Neskora & Becker Celtic Adventures - Final Information

Day 1 - Thursday 8^th May - Céad míle fáilte - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

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: x1 Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Friday 9^th May - Afternoon Tea & Claddagh Workshop

Visit St Stephens Green this morning, a historic park and gardens in the centre of Dublin. Grab some coffee and pastries and stroll the gardens and monuments in the bright morning sunshine. Later, experience afternoon tea with a difference aboard a vintage bus. Sip Earl Grey or good old Lyons and indulge in scones jam and cream as you meander through the streets of Dublin with music, banter and great conversations. Alight from your bus and make your way to Drury Street where Jill and her skilled team will take you through the process of forging a bespoke piece of jewellery to commemorate your time in Ireland. You’ll make a traditional Irish ring that symbolizes love, loyalty and friendship.  This evening, visit one of the local pubs for some traditional Irish pub food and drinks with the locals.

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Saturday 10^th May - The Irish National Stud & The West Coast of Ireland

After breakfast this morning, your private guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and after some short introductions, together you will transfer 1 hour to the Irish National Stud & Gardens, located in the beating heart of Ireland’s thoroughbred country in County Kildare. You will take a tour of the grounds, and the paddocks, meet a thoroughbred, and enjoy the famous Japanese Gardens with your guide. Continue to Gregan’s Castle, a former retreat for poets and authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. You’ll be back in time for a cool pint of Guinness by the fire before a hosted dinner with your leisure at its award-winning restaurant.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x1 Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Sunday 11^th May - The Aran Islands

We hope the weather gods are on our side today as we head out to visit one of the remote islands that dot the Irish coastline. Inis Mor (Inishmore) is the largest of the three Aran Islands, and our destination this morning. Explore the island with the aid of some off-road adventure vehicles as your local guides, Padraig and Aonghus bring you to all the off-the-beaten-track spots on the islands that only their 4×4 can reach. Learn of the Irish language spoken on the islands, the unique Irish culture and traditions of the local people, the flora and fauna that inhabit the islands and of course the filming site from the recent Banshees of Inisherin film!

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x1 Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Monday 12^th May - Galway City

This morning your guide will take you further north to your first stop, Galway. Galway is a bohemian town, full of art and artisans, crafters and performers. Just outside the city, you will stop at 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. With its cobbled pavement and street performers, Galway is the West Coast’s most vibrant urban centre and a great place to visit. You’ll have lunch in one of our favourite restaurants in the city centre before heading to your final destination, the stunning and historic Ashford Castle. Once owned by the Guinness family, Ashford dates back to the 12th century and has earned its place in Ireland’s history books.

Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Queen (two bed)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Tuesday 13^th May - The Wilds of Connemara

This morning it’s a 45-minute drive through the windswept Twelve Bens Mountain Range to Killary, Ireland’s only fjord. Start the day with a sheep-herding demonstration at a local farm, and you’ll have the opportunity to cut peat from the bogs – a method that’s been used to harvest fuel in these parts for aeons. Take a stroll along the abandoned Famine Trail and hear stories of the people who emigrated en mass due to the harsh conditions they found themselves in. En route back to your hotel, you’ll stop at the stunning Kylemore Abbey. Built in the 1800s as a dedication to his wife by Mitchell Henry MP, a wealthy businessman, today Kylemore is owned and run by the Benedictine community who have been in residence since the 1920s. Tour the house and walled gardens and be sure to stop by the cafe and gift shop, the homemade chocolates, made onsite are a delicious treat to take away.

Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Queen (two bed)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Wednesday 14^th May - Inishlaken & Roundstone Bay

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.

Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Queen (two bed)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Thursday 15^th May - To Scotland & Head North

This morning, your guide will drop you at the airport in time to catch your flight to Scotland. On arrival in Glasgow you will be met by your private Scotland host guide, who will also act as your driver for your time together. The adventure begins right away as you head north to the rugged west coast.

