Tuesday 25th June – Tuesday 2nd July 2024
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.
Arriving into Dublin airport this morning, pick up your rental car and it’s time to leave the city and head to County Clare, the home to Ireland’s famed Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks along the Wild Atlantic Way and for good reason. The cliffs were formed over 320 million years ago and are consistently one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions due to their dramatic beauty and rugged nature. You may even have seen them before in films such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and also The Princess Bride. Begin your hike from the Visitor Centre, venture along the cliffs, and breathe in the fresh, sea air while taking in the impressive views. Afterward, check into your boutique accommodation in the small village of Doolin. We recommend a tasty, fresh meal at your accommodation tonight.
Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn
Room Type: x1 Courtyard Suite, x1 Deluxe Twin
Car Rental Company: Enterprise
Booking Reference: New Booking ref: 4HLGYV
Pick Up Location: Dublin Airport Car Hire Desk | Pick Up Time: 06:30
Phone: (01) 844 5848
Automatic intermediate SUV. KIA Sportage or similar, booked under Michael Werner
Driving route notes: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wm1KDqjGFyQAurmZ9
We recommend the Ivy Cottage in Doolin (a short walk from your accommodation). There is a lovely coffee shop outside of town called Moher Cottage, which offers great views.
The Burren Perfumery The Burren Perfumery is a small, west of Ireland-based company making cosmetics and perfumes inspired by the landscape. It’s the oldest perfumery in Ireland!
Caherconnell Sheepdog Demonstrations Watch the collies showcase their skills in daily herding demonstrations. Take a tour of the 1,000-year-old fort, perfectly preserved.
The Burren Smokehouse Take a guided or self-guided tour of the visitor centre, a stimulating home to the story of Irish smoked salmon creation, a haven to explore other local food producers, and a rich source of fascinating Irish mythology.
We recommend the Homestead Cottage or The Roadside Tavern. For traditional Irish music, head to Gus O Connor’s Bar.
Today, meet a local guide at the ferry port and spend your time exploring the Aran Islands: three distinctive, wild and remote isles that once held a position of great trading power in ancient Ireland. Now a bastion of traditional language, culture and music, they are as interesting as they are beautiful. Inis Mór (the largest of the three) is home to a prehistoric semi-circular stone fort and is best explored by bicycle. Once on the island you will rent bikes for a day of exploration, your guide will introduce you to the most popular sights as well as the off-the-beaten path ones!
Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn
Room Type: x1 Courtyard Suite, x1 Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Name:
Kevin Cronin
Contact Number: +353 86 817 3458
Meeting Place: Doolin Ferry Port | Meeting Time: 08:45
Kevin will be waiting to greet you at Doolin Ferry Terminal. Please give him a call if you are running late or need directions.
Please meet Kevin at the Doolin Ferry/ O’Briens Line booth.
Your ferry departs at 9am, we recommend being there 15 minutes in advance.
Kevin will have your tickets.
Activity: Biking on Inis Mor
| Start Time: 09:45 | Approx Duration: 3.5 hrs
The ferry takes approx 35 minutes each way.
Your accommodation offers a delicious dining option at Anthonys. If you fancy a bit of a drive, Monks in the small village of Ballyvaughan is a lovely seafood restaurant.
Further north, Galway is the capital of Ireland’s west. 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. Later on, check into your accommodation this evening – a fitting finale to your time on the Wild Atlantic Way. Ballynahinch Castle is one of Ireland’s finest luxury castle hotels, set in a private 700 acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway. This authentic and unpretentious Castle Hotel stands proudly overlooking its famous salmon fishery, with a backdrop of the beautiful Twelve Bens Mountain range.
Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: x2 Classic Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Driving routes to Galway city (we recommend parking at Q Park pay as you go): https://maps.app.goo.gl/g4SvfxjEZ3QEEmSx9
Directions from Galway to Ballynahinch: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vJhMizCxbGrDQ3rr7
Activity: Galway Food Tours
Start Location: Outside McCambridges, 38 Shop St., Galway | Start Time: 11:30 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Phone: +353 86 733 2885 | Website: https://galwayfoodtours.com/
Walk to the start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9HMH7zz7sxJLHvYw7
Galway City Museum & The Spanish Arch Learn all about the history of Galway City through the archaeology, art, geology, natural history, and social, political, and industrial materials preserved here. Take a peek at the historical Spanish Arch, located where Galway’s River Corrib meets the sea. This is a tranquil spot that tourists and locals alike enjoy. Visit the remnants of a 16th-century bastion which was used to protect merchant ships from looting.
Eyre Square Eyre Square is the focal point of Galway and it was renamed Kennedy Memorial Park in 1965, after J.F.K himself had visited. Today Galway’s main square is a large, open plaza, home to mini festivals, local and international buskers, musicians and street performers.
Galway Cathedral One of the city’s biggest buildings, Galway Cathedral is home to a huge octagonal dome visible for miles. The building of the cathedral began in 1958 on the site of an old county jail. The modern cathedral houses some interesting statues, a rose window, and a huge crucifixion mosaic. It is built of Galway limestone and locally quarried Connemara marble.
Shop Street Packed with buskers, restaurants, pubs and people – Shop Street is the beating heart of the city. It’s worth a browse in the local shops and at the street art.
Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop A must-visit for book lovers! Explore their labyrinthine maze of over 100,000 books: new, second-hand, bargain, and antiquarian.
We recommend dining at the Fisherman’s Pub in Ballynahinch Castle.
The hills and mountains of Connemara are defined by the ocean surrounding, and this is particularly evident at the beautiful Killary Fjord. This morning you will visit a family run shellfish farm where you can head out onto the fjord for an exclusive guided boat tour of the mussel farm. Lift a string of mussels for hauling and harvesting and understand the lifecycle of these delicious shellfish. Afterwards, enjoy a three course home cooked shellfish lunch with traditional brown bread. Bentley the lamb may also make an appearance! Spend some time this evening exploring at your own pace and head into town for a traditional music session after a fantastic dinner of locally caught seafood.
Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: x2 Classic Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Activity: Huitre du Connemara
Guide Name: Sinead and David
| Start Time: 09:30 | Approx Duration: 3.5 hrs
Phone: +353 (0)87 918 6997 | Website: https://www.dkconnemaraoysters.com/
Driving route note: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RaaNttpdsHfT5mSy7
Restaurant: Lough Inagh
Reservation Time: 14:00
Lunch is included today at Lough Inagh Lodge. We recommend exploring some of our suggested stops before heading back there at 2pm.
Killary Sheep Farm A traditional working farm where there are regular sheepdog demonstrations, sheep-shearing and you may even get to feed a baby lamb! We recommend booking this in advance.
Kylemore Abbey A romantically situated abbey with a history of tragedy, romance, innovation and spirituality. There is also a 6 acre Victorian walled garden with its delightfully stored garden buildings.
Connemara National Park The park covers some 2000 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands with various hikes onsite (we recommend the Diamond Hill hike).
Driving route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zZmty7kfwsXtVtPB8 this route contains all stops mentioned above, remove as needed.
We recommend dining at the Owenmore Restaurant at your accommodation. If you’d like to head into Clifden, Mitchell’s is a delicious restaurant in town.
A day at Ballynahinch Castle is a harmonious blend of luxurious tranquility and outdoor adventure. Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Connemara, wake up to the sound the the river meandering past your window before enjoying breakfast. You have plenty of options onsite today including a stroll through the woodlands surrounding the castle or fishing enthusiasts can try their luck in the renowned Ballynahinch Salmon Fishery, while those seeking relaxation can unwind in the castle’s elegant interiors. A picnic can be prepared fir a day exploring Connemara or even for a more relaxing stroll around the estate. We are happy to make bookings on your behalf.
Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: x2 Classic Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly Fishing Ballynahinch offers Atlantic Salmon, Sea Trout, and Brown Trout fishing on 3 kilometers of the pristine Owenmore River.
