Hyman's Irish & Scottish Adventure - Final Information

Michael & Sherry

Saturday 21st September – Tuesday 1st October 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 21st September - Welcome to Dublin

Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you to your 5-star hotel in the city centre. Check-in is at 3 pm however feel free to leave your bags, freshen up, or have a bite to eat. Head out in the afternoon 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.

Booking ref: 223327363

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: x1 superior king
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Dublin Chauffeurs
Pick Up Location: Arrivals Hall, Dublin Airport | Pick Up Time: 08:35 | Approx Duration: 0.5 hrs
Phone: +353 (0)87 233 8396

Justin or one of his drivers will meet you in arrivals. Please do not worry if you are delayed, he has your flight number and contact details.

Day 1 - Lunch Details Read More +

Choose to have lunch at your hotel. Alternatively, we recommend Bloom Brasserie or Shaka Poke.

Day 1 - Historical Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Historical Walking Tour
Guide: Eoin Walsh
Start Location: The lobby of your hotel | Start Time: 15:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Phone: +353 87 9488236

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Cellar Bar | Location: The Merrion
Reservation Time: 18:00

Day 2 - Sunday 22nd September - To the West - Connemara

This morning your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and after a few introductions you will leave the city behind and make your way West. The Wild Atlantic Way is a spectacular coastal driving route that stretches along the rugged and untamed coastline of Ireland’s west coast – and you get to explore the best of it! Feast your eyes upon the breathtaking shores of one of Ireland’s only three fjords before heading to the expanses of Connemara. Once described as “a savage beauty” by author Oscar Wilde, explore the wild, windswept region with your guide. You’ll visit Kylemore Abbey, a haven of history, beauty and serenity and home to a Benedictine order of Nuns for the past 100 years. Tonight you’re staying just outside the small town of Clifden and you’ll have plenty of time to explore this evening before dinner, where your guide will join you for a welcome meal.

Overnight: Connemara | Abbeyglen Castle
Room Type: x1 Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 2 - Guide Details - David Lawless Read More +

Name: David Lawless
Contact Number: +353 86 856 2537
Meeting Place: The lobby of the Merrion | Meeting Time: 09:00

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Bar | Location: Abbeyglen Castle
Reservation Time: 19:00

Day 3 - Monday 23rd September - The Cliffs of Moher

This morning you will transfer 2.5 hours to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most impressive natural sites. We recommend a walk following the coastal route along the cliffs, passing through dramatic hinterland with inspiring views offshore to the Aran Islands. The area is teeming with wildlife and 20 different species of birds, including puffins, make this area their home. Stop by the visitors centre before browsing the village of Doolin, which is famous for its traditional music scene. Continue on to Dromoland Castle, welcoming guests since the 16th century and ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland.

Overnight: Newmarket On Fergue | Dromoland Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Fig Tree | Location: Dromoland Castle
Reservation Time: 18:00

Day 4 - Tuesday 24th September - The Dingle Peninsula

You have a 2.5 hour scenic drive ahead of you this morning as you make your way through southern Ireland. Departing from Dromoland Castle, the journey unfolds with winding roads bordered by ancient stone walls and rolling green hills. You’ll stop in Adare, voted the “prettiest village in Ireland”. The village is beloved for its delightful thatched roof cottages, lively pubs, and antique shops. You’ll continue on to the town of Dingle, famous for its buzzing traditional music scene, delicious seafood, and array of classic Irish pubs. The Dingle Peninsula hosts some of the richest collection of archaeological sites in Europe, ranging from standing stones and prehistoric monuments, as well as the peninsula’s renowned ancient clochains or beehive huts, which may be as much as 2,000 years old. Explore the peninsula today with your guide, stopping as you please for strolls along some of the longest stretching beaches and coastline trails Ireland has to offer. Continue on to Sheen Falls, situated amidst the majestic landscapes of the Ring of Kerry.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: x1 Classic Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Stables Brasserie | Location: Sheen Falls
Reservation Time: 18:00

Day 5 - Wednesday 25th September - The Ring of Kerry

Today your guide will take you to some of the best known spots along the Ring of Kerry, a route which covers the perimeter of the Iveragh Peninsula’s stunning coastline, beaches, mountains, and hidden lakes.  See the highlights but also the hidden gems that make this scenic route truly unforgettable. This afternoon you are free to spend time onsite and partake in the many activities Sheen Falls has to offer. We have booked the ultimate country pursuit for you, Clay Pigeon Shooting! You’ll meet your skilled instructor on the grounds and they will introduce you to the many aspects of this fun sport. Tonight your guide will join you for a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: x1 Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5 - Clay Pigeon Shooting Read More +

Activity: Clay Pigeon Shooting
Start Location: Sheen Falls | Start Time: 16:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Falls | Location: Sheen Falls
Reservation Time: 18:30

Day 6 - Thursday 26th September - Fly to Edinburgh

This morning, your guide will drop you to Cork airport in time for your flight to Edinburgh. Your private transfer will meet you on arrival and whisk you to your city centre hotel, where you can refresh and relax before your afternoon explorations.

