B&R Whitehead Ireland Adventure Version 2

Day 1 - Monday 14^th October - Welcome to Ireland

This morning, your B&R guide will meet you at the hotel for the 4-hour drive to County Kerry and Sheen Falls Lodge.

We can stop en route in the charming town of Cashel, home to the Rock of Cashel, a complex of medieval buildings sitting in a picturesque spot above the town. After a brief visit to the Rock, we can have lunch in Cashel Palace in the centre of town.

After lunch, we continue a further 2 hours to Sheen Falls Lodge just outside Kenmare, where you can check in and relax. That evening, you have the option to have dinner at the hotel or one of the great restaurants in Kenmare.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: 2x superior deluxe, 1x suite
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Tuesday 15^th October - Beara Peninsula

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: 2x superior deluxe, 1x suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles

Day 3 - Wednesday 16^th October - Killarney National Park and onwards to The Burren

This morning, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred across Ireland to The Burren, a dramatic limestone escarpment with fascinating ancient sites and a distinctive mix of alpine and Mediterranean flowers in summer. This takes roughly 3 hours.

We’ll stop after around 40 minutes in Killarney National Park for a morning hike. The national park was Ireland’s first and is home to the country’s highest mountain range, gorgeous lakes, waterfalls, medieval castles and ancient oak forest.

After our walk and lunch, we’ll continue for another 2.5 hours to Gregan’s Castle Hotel in The Burren.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: 2x superior, 1x premier suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 6 km / 4 miles

Day 4 - Thursday 17^th October - The Burren & Cliffs of Moher

After breakfast, we will visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher we’ll visit the Cliffs of Moher along the Wild Atlantic Way—a breathtaking 2,500 km (1,550 mi.) coastal route flanked by crashing waves, white sand beaches, rugged cliffs and charming seaside villages.

Later we will pay a visit to The Burren Perfumery to see how this tiny business takes its inspiration from the plants and flowers on the The Burren and turns them into beautiful products.  We can stop for lunch in their tea room before our hike in the rocky limestone of The Burren, learning about its fascinating eco-system and the interplay between local people and this unique landscape over centuries.

We’ll have dinner booked in the seaside town of Ballyvaughan that evening.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: 2x superior; 1x premier suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 9 km / 6 miles

Day 5 - Friday 18^th October - Falconry & Galway City

After check out, we can enjoy a final hike in the Burren or stop in Galway City en route to our next hotel.  The vibrant capital of Ireland’s west, it’s a great opportunity to wander the cobbled streets and visit local galleries as well as enjoy a tasty lunch in this, the region’s culinary capital. It’s a 90-minute drive to the village of Cong, the backdrop of the Oscar-winning movie, The Quiet Man. This afternoon we arrive at Ashford Castle and the oldest falconry school in Ireland, where we will be joined by an expert to learn about this fascinating Medieval sport and then see the birds of prey in action.

Dinner will be at one of Ashford Castle’s excellent restaurants.

Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: 2x corrib lakeview; 1x suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Saturday 19^th October - Exploring Connemara

Today, we set off on a hike through Connemara, a region rich in Gaelic history and culture.

We’ll have the option of visiting a local farm to watch a sheep dog demonstration with a beautifully scenic backdrop and / or head to a nearby mussel farm to meet Kate and Simon, learn about their life in this remote spot and enjoy the beauty of the Killary Fjord.

We’ll then transfer you back to Ashford Castle in time for dinner.

Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: 2x corrib lakeview; 1x suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles

Day 7 - Sunday 20^th October -

Today, we will transfer you from Ashford Castle to Ballyfin, which will take roughly 2.5 hours.

Ballyfin is one of Ireland’s finest country houses and underwent a meticulous 9-year restoration, a period longer than its original construction in the 1820s. The spectacular house and its estate is now a 5-star hotel set in 614 acres of parkland, with horses, clay pigeon shooting, archery and falconry.

The afternoon is free for you to choose one of these activities and enjoy the magnificent estate.

That evening, we will make reservations for you in the hotel’s Restaurant.

Overnight: Ballyfin | Ballyfin Demesne
Room Type: 2x deluxe; 1x junior suite (Butler)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Monday 21^st October - Onward journeys

Today marks the end of your B&R journey, and we include a transfer from Ballyfin back to Dublin or your next stop.