The Zilahy's Trip to Ireland

Monday 14th April – Tuesday 22nd April 2025

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Overview

Picturesque coastal towns and villages, green pastoral fields, soaring cliffs, wild barren landscapes, the crash of the ocean, the laugh of a local. Ireland is romantic, and authentic, a home away from home where both old and modern seem to cohabit seamlessly on a small island in the middle of the sea. Packed with history and tradition your days are spent exploring the island of Ireland’s famous and off-the-beaten-track sites of natural, cultural and political 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, 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.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Monday 14th April | Welcome to Dublin | Overnight: Dublin 2

Day 2 | Tuesday 15th April | Kilkenny Castle & Waterford | Overnight: Waterford

Day 3 | Wednesday 16th April | Waterford Crystal | Overnight: Waterford

Day 4 | Thursday 17th April | Buffalo Farm Tour | Overnight: Killarney

Day 5 | Friday 18th April | The Beara Peninsula & Bere Island | Overnight: Killarney

Day 6 | Saturday 19th April | Killarney National Park | Overnight: Killarney

Day 7 | Sunday 20th April | The Cliffs of Moher | Overnight: Doolin

Day 8 | Monday 21st April | Off-Roading Experience on Inis Mor | Overnight: Doolin

Day 9 | Tuesday 22nd April | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Monday 14th April - Welcome to Dublin

Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you to your boutique hotel in the city centre. We have booked a pre-night for you to ensure early check-in. 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 2 | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: x1 Classic King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Tuesday 15th April - Kilkenny Castle & Waterford

This morning your private guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and after some short introductions you’ll begin your journey south, to the medieval town of Kilkenny – certainly one of our best-kept secrets! An artsy, colourful town, Kilkenny is home to local artists such as ceramics and other hand-made crafts found in the craft village. Probably the most impressive sight in town is Kilkenny Castle, one of the most fascinating castles in Ireland! You’ll take a guided tour (public) to learn about the massive restoration process behind the castle, following clues back through the years to restore the castle to its former glory. As the hometown of Smithwick’s beer, you’ll certainly have to enjoy some of the local brews at lunch. Continue south to Waterford where you will stay for the next two nights.

Overnight: Waterford | Faithlegg House
Room Type: x1 Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Wednesday 16th April - Waterford Crystal

This morning you will visit the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory where you’ll enjoy a private tour where you will meet the master cutters and witness art being created first hand. With craftsmen and women here since the 1960s and 70’s their skills and knowledge creating such exquisite pieces is world renowned. Indulge in a delicious afternoon tea on site before exploring more of Waterford Town with your guide.

Overnight: Waterford | Faithlegg House
Room Type: x1 Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 17th April - Buffalo Farm Tour

This morning you will bid farewell to Waterford and make your way to “The Kingdom” of County Kerry, with your first destination being a working Buffalo dairy farm for an immersive tour and tasting. Meet the herd, chat about all things agriculture with John & Dorothy, and finish with a spectacular tasting session of some fine Irish cheese, made right there on the farm. Continue on after lunch to check in to your accommodation, nestled on a private estate on the edge of Killarney National Park. Enjoy some free time to explore the colourful Killarney town this afternoon, known for its bustling atmosphere and traditional Irish pubs. Finish the day listening to some tunes by an open fire.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 18th April - The Beara Peninsula & Bere Island

Too often overlooked by visitors, the Beara Peninsula is a hidden paradise. At each turn, there is a new view to marvel upon, with panoramas over the hidden valleys, rocky slopes, sheep-dotted hills and far-away lakes. This morning you will meet a guide and member of the local historical society as they help you discover Ireland’s ancient history and visit Bere Island. The island retains the distinct, friendly charm of rural places distant from urban life. Your guide is quite a character and a wonderful storyteller as she brings to life the stories and heritage of this stunning landscape.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Saturday 19th April - Killarney National Park

In the southwest of County Kerry is an expanse of rugged, mountainous country that sweeps down to the world-famous Lakes of Killarney. Here, stretching across 10,000 hectares, lies Killarney National Park, with its unforgettable combination of mountains, lakes, woodland and waterfalls. Take a tour of the famed Killarney Lakes with Dux, your Kerryman skipper who has been sailing these lakes since he was a child with his family. Alighting back on solid land, your guide will lead you through 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: Killarney | Cahernane House Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Sunday 20th April - The Cliffs of Moher

We take to the road again today, leaving Kerry behind as you cross over into Co. Clare. Your first stop this morning is into the buzzing village of Adare, where you can stretch your legs with a wander between its traditional thatched-roof cottages, local art galleries, and warming cafes. You’ll visit Bunratty Castle, the site which was in origin a Viking trading camp in 970. The present structure is the last of four castles to be built on the site. Head to the folk park where you can experience village life in 19th-century Ireland. Use the quiet of the afternoon to visit Ireland’s famed Cliffs of Moher, part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, a special region with outstanding geology. Visually stunning, the Cliffs Stand 702ft at their highest point and stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic coast. Take in the views, stop into the visitors centre, and most of all, take a family selfie for those at home before heading for Doolin.

Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn
Room Type: x1 Townhouse Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Monday 21st April - Off-Roading Experience on Inis Mor

We hope the weather gods are on our side today as we head out to visit one of the remote islands that dot the Irish coastline. Inis Mor (Inishmore) is the largest of the three Aran Islands and your destination this morning. Explore the island with the aid of some off-road adventure vehicles as your local guides, Padraig and Aonghus bring you to all the off-the-beaten-track spots on the islands that only their 4×4 can reach. Learn of the Irish language spoken on the islands, the unique Irish culture and traditions of the local people, the flora and fauna that inhabit the islands and of course the filming site from the recent Banshees of Inisherin film!

Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn
Room Type: x1 Townhouse Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Tuesday 22nd April - Depart

This morning, your guide will drop you to 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 shores once again.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 9
  • Breakfast each morning, 7 lunch
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 2 to Day 9
  • Ground transportation from Day 2 to Day 9
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;
  • Private arrival airport transfer
  • Private walking tour of Dublin
  • Guided Tour of Kilkenny Castle (public)
  • Private Waterford Crystal Tour
  • Afternoon Tea at Waterford Crystal
  • Private Buffalo Farm Tour & Tasting
  • Guide Exploration of The Beara Peninsula & Bere Island
  • Ferry tickets
  • Private Traditional Boat Tour
  • Entry to Muckross House
  • Entry to Bunratty Castle
  • Entry to Cliff of Moher
  • Private 4×4 Off-Road Experience
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • Gratuities for activity providers and at included meals
  • 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 price of this trip is €8,880 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Virtuoso

The Zilahy’s Trip to Ireland

Monday 14th April – Tuesday 22nd April 2025