Spend the afternoon immersing yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh. Meet your expert local guide for a private walking tour of the city. Discover the highlights of this unique capital from the Palace of Holyroodhouse all the way up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Your guide will leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish.

Please note: Your arrival transfer will take you to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Please then make your way to meet your guide at Edinburgh Castle for your tour. The Balmoral Hotel will be able to assist with a transfer if you require. 

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: x1 Executive Old Town Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: Ryan Air | Flight Number: FR 3731
Departure Airport: Cork | Departure Time: 11:50
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh | Arrival Time: 13:10

Day 6 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport | Pick Up Time: 13:10 | Approx Duration: 30 mins
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your transfer will take you to your hotel to drop off your luggage.

Day 6 - Guide Details - Hannah Tait Read More +

Name: Hannah Tait
Contact Number: +44 (0)7920 408 507
Meeting Place: Lobby of your hotel | Meeting Time: 15:00

Hannah will meet you at the hotel and will be with you for a walking tour of the city plus a tour of the Castle before taking you back to your hotel in time for your dinner reservation.

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Balmoral Hotel | Location: The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: TP6953Z5EP8
Phone: +44(0)131 556 2414

Please note this is a reservation only.  Please pay directly.

Name on the reservation is Sherry Hyman.

Day 7 - Friday 27th September - Explore Glencoe

Today you will meet your private guide/driver and together make your way into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Your first stop en-route is the historic Stirling Castle, perched atop a craggy hill, this magnificent fortress is steeped in history. As you explore this incredible place, enjoying views over the city of Stirling, you will learn about its role in pivotal conflicts and as a royal residence.

Bid farewell to the city as you make your way northwards to the stunning scenery of Glencoe. These dramatic mountains and ridges have featured as the backdrop in many films. You will have the chance to stop and explore some of this famous valley with your guide, there are plenty of short walks and viewpoints that allow you to enjoy the best of this stunning place. Continue on to your Castle retreat for the evening.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Large Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Guide Details - Will Snow Read More +

Name: Will Snow
Contact Number: +44(0)7887 459559
Meeting Place: The Balmoral Hotel, Reception | Meeting Time: 09:00

Your guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel to begin your travel north.

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Factors Pub | Location: Inverlochy Castle
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: SH-27092024-03
Phone: +44(0)1397 702 177

Please note this is a table reservation only.  Please pay directly.

Name on the reservation is Sherry Hyman.

Day 8 - Saturday 28th September - Road to the Isles

Today you’ll travel along the stunning Road to the Isles. This is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why. You may wish to stop at the historic the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you may well recognise from the Harry Potter films. Hear the tales of the Glenfinnan Monument and see if you can spot the Jacobite Steam Train puffing its way over the graceful arches of the viaduct. Later, admire the silver sand beaches of Arisaig as you stroll along and soak in the views of the Small Isles before continuing your journey, boarding the ferry to the iconic ‘Misty Isle’.

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Chargrill Restaurant | Location: Home Farm Rd, Portree IV51 9LX
Reservation Time: 18:45
Phone: +44(0)1478 611711

Please note this is a table reservation only.  Please pay directly.

Name on the reservation is Hyman.

Day 9 - Sunday 29th September - Dunvegan Castle & Skye Explorations

You will set out to explore Skye today, visiting the nearby Dunvegan Castle, seat of the Clan McCleod and the only Highland fortress that has been occupied by the same family for 800 years. Discover the history as you explore the corridors. 

This afternoon visit a local tannery where they still make luxurious sheep skin rugs using the traditional methods, a fascinating insight into local life. Perhaps enjoy a coffee stop in a local traditional yurt overlooking the bay. Later, your gudie will take you back to Portree, where the evening is at your leisure.

Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Dulse & Brose, Portree | Location: Bosville Terrace Portree IV51 9DG
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: BYFQ42F4
Phone: +44 (0) 1478 612846

Please note this is a table reservation only.  Please pay directly.

Name on the reservation is Sherry Hyman.

Day 10 - Monday 30th September - Castles, Battlefields & Inverness

Returning to the mainland this morning, by way of the graceful Skye bridge, it is not long before you see one of the prettiest castles in Scotland. Eilean Donan occupies an island at the confluence of three sea lochs and stands in defiance of the towering peaks surrounding it. Take your time here to enjoy the iconic view before continuing onwards through mountain glens and to the moody waters of Loch Ness. 

Perched on the edge of Loch Ness are the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle, make a stop here to explore the centuries of Scottish history and forklore. As you make your way with your guide to the capital of the Highlands you can choose to make a stop at the iconic Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746, before heading to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: x1 Laurel King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Ness Walk, Inverness | Location: 12 Ness Walk Inverness IV3 5SQ
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: BATJ9FGZ
Phone: +44(0)1463 215215

Please note this is a table reservation only.  Please pay directly.

Name on the reservation is Sherry Hyman.

Day 11 - Tuesday 1st October - 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

Day 11 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Hame Tours
Pick Up Location: Ness Walk Hotel | Pick Up Time: 13:00
Phone: +44(0)7742 011300

Your transfer will meet you at the front of your hotel.

