The Veale Family's Irish Adventure - Final Information

Todd, Andrea, Olivia & Family

Saturday 21st June – Sunday 29th June 2025

Number of Travellers:  6
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 | Saturday 21st June | Céad míle fáilte - The Burren | Overnight: Ballyvaughan

Day 2 | Sunday 22nd June | Sheepdogs, Iconic Cliffs & Whiskey | Overnight: Ballyvaughan

Day 3 | Monday 23rd June | 4x4 Experience on The Aran Islands | Overnight: Ballyvaughan

Day 4 | Tuesday 24th June | Farm Tour & Cheese Tasting | Overnight: Kenmare

Day 5 | Wednesday 25th June | Forage & Feast in a Temperate Rainforest | Overnight: Kenmare

Day 6 | Thursday 26th June | Traditional Boat Tour in Killarney National Park

Day 7 | Friday 27th June | Wedding Celebrations

Day 8 | Saturday 28th June | Ireland's Fair City | Overnight: Dublin

Day 9 | Sunday 29th June | Departure

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 21st June - Céad míle fáilte - The Burren

Céad míle fáilte! One hundred thousand welcomes to Ireland! This morning, your guide will meet you at Dublin Airport and transfer you to the Burren – a rugged, limestone escarpment that comes alive in the spring and summer with wildflowers. Lunch will be held at a local tearoom with an option to visit the adjoining Burren Perfumery, where only natural and organic ingredients are used in production. It’s the oldest working perfumery in Ireland! Afterwards, set off for a walk in the nearby Slieve Carran Nature Reserve. Its unique, striated limestone landscape was shaped by ancient seas and is famous for its Mediterranean and alpine wildflowers. The region is steeped in history as well, with over 2,500 historical monuments to be explored.  Later, it’s a short drive to your first accommodation, located right on the pier in Ballyvaughan. You’ll be back in time to enjoy a cool pint of Guinness with your guide at its award-winning restaurant.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Monks Stay Ballyvaughan
Room Type: x1 Deluxe King, x1 Sea View King, x1 Sea View Loft
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 1 - Guide Details - David Lawless Read More +

Name: David Lawless
Contact Number: +353 86 856 2537
Meeting Place: Dublin Airport | Meeting Time: 08:15

We have all of your flight details, and David will meet you all at the arrivals hall in Dublin airport between 8.15 and 8.45 am. Please do not be alarmed if you are delayed, as he will be tracking your flight.

  • Andrea & Todd: Arriving on Aer Lingus flight EI114 on 6/21/25 at 8:15 am.
  • Olivia & James: Arriving on Aer Lingus flight EI118 on 6/21/25 at 8:35 am.
  • Elena & Derby: Arriving on Aer Lingus flight EI 106 on 6/21/25 at 8:45 am.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Monks | Location: Ballyvaughan
Reservation Time: 19:30

Dinner is included tonight and David will take care of the bill.

Day 2 - Sunday 22nd June - Sheepdogs, Iconic Cliffs & Whiskey

This morning, you’ll visit a local farmer and enjoy a private viewing of their sheepdog experience, an exhilarating demonstration of absolutely adorable and keenly intelligent dogs. Your tour includes a walk to a prehistoric stone fort, with a worldly history which will be brought to life by the farm’s local guide. You head for a bite to eat before a late afternoon visit to the Cliffs of Moher, after the crowds have departed. Walk along the cliff edge and make sure to get that selfie for those at home! Tonight you’ll join Margaret, a local landlady, in her pub for a fascinating whiskey-tasting journey through some of her extensive collection.

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the evening before. 

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Monks Stay Ballyvaughan
Room Type: Deluxe King, Sea View King, Sea View Loft
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Linnanes Lobster Bar | Location: New Quay, The Burren
Reservation Time: 19:15 | Booking Reference: BLGXVXDV - Todd Veale
Website: https://www.linnanesbar.com/menu/

We have booked dinner for you tonight, to be paid locally. Linnane’s is a 13-minute drive from Ballyvaughan, so David will organise taxis for you.

Day 3 - Monday 23rd June - 4x4 Experience on The Aran Islands

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 our 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!

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the evening before. 

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Monks Stay Ballyvaughan
Room Type: Deluxe King, Sea View King, Sea View Loft
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend the Roadside Tavern or Homestead Cottage. Both will require a taxi, which David will assist with.

Day 4 - Tuesday 24th June - Farm Tour & Cheese Tasting

As you drive further south today, the landscape becomes more wild and rugged. Stop at a local Buffalo farm in the lush green countryside where you will take a tour of the land, meet the herd, chat about the cheese-making process with Dorothy, and partake in a special tasting experience using local produce and cheese made right there on the farm. Afterwards, you’ll head south to what is known as the “Kingdom of Kerry” and your home for the next two nights, Kenmare. Once you check in, you have the evening to relax before dinner. Please let us know if you would like us to book any spa treatments for you.

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the evening before. 

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: x2 Superior Deluxe Rooms, x1 Falls Master Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend No. 35 or The Lime Tree in Kenmare town.

Day 5 - Wednesday 25th June - Forage & Feast in a Temperate Rainforest

This morning you will head to West Cork to enjoy a fully immersive experience in the sights, sounds, smells & tastes of a rare temperate rainforest valley & bay on the Wild Atlantic Way. Too often overlooked by visitors, the Beara Peninsula is a hidden paradise. At each turn, there is a new view to marvel at, with panoramas over the hidden valleys, rocky slopes, sheep-dotted hills and far-away lakes. Make sure to leave room after breakfast this morning, as your experience of the day involves meeting a local foraging expert, Kloe, to share in her craft on the remote southern edge of the Beara Peninsula. After an hour out in the field learning the science and practices of foraging in the woods, reconvene around a campfire together for a cooked lunch of your gathered goods. Back at your accommodation tonight, your guide will join you for a farewell dinner and a chance to chat about your favourite moments this week!

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the evening before. 

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: x2 Superior Deluxe Rooms, x1 Falls Master Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Sheen Falls
Reservation Time: 18:00

We have a special farewell dinner booked for the group and guide tonight. David will tell you more later!

Day 6 - Thursday 26th June - Traditional Boat Tour in Killarney National Park

After breakfast, you’ll make your way to Killarney National Park, the jewel in Kerry’s crown. Here you will board a boat with our Kerryman skipper who has been sailing these lakes since he was a child. Cruise the tranquil lakes of Killarney with one of the most spectacular backdrops imaginable as you are overlooked by Ireland’s highest mountain peaks. Afterwards, your guide will drop you off at your hotel, and you will say farewell.

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the evening before. 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend Celtic Whiskey Bar or Treyvauds.

Day 7 - Friday 27th June - Wedding Celebrations

Day 8 - Saturday 28th June - Ireland's Fair City

A private transfer will pick you up in the late morning and take you to Dublin, Ireland’s capital. Head out to explore the city with a walking tour with a local private guide through this vibrant capital city, with its mix of 1,000 years of architecture from the medieval 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. Dublin is full of delicious restaurants and cosy pubs and we’ll recommend our favourites for your final night in Ireland.

Booking ref: 289380762, 289383572

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Kings, x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: None

Day 8 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Killarney Tour & Transfer Service
Booking Reference: #263260950
Pick Up Location: Cahernane House Hotel | Pick Up Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins
Phone: +353 (0)85 280 3333

Your transfer will meet you in the lobby of Cahernane House.

Day 8 - Historical Insights Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Historical Insights Walking Tour
Guide:
Start Location: The Merrion | Start Time: 16:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Booking Reference: Veale

We will forward your guide’s name and number 2 weeks before your departure date.

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend Floritz,  Featherblade, or The Stag’s Head. We are happy to make concierge bookings on your behalf. For pubs, we recommend Doheny & Nesbitt’s, The Hairy Lemon or No Name.

