Sandlin Family Irish Adventure - Final Information

Day 1 - Friday 11^th July - Welcome to Dublin

Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you into the city to your boutique hotel. Check-in and perhaps catch up on sleep before your adventure starts tomorrow.

Overnight: Dublin | Brooks Hotel
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Double, x1 Deluxe Twin, x1 Deluxe Triple
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Saturday 12^th July - Historical Walking Tour

Head out this morning to enjoy a walking tour with a local private guide through this vibrant capital city, with its mix of 1,000 years of architecture from the medieval to Georgian to modern. See the Georgian-style Merrion Square, lush St. Stephen’s Green, and Fitzwilliam Square, as well as 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. Tonight enjoy dinner at one of Dublin’s many wonderful restaurants.

Overnight: Dublin | Brooks Hotel
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Double, x1 Deluxe Twin, x1 Deluxe Triple

Day 3 - Sunday 13^th July - Trinity College & The Guinness Storehouse

Immerse yourself in a captivating journey through Ireland’s rich history with a day of exploration that spans from past to present. Begin your adventure at Trinity College Dublin, set on 46 acres of leafy squares, cobblestone walkways, and historic buildings. Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s Oldest University and home to The Book of Kells. You’ll join a group walking tour of the campus before viewing the Book of Kells and Old Library (self-guided). You’ll have some free time this afternoon to explore the city as this evening, we have organized a special private dining experience for your family at the Guinness Storehouse. Hosted in the Connoisseur Bar on the fourth floor, you’ll enjoy a five-course menu that is paired with a number of Guinness variants that compliment the food. Discreetly tucked away in a secluded area of the storehouse, here you will take a journey of the senses, exploring the wonderful world of Guinness and food through the tastes and traditions of some of the most popular Guinness beers.

Overnight: Dublin | Brooks Hotel
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Double, x1 Deluxe Twin, x1 Deluxe Triple
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 - Monday 14^th July - National Stud & Kilkenny Ghost Tour

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. Next up, you’ll head to Jerpoint Abbey, founded in the 12^th century and renowned for its detailed stone sculptures found throughout the monastery. Continue on to Kilkenny, a stronghold of Ireland’s national sport, hurling. Ireland’s eastern seaboard was Europe’s centre for scholarly learning in the Middle Ages, as evidenced by the plethora of ancient monasteries, abbeys, and churches in this part of the country. This evening after dinner you’ll join a ghost tour to journey through the haunted streets of the oldest medieval city in Ireland – home of the first-ever witch trial and witch burning!

Overnight: Kilkenny Castle | Pembroke Hotel
Room Type: x1 Executive Triple, x1 Superior Twin, x1 Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 15^th July - Kilkenny Castle & Irish National Heritage Park

Kilkenny’s centre piece is the 11th-century castle – a centre for Norman rule that has survived centuries of invasion and turmoil. This morning you’ll take a tour of the castle and enjoy some lunch in this medieval town before continuing on to Wexford, home to numerous historic sites including the Irish National Heritage Park, which offers a glimpse into Ireland’s ancient past. You’ll explore this exciting 9,000-year journey and see Irish history brought to life, from pre-historic and early Christian Ireland to Viking and Anglo-Norman invasions. Before arriving back to Kilkenny, you’ll stop at the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience. Here you get a vision of what impoverished refugees, who risked everything they had, including their lives, might have felt as they stepped on board a ship setting sail for a dangerous journey to an American life.

Overnight: Kilkenny | Pembroke Hotel
Room Type: x1 Executive Triple, x1 Superior Twin, x1 Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 16^th July - Buffalo Farm Tour & Cheese Tasting & Sheepdog Demo

This morning, you’ll say goodbye to Kilkenny and head onwards to the small village of Sneem. En route, your journey takes you across rolling farmlands with stunning pastoral scenes. Stop at a working Buffalo dairy farm for an immersive tour and tasting and get up close and personal with a herd of Irish Buffalo! Meet the herd, chat about all things agriculture with John, and finish with a spectacular tasting session of some fine Irish cheese, made right there on the farm. Later, you’ll visit a local sheep farm and watch the precision of a farmer and his prize dogs as they work to keep the herd of sheep together. After a busy day, you’ll transfer to your next accommodation and enjoy dinner together.

Overnight: Sneem | Parknasilla Resort
Room Type: x1 Superior Double, x1 Manor Triple, x1 Manor Sea Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 17^th July - Spending Time at Parknasilla

This morning we have arranged a tee time for Roy, Jacob, Lou & Peter. Enjoy the spectacular views at each turn right in the heart of the resort. Meanwhile, the ladies can enjoy the many walking trails dotted around the estate. Your guide will be on hand if you would like to explore outside of the resort.

Overnight: Sneem | Parknasilla Resort
Room Type: x1 Superior Double, x1 Manor Triple, x1 Manor Sea Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 18^th July - The Ring of Kerry

This morning, your guide will take you to some of the best-known spots along the Ring of Kerry, a route that covers the perimeter of the Iveragh Peninsula’s stunning coastline, beaches, mountains, and hidden lakes.  Take in the magnificent coastal views before you as you meander through some of Ireland’s most breathtaking landscapes on the Ring of Kerry. From coastal cliffs to emerald-green valleys, navigate the winding roads as picturesque villages, lakes, and mountains unfold before you. Stop at the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre on Valentia Island and visit the home of one of Ireland’s most famous revolutionary political figures. Continue on to Dingle, a place that encompasses some of Ireland’s most extraordinary landscapes, known for the “craic and ceoil”.

*Skelligs Chocolate Factory stop can be incorporated into this day

Overnight: Dingle | Pax House
Room Type: x1 Classic Seaview Twin, x1 Terrace Double, x1 Comfy Sea View Twin, x1 Snug Room (single)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Saturday 19^th July - Exploring Dingle

Dingle is famous for its buzzing traditional music scene, delicious seafood, and an array of classic Irish pubs. While your guide is dropping Roy to the airport, you have the chance to explore at your own leisure and we will give you plenty of recommendations! This afternoon, you’ll discover the secrets of ancient Dingle, which has one of the greatest concentrations of archaeological sites in Western Europe. Your guide will lead you on a journey of discovery as you delve into Irish history.

Overnight: Dingle | Pax House
Room Type: x1 Classic Seaview Twin, x1 Terrace Double, x1 Comfy Sea View Twin, x1 Snug Room (single)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Sunday 20^th July - Killarney National Park

Today you’ll visit Killarney National Park, the jewel in county Kerry’s crown. Joined by your guide, enjoy an engaging walk along the lakeside, relaxing with a picnic lunch and soaking up the beautiful views. Today the park encompasses 26,000 acres of mountains, woodlands, lakes, waterfalls, and history. Enjoy Kerry’s most breathtaking scenery on your doorstep. Top off your time in the park with a visit Ross Castle and hear about the legend of O’Donoghue and his snow-white horse.

Overnight: Dingle | Pax House
Room Type: x2 Comfy Sea View Rooms, x2 Terrace Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Monday 21^st July - The Burren

This morning you’ll make your way further north to the mesmerizing Burren region – 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 – as you journey through here today you’ll be able 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. You’ll pay a visit to The Burren Perfumery to see how this tiny business takes its inspiration from the plants and flowers in The Burren and turns them into beautiful products – and you can stop for lunch in their tea room. Continue on for a tour of one of the oldest caves in Ireland, with geology and history stretching back over 300 million years. Checking into your 18th-century manor house this evening, enjoy a delicious, locally sourced dinner onsite.

Overnight: The Burren | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x2 Classic Twin, x1 Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Tuesday 22^nd July - Fly Fishing & Farm Tour in The Burren

This morning we have arranged fly fishing for Roy, Jacob, Lou & Peter. In the meantime, the ladies’ first activity today involves meeting with local farmers on a tour of the surrounding craggy, alien landscapes. End the tour with a picnic sampling of the farm’s delicacies as your guides regale you with stories and lessons taken from the unique methods of farming demanded by The Burren’s unique landscape.

Overnight: The Burren | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x2 Classic Twin, x1 Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Wednesday 23^rd July - Galway Food Tour

This morning, you’ll make your way to your final stop of the trip, Galway, also known as the ‘town of the tribes’! The small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful storefronts is vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan. What better way to spend an afternoon here than a delectable food tour? 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, you have free time to explore the city as you please.

Overnight: Galway | The Hardiman Hotel
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Double, x2 Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14 - Thursday 24^th July - Inis Mor - The Aran Islands

Today you will get to fully immerse into the culture of Inis Mór – its history goes back millennia and today Gaelic is still the daily spoken language of the inhabitants. Take a ferry this morning from Galway to explore the breathtaking scenery, medieval castles, cliffs, and prehistoric forts that dot the sprawling island. Before you take your ferry back to the mainland tonight, pay a visit to Gabriel, fisherman-come-goat farmer and island native. Gabriel will introduce you to his flock of extraordinarily cute goats while regaling his wealth of knowledge on the island’s history, language, and culture.

Overnight: Galway | The Hardiman Hotel
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Double, x2 Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 15 - Friday 25^th July - Connemara

This morning you’ll be exploring some of the most breathtaking parts of The Wild Atlantic Way, a spectacular coastal driving route that stretches along the rugged and untamed coastline of Ireland’s west coast! Once described as “a savage beauty” by author Oscar Wilde, explore the wild, windswept region with your guide. You’ll visit Kylemore Abbey, a haven of history, beauty, and serenity and home to a Benedictine order of Nuns for the past 100 years. Afterward, you’ll visit Ashford Castle’s expansive 350-acre estate and discover the ancient form of falconry at the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland – flying hawks is the experience of a lifetime!

Overnight: Galway | The Hardiman Hotel
Room Type: x2 Classic Twin, x1 Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 16 - Saturday 26^th July - Return to Dublin

This morning, your guide will drop you back to Dublin and you will say farewell. We’ll give you plenty of recommendations to enjoy your final night in Ireland.

Overnight: Dublin | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: x1 Classic Double, x2 Classic Twin

Day 17 - Sunday 27^th July - Depart

This morning, a private transfer will drop you at the airport in time for your flight home. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we look forward to welcoming you to our little island once again.

Meals Included: Breakfast