Valle Family's Irish Adventure V2

Friday 26th July – Monday 5th August 2024

Number of Travellers: 11
Duration: 11 Days / 10 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 | Friday 26th July | Welcome to Ireland! Musical Walking Tour & Evening Storytelling | Overnight: Dublin

Day 2 | Saturday 27th July | Trinity College, The Book of Kells & Gaelic Games | Overnight: Dublin

Day 3 | Sunday 28th July | Birr Castle & Gardens | Overnight: Clare

Day 4 | Monday 29th July | The Cliffs of Moher & Buren Flyover & Walking Tour | Overnight: Clare

Day 5 | Tuesday 30th July | Sheepdog Demo & Chocolate Factory Experience | Overnight: Clare

Day 6 | Wednesday 31st July | Adare & Killarney National Park | Overnight: Kenmare

Day 7 | Thursday 1st August | Seaweed Foraging the Ring of Kerry, Golf & Hidden Gems | Overnight: Kenmare

Day 8 | Friday 2nd August | The Dingle Peninsula | Overnight: Kenmare

Day 9 | Saturday 3rd August | Irish Cheese Tasting & Farm Tour | Overnight: Cork

Day 10 | Sunday 4th August | Exploring Cobh & An Irish Goodbye | Overnight: Cork

Day 11 | Monday 5th August | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Friday 26th July - Welcome to Ireland! Musical Walking Tour & Evening Storytelling

Landing in Dublin this morning, your private guide will meet you at arrivals and together you will make your way into your 5-star hotel in the city centre. Check-in and head out in the afternoon to enjoy a walking tour with a private guide through the rich musical heritage of Dublin. Led by a knowledgeable local, you’ll stroll through the streets of Dublin and discover the stories and songs of the city’s most impactful musicians. From traditional Irish music to the sounds of rock, pop, and beyond, Dublin has been a melting pot of musical creativity for centuries. Along the way, you’ll visit iconic landmarks and venues associated with legendary artists such as U2, Thin Lizzy, The Dubliners, and more, hearing tales of their rise to fame and the lasting impact of their music on the city. Back at your hotel, get settled and tonight before dinner you will delve into the magical world of Irish folklore, with tales of the Leprechaun, the Fairy Folk, and spooky Irish ghost stories. Your storyteller interweaves Irish history & culture, tales of the Other World, the mysterious Fairy Folk, & Irish ghost stories, with traditional Irish songs and wonderful insights into the Irish life of days gone by. This experience will awaken your imagination & carry you back to the fireside in an Ireland of times past. Your guides will join you and together you will have a welcome dinner.

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury
Room Type: x1 Terrace Suite, x1 Deluxe King, x4 Westbury Rooms
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 - Saturday 27th July - Trinity College, The Book of Kells & Gaelic Games

This morning you will make your way to Trinity College Dublin for a guided tour. Set on 46 acres of leafy squares, cobblestone walkways, and historic buildings, Trinity is Ireland’s oldest University and home to The Book of Kells – an ancient manuscript revered for its exquisite illustrations and profound religious significance. This afternoon, dare to be a Celtic Warrior! Your guide will take you on a journey of discovery deep into Irish culture, where our sports and language meet. Meet some local sports experts who will introduce you to Hurling, one of the oldest field sports in the world, and Gaelic football, Ireland’s most popular sport. You will experience an enthralling energy-packed introduction to our National Games that will take your breath away and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury
Room Type: x1 Terrace Suite, x1 Deluxe King, x4 Westbury Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Sunday 28th July - Birr Castle & Gardens

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to Dublin and head west, to Co. Clare. Your transfer today will take about 2.5 hours. On route, a fantastic family friendly stop to stretch the legs and explore is Birr Castle, Gardens and Science Centre. Owned by the one family for over 400 years, the Parsons family has created an environmental and scientific time capsule. See the world’s largest telescope from the 1840’s, the first ever invented steam engine, and discover astronomical instruments, cameras, photographs, and photographic equipment used by the Third and Fourth Earls and Mary, Countess of Rosse, in the middle and late 1800s. The gardens are award-winning and there are lots of areas for the kids to climb and explore. Continue on to one of Ireland’s finest castle hotels, the 5* Dromoland Castle, welcoming guests since the 16th century. You will be staying in the Lodge overlooking the 14th Fairway of the Castles Championship course.

Overnight: Clare | Dromoland Castle
Room Type: Dromoland Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 29th July - The Cliffs of Moher & Buren Flyover & Walking Tour

Today, you’ll hop in a Helicopter that will pick you up right on your doorstep and you’ll take to the sky for a tour of two of the most internationally famous regions in Ireland. The Burren is a landscape of bedrock, incorporating a vast cracked pavement of glacial-era limestone, with cliffs and caves, fossils, rock formations, and archaeological sites. The Cliffs are part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, a special region with outstanding geology. Visually stunning, the Cliffs Stand 702ft at their highest point and stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic coast, a rare example of a sedimentary basin and one of Ireland’s most visited tourist attractions, but you’ll get to see them from the sky! You’ll have time to stop and meet the rest of the group for a walk along the Cliffs and a browse in the quaint village of Doolin before departing back to Dromoland Castle.

Overnight: Clare | Dromoland Castle
Room Type: Dromoland Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 30th July - Sheepdog Demo & Chocolate Factory Experience

After breakfast, head into the heart of the lesser-known Burren National Park, and the jewel in the crown of West Ireland. The otherworldly exposed limestone landscape contains a fascinating mix of wildflowers, wildlife, geology, and ancient tombs. Meet a local farmer and enjoy a masterclass in sheepdog working with an exhilarating demonstration of his absolutely adorable and keenly intelligent dogs. Before heading home you’ll visit the local Chocolate Factory for a quick tour and hot chocolate experience. You’ll be home this evening for some downtime before dinner.

