tel: 9-5pm: 844 235 6240 Out-Of-Office: +353 86 87 37 7223
Truffle Pig - Shultz Ireland Adventure Final Information
Molly & Michael
Sunday 11th August – Sunday 25th August 2024
Sunday 11th August – Sunday 25th August 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, 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 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 in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you into the city to your 5-star hotel in the city centre. Check-in is at 3 pm, however, feel free to freshen up and grab a bite before heading out for the day. Dublin has been described as the ‘city with a village feel’ and as you explore its cobbled streets and historical monuments it will be easy to see why. The city is best explored on foot or using public transport such as the LUAS, our light rail system. Many of Dublin’s highlights are within walking distance and indeed you will discover it is in the act of wandering from one to another where you will soak up Dublin’s authentic atmosphere. This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Dublin’s many award-winning restaurants before ending the night in a cosy pub.
Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: x1 Queen Room
Meals Included: None
Supplier: Dublin Chauffeurs
Pick Up Location: Arrivals Hall, Dublin Airport | Pick Up Time: 09:45
Phone: +353 (0)87 233 8396
Justin or one of his drivers will pick you up at arrivals and drop you at your hotel. Please don’t be alarmed if you are delayed, he has your flight details.
We recommend grabbing lunch at your hotel.
The GPO The GPO Museum is an immersive, interactive and engaging experience telling the story of the 1916 Easter Rising and Modern Irish History.
The Jeanie Johnston One million Irish people fled Ireland during the famine. 2,500 took a gruelling voyage on the Jeanie Johnston. Take a journey back in time, get an insight into life on board a Famine ship and hear the stories of the people who made the arduous voyage.
Marsh’s Library Marsh’s Library is a beautifully preserved library of the early Enlightenment. It was built with money provided by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh, an academic and book lover with a strong belief in the public utility of education and learning.
Please check the opening hours for the dates you’ll be visiting.
We recommend The Stag’s Head, Cornucopia (vegan) or Featherblade.
For pubs, we recommend Doheny & Nesbitt’s, The Hairy Lemon or No Name.
Enjoy a morning to yourself before heading 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 medieval 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. Later, you’ll take a tour of Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Your guided Trinity tour will take you around the campus, discovering some of the secrets and famous pupils who graced its halls and quads before making your way to the Old Library for an audio tour of the Book of Kells with its new immersive digital experience.
Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: x1 Queen Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Activity: Historical Walking Tour
Guide: Darragh Fitzgerald
Start Location: The lobby of The Merrion Hotel | Start Time: 11:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Phone: +353 87 6063176
Darragh will meet you in the lobby of your hotel. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and contact him directly if you are delayed.
We recommend Bloom Brasserie or Shaka Poke.
Activity: Trinity College Tour & Book of Kells
Start Location: Trinity College | Start Time: 15:30 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Booking Reference: 9QWX67BCKK
Please arrive 10 minutes in advance. Your tickets are attached below.
We recommend The Winding Stair, Sole Seafood & Grill or The Boxty House (a modern take on traditional Irish food).
This morning, we have arranged tickets for you at the emigration museum where you will learn the stories of the Irish diaspora who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists, and even outlaws all over the world. This afternoon, we recommend visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a free guided tour. 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. Another recommended stop is 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.
Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: x1 Queen Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Activity: EPIC Museum
Start Location: Custom House Quay | Start Time: 11:00 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs
Booking Reference: A4EAJW6D
Your tickets are attached below.
We recommend The Pig & Heifer or Fish Shop.
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.
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’s history within its walls.
Please check the opening hours for the dates you’ll be visiting.
We recommend BANG Restaurant & Wine Bar, One Pico or Etto.
