V4 Castelain Family's Irish Adventure

Wednesday 3rd July – Sunday 14th July 2024

Duration: 12 Days / 11 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, 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.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Wednesday 3rd July - Being your adventure in Westport

Arriving today pick up your rental car and head westward to Westport. Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of Clew Bay and embraced by the rolling hills of County Mayo, Westport stands as a charming gem along the Wild Atlantic Way. Westport’s heart beats with a lively atmosphere fuelled by its traditional pubs, artisanal shops, and a bustling market square. Surrounded by lush landscapes, including the iconic Croagh Patrick looming in the distance, this will be your home for the next two nights. You might like to arrive in town early to explore the colourful streets and visit some fantastic shops and artisans!

Overnight: Delphi | Delphi Lodge Hotel
Room Type: Family Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Thursday 4th July - Cycle the Great Western Greenway

Part of a project to restore abandoned railway tracks, the Great Western Greenway was refurbished as a car-free cycling track. Today you’ll meet an expert biking guide and pedal past rushing waterfalls, ancient ruins, megalithic tombs and scenic bridges on a canvas of coastal and mountain views as you learn how this fascinating prophecy came to be true. Enjoy as much of the 42 km Great Western Greenway as you’d like as we’ll arrange a return transfer back to town.

Overnight: Delphi | Delphi Lodge Hotel
Room Type: Family Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Friday 5th July - Magestic Killary Fjord & Shellfish Experience

Leaving Westport behind, feast your eyes upon the breathtaking shores of one of Ireland’s only three fjords before heading to the expanses of Connemara. Once described as “a savage beauty” by author Oscar Wilde, explore the wild, windswept region.  A visit to local shellfish farm offers a unique, immersive journey into the world of sustainable shellfish farming along Ireland’s scenic Killary Fjord, featuring hands-on activities and fresh seafood tastings. It’s an unforgettable blend of education, adventure, and culinary delight amidst stunning natural beauty. Afterwards, we recommend a stop at a neo-gothic abbey before hiking in the Connemara National Park. Tonight dinner is included at your accommodation.

Overnight: Connemara | Cashel House Hotel
Room Type: x2 Garden Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 - Saturday 6th July - Inishbofin Island

After a hearty breakfast you will transfer 40 minutes to the village of Cleggan to catch your ferry to Inishbofin. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seals along the way! Today you will be joined by an experienced guide for a walk around this fascinating island. Highlights include rugged cliffs, blowholes, Bronze and Iron Age ruins and the crumbling Cromwellian fort where ‘Don Bosco’, the infamous Spanish pirate was stationed in the 16th century.  Head back to Cashel House for some down time. Tonight dinner is included at your accommodation.

Overnight: Connemara | Cashel House
Room Type: x2 Garden Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5 - Sunday 7th July - Galway Food Tour

Galway is the capital of Ireland’s west. Known as the ‘town of the tribes’ the small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful store fronts is vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan. What better way to spend an afternoon here than a delectable food tour? Stop off in the city and tantalise your taste buds with a delightful journey through Galway’s culinary scene. From artisanal cheeses, craft beers, to handcrafted chocolate, this will be a true feast for the senses. Afterwards, make your way to County Clare and the quaint village of Ballyvaughan.

Overnight: Clare | Monks
Room Type: x1 Apartment, x1 Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Monday 8th July - Hiking in The Burren National Park

The Burren’s rocky alien landscape is said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy – and on your guided hike through this other-worldly region, it’s easy to see why! Home to a plethora of unique wildflowers, you will learn about the human history of the area dating back thousands of years. Stop in a botanical cafe and perfumery for lunch – it’s the oldest perfumery in Ireland! This evening enjoy whiskey tasting in a 6th generation traditional Irish whiskey bar.

Overnight: Clare | Monks
Room Type: x1 Apartment, x1 Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Tuesday 9th July - Cliffs of Moher

Start your day off at Ireland’s most-famous cliffs, the Cliffs of Moher, before the crowds arrive, enjoying a walk along the dramatic cliff edge on a background of coastal panoramas. Leaving County Clare behind, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine wildlife as you cross the mouth of the mighty River Shannon.

 

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House
Room Type: x1 Superior Double, x1 Junior Suite Triple
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Wednesday 10th July - Ring of Kerry & Dingle

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Ireland on the Ring of Kerry drive, where stunning coastal vistas, charming villages, and historic landmarks await. Marvel at the rugged landscapes, serene lakes, and lush greenery that define this iconic route. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Dingle Bay with an exhilarating sea safari adventure through its crystal-clear waters and stunning coastal scenery! Make unforgettable memories as you explore one of Ireland’s most scenic and picturesque journeys.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House
Room Type: x1 Superior Double, x1 Junior Suite Triple
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Thursday 11th July - Hiking Killarney National Park

This morning head over to Killarney National Park – the jewel in the county’s crown. Today the park encompasses 26,000 acres of mountains, woodlands, lakes, waterfalls and history. Enjoy Kerry’s most breathtaking scenery on your doorstep. A local guide will meet you here and together you will visit the mediaeval tower house at Ross Castle, visit Torc Waterfall and take hike around the woodlands. A day spent in Killarney National Park will always be memorable. This evening experience the thrill and tradition of Irish culture with a captivating Irish dancing demonstration that brings the spirit of Ireland to life!

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House
Room Type: x1 Superior Double, x1 Junior Suite Triple
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Friday 12th July - Drive to Dublin & Guinness Storehouse

After breakfast, make your way to Dublin. En route, dive right into wonder of ancient Ireland with a stop at the Rock of Cashel, an immaculately preserved cathedral overlooking the sweeping landscape below. Continue on, check into your hotel and this evening you will visit the Guinness Storehouse. You’ll be immersed in the rich heritage of Guinness, tracing its roots back to its founding by Arthur Guinness in 1759. Tonight, enjoy dinner at one of Dublin’s many award winning restaurants.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: 1x Superior King room interconnecting to 1x Superior Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Saturday 13th July - Kilmainhaim Gaol & Dublin walking tour

For over 100 years Kilmainham Gaol held thousands of men, women and children for crimes that ranged from minor offences to being involved in some of the most momentous events in Irish history. Discover the stories of people held here as ordinary criminals alongside those who fought for Irish independence. From the 1798 rebellion, to the 1916 Easter Rising, the Anglo-Irish War (1919-21), to the devastation of the Irish Civil War (1922-23) all these important events have a chapter in the story of Kilmainham Gaol. On a private walking tour of Dublin you’ll learn about the fascinating history of this vibrant city and visit Trinity college where the Trinity Experience will immerse you in the rich history and vibrant culture of Trinity College Dublin with rare manuscripts and Ireland’s literary heritage.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: 1x Superior King room interconnecting to 1x Superior Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Sunday 14th July - Depart

This morning, drop your rental car at the airport and it’s time to head home. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and 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 12
  • Breakfast each morning, dinner both nights at Cashel House Hotel
  • Car Rental from Day 1 to Day 12
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;
  • Ebike Hire
  • Guided Biking on the Great Western Greenway
  • Private shellfish experience
  • Private Tour on Inishbofin
  • Ferry Tickets
  • Private whiskey tasting experience
  • Private Galway Food Tour
  • Private Hiking Guide in The Burren
  • Private Hiking Guide in Killarney National Park
  • Entry to Ross Castle
  • Private Irish dancing experience
  • Sea-kayaking activity in Dingle bay
  • Private Guided history walking tour of Dublin
  • Access to Trinity college
  • Entry to the Guinness Storehouse
  • Entry to Kilmainham Gaol
  • 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 for activity providers or day guides
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 is6,150 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.