The Passionist- Von Borries

Day 1 - Friday 22^nd March - Welcome to Dublin

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 3pm 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.

We have lots of suggestions of restaurants and pubs to check out tonight to toast your first night in Ireland.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Superior King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 23^rd March - Head West to the Wild Atlantic Way

Your private guide will meet you this morning. After some short introductions, together you will transfer west from Dublin to County Clare, the home to Ireland’s famed Cliffs of Moher. Enroute, stop at the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise. St Ciarán founded his monastery on the banks of the River Shannon in the 6th Century. The monastery flourished and became a great seat of learning, a University of its time with students from all over Europe. Today the ruins include a Cathedral, two round towers, three high crosses, nine Churches and over 700 Early Christian grave slabs.

Your hotel this evening is in the heart of The Burren, an area of outstanding natural beauty. At a local pub, meet the owner and resident whiskey expert for a tasting and lesson on Irish Whiskey before a delicious local dinner with your guide.

Overnight: Clare | Gregans Castle
Room Type: 2 X Superior Doubles
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Sunday 24^th March - The Aran Islands

It’s hard to resist the allure of one of the many islands that dot the Irish coastline and today you and your guide will take to the water and ferry to The Aran Islands. The history of these islands goes back millennia and today Gaelic is still the daily spoken language of the inhabitants. The Aran islands seem to defy their size by all they have to offer: breathtaking scenery, mediaeval castles, cliffs and prehistoric forts are all to be found on this little group of islands.

Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands, is your destination today. The first port of call is a goat farm, here Gabriel, fisherman-come-goat farmer and island native will introduce you to his flock of extraordinarily cute goats. You’ll taste his award-winning cheese, but more importantly, you will leave with his wealth of knowledge on the island’s history, language and culture. We will make sure you don’t miss the incredible prehistoric cliff top fortress at Dun Aenghus as well as some hidden spots along the island’s shore.

Overnight: Clare | Gregans Castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Superior Doubles
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 25^th March - Stories and Sheepdogs

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. A local military historian will meet you at the city’s main square 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 a delicious lunch 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 and visit an ancient prehistoric tomb before returning to you hotel for your final night in Ireland.

Overnight: Clare | Gregans Castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Superior Doubles
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 26^th March - Return to Dublin

Today it is time to say goodbye to the west coast and return to Dublin. Your guide will take you directly to Dublin airport or to your hotel if choosing another night in the city pre-departure. We do hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we once again have the opportunity to welcome to our shores.

Meals Included: Breakfast