email: cathriona.o'[email protected]
tel: 091457898
Quaid Irish Adventure
Philip & Pam Quaid
Thursday 25th April – Thursday 16th May 2024
Thursday 25th April – Thursday 16th May 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, 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, pick up your rental car and head to Westport. Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of Clew Bay and embraced by the rolling hills of County Mayo, Westport stands as a charming gem along the Wild Atlantic Way. This vibrant town seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, boasting colourful Georgian architecture lining its quaint streets. Westport’s heart beats with a lively atmosphere fuelled by its traditional pubs, artisanal shops, and a bustling market square. Surrounded by lush landscapes, including the iconic Croagh Patrick looming in the distance, this will be your home for the next three nights. Settle in before grabbing some dinner, adventure starts tomorrow!
Overnight: Westport | The Wyatt
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: None
This morning, an expert local guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and together you will leave the world behind as you head off to Achill Island for a day of exploration. Achill is the largest island in the country and encompasses dramatic land and seascapes which have provided inspiration for artists and writers for many years.
There are many looped walks on the island and you can chat with your guide which one suits you best. Hike to the soothing melody of crashing waves before grabbing lunch at a local, cosy pub.
Overnight: Westport | The Wyatt
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 4 km / 2 miles
Westport is yours to explore today and we will provide plenty of recommendations. After a stroll around the town, take the opportunity to visit Downpatrick Head and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visit a 15th century church, dramatic blow holes and stand atop wild cliffs in this forlorn but breathtaking region. This evening enjoy dinner in the hub of Westport town.
Overnight: Westport | The Wyatt Hotel
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Westport behind, feast your eyes upon the breathtaking shores of one of Ireland’s only three fjords before heading to the expanses of Connemara. Once described as “a savage beauty” by author Oscar Wilde, explore the wild, windswept region. Stops include a sheep farm and a neo-gothic abbey before hiking in Connemara National Park.
Overnight: Clifden Connemara | Foyles Hotel
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore the ancient mysteries of Connemara with a local archeologist who will bring the landscape, traditions and mythology of the region alive. Our route takes us to a hauntingly beautiful island where you’ll hear tales of pirates and invasions. Be sure to taste some of the spectacular local seafood in an idyllic island pub.
This evening we recommend the short drive into Clifden to catch a live music session.
Overnight: Clifden Connemara | Foyles Hotel
Room Type: Classic
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. What better way to spend an afternoon here than a delectable food tour? Stop off in the city and tantalise your taste buds with a delightful journey through Galway’s culinary scene. From artisanal cheeses, craft beers, to handcrafted chocolate, this will be a true feast for the senses.
Afterwards, make your way to County Clare and 18th century manor house and home for the next three nights.
Overnight: The Burren | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s hard to resist the allure of one of the many islands that dot the Irish coastline and today you and a local 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. Experience breathtaking scenery, mediaeval castles, cliffs and prehistoric forts on Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands. On return, sail under the iconic Cliffs of Moher as they rise 700 feet from the crashing Atlantic Ocean.
Overnight: The Burren | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Burren’s rocky alien landscape is said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy – and on your guided hike through this other-worldly region, it’s easy to see why! Home to a plethora of unique wildflowers, you will learn about the human history of the area dating back thousands of years.
Overnight: The Burren | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles
Leaving County Clare behind, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine wildlife as you cross the mouth of the mighty River Shannon. As you make your way south through North Kerry, we’ll recommend a great beach walk along one of Kerry’s best-kept secret coastlines, as well as a few other great stops to make a leisurely day of it. Alternatively, you may prefer to head straight to Dingle where you could enjoy a short walk along the marina before dinner.
Overnight: Dingle | Pax House
Room Type: Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast
The best way to discover the best of the Dingle Peninsula? By boat, of course! Spend the day with a charismatic wildlife expert boating around Slea Head and the Blasket Islands, an abandoned archipelago famous for rich literary heritage and unique cultural insight about life in Ireland’s westernmost fringes. Spot seabirds and marine wildlife such as whales, seals and porpoises and dolphins.
Overnight: Dingle | Pax House
Room Type: Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, Dingle is yours to explore. Explore the scenic Slea Head Drive, where craggy cliffs and emerald-green landscapes provide a breathtaking backdrop for shared adventures. Indulge in the town’s renowned seafood at a cozy restaurant, savoring the freshest catch from the Dingle Peninsula. The town’s lively pubs offer the perfect setting for an evening filled with traditional Irish music, creating an atmosphere where the warmth of the locals blends seamlessly with the melodies
Overnight: Dingle | Pax House
Room Type: Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a leisurely breakfast, leave Dingle behind and head over to Killarney National Park – the jewel in the county’s crown. Today the park encompasses 26,000 acres of mountains, woodlands, lakes, waterfalls and history. Enjoy Kerry’s most breathtaking scenery on your doorstep. A local guide will meet you here and together you will visit the mediaeval tower house at Ross Castle, visit Torc Waterfall and take a short walk around the woodlands. A day spent in Killarney National Park will always be memorable.
Overnight: Killarney | Killarney Plaza
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles
As you make your way into the southern part of the Ring of Kerry, the landscape becomes wilder and more rugged. At a secluded bay, meet a true Irish gent, local foraging expert and storyteller who will take you on a wander along the shoreline learning about life on Ireland’s West Coast. Have a toast and enjoy some seaweed nibbles including the flavoursome Duilleasc and Nori, the famous sushi roll wrapping. Afterwards, stop in the quaint little town of Kenmare before heading back to Killarney.
Overnight: Killarney | Killarney Plaza
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
A foodie haven and the end of the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale is a bolthole for Ireland’s most culinary-minded and its pretty harbour with mystical sea views is an idyllic place for an adventure. Follow a jaw-dropping coastal route through southwest Ireland as you learn of pirate invasions, famine and conflict. A visit to 17th century star-shaped Charles Fort or a sunset stroll along a waterside walkway is a perfect end to your day’s touring.
Overnight: Kinsale | Perryville House
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, it’s time to explore the city of Cork. Cork is Ireland’s second largest city, has a vibrant centre and is worth wandering around. First, stop off at the oldest market in Europe, trading since 1788. The English Market in Cork City has survived famine, flood, war, fires, and multiple recessions to remain a strong part of Cork’s fabric. Make your way back to Kinsale after a day of exploration.
Overnight: Kinsale | Perryville House Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast
The nearby town of Cobh is cemented in history as the last port in which the ill fated Titanic docked before embarking on its maiden journey to America. Formally called Queenstown, Cobh today has many attractions and not just for Titanic enthusiasts. Small colourful houses line the streets that cup a picturesque harbour while the impressive Cobh Cathedral dominates the skyline overlooking the town. Meeting a guide you will explore Cobh’s history with the Titanic away from the harbour and learn the stories of those from the area whose lives were forever changed. This evening, make your way to the medieval city of Kilkenny.
Overnight: Kilkenny | Kilkenny House Hotel
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, take a guided tour of the iconic Kilkenny Castle, a fortress dating back to the 12th century. Immerse yourself in its rich history as you wander through the beautifully preserved rooms and explore the magnificent gardens. Few buildings in Ireland can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Kilkenny Castle. Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the Castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years. Afterward, take some time to wander around Kilkenny’s picturesque streets, lined with colourful buildings, quaint shops, and inviting cafes. Later on, visit Sullivan’s Taproom for a bite to eat and tasting.
Overnight: Kilkenny | Kilkenny House Hotel
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will meet a local historian for a guided tour of Kilkenny city. Admire the Medieval architecture and stories of those who built it, visit all the major Medieval sites, such as Rothe House, the Black Abbey, St. Canice’s Cathedral, St. Francis’ Abbey, the market area and St. Mary’s Church. Learn all about the fascinating stories of the people who lived during these times.
Overnight: Kilkenny | Kilkenny House Hotel
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Kilkenny behind, check into your 4* eco lodge, located in a secluded County Wicklow Valley. We recommend a walk around the gardens before checking out the spa facilities onsite. This evening, enjoy a meal at The Strawberry Tree, Ireland’s first certified organic restaurant. You also have the option of participating in a Wild Foods Masterclass with the restaurant’s chefs. Learn about the seasonality of the region’s natural wild foods, participate in traditional cooking and preserving techniques, and venture afield to forage along the Irish hedgerows, fields, and woods around Macreddin village to create your very own wild foods dish.
Overnight: Wicklow | Brooklodge
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will explore the magical Wicklow Mountains National Park. Early medieval Ireland was Europe’s centre of culture, with scholars travelling from all over to study at the country’s great monastic centres. Glendalough was one of the biggest and most famous of all. You will visit the monastic site where you will meet with a local folklorist who will fill you in on the history and mythology of this ancient valley.
Overnight: Wicklow | Brooklodge
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, make your way to Dublin. Later today, enjoy your afternoon tea delicacies, good conversation and tap along to some fabulous 1950s jazz. This is afternoon tea with a difference, onboard a converted double decker bus! Board your vintage Routemaster bus in historic Temple Bar. Soak up the nostalgia as your host gets the conversation started, the music begins, and a classic afternoon tea is served.
Overnight: Dublin | Drury Court Hotel
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, check out of your hotel and make your way to Dublin airport. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Please see our booking terms here.
