The Wolanski's Irish Adventure V6

Day 1 - Monday 30^th September - Céad míle fáilte - Welcome to Ireland

Céad míle fáilte! One hundred thousand welcomes to Ireland’s ‘Wild West’, a region of immense beauty, ancient history, and Irish tradition. Landing at Shannon Airport this morning, pick up your rental car and head south to Kinsale. Historically a medieval fishing port, its spectacular waterfront setting, and candy-coloured houses, shops, and restaurants, make it a glorious blend of old and the new. You have a free afternoon to check in, get settled and if you’re up for it, take the short walk to the spectacular ruins of Charles Fort, one of the largest star-shaped forts in Europe.

Overnight: Kinsale | Perryville House
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Tuesday 1^st October - Exploring Cobh

This morning make your way to Cobh, the last stop the Titanic made before she set sail for America. Here you will meet a local guide, author and historian Michael for a fascinating guided walking tour, which will bring you through the streets and environs of Cobh, revealing locations and incidents directly connected to the Titanic and many other aspects of Cork Harbour History & Irish Heritage. You’ll visit Cobh Heritage Centre which offers a glimpse into Ireland’s past and the hardships that those early emigrants endured. There are many interesting stories throughout the exhibition of Irish emigrants who left Queenstown/Cobh to far-flung destinations across the globe such as Brazil, Argentina, The West Indies as well as North America and Australia.

Overnight: Kinsale | Perryville House
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Wednesday 2^nd October - Traditional College Visit

This morning you will bid farewell to Kinsale and make your way to “The Kingdom” of County Kerry, with your first destination being a traditional farming cottage, where the hosts will teach you the long-standing craft of Irish soda bread making, baked over the open fire, traditional butter and Poitin (Ireland’s version of Moonshine) making (and tasting)! You’ll learn to appreciate what the simple country lifestyle in rural Ireland was like before electricity and modern conveniences. The farm is located on the Ring of Kerry, on an immensely rich site that includes the ghostly ruins of a family dwelling from the era of the Great Irish Famine. You’ll then check into The Park Hotel, situated amidst the majestic landscapes in Kenmare, along the Ring of Kerry.

Overnight: Kenmare | Park Hotel Kenmare
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Thursday 3^rd October - Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is the most famous of Ireland’s national parks – and with good reason, as it is flourishing with breathtaking mountains, lakes and waterfalls. Historic manor houses and abbeys make for an interesting visit but Killarney is best explored via the water with a private boat trip across the lake. After your invigorating boat tour, you’ll visit the grounds and gardens of Muckross House, a 19th-century mansion set upon the shores of the glistening lake. Time and energy levels allowing, it’s only a short walk up to the base of the serpentine Torc Waterfall winding its way from the mountainside and into the lush canopy of trees.

Overnight: Park Hotel Kenmare
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Friday 4^th October - The Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula hosts some of the richest collection of archaeological sites in Europe, ranging from standing stones and prehistoric monuments, as well as the peninsula’s renowned ancient Clochains or beehive huts, which may be as much as 2,000 years old. Explore the peninsula today with your guide, stopping as you please for strolls along some of the longest-stretching beaches and coastline trails Ireland has to offer. You’ll meet some feather friends along the way 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. Following your time with the birds, your final destination is the Gothic splendour of Adare Manor, situated on 840 acres of pristine parkland with a Michelin-starred restaurant, golf course and spa among some of the on-site activities.

Overnight: Adare | Adare Manor Hotel
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Double (2 beds)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Saturday 5^th October - Adare Manor

Spend the day enjoying your surroundings at Adare Manor partaking in some of the onsite leisure activities this luxurious hotel resort has to offer. You’ll settle into a beautifully appointed carriage for a meandering exploration of some of the 840 acres of pristine parkland. Your tour takes in some sweeping views of the lush countryside, memorable points of interest and fascinating and engaging tales of Adare’s long history. Afterwards, head to the Manor House Gallery for a delightful Afternoon Tea Experience, and enjoy a glass of champagne and a host of local delicacies. If you choose to venture out today,  we’ll recommend a great beach walk along one of Kerry’s best-kept secret coastlines or head into Limerick City, once a Viking stronghold, built upon the River Shannon.

Overnight: Adare | Adare Manor Hotel
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Room (2 beds)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Sunday 6^th October - The Burren

Say goodbye to Limerick as you head further north today. 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. You’ll have lunch at a local tearoom followed by a visit to the adjoining Burren Perfumery where only natural and organic ingredients are used in production. It’s the oldest working perfumery in Ireland! Drop by the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most impressive natural sites and take an afternoon stroll for some photo opportunities. Your final destination is Dromoland Castle, welcoming guests since the 16th century and ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland.

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

Day 8 - Monday 7^th October - Ireland's Fair City

Check out and head east this morning, to Ireland’s “Fair City” and the last stop on your Irish adventure.  Dublin has been described as a ‘city with a village feel’; as you explore its cobbled streets and historical monuments, it will be easy to see why.  The city is best explored on foot or using public transport such as the LUAS, our light rail system. Many of Dublin’s highlights are within walking distance and indeed you will discover it is in the act of wandering from one to another where you will soak up Dublin’s authentic atmosphere. This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Dublin’s many award-winning restaurants before ending the night in a cosy pub.

*drop your rental car off before check-in

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Tuesday 8^th October - Exploring Dublin

Today you have the chance to explore some of Dublin’s most iconic sights. Options include a guided Tour of Trinity College, discovering some of the secrets and famous pupils who graced its halls and quads or indulge your senses in the world of Guinness with a visit to the iconic storehouse, tracing its roots back to its founding by Arthur Guinness in 1759. Alternatively, soak up the atmosphere walking down Grafton Street where musicians and buskers entertain with modern and traditional music, or stroll through St. Stephen’s Green, an oasis in the heart of the city.

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Wednesday 9^th October - Depart

This morning, a private transfer will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and take you to the airport 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