The Wolanski's Irish & Scottish Adventure

Day 1 - Thursday 1^st August - Welcome to Dublin, Exploring Self-Guided

Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you into the city to your 5 star hotel. Check-in is at 3pm however feel free to leave your bags, freshen up, or have a bite to eat. Head out in the afternoon to enjoy all the city has to offer. We’ll give you plenty of recommendations to keep you busy throughout the day. This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Dublin’s many award winning restaurants before ending the night in a cosy pub.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion
Room Type: x1 superior king
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Friday 2^nd August - Falconry & Afternoon Tea at Ashford Castle

After a leisurely breakfast, pick up your rental car and begin your journey west. Once described as “a savage beauty” by author Oscar Wilde, Connemara is a wild and windswept region that feels untouched by modernity. We’ve booked an afternoon tea for you at Ashford Castle. The long-established tradition of Afternoon Tea has been wonderfully preserved at Ashford Castle since 1868 – you’ll notice the original silver tea set displayed in The Connaught Room, which was presented to Lord and Lady Ardilaun to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in 1896. Afterward, you’ll discover the ancient form of falconry at the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland. After you have been introduced to your hawks you’ll set off into the magnificent woodlands to fly your hawks, as they follow you from tree to tree through the woods before swooping down to land on your gloved fist. A truly unique experience! Continue your journey into Connemara, a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region) known for its windswept landscapes of mountains, beach and bog. Your home for the next three nights is Cashel House, overlooking the majestic Cashel Bay. Tonight dinner is included at your accommodation.

Overnight: Connemara | Cashel House
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 - Saturday 3^rd August - Exploring Connemara with a Local Guide

This morning, you’ll make your way to the very southwest of Connemara, where you’ll meet a local guide to explore four islands connected by bridges, at the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht region. Immerse yourself in the everyday language of Irish spoken here, and marvel at the road signs and shop names in Irish. You’ll head to the seaweed centre, dedicated to the sea plant abundant along these shorelines, used globally in medical, beauty, and culinary industries. You’ll enjoy an indulgent seaweed bath before heading for lunch. Your guide will take you to a family-owned cottage and farm where you’ll meet local woman Tami, who prides herself in using local produce and raising her own animals. Finish off your day in a local pub with a creamy pint of Guinness before heading home.

Overnight: Connemara | Cashel House
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Sunday 4^th August - Inishbofin with an Archaeologist

After a hearty breakfast you’ll drive 30 minutes to the village of Cleggan to catch your ferry to Inishbofin. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seals along the way! Today you will be joined by a local archaeologist and Irish gentleman for a walk around this fascinating island. Highlights include rugged cliffs, blowholes, Bronze and Iron Age ruins and the crumbling Cromwellian fort where ‘Don Bosco’, the infamous Spanish pirate was stationed in the 16th century. You’ll have a picnic lunch before heading back to the mainland. This evening we recommend the town of Clifden for dinner and some live music.

Overnight: Connemara | Cashel House
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Monday 5^th August - Galway Food Tour

After breakfast, it’s time to make your way further south to Co. Clare. You have a super scenic drive in front of you and en route, you’ll stop off in Galway city, 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 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. Your 18th century manor house hotel, Gregan’s Castle, is a former retreat for poets and authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Tonight enjoy a cool pint of Guinness by the fire before dinner at its award-winning restaurant.

Overnight: The Burren | Gregan's Castle
Room Type: x1 Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Tuesday 6^th August - Goat Farm Tour & Cheese Tasting & The Cliffs of Moher

Today you will pay a visit to a charming, locally owned goat farm for an immersive tour and tasting. Meet and feed the tribe, visit the milking parlour, and learn about the history of goat farming in Ireland and the traditional methods used to care for them and produce award-winning goat cheese. You’ll witness the cheese-making process firsthand and enjoy a tasting of their full range of Irish cheeses, right there on the farm! Afterward, breathe in the fresh ocean air at one of Ireland’s most impressive natural sites – The Cliffs of Moher. We recommend taking a walk on the coastal route along the cliffs, passing through dramatic hinterland with inspiring views offshore to the Aran Islands. The area is teeming with wildlife and 20 different species of birds, including puffins, make this area their home.

Overnight: The Burren | Gregan's Castle
Room Type: x1 Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Wednesday 7^th August - The Burren

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! For dinner tonight there’s a great little restaurant on the pier in a nearby village that we’d recommend.

Overnight: The Burren | Gregan's Catle
Room Type: x1 Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Thursday 8^th August - Travel to Edinburgh

This morning it’s time to make your way to the airport for your flight to Scotland. Arriving in Edinburgh be met by your private transfer to whisk you off to your city centre accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to head out and explore your surroundings, or simply have a relaxing evening at your hotel.

*We recommend flying home from Shannon airport.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: x1 Executive Old Town View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Friday 9^th August - Embrace the Festivities

The streets of Edinburgh will be buzzing with energy due to the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe running this month. Meet your expert guide this morning to delve into the festivities. Be drawn into the excitement as you pass by entertainment on every corner, twisting through the cobbled streets of the Old Town to enjoy the vibrant ambience. There will be a huge variety of different shows and concerts to choose from, if you wish to catch a performance, or simply enjoy watching the street performers entertain the crowds as you wander along.

Tonight, indulge in a delightful pre-show dinner before heading to the castle to experience the mesmerizing Royal Military Tattoo—a vibrant showcase of music and dance. Culminating in spectacular fireworks that illuminate the castle for miles around, a truly wonderful way to celecrate your time in Edinburgh.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: x1 Executive Old Town View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10 - Saturday 10^th August - Edinburgh Explorations

Meet up with an expert city guide providing you insight into the tales and history of this charming city. Discover the true character of the Old Town and some of the lesser known sites. Tour the labyrinth of cobbled alleyways contrasted with Georgian townhouses and more modern architecture of this captivating city.

This afternoon, a private transfer will collect you to visit the award winning Jupiter Artland for a private tour of the impressive sculptures at this innovative and creative site. Later, transfer back to your hotel to enjoy dinner before stepping out this evening take a trip back in time. Wander the dark streets of Edinburgh to visit the eerie dwellings of the Real Mary King’s close. Experience a private tour and learn how the locals used to live and work in these underground alleyways. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy, making the most of the final night of your travels.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: x1 Executive Old Town View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Sunday 11^th August - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast