Vida Barham Travel: An Irish Escape

Day 1 - Monday 3^rd August - Céad míle fáilte - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

This morning, meet your guide at Shannon Airport and transfer to the Burren–a striking limestone landscape. After a relaxed lunch, set out on a walk through Slieve Carran Nature Reserve, known for its rare Mediterranean and alpine wildflowers. The region is also steeped in history, with over 2,500 monuments scattered across its distinctive landscape. As you explore, enjoy engaging conversation with your guide, who will share stories and insights into the Burren’s unique geology.

Overnight: Doolin | Fiddle + Bow Hotel
Room Type: Double Room
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 - Tuesday 4^th August - Traditional Farms

County Clare on Ireland’s West Coast is home to the famed Cliffs of Moher and the lunar landscape of the Burren. Today stop at a traditional farm and meet the farmer himself and the smartest friend you can have a border collie! Watch as together they skillfully direct the sheep to their desired pastures. Later, use the quiet of the afternoon to visit Ireland’s famed Cliffs of Moher, part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, a special region with outstanding geology. Visually stunning, the Cliffs Stand 702 ft at their highest point and stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic coast.

Overnight: Doolin | Fiddle + Bow Hotel
Room Type: Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Wednesday 5^th August - Local Characters and Medieval Towns

This morning, we have a unique Irish Music experience lined up – outside of the usual pub setting. We will meet Christy and Sheila in their home, where they have been entertaining friends and musicians for many years. Sitting around the fire, playing music, telling stories, dancing, and eating have been the traditions in rural Ireland for centuries. Irish trad music has endured better than most European folk music, and Christy will chat to us about its origins, play us some tunes, and chat about life on the west coast in general.

This afternoon we’ll head east, take your time travelling through Ireland’s hidden heartlands. Stop and visit the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most iconic collections of medieval buildings. Perched on a precipice of limestone in the Golden Vale, it offers over 1,000 years of fascinating history and folklore.

Overnight: Waterford | Granville Hotel
Room Type: Balcony Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 6^th August - Iconic Waterford

Today with your guide explore Waterford, a city with a strong medieval heritage. This morning, you will visit the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory, enjoy a private tour and a look into the craftsmanship behind the wonderful glass and indulge in a delicious afternoon tea onsite. Your guide will take you for a stroll around town afterwards, The Medieval Quarter offers a glimpse of Waterford’s Viking, Norman and Georgian past. This compact city is rich in both history and modern charm, making for a delightful experience.

Overnight: Waterford | Granville Hotel
Room Type: Balcony Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 7^th August - Kilkenny Castle

This morning, your guide will take you north to Kilkenny, an artsy, colourful town full of medieval history. You’ll tour Kilkenny Castle, a fortress dating back to the 12th century. Immerse yourself in its rich history as you wander through the beautifully preserved rooms and explore the magnificent gardens. Afterwards, take some time to wander around Kilkenny’s picturesque streets, lined with colourful buildings, quaint shops, and inviting cafes.

Your guide will depart this evening. 

Overnight: Dublin | Brooks Hotel
Room Type: Signature King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Saturday 8^th August - Dublin City

Start your day in the heart of the city at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin’s largest cathedral and one of its most historic landmarks. From there, head a short distance west to the iconic Guinness Storehouse, one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. The immersive experience walks you through the story of Guinness—from brewing ingredients to advertising history, ending with a perfectly poured pint at the Gravity Bar, where you’ll get panoramic views across Dublin’s rooftops.

After a day of sightseeing, spend your evening doing what Dublin does best: enjoying its legendary pub scene. Head into the city center and explore traditional spots like The Brazen Head, often said to be Dublin’s oldest pub, or O’Donoghue’s, famous for lively traditional Irish music sessions. Grab a pint, settle into a cozy corner, and let the fiddles, bodhráns, and friendly chatter round out a perfect day in Dublin

Overnight: Dublin | Brooks Hotel
Room Type: Signature King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Sunday 9^th August - Depart

This morning, a private transfer will collect you from the hotel and provide a smooth journey to Dublin Airport for the flight home. We wish you a safe journey onwards and hope you leave your time in Ireland with many stories to tell.

Meals Included: Breakfast