This morning pick up your rental car in Dublin city centre and make your way West to Doolin, a picturesque village renowned for its traditional Irish music and charming atmosphere. County Clare is the home to Ireland’s famed Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks along the Wild Atlantic Way. 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. 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 Townhouse Executive
Meals Included: Breakfast
Car Rental Company: Enterprise
Booking Reference: 1566826599
Pick Up Location: Dublin City Centre St Stephens Green Shopping Ctr Ground Floor Dublin, Ireland D02K519 | Pick Up Time: 10:00
Phone: (01) 844 5848
Reservation under Molly Shultz. Please note there is a €200 pick-up fee which will be refunded on return.
The Cliffs of Moher Visitor centre tickets can be booked online in advance.
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 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.
We recommend dining at your hotel tonight. For traditional Irish music, head to Gus O Connor’s Bar.
This morning after a lovely breakfast to fuel you up, you’ll meet a local guide and set off for the Mullaghmore Loop Walk in The Burren. Its unique, striated limestone landscape was shaped by ancient seas and is famous for its Mediterranean and alpine wildflowers. The region is steeped in history as well, with over 2,500 historical monuments to be explored. You’ll have lunch at a local tearoom followed by a visit to the adjoining Burren Perfumery where only natural and organic ingredients are used in production. It’s the oldest working perfumery in Ireland! Options for dinner tonight include a Michelin-starred organic restaurant not far from your accommodation.
Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn
Room Type: x1 Townhouse Executive
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Name:
Kate O Sullivan
Contact Number: +353 87 635 9744
Meeting Place: Mullaghmore Loop Walk | Meeting Time: 09:30
Driving route Doolin Inn – Mullaghmore Looped Walk
GPS: 52.995819, -9.021422
Please wear appropriate hiking shoes and a waterproof jacket if needed.
We recommend the Homestead Cottage or The Roadside Tavern.
Today you will get to fully immerse into the culture of Inis Mór – its history goes back millennia and today Irish is still the daily spoken language of the inhabitants. Take the ferry across where Padraig and Aonghus will meet you at the port and together you will explore Inis Mor in style – in a 4×4 jeep! Visit off-the-beaten-track locations that only they can reach and learn the history of this ancient Island from these two native islanders. You’ll explore the breathtaking limestone scenery, cliffs, and prehistoric forts that dot the sprawling island.
Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn
Room Type: x1 Townhouse Executive
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Operator: Doolin Ferry
Contact Number: +353 87 235 9918
Return Journey Departure Port: Inis Mor | Return Journey Departure Time: 16:15
Return Journey Arrival Port: Doolin Pier
Your tickets are attached. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes in advance.
Activity: 4x4 Off-Road Experience
Guide: Padraig
Start Location: Kilronan | Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 5 hrs
Booking Reference: 237624562
Phone: +353 83 018 5175
As you depart you ferry your guide will be 2 minutes walk up the pier and to the right of the Horse and Carriage park.
Please ensure that you have your mobile device switched on as they will be contacting you on the day of your arrival.
If you fancy a bit of a drive, Monks in the small village of Ballyvaughan is a lovely seafood restaurant.
After breakfast at Doolin Inn, you will drive 1.5 hours to Galway, a charming Medieval-era city with a thriving arts scene. Stop off in the city where a local military historian will meet you at the city’s main square this morning to guide you through the bustling alleys sharing Galway City’s important roles in the clash of the French, Spanish, Russian, and British Empires from 1700 to 1922, including in Ireland’s revolution for independence. After your tour and time for a bit of shopping, leave the urban streets behind. From Galway, it is 1h30 further into Connemara, a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region) known for its windswept landscapes of mountains, beach, and bog.
Overnight: Cashel | Cashel House Hotel
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Activity: Galway History Tour
Guide : Damien
Start Location: The Brown Door Eyre Square | Start Time: 13:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Phone: + 353 86 3325178
Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
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.
Dinner is booked for you in your accommodation tonight.
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. Tonight we recommend sticking around Roundstone Village for a lovely seafood dinner.
Overnight: Cashel | Cashel House Hotel
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Activity: Inishlaken Island Landing & Picnic
Skipper: Damien
Start Location: Roundstone Bay | Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 3 hrs
Phone: +353 873460423
Please wear comfortable clothing (a light jacket that’s waterproof if needed).
Roundstone Village We recommend a wander around the village and harbour.
Roundstone Music & Crafts Malachy Kearns works at his craft of making Ireland’s oldest product the Bodhrán (Bow-Rawn). It is an 18″ one-sided drum made from Goatskin treated traditionally.
We recommend O’Dowd’s in Roundstone.
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 located in the heart of Connemara. Once described as “a savage beauty” by author Oscar Wilde, we’ll give you plenty of recommendations as you explore the wild & windswept region. 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.
Overnight: Cashel | Cashel House Hotel
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Activity: Kylemore Abbey
Start Location: Kylemore Abbey | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs
Booking Reference: 316921
Website: https://www.kylemoreabbey.com/
Your ticket is valid all day.
We recommend Misunderstood Heron, located on the shores of the majestic Killary Fjord. Alternatively, try the Purple Door Cafe in Leenane.
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.
Killary Fjord Certainly one of Ireland’s most spectacular glacial fjords, only one of three in Ireland.
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).
Connemara Seaweed Baths The only saltwater seaweed baths in the West of Ireland.
We recommend Guy’s Bar & Snug or Mitchell’s in Clifden.
Connemara is home to the largest Gaeltacht (Irish Speaking Population) in Ireland, where an estimated 70% of the population speaks Irish as their first language on a daily basis. Oozing with culture and tradition, Connemara and the islands have a lot to offer. This morning you will meet your guide and take a flight to Inis Oirr, the smallest of the three Aran Islands. Enjoy the commanding views of the islands, Galway Bay, and the Connemara coastline before stepping into the wilderness. You’ll visit the island Arts Centre where you will get a glimpse of the island’s history, culture, heritage, and traditions and finish up doing a craft workshop with Máirtín, a local islander and expert craftsman. A feast of local seafood will be served for lunch, including Aran Lobster, before you embark on a tour of the island visiting the Shipwreck, Underground Church, and the 15th century O Brien’s Castle perched on the highest point of the island. Head back to the mainland this evening just in time to freshen up and grab a bite to eat.
Overnight: Cashel | Cashel House Hotel
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Cashel House Hotel to Connemara Airport
Please give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport.
Activity: Inis Oirr Adventure
Guide: Padraig
Start Location: Connemara Airport | Start Time: 10:10 | Approx Duration: 7 hrs
Phone: +353 87 2238764
We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes before your start time.
Located only 15 minutes from your accommodation, Ballynahinch Castle offers delicious dining options, from laid-back Fisherman’s Pub to the Owenmore Restaurant, which overlooks the salmon fishery.
Leaving Connemara behind this morning, head further north into Mayo. We recommend stopping to explore the vibrant market town of Westport, which lies at the edge of the Wild Nephin wilderness and on the shores of Clew Bay, known for the hundreds of tiny islands created by glaciers millennia ago. A bustling regional hub and host to some of Ireland’s most musical pubs, arrive in town early to explore the colourful streets and visit some fantastic shops and artisans! Continue to Belmullet, a coastal village and Gaeltacht area, known for its idyllic, white sandy beaches, wind-swept coasts, and stunning cliffs.
Overnight: Belmullet | The Talbot Hotel
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Westport House Considered a national treasure, discover over 300-years of history at Westport House in ‘Ireland’s Most Beautiful Home.’ Its legendary beginnings date back to Pirate Queen of Connacht Grace O’Malley, whose castle forms the foundations of Westport House.
The Great Western Greenway Ireland’s first greenway is a walking and cycling trail in County Mayo on the Wild Atlantic Way. Running 49km around the Eastern and Northern stretches of Clew Bay in Co Mayo.
