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The Coopers 60th Wedding Anniversary
Nancy and Brian Cooper
Saturday 2nd August – Saturday 9th August 2025
Saturday 2nd August – Saturday 9th August 2025
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.
Arriving in Dublin this morning, a private transfer will meet you at arrivals and take you to your centrally located hotel. There is no better introduction to Dublin than 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 the GPO on 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.
Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Room Type: Classic Room
Meals Included: None
This morning after Breakfast, you’ll meet your Wilderness guide in the lobby of your hotel. After some short introductions you’ll journey cross country, to the County of Galway, home to Connemara National Park along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. En route, you will visit a family-run crystal factory. Glass cutting in Ireland is part of a vibrant artistic tradition and you will have the chance today to meet the master glass cutter as they craft a personalised item for you. As you continue to the coastal regions, feast your eyes upon the breathtaking expanses of Connemara, once described as “a savage beauty” by author Oscar Wilde.
Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning your guide will take you 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.
Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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 on this private experience. 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: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning, your adventure continues as you depart from the breathtaking Connemara and make your way towards Irelands North West Coast.
On the journey, you’ll pause in County Sligo, famously known as Yeats Country, named after the renowned poet William Butler Yeats. Here, you’ll indulge in a private Oyster Tasting experience hosted by a local oyster farmer and coffee house owner. Discover the secrets of oyster harvesting and watch an expert shucking demonstration. Then, savour the flavours of freshly shucked oysters, both naked and dressed, paired with a glass of perfectly selected wine to elevate the experience.
After this unique culinary stop, continue your scenic journey to Donegal, where you’ll check into your cosy accommodation. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at your hotel and unwind by the fire with a drink of your choice, letting the day’s experiences settle in.
Overnight: Donegal Town | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: Courtyard Guest Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning, journey further north for an unforgettable experience through the heart of Derry City, where history, culture, and local stories come to life. Accompanied by your passionate private local guide, you’ll walk along the city’s ancient walls, visit iconic landmarks, and explore the powerful history of the Bogside murals. From the echoes of the city’s past to its vibrant present, this tour offers a unique and immersive experience, deepening your connection to one of Northern Ireland’s most fascinating cities.
In the afternoon, take some time to unwind and relax at your accommodation. Whether you choose to indulge in the luxurious spa facilities or enjoy a peaceful stroll through the grounds, it’s the perfect opportunity to recharge before heading to the local town for a hearty meal.
Overnight: Donegal Town | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: Courtyard Guest Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
On your final day, you’ll visit one of Ireland’s most iconic castles, renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. Leaving Donegal you’ll travel to Co.Meath and enjoy a private tour of Slane Castle, where you’ll explore its beautiful gardens and delve into centuries of history with your knowledgeable guide.
Afterward, take a leisurely stroll to the Slane Distillery, a working whiskey distillery located on the castle grounds. Here, you’ll journey from grain to glass, experiencing the sights, sounds, and aromas of Slane Irish Whiskey being crafted. The tour will conclude in the premium tasting rooms, where you’ll savour a delightful tipple of their finest whiskey.
Later, check into your hotel before heading to a local restaurant to enjoy your last evening. Reminisce on your last week of adventure, chat with locals about family connections and have a toast to the many more years of marriage that lie ahead.
Overnight: Enfield | Johnstown Estate
Room Type: Junior Suite
This morning, a private transfer will take you to Dublin Airport at your preferred time.
We hope you had a truly memorable trip and will cherish the experiences you shared together.
The price of this trip is €9,900 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.
Please see our booking terms here.
Saturday 2nd August – Saturday 9th August 2025
