St. Stephen’s Green to the lively buzz of Temple Bar, the city unfolds at your own pace.

Overnight: Dublin | The Spencer
Room Type: 1x Family Suite/2x Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Monday 16th June - Walking tour in Dublin city

Enjoy a delightful breakfast and a lovely morning as you get ready for the day ahead. Head out this morningto 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.

The afternoon is to spend uncovering more of what Dublin has to offer!

Overnight: Dublin | The Spencer Hotel
Room Type: 1x Family Suite/2x Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Tuesday 17th June - Ancestry in Borrisokane

This morning meet your guide and venture westward, passing through the tranquil countryside, to the picturesque village of Borrisokane. It’s here that the heart of your Irish heritage comes alive. You’ll meet with a local genealogist who will guide you through the fascinating process of uncovering your family’s roots, adding a personal touch to your journey. After connecting with the past, continue south to the stunning Hayfield Manor. As a 5* property in Cork City, you are just on the doorstep to this lovely city, with a family friendly hotel to relax and unwind together.

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: 3x Superior King/1x Superior Interconnecting
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 - Wednesday 18th June - Smugglers, Forts & Battles

This morning, while listening to tales of conquests, wine smugglers and the town’s exotic local characters, we’ll head out along the coast with our guide. Set on the water’s edge, Charles Fort is one of the best-preserved examples of a 17th-century star-shaped fort and is associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. There are plenty of lookouts to climb to and tunnels to explore. We’ll all enjoy lunch in an award-winning local Irish pub.

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: 3x Superior King/1x Superior Interconnecting
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 19th June - Sea Kayaking & Seashore Picnic

Kinsale was often targeted by pirates over the centuries, and today, we’ll kayak along the seashore to discover where the pirates once landed. With the water lapping quietly at the side of our kayaks and the seabed slowly passing by underneath the surface, enjoy this wonderfully relaxing way to travel. Your expert guide will provide guidance to everyone and set the standard of the trip to best suit your family. Weather permitting, we will all enjoy a picnic on the seashore.

*Kayaking is recommended for 8 and above and is weather permitting. Please note alternatively we could organise a boat trip in Kinsale bay with macrkel and lobster fishing.

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: 3x Superior King/1x Superior Interconnecting
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Friday 20th June - The Kingdom of Kerry

This morning, we transfer to the Kingdom of Kerry, stopping en route at the Toy Soldier Factory. The whole family will have the opportunity to make and paint their own figures, be it a model soldier, fairy, chess piece, animal or dozens of other choices. This is a great activity to get the whole family involved and come away with your very own creation. Afterwards, we’ll continue onto the famous Ring of Kerry to enjoy its panoramic vistas, arriving at our next accommodation in the heart of the Kingdom.

Overnight: Killarney | Aghadoe Heights
Room Type: 2 x Superior King Rooms Aghadoe Suite inter-connecting with Lakeview Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Saturday 21st June - Dingle Peninsula

Head out on a scenic adventure to the stunning Dingle Peninsula. Start the morning with a relaxing beginner’s horse trek for the kids, as they head out onto the shores of Dingle Bay, taking in the breathtaking coastal views. For those interested, they can use this time to visit Sacred Heart University’s Campus in Dingle Town.

Afterward, take a leisurely drive around the iconic Slea Head, where you’ll encounter panoramic views of the wild Atlantic Ocean and rugged cliffs. With plenty of time to soak in the beauty of the peninsula, you’ll make your way back to Killarney in the evening.

Overnight: Killarney | Aghadoe Heights
Room Type: 2 x Superior King Rooms Aghadoe Suite inter-connecting with Lakeview Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Sunday 22nd June - Skellig Michael Eco Marine Tour

Today, we shall follow Kerry’s rugged coast to the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula where we’ll catch a boat on the Atlantic Ocean. Rising dramatically out of the crashing Atlantic are the jagged pinnacles of the Skellig Islands.* In ancient times, Skellig Michael was home to monks seeking solitude. At the island’s summit 714 ft (218m) above sea level, a remarkably well-preserved 6th-century monastic settlement clings to the steep slopes. However, today they are more well-known as part of a galaxy far, far away; this was the filming location for Star Wars Episodes VII and VIII. Get up close to these islands to encounter both the diverse island wildlife as well as the ancient historical sites. We’ll enjoy a celebratory final dinner together tonight.

*Please note that the Skellig boats only run weather-permitting from May to September.

Overnight: Killarney | Aghadoe Heights
Room Type: 2 x Superior King Rooms Aghadoe Suite inter-connecting with Lakeview Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10 - Monday 23rd June - Depart

This morning your guide will bring you from your accommodation and bring you back to Dublin City or airport depending on your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 7 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary.
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 2 to Day 8 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Private Airport Transfer on Arrival Day.
  • All Ferry  or Boat Travel Included in the Itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Geneology research and guided Borrisokane with a local expert.
    • Public Entry to Charles Fort
    • Private Sea Kayaking
    • Premium Toy Solider Experience
    • Public Dingle Bay Horse Trekking
    • Private Skellig Michael Eco Tour
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 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 25% 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.
  • Activities are only private if so specified.
Pricing Read More

The price of this trip is47,305.00 in total including 1 single supplement charge and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Get in Touch