The McCashin Family's Trip to Ireland

Tuesday 24th September – Monday 30th September 2024

Number of Travellers:  5
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

Travel along Ireland’s eastern and western coasts, getting under the skin of Ireland while taking in some of the famous historic sites and highlights along the way. 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 and 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.

Highlights

  • Visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher
  • Enjoy a unique Smokehouse experience in The Burren
  • Explore your family heritage in Mayo

Day by Day

Day 1 - Tuesday 24th September - 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 in the city centre. Head out in the afternoon 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 mediaeval 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.

Overnight: Dublin | Brooks Hotel
Room Type: x1 small classic double, x2 classic twins
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Wednesday 25th September - Vintage Afternoon Tea

Enjoy a morning at leisure – we recommend heading out to explore St. Stephen’s Green or Grafton Street. This afternoon, take a step back in time with Vintage Tea Trips and experience Dublin in a unique way. Indulge in afternoon tea treats, great conversation and tap your feet along to some fabulous 1950s jazz while taking in the sights of the city. 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. Pass sights such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church, Trinity College, St. Stephen’s Green, Wood Quay, O’Connell Street, Phoenix Park, and the grand buildings of Georgian Dublin. Enjoy dinner in one of Dublin’s many award winning restaurants tonight, we will provide you with plenty of recommendations!

Overnight: Dublin | Brooks Hotel
Room Type: x1 small classic double, x2 classic twins
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Thursday 26th September - Head West to the Cliffs of Moher

Meet your guide this morning and after some introductions it’s time to leave the city and head to County Clare, the home to Ireland’s famed Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks along the Wild Atlantic Way and for good reason. The cliffs were formed over 320 million years ago and are consistently one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions due to their dramatic beauty and rugged nature. You may even have seen them before in films such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and also The Princess Bride. Pop into the visitor centre before you venture along the cliffs and breathe in the fresh, sea air while taking in the impressive views. We know a lovely little cottage where you can stop for a coffee and some homemade fudge. Afterwards, check into your 18th century manor house and home for the next two nights, located in the heart of the Burren. We recommend a tasty, fresh meal at your accommodation tonight and your guide will join you to chat about the week to come.

Overnight: The Burren | Doolin Inn
Room Type: x2 classic twins, x1 small classic queen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Friday 27th September - Local Smokehouse Experience

The Burren National Park was designated a UNESCO site due to its unique other-worldly limestone landscape containing a fascinating mix of unusual flora, fauna, geology and ancient archeology alongside the thriving farming communities – and you are staying in the heart of it! This afternoon we have arranged a behind-the-scenes visit of a local smokehouse for a master class in smoking salmon. Indulge in the locally brewed craft beer and a seafood tasting platter while you learn of the unique smoking processes and techniques that go into creating the companies award winning products. Later on, you’ll stop at local perfumery and cafe. Walk around the gardens, indulge in a delicious cheese board, or buy some gifts for loved ones at home.

Overnight: The Burren | Gregan's Castle
Room Type: x2 classic twin, x1 small classic queen
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 28th September - Galway Food Tour & Mayo

Further north, 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, spend some time exploring the city at leisure, enjoy a walk along Spanish Arch or down Shop Street, before hopping in the van and continuing on to your accommodation in the quaint and colourful Westport town.

Overnight: Westport | Knockranny House Hotel
Room Type: x2 classic twins, x1 classic double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Sunday 29th September - Westport & Surrounds

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 is the perfect base for exploring the wild landscapes of Mayo. Your guide will take you to some well known spots as well as the off the beaten track locations. If possible, we’d love to know where your family hails from so that we could organise a visit! Tonight, your guide will join you for a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Westport | Knockranny House
Room Type: x2 classic twins, x1 classic double
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 - Monday 30th September - Depart

This morning, your guide will drop you back to Dublin airport just in time for your flight home. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we look forward to welcoming you to our shores once again.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 7
  • Most meals as indicated above, breakfast each morning, 4 lunch, 2 dinner
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 3 to Day 7
  • Ground transportation from Day 3 to Day 7
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Historical walking tour of Dublin city
  • VIP vintage tea tickets (public)
  • Entry to the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre
  • Private experience at the Burren Smokehouse
  • Private Galway food tour
  • Gratuities for activity providers & included meals
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision
Pricing Read More

The total price for this trip is €20,480