Overnight: Clare | Dromoland Castle
Room Type: Dromoland Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 31st July - Adare & Killarney National Park

This morning, you’ll make your way south to Sheen Falls, nestled in the small town of Kenmare, between the Iveragh Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry. You’ll stop en route in Adare, voted the “prettiest village in Ireland”. The village is beloved for its delightful thatched-roof cottages, lively pubs, and antique shops. Continue to Killarney for a walk in the national park centred around Ross Castle, regaling its historical and cultural significance including the legend of O’Donoghue and his snow-white horse. Enjoy a delicious lunch in town with your guide before continuing on to Sheen Falls. Situated amidst the majestic landscapes of the Ring of Kerry, you’ll be greeted by lush forests and panoramic views of Kenmare Bay, culminating in a journey of unparalleled beauty and tranquility.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls
Room Type: x5 classic rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 1st August - Seaweed Foraging the Ring of Kerry, Golf & Hidden Gems

This morning your guide will drive some of you to the southern shores of the Iveragh peninsula where you will meet one of our favourite local 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. Together, learn how seaweed earned its reputation as a super-food. Enjoy a few nibbles yourself, including the flavoursome variety, Duilleasc, which sustained the monks on Skellig Island, or Nori, the famous Sushi roll wrapping. Afterwards, your guide will take you to some of the best-known spots along the Ring of Kerry, a route which covers the perimeter of the Iveragh Peninsula’s stunning coastline, beaches, mountains, and hidden lakes.  See the highlights but also the hidden gems that make this scenic route truly unforgettable. In the meantime, we have booked a tee time for Orlando & Orlando Jr at Sheen Falls.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls
Room Type: x5 classic rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 2nd August - The Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula hosts some of the richest collection of archaeological sites in Europe, ranging from standing stones and prehistoric monuments, as well as the peninsula’s renowned ancient clochains or beehive huts, which may be as much as 2,000 years old. Explore the peninsula today with your guide, stopping as you please for strolls along some of the longest-stretching beaches and coastline trails Ireland has to offer. You’ll visit the Beehive Huts, related to those found on the Skellig Islands and featured in the Star Wars film, The Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian dry stone ‘church’ and Louis Mulcahy Pottery Studio before returning to Kenmare.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: x5 classic rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Saturday 3rd August - Irish Cheese Tasting & Farm Tour

This morning you will get up close and personal with a herd of Irish Buffalo. From Kerry you’ll make your way a little more inland, crossing the border to Cork. Your journey takes you across rolling farmlands with stunning pastoral scenes. Stop at a working Buffalo dairy farm for an immersive tour and tasting. 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. Next stop, Blarney Castle! The building is actually a tower house, a type of fortification built by Gaelic lords and the Anglo-Irish between the 15th and 17th centuries. There are 60 acres of garden surrounding and you’ll have lots of time to explore. Continue on and check into your hotel, nestled amid East Cork’s woodlands. Situated on 220 acres, Castlemartyr Resort consists of a grand 18th Century Manor House that sits adjacent to the ruins of an 800-year-old-castle.

Overnight: Cork | Castlemartyr Resort
Room Type: x3 Superior King, x1 Junior Suite Balcony, x1 Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Sunday 4th August - Exploring Cobh & An Irish Goodbye

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. Formally 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. You’ll visit Cobh Heritage Centre which offers a glimpse into Ireland’s past and the hardships that those early emigrants endured. There are many interesting stories throughout the exhibition of Irish emigrants who left Queenstown/Cobh to far-flung destinations across the globe such as Brazil, Argentina, The West Indies as well as North America and Australia. Tonight your guide will join you for a farewell dinner and we have organised one final treat with a private performance at Castlemartyr. Irish dancing is a spirited and rhythmic form of dance that has deep roots in Irish culture and tradition. Characterised by quick footwork, precise movements, and vibrant costumes, Irish dance is a unique display of skill, agility, and grace. Enjoy and embrace the intricate choreography that highlights the rich heritage of Ireland’s music and dance.

Overnight: Cork | Castlemartyr Resort
Room Type: x3 Superior King, x1 Junior Suite Balcony, x1 Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11 - Monday 5th August - Depart

This morning, your guide will drop you to the airport for your flight home. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and look forward to welcoming you to out shores once again.

 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 11
  • Most meals as indicated above, breakfast each morning, 10 lunch, 2 dinner
  • Services of two experienced and knowledgeable qualified guides from Day 1 to Day 11
  • Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 11
  • Platinum services on arrival and departure at Dublin airport
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;
  • Private musical walking tour of Dublin
  • Private Tour of Trinity College & The Book of Kells
  • Private Gaelic Games Experience
  • Entry to Birr Castle & Gardens
  • Helicopter fly-over of The Cliffs of Moher & The Burren (50 minutes) with a stop at The Cliffs & Doolin Village
  • Golf tee time for 2 pax
  • Private storytelling experience
  • Private Burren sheedog experience
  • Private Chocolate factory experience
  • Entry to Ross Castle
  • Private seaweed foraging experience
  • Entry fees around the Ring of Kerry
  • Entry fees around the Dingle Peninsula
  • Private cheese tasting & farm tour
  • Entry to Blarney Castle & gardens
  • Entry to Cobh Heritage Centre
  • Private photographer
  • Private Irish dancing experiences
  • Electric Wheelchair rental
  • 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 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 total cost for this trip based on 11 people is €170,509including a €12 per person conservation contribution

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Virtuoso

Valle Family’s Irish Adventure V2

Friday 26th July – Monday 5th August 2024