Day 9 - Sunday 29th June - Departure

A private transfer will pick up Todd and Andrea and take them to the airport this morning.  The rest of the group will get a taxi for their later flights. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we look forward to welcoming you to our shores once again.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Dublin Chauffeurs
Booking Reference: Todd & Andrea Veale
Pick Up Location: The Merrion | Pick Up Time: 06:00 | Approx Duration: 30 mins
Phone: +353 (0)87 233 8396

Justin or one of his drivers will meet Todd & Andrea in the lobby of the Merrion.

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 5 and Day 8
  • Breakfast each morning, 5 lunch, 2 dinner
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 6
  • Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 6
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;
  • Guided Hiking in The Burren
  • Private Sheepdog Demo & Farm Tour
  • Entry to The Cliffs of Moher
  • Private Whiskey Tasting
  • Ferry to Inis Mor
  • Private 4×4 Experience on Inis Mor
  • Private Buffalo Farm Tour & Tasting
  • Private Foraging Experience
  • Private Traditional Boat Tour
  • Private Transfer from Killarney to Dublin
  • Private Walking Tour of Dublin
  • Departure Airport Transfer for 2
  • Tips for included meals and activity providers
  • 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

Activities are only private if specifically stated in the inclusions.

Notes On Weather & Flexibility

Weather – June in Ireland can have a very wide range of weather, and very changeable. Suitable clothing and footwear are essential, as well as a flexible attitude. Plans may have to be changed to accommodate Mother Nature, and your guide will have back-up plans that they will discuss with you if required.

 

Essential Packing List

  • Waterproof jacket with hood
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Smart casual attire for dinners

Tipping Guidelines

We don’t generally recommend a set amount. We would encourage you to ask yourself what you were expecting from your guide and then think about how they have exceeded those expectations. Choose what you think reflects this and you are comfortable with.

For local services such as restaurants, again tipping is not expected,d but if you receive great service, then 10-15% of the bill is normal.

Please note that some hotels and restaurants will add a discretionary service charge to your bill.  This is to be paid entirely at your discretion and at your own expense.

Luggage Notes

Please note that we expect travellers to bring an average of One Large Holdall or Suitcase and up to two smaller day bags or hand-luggage-sized pieces. If you expect to bring more than this, then please let us know well in advance of arrival so that we can ensure there is capacity for this (additional charges will apply if separate luggage transfers are required).

Transfer Notes

Please note that the transfer company reserves the right to amend the pickup times and/or locations due to local traffic incidents such as road closures, diversions and volume of traffic.  They will communicate any changes with you directly on the day or the day prior.

Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Ireland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

EU: +353 (0)71 9344650
US: 888 351 4257

Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+353 (0)86 873 7223

Emergency Services

999

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

Monks Stay Ballyvaughan

The Pier, Lisnard | Ballyvaughan | Co. Clare |
H91 W9TN | Ireland
Phone: +353 65 707 7059
Web: monks.ie/stay-new

Sheen Falls Lodge

Kenmare | Kerry |
V93 HR27 | Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)64 664 1600
Web: sheenfallslodge.ie

The Merrion Hotel

Upper Merrion Street | Dublin | Co. Dublin |
D02 KF79 | Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)1 603 0600
Web: merrionhotel.com

Meet Your Guide

David Lawless

Contact Number: +353 86 856 2537

Music and the outdoors are my big obsessions. I grew up in Dublin but I took every opportunity to get out into the hills. The mountains of Wicklow provided endless options for hiking and biking, leading small groups of friends in the hills since my teens.

I worked in IT for over twenty years before taking a sabbatical in 2011 to go travelling for a year. Upon returning, I quit in 2013 and moved to the west coast for a change – which turned out to be the best decision I ever made. I’ve been working as a guide since 2016, and now live in Sligo, get to cycle its back roads, walk its hills, swim at its beaches, and play music with a bunch of good friends.

Virtuoso

The Veale Family’s Irish Adventure – Final Information

Saturday 21st June – Sunday 29th June 2025