Ballynahinch Picnics Enjoy the menus of Ballynahinch Castle in the great outdoors, a picnic can be prepared for a day exploring Connemara (if you didn’t get to that hike yesterday), or find a scenic spot on the estate or in the gardens.
Guided Walks Ballynahinch offers 2 hour guided walks with expert guides who will teach you about the history, geology, archaeology, and flora and fauna of the estate.
Cycling in Connemara The Connemara Greenway passes the estate (8km) as well as the Estate Greenway Loop which is 5km situated within the grounds.
Roundstone Boat & Island Experience Take a 3-hour guided boat trip, departing from the picturesque pier of Roundstone. Note: This would need to be booked in advance.
If you venture into Roundstone, we recommend O’Dowd’s.
This morning, say goodbye to the west of Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way as you head to Dublin for the Taylor Swift concert. Check into your 5 star hotel and grab some lunch before making your way to the Aviva Stadium (ask the concierge for options on getting to the stadium) for what is sure to be a fearless performance. Be sure to shake it off, have a great night, and feel enchanted!
Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Room Type: x2 Classic Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Driving route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kej1SHvVd2W7PUTh8
As you have a long drive, we recommend having lunch at your hotel. Please note there is a €100 food and beverage credit per room on file for you at the Westbury. Please confirm this at check-in.
We recommend The Stag’s Head, Cornucopia (vegan) or Featherblade.
Enjoy a morning to yourself before heading out for some lunch time fun! Take a step back in time with Vintage Tea Trips and experience Dublin in a unique way. Indulge in afternoon tea treats, great conversation and tap your feet along to some fabulous 1950s jazz while taking in the sights of the city. Board your vintage Routemaster bus in historic Temple Bar. Soak up the nostalgia as your host gets the conversation started, the music begins, and a classic afternoon tea is served. Pass sights such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church, Trinity College, St. Stephen’s Green, Wood Quay, O’Connell Street, Phoenix Park, and the grand buildings of Georgian Dublin.
Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Room Type: x2 Classic Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Activity: Vintage Tea Trips
Start Location: St Stephen's Green, just opposite St Stephen Court | Start Time: 13:45 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs
Phone: 012551777 | Website: https://www.vintageteatrips.ie/
Walking Route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/22JrpN4d39Ah7fV8A
St. Patrick’s Cathedral As the largest cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for over 800 years.
Dublinia See Dublin from a new perspective as you travel back to the heart of the old city at Christchurch. Walk where Vikings walked, find out about Dublin’s rich past and even climb an original Medieval tower.
14 Henrietta Street When you enter 14 Henrietta Street you’ll experience over 300 years of city life in the walls of one address. By connecting to the personal stories of those who called 14 Henrietta Street home, the building’s hidden histories are revealed. See the house, hear its stories and discover the layers of Dublin history within its walls.
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.
We recommend grabbing lunch at your hotel(though you may not need it with your afternoon tea experience)!
We recommend The Winding Stair, Sole Seafood & Grill or The Boxty House (a modern take on tradtitional Irish food).
For pubs we recommend Doheny & Nesbitt’s, The Hairy Lemon or No Name.
This morning, hop in your car and make your way to Dublin airport. It’s time to say farewell to Ireland. We do hope your time here has been memorable and we once again have the opportunity to welcome to our shores.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Driving route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZeSUrN1k53GqFMUQA
Car Rental Company: Enterprise
Booking Reference: 1459359489
Drop Off Location: Dublin Airport Car Hire Desk Dublin Airport Terminal 2 Arrivals Dublin, Ireland K67W6K5 Airport | Drop Off Time: 11:30
Phone: (01) 844 5848
Ballinafad, Recess |
Connemmara |
Galway |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)95 31006
Web: ballynahinch-castle.com
Balfe Street |
Dublin |
Co. Dublin |
D02 CH66 |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)1 679 1122
Web: doylecollection.com/hotels
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Tuesday 25th June – Tuesday 2nd July 2024
