Olivette Travel - Discover Ireland - Schmitz

Day 1 - Monday 7^th September - Céad míle fáilte - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

Céad míle fáilte – or one hundred thousand welcomes – to Ireland’s capital, Dublin! Upon arrival, a private transfer will provide a smooth journey into the city and onwards to the hotel. There is no better introduction to Dublin than a private walking tour with a local guide so after a bite to eat head out to see the best of the city. Your guide is also a historian who will share the stories, characters, and events that have shaped Dublin through the centuries.

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Room Type: x2 Westbury King, x1 Westbury Twin
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Tuesday 8^th September - Hidden Howth & Irish Stout

Today, we’ll visit the suburb of Howth, with its picturesque harbour, pretty beaches and wildflower-covered sea cliffs, it feels like the kind of village you’d find on a far-flung stretch of the west coast rather than a 25-minute journey from the city centre. Here, we meet a local guide for a wander along the coast. As we spot the resident seals poking their heads up we’ll see why Howth is the go-to spot for Dubliners looking for a weekend breath of fresh air. We’ll enjoy Howth’s “seafood trail”, sampling Seafood Chowder, fresh Smoked Salmon, Irish Soda Bread, and a mouth watering Seafood Platter to finish.

In the late afternoon, we’ll step into the world of Guinness with a delightful tour of the Guinness Storehouse. For the discerning connoisseur, this tour delves deep into the history and origins of the iconic stout, tracing its roots back to its founder, Arthur Guinness, in 1759. Enjoy a pint of “The Black Stuff” in the Gravity Bar, with 360 views across Dublin.

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Room Type: x2 Westbury King, x1 Westbury Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Wednesday 9^th September - Heading South

This morning, our private guide will meet us in the lobby of our hotel and after some short introductions, we’ll head south.

En route, we’ll stop at the Rock of Cashel, an immaculately preserved cathedral overlooking the sweeping landscape below.

Arriving at The Park Kenmare, we’ll drop off our bags and enjoy an exciting Hawk Walk, where we’ll watch these magnificent birds of prey swoop through the skies and learn about their fascinating behaviours. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact first hand with one of nature’s top predators while viewing their aerial acrobatics in free flight against the backdrop of Kenmare Bay & The Caha Mountains.

Overnight: Kenmare | Park Hotel Kenmare
Room Type: x3 Spa Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 10^th September - Classic Cliffs & Local Characters

This morning, we take to the skies for a tour of a UNESCO Global Geopark, a special region with outstanding geology. Visually stunning, the Cliffs of Moher stand 702ft at their highest point and stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic coast. We visit the musical village of Doolin, where we hop on a Zodiac for an up-close and personal exploration of the Cliffs. Far from the tourist crowds, learn the mythology and wildlife of this iconic site.

This afternoon, we have a unique Irish Music experience lined up – outside of the usual pub setting. We will meet Christy and Sheila in their home, where they have been entertaining friends and musicians for many years. Sitting around the fire, playing music, telling stories, dancing, and eating have been the traditions in rural Ireland for centuries. Irish trad music has endured better than most European folk music, and Christy will chat to us about its origins, play us some tunes, and chat about life on the west coast in general.

Taking flight once more, we’re back in Kenmare in time for a trad session in one of the local pubs.

Overnight: Park Hotel Kenmare
Room Type: x3 Spa Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 11^th September - Traditional Farms in the South

Our first stop today brings us to the beautiful Muckross House. With our guide head inside for a look at incredible wealth and a rich history. This afternoon stop in for a charming and immersive visit to Muckross Creamery Farm. Begin with a warm cup of tea in a traditional old cottage before we meet our hosts, John and his wife, local dairy farmers with generations of experience. Learn about life on the farm, from traditional practices to modern milking technology, and meet the cows behind their award-winning ice cream. The visit concludes with a delicious tasting in the family’s original 200-year-old farmhouse.

Overnight: Kenmare | Park Hotel Kenmare
Room Type: x3 Spa Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Saturday 12^th September - Seaweed Forgaing along the Ring of Kerry

Today, travel to the southern shores of the Iveragh peninsula, also known as The Ring of Kerry, and meet one of our favourite characters. A fisherman, foraging expert, storyteller and a true Irish gent, John, will take us on a wander along the shoreline learning about life on Ireland’s west coast, all the while regaling us with tales of characters from the region, from lonely monks to 18th century civil rights activists to mythical heroes. We stop at picturesque bays and harbours, and points of interest along the way before returning to our hotel this evening.

Overnight: Kenmare | Park Hotel Kenmare
Room Type: x3 Spa Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Sunday 13^th September - Depart

This morning, our guide will take us to the airport for our flight home. 

Meals Included: Breakfast