Croagh Patrick This soaring cone-shaped peak rises above Clew Bay in Co Mayo and been welcoming people for well over 3,000 years since our Neolithic ancestors first recognised its potency as a sacred site. No need to summit – there’s a lovely cafe and restaurant at the bottom where you can enjoy some lunch.
Downpatrick Head Visit the magnificent heritage site of Downpatrick Head and experience unrivalled views of the Staggs of Broadhaven islands and the Dún Briste sea stack. Driving route:
We recommend Campbell’s if you are stopping by Croagh Patrick. The Creel Deli in Westport is a great pit stop if you want to get a takeaway lunch. Alternatively, try Servd.
We recommend the Seafood Bar at your hotel.
Amongst Irelands most hidden gems, the remote Inishkea Islands off the west coast of the Mullet Peninsula make for a truly amazing day out. These abandoned outcrops are home to sandy dunes, fertile grassy machair, long silver strands, and incredibly clear turquoise waters. You’ll take a 35-minute trip across the water and have a picnic on the beach, walk the abandoned ruins of the village, or hike to the signal tower at the highest point and take in the incredible views of the mainland. Watch the wildlife, which includes a thriving seal colony and a wide range of waders and seabirds. With no distractions on the islands to hurry you and nowhere to be, the Inishkea Islands Experience is the ultimate in stepping back in time and the perfect day out!
Overnight: Belmullet | The Talbot Hotel
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Activity: Atlantic Sea Safari
Guide: Mick
Start Location: Blacksod Pier | Start Time: 11:00 | Approx Duration: 3.5 hrs
Phone: +353 83 0263100
Please wear waterproof clothing and bring a spare pair of clothes in your car.
Annagh Head View Point With views of Eagle Island to the north, and the legendary Inis Gluaire Island to the south, Ceann an Eanaigh is the perfect place to watch the wild Atlantic Ocean waves breaking against rocks.
Driving route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fVPv2p43B7ATSkSy7
We recommend Mc’s Bistro & Grill.
Today you will explore Belmullet self-guided. Belmullet is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its stunning coastal scenery providing a backdrop for a variety of activities. The nearby Erris Head Loop Walk offers spectacular views of the rugged coastline, and for those interested in history, Belmullet offers historic sites such as ancient stone circles and megalithic tombs scattered throughout the peninsula. We’ll also recommend a visit to dramatic blowholes, where you can stand atop wild cliffs in this forlorn but breathtaking region.
Overnight: Belmullet | The Talbot Hotel
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Erris Loop Walk An easy-moderate hike with coastal views overlooking the Atlantic.
Downpatrick Head Experience stunning views of the Dún Briste sea stack, marvel at the coloured rock formations and spot the sea birds who call this place home including puffins, kittiwakes, and cormorants.
Ceide Fields The remarkable neolithic site at Céide Fields in County Mayo contains the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world – dating back nearly 6,000 years.
We recommend Lunasa in the town centre.
We recommend dining at your hotel.
This morning, you’ll bid a fond farewell to Ireland’s west coast as you make your way slowly back towards Dublin. for a tour of the Neolithic historical site, Brú na Bóinne. The World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne is Ireland’s richest archaeological landscape and is situated within a bend in the River Boyne. Brú na Bóinne is famous for the spectacular prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth which were built circa 3200 BC. These ceremonial structures are among the most important Neolithic sites in the world and contain the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe. Your hotel tonight is a historic site, home to one of Ireland’s up-and-coming Michelin-starred restaurants- a perfect way to end your trip before flying home.
Overnight: Kildare | Cliff at Lyons
Room Type: x1 Estate Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
We recommend The Pantry at Dolly’s
Activity: Bru Na Boinne
Start Location: Bru Na Boinne | Start Time: 14:30 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs
Booking Reference: 223222
We recommend dining at your hotel tonight.
This morning, make the 30-minute drive to Dublin Airport and catch your flight to London. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we look forward to welcoming you to our shores once again.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Sunday 11th August – Sunday 25th August 2024