Day 11 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: American Airlines (operated by British Airways) | Flight Number: 7124
Departure Airport: Inverness | Departure Time: 15:40

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 11
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide as indicated above
  • Ground transportation on guided days
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;

For Ireland:

  • Arrival airport transfer & Departure airport transfer
  • Private Historical walking tour of Dublin
  • Entry to Kylemore Abbey
  • Entry to Cliffs of Moher
  • Entry to Dunguaire Castle

For Scotland:

  • Arrival airport transfer & Departure airport transfer
  • Private Edinburgh Walking Tour
  • Entry to Stirling Castle
  • Entry to Glenfinnan Monument
  • Ferry to Skye
  • Entry to Dunvegan Castle
  • Entry to Urquhart Castle
  • Entry to Culloden Battlefield
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

Activities are only private if specifically stated

Notes On Weather & Flexibility

Weather – can be very changeable. Suitable clothing and footwear is essential, as well as a flexible attitude. Plans may have to be changed to accommodate Mother Nature, and your guide will have back-up plans that they will discuss with you if required.

Essential Packing List

Waterproof jacket with hood
Waterproof over-pants
Sturdy / comfortable walking shoes
Day pack 20-30 litre for carrying water and extra layers
Reusable water bottle
Warm layers
Warm hat, gloves and a neck gaiter
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Smart casual attire for dinners
Note: If you would like us to provide trekking poles for your use then please just let us know and we will ensure these are available for you.

Tipping Guidelines

For tipping our guides – We don’t generally recommend a set amount as tipping is not expected in the same way that it is in North America. However, similar North American travel companies generally suggest something along the lines of £10-30 per person per day for your guide, which is a wide range to choose from. Generally, we would encourage you to ask yourself what you were expecting from your guide, and then think about how they have exceeded those expectations and choose an amount you are comfortable with.

For local services such as restaurants again tipping is not expected but if you receive great service then 10-15% of the bill is normal.

Luggage Notes

Please note that we expect travellers to bring an average of One Large Holdall or Suitcase and up to Two smaller day-bags or hand-luggage sized pieces. If you expect to bring more than this then please let us know well in advance of arrival so that we can ensure there is capacity for this (additional charges will apply if separate luggage transfers are required).

Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Scotland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020
US: 866 740 3890


Wilderness Scotland Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+44 (0)7766 794 640


Wilderness Ireland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

EU: +353 (0)91 457 898
US: 844 235 6240


Wilderness Ireland Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+353 (0)86 873 7223


Emergency Services

999

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.


Accommodation

The Merrion Hotel

Upper Merrion Street | Dublin | Co. Dublin |
D02 KF79 | Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)1 603 0600
Web: merrionhotel.com

Abbeyglen Castle

Clifden | Galway | Galway |
Ireland
Phone: +353 9521201
Web: abbeyglen.ie

Dromoland Castle Hotel

Newmarket On Fergus | Co Clare |
V95 ATD3 | Ireland
Phone: +353-61-368144
Web: dromoland.ie

Sheen Falls Lodge

Kenmare | Kerry |
V93 HR27 | Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)64 664 1600
Web: sheenfallslodge.ie

The Balmoral Hotel

1 Princes Street | Edinburgh |
EH2 2EQ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)131 556 2414
Web: roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel

Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Torlundy | Near Fort William |
PH33 6SN | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1397 702 177
Web: inverlochycastlehotel.com

Marmalade Hotel

Home Farm Road | Portree | Isle of Skye |
IV51 9LX | Scotland
Phone: 01478 611711
Web: perlehotels.com/marmalade

Ness Walk

12 Ness Walk | Inverness |
IV3 5SQ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1463 215 215
Web: nesswalk.com


Meet Your Guides

David Lawless

Contact Number: +353 86 856 2537

Music and the outdoors are my big obsessions. I grew up in Dublin but I took every opportunity to get out into the hills. The mountains of Wicklow provided endless options for hiking and biking, leading small groups of friends in the hills since my teens.

I worked in IT for over twenty years before taking a sabbatical in 2011 to go travelling for a year. Upon returning, I quit in 2013 and moved to the west coast for a change – which turned out to be the best decision I ever made. I’ve been working as a guide since 2016, and now live in Sligo, get to cycle its back roads, walk its hills, swim at its beaches, and play music with a bunch of good friends.

Will Snow

Contact Number: +44(0)7887 459559

Happy | Helpful | Highlander

I love Scotland’s wild places and cycling through them. When I’m not on my bike I also enjoy sea kayaking and hill walking. After over a decade of leading overseas expeditions to Asia, Africa and Latin America combined with teaching Geography I’ve become about as settled down as a tour guide can ever be, living in the Highlands, although still like to venture overseas. I guided a sensory impairment charity trek to Kilimanjaro in June 2014.

Working for Wilderness Scotland has given me an opportunity to share the outstanding natural beauty of a world-class destination. The landscape and culture is unsurpassed. If I had to choose a favourite trip it would be quite difficult as it’s always a privilege to experience any journey in our remote surroundings with amicable, like-minded people.