V.2 Pat Zigarmi Ireland Adventure

Day 1 - Monday 7^th October - 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 3pm however feel free to leave your bags, freshen up, or have a bite to eat. 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 | The Merrion
Room Type: 1x Superior Twin Room
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Tuesday 8^th October - Waterford Crystal

Your private guide will meet you in your hotel lobby this morning, and after introductions you will begin your journey into the countryside travelling through Ireland’s hidden heartlands. Dive right into wonder of ancient Ireland with a stop at the Rock of Cashel, an immaculately preserved cathedral overlooking the sweeping landscape below. After lunch it’s only an hour drive to the seaside town of Waterford, where you will visit the famous Waterford Crystal Factory for a private tour where you will meet the master cutters and witness art being created first hand. With crafts men and women here since the 1960’s and 70’s their skills and knowledge creating such exquisite pieces is world renowned.

Overnight: Waterford | Faithlegg
Room Type: 2x Classic Double Rooms for single occupancy
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Wednesday 9^th October - Killarney National Park

This morning you will bid farewell to Waterford and make your way to “The Kingdom” of County Kerry, with your first destination being to the county’s crown jewel. Killarney National Park is the most famous of Ireland’s national parks – and with good reason, as it is flourishing with breathtaking mountains, lakes and waterfalls. Historic manor houses and abbeys make for an interesting visit but Killarney is best explored via the water with a private boat trip across the lake. After your invigorating boat tour, 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: Kenmare | The Park Hotel
Room Type: 2x Superior Rooms for single occupancy
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 10^th October - The Ring of Kerry

After a leisurely breakfast this morning, the day ahead is fully dedicated to exploring The Ring of Kerry, a route which covers the perimeter of the Iveragh Peninsula’s stunning coastline, beaches, mountains, and hidden lakes. Your first destination is just up the road at a traditional farming cottage, where the hosts will teach you the long-standing craft of Irish soda bread making and take you on a guided tour of the surrounding farm. Spend the rest of the day stopping along our favourite hidden-gem beaches, visiting the birthplace of Ireland’s most prominent rebel figure, and admiring the dramatic rapidly changing lanscapes.

Overnight: Kenmare | The Park Hotel
Room Type: 2x Superior Rooms for single occupancy
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 11^th October - Adare and The Cliffs of Moher

Leaving the Kingdom of Kerry behind this morning, make your way into the neighbouring counties of Limerick and 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. Further up on your drive north, the real treat for the day is to see the famous Cliffs of Moher up close. Dropping some 700 feet below to the sea, the Cliffs are set among a jaw-dropping landscape with the cobalt waters swirling below and rolling green sheep-laden fields toward the land.

Retire for the evening in Galway city, the unofficial capital of Ireland’s west coast with a rich history and strong culture which we will explore more tomorrow.

Overnight: Galway | Glenlo Abbey
Room Type: 1x Classic Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Saturday 12^th October - Cultural Day in Galway City

Known as the ‘town of the tribes’, Galway city’s small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful store fronts is vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan. A local guide will meet you in the city centre this morning to immerse you into one of the city’s rapidly growing cultural niches. The choice is yours between a traditional craft & food tour, a sweet tooth tour, a painting lesson, or even a military history tour. You won’t leave the town with an empty stomach!

Your accommodation this evening is a fitting finale to your time on the Wild Atlantic Way. Ballynahinch Castle is one of Ireland’s finest luxury castle hotels, set in a private 700 acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway. This authentic and unpretentious Castle Hotel stands proudly overlooking its famous salmon fishery, with a backdrop of the beautiful Twelve Bens Mountain range.

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle
Room Type: 2x Superior Rooms for single occupancy
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Sunday 13^th October - Connemara National Park

The hills and mountains of Connemara are defined by the ocean surrounding them, and this is particularly evident at the beautiful Killary Fjord. This morning your guide will lead you along the shores of the fjord, delving into Irish history at a famine-era abandoned village and bringing to life the rich and ancient histories of the landscape. Head back to your hotel via the stunningly beautiful Kylemore Abbey and Gardens to tour the grounds and hear the romantic story behind this iconic site.

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle
Room Type: 2x Superior Rooms for single occupancy
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Monday 14^th October - Departure

A private transfer will collect you from your hotel this morning and transfer you to your departure airport. We hope you have enjoyed your time getting under the skin of Ireland, and hope you welcome you back to our friendly shores.

Meals Included: Breakfast