Karsten Irish Retreat

Timothy & Karina

Thursday 1st August – Saturday 10th August 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Overview

Travel along Ireland’s southern coastal regions and foodie destinations. Immerse yourself in the warmth of Irish hospitality as you indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences, savouring each bite against a backdrop of sweeping coastal vistas. Beyond its culinary delights, Ireland’s serene landscapes and tranquil retreats beckon those seeking wellness and calm. Whether you’re  hiking along rugged cliffside trails or unwinding in a luxurious spa, the peaceful ambiance of Ireland envelops you, rejuvenating both body and soul. 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

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 1st August - Arrival in Ireland - Bru na Boinne & Brooklodge

This morning your Wilderness guide will pick you up at Dublin airport and after some introductions you will make your way for a tour of the Neolithic historical site, Brú na Bóinne. This World Heritage Site is Ireland’s richest archaeological landscape and is situated within a bend in the River Boyne. Brú na Bóinne is famous for the spectacular prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth which were built circa 3200 BC. These ceremonial structures are among the most important Neolithic sites in the world and contain the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe. After lunch, journey south to your accommodation, located in a secluded County Wicklow Valley. Tonight, your guide will join you for a welcome dinner at The Strawberry Tree Restaurant. This is Ireland’s first fully-organic restaurant and everything served is entirely natural, untainted by artificial preservatives or pesticides and traceable to its exact point of origin.

Overnight: Wicklow | Brooklodge
Room Type: Mezzanine
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 - Friday 2nd August - Powerscourt House & Gardens & Avoca Handweavers

After breakfast, your guide will take you to the famed Powerscourt House and Gardens. Stretching over 47 acres and encompassing formal gardens, sweeping terraces, secret hollows and rambling walks, the Powerscourt Gardens have been voted in the Top Ten World’s Top Gardens by National Geographic. A picnic lunch at the nearby Powerscourt Waterfall is the perfect backdrop where you can  enjoy the 121m of cascading water, set in beautiful parkland at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains. Round your day off with a visit to the Avoca Hand-weavers Mill where weaving trade and skills have been passed down through generations of family members. Take a tour of the mill and visitors centre before making your way back to your accommodation for the evening.

Overnight: Wicklow | Brooklodge
Room Type: Mezzanine
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Saturday 3rd August - Kilkenny Castle & Ballymaloe

Visit the mediaeval town of Kilkenny today with its grand castle at its centre. Built in 1129 by Norman occupiers, this 12th century castle has been the scene of many of Ireland’s most important and historic events. After your castle tour, enjoy lunch in the historical city before setting off for your accommodation for the next three nights, a family owned country house set on a 300 acre farm in east Cork. An award winner for its sustainable practices, Ballymaloe House Hotel offers a blend of historic charm and luxury experience. Enjoy a relaxing evening onsite with a delicious farm to fork meal.

Overnight: East Cork | Ballymaloe House
Room Type: Classic Courtyard
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Sunday 4th August - Exploring Cobh

The nearby town of Cobh is cemented in history as the last port in which the ill fated Titanic docked before embarking on its maiden journey to America. Formerly called Queenstown, Cobh today has many attractions and not just for Titanic enthusiasts. Small colourful houses line the streets that cup a picturesque harbour while the impressive Cobh Cathedral dominates the skyline overlooking the town. Immerse yourself in Irish history with a visit to the heritage centre – follow the story from the 1600’s when transportation to the British overseas colonies was commonplace, from Virginia and New England to Barbados, Jamacia and Monserrat. Learn about the transportation of convicts to Australia and the connection between this port town and two of the biggest shipping disasters of the early 20th century, The Titanic  & The Lusitania.

Overnight: East Cork | Ballymaloe House
Room Type: Classic Courtyard
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Monday 5th August - Nature Walks & Walled Gardens

Enjoy some time exploring the grounds today. This morning, learn about the importance of biodiversity from head Groundskeeper Tobias, an expert in sustainable land management. Embark on a journey through different ecosystems as he shows you examples of sensitive initiatives such as wilding plantations, pollinator planting, owl breeding boxes, and a visit to the beehives onsite. Enjoy a walk around the walled garden that provides the hotel with a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers before popping into Ballymaloe shop and cafe which sells Irish made gifts, crafts & knitwear.

Overnight: East Cork | Ballymaloe House Hotel
Room Type: Classic Courtyard
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Tuesday 6th August - Buffalo Farm Tour & Cheese Tasting

Leaving Cork behind today, you will head further north into the Kingdom of Kerry. On route, stop at a working dairy farm for an immersive tour and tasting. Widely known as the Buffalo Lady, Dorothy has a wealth of knowledge and passion for Water Buffalos, nature, Irish culture and locally produced food. Meet the herd, chat about all things agriculture with John and finish with a spectacular tasting session of some fine Irish cheese, made right there on the farm. This evening, check into your secluded boutique hotel, located in Kenmare between the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara.

Overnight: Kenmare | Brook Lane
Room Type: Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Wednesday 7th August - Garnish Island

The Beara Peninsula is reminiscent of Ireland just 30 years ago, tranquil and unspoiled, the perfect walking location. Today you will visit Garnish Island, located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay. Garnish is world renowned for its gardens, laid out in beautiful walks, and it is home to stunning specimen plants which are rare in this climate. Take a stroll around Bantry, a thriving fishing town, before returning to Kenmare.

Overnight: Kenmare | Brook Lane
Room Type: Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Thursday 8th August - Foraging The Ring of Kerry

Found on the shores of the south Kerry coast is one of our favourite characters. A fisherman, foraging expert, storyteller and a true Irish gent, John will take you on a wander along the shoreline learning about life on Ireland’s west coast all the while regaling you with tales of characters from the region, from lonely monks to 18th century civil rights activists to mythical heroes. Top your day off with a visit to the home of one of Ireland’s most famous revolutionary political figures before making your way to your final hotel this evening, nestled in a private estate on the edge of Killarney National Park.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House
Room Type: Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Friday 9th August - Killarney National Park

Enjoy a day of exploration in Killarney National Park – the jewel in the county’s crown and the largest of Ireland’s National Parks. Today the park encompasses 26,000 acres of mountains, woodlands, lakes, waterfalls and history. Historic manor houses and abbeys make for an interesting visit and 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. Delight in a short hike through the verdant woodlands and along the lakeshores of Killarney, keeping an eye out for the park’s herd of red deer and taking in the gorgeous views that make this region special. Tonight your guide will join your for a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Saturday 10th August - Depart

This morning, your guide will drop you back to the airport for your flight home. We hope you had a memorable time in Ireland 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 10
  • Most meals as indicated above, breakfast each morning, 9 lunch, 2 dinner
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 10
  • Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 10
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • 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 25% 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
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

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Karsten Irish Retreat

Thursday 1st August – Saturday 10th August 2024