Scott Dunn - Patricia Lamond

Day 1 - Monday 18^th August - Céad Míle Fáilte

Céad míle fáilte, or “one hundred thousand welcomes” to Ireland! Arriving at the airport this morning, a private transfer will meet us at the arrivals hall and take us to County Laois. The relaxed setting here, surrounded by parkland and the stunning Irish scenery, is the perfect way to start our trip. Surrounded by woodlands, lakes, grottos, follies, and walled gardens, along with an abundance of activities and bespoke experiences to choose from, there is plenty here to keep us entertained. This evening we enjoy a delicious welcome meal onsite.

Overnight: Ballyfin | Ballyfin Demesne
Room Type: x1 Stateroom Twin
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 - Tuesday 19^th August - Ballyfin Demesne

This morning, we step back in time and take a guided tour on a horse & carriage, which awaits us at the front door. The tour takes us around the pathways of the demesne with our guide highlighting the history of the estate. The rest of our day can be spent enjoying all the estate has to offer, including Clay pigeon shooting, spa treatments, garden walks, falconry, kayaking, or a leisurely boat trip on the lake.

Experiences not included, but we are happy to make bookings for you in advance

Overnight: Ballyfin | Ballyfin Demesne
Room Type: x1 Stateroom Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Wednesday 20^th August - Connemara Crystal

After breakfast, our private guide will meet us at Ballyfin Demense, and together we begin our journey west.  Later this afternoon, we stop at a family-run crystal factory. Glass cutting in Ireland is part of a vibrant artistic tradition, and we have the chance today to meet the master glass cutter as they craft a personalised item for us. Our final stop today is 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 Stateroom Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 21^st August - Inis Oirr Adventure

Today, explore Inis Oirr, the smallest of the three Aran Islands. Begin with a scenic flight over Galway Bay and the dramatic Connemara coastline, before stepping into the island’s beautiful and rugged terrain. Visit the Arts Centre to learn about its history, culture, and traditions, then take part in a craft workshop with local expert Máirtín. Enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh lobster before heading out to explore some of the island’s highlights, such as the underground church, shipwreck and the 15th-century O’Brien’s Castle.

Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: x1 Stateroom Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 22^nd August - Stories and Sheepdogs

Described by Oscar Wilde as a “savage beauty”, Connemara is rich in wild mountainscapes and heather-clad valleys. 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, while we watch the brilliant sheepdogs work the flock, chat to the local farmer about a life spent on the rugged west coast. We have the opportunity to cut peat from the bogs – a method that’s been used to harvest fuel in these parts for aeons. Later, take a stroll along the abandoned Famine Trail and hear stories of the people who emigrated en masse due to the harsh conditions they found themselves in.

Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: x1 Stateroom Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Saturday 23^rd August - Galway City & The Cliffs of Moher

Today we leave behind the wilds of Connemara, making our way farther south to Clare. En route, we take the opportunity to stop in Galway City, a charming Medieval-era city with a thriving arts and food scene. Here we enjoy a spot of lunch and the chance to explore, shop, or people watch on Shop Street. We take advantage of a quiet evening to visit the Cliffs of Moher after the crowds of the day have departed. Standing over 800 feet tall, the cliffs are home to a myriad of seabirds and a hive of activity.

• while your tickets will be purchased in advance and there will be no queue, the Cliffs are one of Ireland’s most popular attractions, so there will be crowds there. 

Overnight: Newmarket On Fergus | Dromoland Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Stateroom Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Sunday 24^th August - The Burren

This morning, we pay a visit to a charming, locally-owned Burren farm for an immersive tour and tasting. As we enter the Burren landscape, we quickly notice its otherworldly attributes. With endless lines of karst limestone rock dominating fields and covering hillsides, the area is said to have been an inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy. Learn a little about the traditional farming methods that help shape and conserve this unique landscape. Explore the original farmhouse and see how the Irish people used to live, survey the pre-famine settlement where inhabitants lived on rockier ground and visit an ancient ring fort designed for defensive purposes, enabling the Chieftain to guard his sheep. Spend some time this afternoon in the colourful village of Doolin.

Overnight: Newmarket On Fergus | Dromoland Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Stateroom Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Monday 25^th August - Falconry & the Clare Coast

This morning, we meet some feathered friends on an exhilarating Hawk Walk. Watch as these magnificent birds of prey swoop and soar with breathtaking speed and learn all about their fascinating habits. Our guide will then lead us on some explorations of the Clare coast. Enjoy a walk along the coastline and admire the white sand beaches that make this area of the world so sought after. Our guide drops us back at Dromoland Castle this evening and says farewell.

Overnight: Newmarket On Fergus | Dromoland Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Stateroom Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Tuesday 26^th August - Ireland's Fair City

This morning, a private transfer drops us off in Dublin, also known as Ireland’s Fair City. 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 Merrion Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Wednesday 27^th August - Exploring Dublin

Set out on a relaxed exploration of Dublin, often described as a city with a village feel. With many of its highlights within easy walking distance, the joy lies in wandering its cobbled streets and happening upon quiet squares, lively pubs, and layers of history. Walk along Grafton Street, where buskers fill the air with music, or take a peaceful stroll through the leafy paths of St. Stephen’s Green. Along the way, discover the city’s literary and political past, soaking up the character and charm that defines Ireland’s capital.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Thursday 28^th August - Depart

This morning, a private transfer takes us to the airport for our flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast