Truffle Pig - Shultz Ireland Adventure V3

Sunday 11th August – Sunday 25th August 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 15 Days / 14 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 Ireland’s famous and off-the-beaten-track sites of natural, cultural, and ancient 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 | Sunday 11th August | Welcome to Dublin | Overnight: Dublin

Day 2 | Monday 12th August | Historical Walking Tour & Trinity College | Overnight: Dublin

Day 3 | Tuesday 13th August | Dublin Explorations | Overnight: Dublin

Day 4 | Wednesday 14th August | Bru Na Boinne & The West Coast | Overnight: Doolin

Day 5 | Thursday 15th August | Hiking in The Burren | Overnight: Doolin

Day 6 | Friday 16th August | 4x4 Experience Inis Mor | Overnight: Doolin

Day 7 | Saturday 17th August | Galway History Tour & Connemara | Overnight: Leenaun

Day 8 | Sunday 18th August | Inishlaken Island Landing | Overnight: Leenaun

Day 9 | Monday 19th August | Exploring Connemara | Overnight: Leenaun

Day 10 | Tuesday 20th August | Inis Oirr Adventure | Overnight: Leenaun

Day 11 | Wednesday 21st August | Westport Town | Overnight: Belmullet

Day 12 | Thursday 22nd August | Atlantic Sea Safari | Overnight: Belmullet

Day 13 | Friday 23rd August | Exploring Belmullet | Overnight: Belmullet

Day 14 | Saturday 24th August | Yeats Country | Overnight: Kildare

Day 15 | Sunday 25th August | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 11th August - Welcome to Dublin

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 in the city centre. Check-in is at 3 pm, however, feel free to freshen up and grab a bite before heading out for the day. Dublin has been described as the ‘city with a village feel’ and 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.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: x1 Queen Room
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Monday 12th August - Historical Walking Tour & Trinity College

Enjoy a morning to yourself before heading out 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 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. Later, you” take a tour of Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Your guided Trinity tour will take you around the campus, discovering some of the secrets and famous pupils who graced its halls and quads before making your way to the Old Library for an audio tour of the Book of Kells with its new immersive digital experience.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: x1 Queen Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Tuesday 13th August - Dublin Explorations

This morning, we have arranged tickets for you at the emigration museum where you will learn the stories of the Irish diaspora who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists, and even outlaws all over the world. This afternoon, we recommend visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a free guided tour. As the largest cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for over 800 years. Another recommended stop is Dublin Castle, constructed in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: x1 Queen Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Wednesday 14th August - Bru Na Boinne & The West Coast

This morning pick up your rental car in Dublin city centre and make your way for a tour of the Neolithic historical site, Brú na Bóinne. The World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne 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. Continue West to Doolin, a picturesque village renowned for its traditional Irish music and charming atmosphere.

Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn
Room Type: x1 Townhouse Executive
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Thursday 15th August - Hiking in The Burren

This morning after a lovely breakfast to fuel you up, you’ll meet a local guide and set off for the Mullaghmore Loop Walk in The Burren. 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. 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! Options for dinner tonight include a Michelin-starred organic restaurant not far from your accommodation.

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

Day 6 - Friday 16th August - 4x4 Experience Inis Mor

Today you will get to fully immerse into the culture of Inis Mór – its history goes back millennia and today Irish is still the daily spoken language of the inhabitants. Take the ferry across where Padraig and Aonghus will meet you at the port and together you will explore Inis Mor in style – in a 4×4 jeep! Visit off-the-beaten-track locations that only they can reach and learn the history of this ancient Island from these two native islanders. You’ll explore the breathtaking limestone scenery, cliffs, and prehistoric forts that dot the sprawling island.

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

Day 7 - Saturday 17th August - Galway History Tour & Connemara

After breakfast at Doolin Inn, you will drive 1.5 hours to Galway, a charming Medieval-era city with a thriving arts scene. Stop off in the city where a local military historian will meet you at the city’s main square this morning to guide you through the bustling alleys sharing Galway City’s important roles in the clash of the French, Spanish, Russian, and British Empires from 1700 to 1922, including in Ireland’s revolution for independence. After your tour and time for a bit of shopping, leave the urban streets behind.  From Galway, it is 1h30 further into Connemara, a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region) known for its windswept landscapes of mountains, beach, and bog. For the next four nights, you are staying in the 4-star Delphi Lodge, built in the 1830s on the foot of Connaght’s highest mountains.

Overnight: Leenaun | Delphi Lodge
Room Type: x1 Lake View Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Sunday 18th August - Inishlaken Island Landing

This morning you’ll make your way to Roundstone Harbour to meet local man Damien, a fourth-generation fisherman who has been around the sea all his life. As you explore Roundstone Bay by boat, look out for the resident seals, dolphins & Basking sharks! You’ll pass by the stunning beaches of Ervallagh, Gurteen & Dog’s Bay as you make your way to the deserted Island of Inishlacken. With its panoramic views, picturesque unspoilt beaches & pristine waters, this deserted island is the perfect place to stop off for a bespoke picnic lunch!  Inishlaken has long been a centre point for writers, poets & artists because of its unique setting. A once largely populated island with its own schoolhouse & lots of quaint cottages, the population dwindled & the last of the island’s residents left for the mainland. But where man has left, nature has flourished and the island is now home to a large variety of insects & birds, rabbits, resident goats, sheep & donkeys. Tonight we recommend sticking around Roundstone Village for a lovely seafood dinner.

Overnight: Leenaun | Delphi Lodge
Room Type: x1 Lake View Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Monday 19th August - Exploring Connemara

The Wild Atlantic Way is a spectacular coastal driving route that stretches along the rugged and untamed coastline of Ireland’s west coast – and you get to explore the best of it! Feast your eyes upon the breathtaking shores of one of Ireland’s only three fjords located in the heart of Connemara. Once described as “a savage beauty” by author Oscar Wilde, we’ll give you plenty of recommendations as you explore the wild & windswept region. You’ll visit Kylemore Abbey, a haven of history, beauty, and serenity and home to a Benedictine order of Nuns for the past 100 years.

Overnight: Leenaun | Delphi Lodge
Room Type: x1 Lake View Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Tuesday 20th August - Inis Oirr Adventure

Connemara is home to the largest Gaeltacht (Irish Speaking Population) in Ireland, where an estimated 70% of the population speaks Irish as their first language on a daily basis. Oozing with culture and tradition, Connemara and the islands have a lot to offer. This morning you will meet your guide and take a flight to Inis Oirr, the smallest of the three Aran Islands. Enjoy the commanding views of the islands, Galway Bay, and the Connemara coastline before stepping into the wilderness. You’ll visit the island Arts Centre where you will get a glimpse of the island’s history, culture, heritage, and traditions and finish up doing a craft workshop with Máirtín, a local islander and expert craftsman. A feast of local seafood will be served for lunch, including Aran Lobster, before you embark on a tour of the island visiting the Shipwreck, Underground Church, and the 15th century O Brien’s Castle perched on the highest point of the island. Head back to the mainland this evening just in time to freshen up and grab a bite to eat.

Overnight: Leenaun | Delphi Lodge
Room Type: x1 Lakeside View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Wednesday 21st August - Westport Town

Leaving Connemara behind this morning, head further north into Mayo. We recommend stopping to explore the vibrant market town of Westport, which lies at the edge of the Wild Nephin wilderness and on the shores of Clew Bay, known for the hundreds of tiny islands created by glaciers millennia ago. A bustling regional hub and host to some of Ireland’s most musical pubs, arrive in town early to explore the colourful streets and visit some fantastic shops and artisans! Continue to Belmullet, a coastal village and Gaeltacht area, known for its idyllic, white sandy beaches, wind-swept coasts, and stunning cliffs.

Overnight: Belmullet | The Talbot Hotel
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Thursday 22nd August - Atlantic Sea Safari

Amongst Irelands most hidden gems, the remote Inishkea Islands off the west coast of the Mullet Peninsula make for a truly amazing day out. These abandoned outcrops are home to sandy dunes, fertile grassy machair, long silver strands, and incredibly clear turquoise waters. You’ll take a 35-minute trip across the water and have a picnic on the beach, walk the abandoned ruins of the village, or hike to the signal tower at the highest point and take in the incredible views of the mainland. Watch the wildlife, which includes a thriving seal colony and a wide range of waders and seabirds. With no distractions on the islands to hurry you and nowhere to be, the Inishkea Islands Experience is the ultimate in stepping back in time and the perfect day out!

Overnight: Belmullet | The Talbot Hotel
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Friday 23rd August - Exploring Belmullet

Today you will explore Belmullet self-guided. Belmullet is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its stunning coastal scenery providing a backdrop for a variety of activities. The nearby Erris Head Loop Walk offers spectacular views of the rugged coastline, and for those interested in history, Belmullet offers historic sites such as ancient stone circles and megalithic tombs scattered throughout the peninsula. We’ll also recommend a visit to dramatic blow holes, where you can stand atop wild cliffs in this forlorn but breathtaking region.

Overnight: Belmullet | The Talbot Hotel
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Saturday 24th August - Yeats Country

This morning, you’ll bid a fond farewell to Ireland’s west coast as you make your way slowly back towards Dublin. We recommend a stop halfway at The National Famine Museum to discover the intimate and intriguing links between dramatically different Irish lives during the famine. There is also a walled garden on the estate where you can stretch your legs. Your hotel tonight is a historic site, home to one of Ireland’s up-and-coming Michelin-starred restaurants- a perfect way to end your trip before flying home.

Overnight: Kildare | Cliff at Lyons
Room Type: x1 Estate Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Sunday 25th August - Depart

This morning, make the 30-minute drive to Dublin Airport and catch your flight to London. 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 15
  • Breakfast each morning, 3 lunch
  • Car Rental from Day 4 to Day 15
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;
  • Private arrival airport transfer
  • Private historical walking tour of Dublin
  • Entry & public guided tour of Trinity College & The Book of Kells
  • Entry to EPIC Museum
  • Entry to Bru Na Boinne
  • Private hiking guide in the Burren
  • Private 4×4 Experience on Inis Mor
  • Ferry Tickets
  • Private Historical Galway tour
  • Private Island Landing tour
  • Private Inis Oirr experiential guided day
  • Entry to Kylemore Abbey
  • Private Sea Safari
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 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
Pricing Read More

The price of this trip is €8,850 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.

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Aran Sweater shop on Inis Mor

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Virtuoso

Truffle Pig – Shultz Ireland Adventure V3

Sunday 11th August – Sunday 25th August 2024