Your route will take you through atmospheric Glencoe, full of history and soaring mountain ridges, as you travel to your unique hotel.

Please note that your hotel is a minimum of a 2 and a half hour drive north from Glasgow Airport, not taking into account any delays getting luggage or any traffic on route. So you are unlikely to arrive at your hotel until 21:30 pm at the very earliest.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Small Walled Garden Room as TWIN (not in main castle)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Friday 16^th May - The Road To The Isles

Today enjoy a relaxing start to the day at the castle. Then take in the superb views as you drive west 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. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and history.

You may wish to stop at the historic Glenfinnan Monument, and see if you can spot the famous ‘Harry Potter Train’ puffing its way over the graceful arches of the viaduct. Take a stroll on the white sand beaches of Arisaig and soak in the views of the Small Isles before you carry on to the small fishing town of Mallaig. 

The perfect end to your day is to settle into a seat in a cosy pub and enjoy hearing legends and fascinating tales of the history of the area told by a local storyteller. Your guide will then take you back to your hotel.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Small Walled Garden Room as TWIN (not in main castle)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Saturday 17^th May - Loch Ness & Culloden Battlefield

Today you transfer to Inverness, following the Great Glen all the way to the east coast. Your route takes you past the deep secretive waters of Loch Ness and you will stop to explore the mighty ruins or Urquhart Castle on the shores, once a clan stronghold.

Continue in the footsteps of the past as you explore Culloden Battlefield, site of the doomed last stand of the Jacobite Rebellion. Then head back even further to fascinating burial chambers and standing stones dating from the Bronze Age. Your welcoming hotel is a calm oasis in Inverness as you settle in for the night.

Overnight: Inverness | Culloden House Hotel
Room Type: Main House Suite as TWIN
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Sunday 18^th May - Witchery & Highland Mountains

Today discover the magnificent turreted Brodie Castle, which has been the home of the Brodie clan for over 400 years. You may also wish to take a stroll on the pretty nearby beach, and don’t forget to pay your respects to The Witches Stone in Forres. A solid reminder of chilling past times.

Then you will head deep into the Cairngorms National Park following the ‘Snow Road’. If you want a stop to stretch your legs then there are several intriguing art installations along the way, all inviting you to focus on certain views in this wild landscape. Your destination is the Fife Arms Hotel in the charming village of Braemar. A stay here is fabulously unique and opulent experience created by acclaimed Hauser & Wirth. You will find many remarkable conversation pieces and an experience not to be forgotten.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture as TWIN
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Monday 19^th May - Royal Connections

You have the full day to explore this beautiful area with your guide today. The Balmoral Estate has been the Highland residence of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852. Hear tales of the Royal connections as you visit Balmoral castle & take a stroll in the estate, maybe hike through the forest to visit a unique pyramid with superb views if you are feeling energetic. Finish the day with a toast to your explorations in true Scottish manner with a tour and tasting of the local royally approved distillery, which was issued a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria in 1848. ‘Slainte Mhath!’, or good health, to you.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture as TWIN
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Tuesday 20^th May - Elegant Scone Palace & Afternoon Tea

Today you transfer south to Edinburgh, making the most of your final day with your guide. Stop to visit the splendours of elegant Scone Palace, once the crowning place of Scottish Kings and Queens. Stroll the beautiful gardens and explore the unique Murray Star Maze before you continue.

On arrival in Edinburgh you have a special treat to finish, a delectable afternoon tea at The Witchery, before your guide takes you to your characterful hotel to settle in.

Note: Afternoon Tea is included in addition to lunch

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Room Type: TWIN Premium
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14 - Wednesday 21^st May - Exploring Historic Edinburgh

This morning immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local guide. Discover the highlights of this unique capital as you wander up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself, perched above the city.

Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past. Your guide will leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish. You then have a free afternoon to continue your explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Room Type: TWIN Premium
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Thursday 22^nd May - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Edinburgh 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