Drake Family Holiday in Ireland

Meghan Drake

Friday 1st August – Sunday 10th August 2025

Number of Travellers:  5
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 - Friday 1st August - Welcome to Ireland

Welcome to Ireland! This morning you arrive into Shannon and meet your private transfer to bring you to the beautiful Sheen Falls Lodge where you can relax and unwind after your travels.

This afternoon enjoy a memorable falconry experience at Sheen Falls Lodge, where you’ll get up close with incredible birds of prey as you walk through the scenic estate. Led by an experienced falconer, the guided Hawk Walk offers a chance to learn about this traditional countryside pursuit. You’ll see the unique bond between the hawks and their handler, and even have the chance to handle and fly the birds yourself.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: Falls View Suite
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 2nd August - Experiencing Sheen Falls and County Kerry

Enjoy the many amenities the lodge has to offer, from an award winning spa, to a nearby golf course and horseback riding, there are plenty of activities to partake in.

*We are happy to arrange any and all activities during your stay.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: Falls View Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sunday 3rd August - Uncovering Quaint Kenmare

Choose to continue to take in the amenities of the lodge today or ask your concierge for a complimentary lift into town to explore the quaint shops of Kenmare. Home to wooly jumpers, cosy cafés and quirky pubs, Kenmare is a picturesque wander. Be sure to stop by renowned Lorge Chocolates for a sweet treat before heading back to the lodge!

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: Falls View Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Monday 4th August - Castle's and travels

Begin the day by meeting your guide in the morning for a scenic drive north to the stunning coast of County Clare. Along the way, enjoy a private tour of the historic Bunratty Castle, where you’ll step back in time through its beautifully preserved rooms and rich medieval history. Afterward, take a guided walk through the surrounding estate in the company of majestic Irish Wolfhounds, a truly unique and memorable experience. Continue your journey through the rolling countryside before arriving at Gregans Castle Hotel, where you’ll settle in for a peaceful evening surrounded by the beauty of the Burren.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Premier Suite/Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 - Tuesday 5th August - The Burren National Park and The Cliffs of Moher

This morning, head out to explore the fascinating Burren landscape – fissured plateaus of limestone and shale, vast in their captivating and barren beauty. Accompanied by your guide, wind your way over the stark rocky terrain, past prehistoric tombs and through wildflower grasslands.

Later, visit the striking Cliffs of Moher, absorbing their majesty. Home to thousands of seabirds, including razorbills, fulmars and puffins, the cliffs are alive with activity above the crashing waves far below. This evening, return to your luxury hotel retreat for a drink or two by the crackling fire.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Premier Suite/Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 6th August - 4x4 Experience on Inis Mór

We hope the weather gods are on our side today as we head out to visit one of the remote islands that dot the Irish coastline. Inis Mór (Inishmore) is the largest of the three Aran Islands and our destination this morning. Explore the island with the aid of some off-road adventure vehicles as your local guides, Padraig and Aonghus bring you to all the off-the-beaten-track spots on the islands that only their 4×4 can reach. Learn of the Irish language spoken on the islands, the unique Irish culture and traditions of the local people, the flora and fauna that inhabit the islands and of course the filming site from the recent Banshees of Inisherin film!

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Premier Suite/Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 7th August - Stories and Sheepdogs

After a leisurely breakfast, begin your journey northwest. If you wish, stop in vibrant Galway to explore its colorful streets, lively cafés, and rich cultural charm—a perfect taste of the west coast en route. Later this afternoon, enjoy a visit to a working sheep farm. While you watch the brilliant sheepdogs work the flock, chat to the local farmer about a life spent on the rugged west coast. Tonight, waive farewell to your guide after you arrive at your luxury hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 8th August - Boats and Deserted Islands

This morning you’ll make your way to Roundstone Harbour to meet local man Damien, a fourth-generation fisherman who has been around the sea all his life. As you explore Roundstone Bay by boat, look out for the resident seals, dolphins & Basking sharks! You’ll pass by the stunning beaches of Ervallagh, Gurteen & Dog’s Bay as you make your way to the deserted Island of Inishlacken. With its panoramic views, picturesque unspoilt beaches & pristine waters, this deserted island is the perfect place to stop off for a bespoke picnic lunch!  Inishlaken has long been a centre point for writers, poets & artists because of its unique setting. A once largely populated island with its own schoolhouse & lots of quaint cottages, the population dwindled & the last of the island’s residents left for the mainland. But where man has left, nature has flourished and the island is now home to a large variety of insects & birds, rabbits, resident goats, sheep & donkeys.

 

*Your guide will leave you back to your accommodation this evening and depart.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Saturday 9th August - Relaxing in Ballynahinch

Spend a relaxed day taking in the natural beauty of Ballynahinch, with a range of activities to choose from. After a hearty breakfast overlooking the river, the day is yours to enjoy. Opt for a private guided walk through the estate’s scenic trails, or unwind with afternoon tea on the terrace. If you’re feeling adventurous, enjoy a picnic along the riverbank or meet a local ghillie for a guided fishing session on the Ballynahinch River, famous for its salmon and sea trout. End the day back at the castle with a fireside drink and a delicious dinner made with fresh, local ingredients.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Sunday 10th August - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make 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
  • 9 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 4 to Day 8 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Private Airport Transfer on Arrival Day
  • Private Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • All Ferry Travel Included in the Itinerary
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Falconry at Sheen Falls
    • Private Guided Tour of Bunratty Castle
    • Private Guide Wolfhound Walk
    • Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre Entrance
    • Private Off Road Experience on Inis Mor
    • Private Sheepdog Demonstration
  • 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 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.
  • Activities are only private if so specified.
Pricing Read More

The price of this trip is €28,093 in total and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.