Legends & Landscapes: Vinson's Heritage Tour of Ireland

Day 1 - Céad míle fáilte - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

Céad míle fáilte – a hundred thousand welcomes – to Ireland’s wild and wonderful west. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your private guide, who will accompany you on a scenic journey south into the heart of County Kerry. Along the way, enjoy a leisurely stop in the postcard-perfect village of Adare, often celebrated as Ireland’s prettiest town, with its charming thatched cottages, stone walls, and quaint boutiques.

Continuing onward, you’ll arrive in the colorful coastal town of Dingle by afternoon. Take some time to settle in and soak up the laid-back atmosphere of this beloved harbor town, where traditional music spills from local pubs and fishing boats dot the bay.

This evening, enjoy a truly special experience as you meet a talented local chef for an intimate cooking demonstration, featuring fresh, regional ingredients and classic Irish techniques. Afterward, gather around the table with your host for an evening of great food, local stories, and warm conversation—a perfect introduction to the hospitality that defines the Dingle Peninsula.

Overnight: Dingle | Castlewood House
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 - Heritage on Dingle Peninsula

Begin your day with a meaningful visit to the local parish where your ancestors once lived, as your knowledgeable guide helps you explore historical records and uncover stories from your family’s past. Together, you’ll visit significant sites including ancestral homes and gravesites, bringing your heritage vividly to life. After a morning immersed in history and connection, enjoy a scenic and leisurely drive along Dingle’s breathtaking Slea Head, where dramatic cliffs and ocean views create a stunning backdrop. Return to Dingle town in the evening to savor a delicious dinner, reflecting on the day’s discoveries and the timeless beauty surrounding you.

Overnight: Dingle | Castlewood House
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Traditional Baking Experience

County Clare on Ireland’s West Coast is home to the famed Cliffs of Moher and the lunar landscape of the Burren. Today stop at a traditional farm and meet Evelyn to try your hand at making some traditional Irish scones. Later, use the quiet of the afternoon to visit Ireland’s famed Cliffs of Moher, part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, a special region with outstanding geology. Visually stunning, the Cliffs Stand 702 ft at their highest point and stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic coast.

Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: Classic Ocean View King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Discovering Roots in County Clare & Limerick

This morning, delve into your family’s roots with a visit to the Clare/Limerick Heritage and Genealogy Centre in the heart of Ennis. Here, expert genealogists will guide you through detailed records and ancestral tracings, helping to piece together the story of your lineage in County Clare. With new insights in hand, spend the afternoon exploring meaningful locations connected to your heritage—perhaps the site of a former family home, a local schoolhouse, or the surrounding village lanes once walked by your ancestors. It’s a deeply personal and reflective journey through the past. As the day winds down, return to your accommodation and enjoy a warm drink in cozy surroundings, letting the quiet pride of the day settle in.

Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: Classic Ocean View King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Galway City

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.

Your accommodation this evening is a fitting finale to your journey along the Wild Atlantic Way. Delphi Lodge, a beautifully restored 19th-century country house, is nestled in the remote and unspoiled Delphi Valley in County Galway. Built in the 1830s by the Marquis of Sligo as a sporting lodge, it offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by towering mountains, pristine lakes, and lush woodlands.

Overnight: Leenaun | Delphi Lodge
Room Type: Lake View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Stories and Sheepdogs

After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will accompany you to a traditional working sheep farm, where you’ll witness skilled sheepdogs in action, expertly herding their flock across the rugged Connemara landscape. Enjoy a warm and engaging conversation with the local farmer, who will share stories of life on Ireland’s wild west coast and generations of farming heritage.

On the scenic journey back, your guide will lead you to the stunning Kylemore Abbey, a 19th-century manor steeped in history and set against a dramatic lakeside backdrop. Explore the beautifully restored rooms, wander through the Victorian Walled Gardens, visit the striking Neo-Gothic Church, and perhaps treat yourself to a homemade scone in the on-site café. It’s a rich and varied afternoon that blends history, nature, and local charm.

Overnight: Leenaun | Delphi Lodge
Room Type: Lake View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Yeats' County

After breakfast, it’s time to make your way further north towards Donegal. You’ll stop halfway in Sligo, nestled between the iconic mountains of Benbulben and Knocknarea on the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s easy to see how the windswept landscapes here captured the imagination of Irish national poet W.B. Yeats. Join a local guide on an exclusive adventure of a working oyster farm, where they’ll share the history, care, expertise, and craft of oyster farming, a tradition passed down through generations. As you take in stunning views of Sligo Bay, enjoy freshly shucked oysters by the shore, paired with local craft beer, bubbles, and refreshments, offering a true taste of Sligo’s rich seafood heritage. Afterwards, you’ll hit the road again for a 1-hour drive to your castle hotel, located on the shimmering shores of Lough Eske.

Overnight: Donegal | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Connections and Castles

Spend the day tracing your roots in the rugged beauty of County Donegal, where your guide will help uncover the stories and landscapes connected to your ancestral past. Visit local archives, churches, and perhaps even the land your ancestors once called home, weaving together personal history with the powerful spirit of this unspoiled region. After a fulfilling morning of exploration and reflection, return to your luxurious 5-star accommodation, where you can unwind in elegant comfort. Whether it’s by a crackling fire, in a serene spa, or simply gazing out at the wild Donegal scenery, the afternoon is yours to relax and absorb the meaning of the day.

Overnight: Donegal | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 - Depart

This morning, your guide will bring you to Dublin or Dublin Airport, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey as your time in Ireland comes to a close. As you prepare to board your flight home, you’ll be saying goodbye—for now—with a heart full of treasured memories, meaningful connections, and the unforgettable stories gathered along your journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast