Wilderness Group- Ireland Fam Trip

Day 1 - Friday 24^th October - Arrival in Cork- Afternoon in Kinsale

When you arrive at Cork Airport this morning, your guide will be on hand, ready to meet you, and together you will take a short journey to the harbour town of Kinsale on the southern Cork coast.

Kinsale is a historic fishing town famous as the gourmet capital of Ireland. This colourful town is brimming with activity, from art galleries to elegant yachts. Explore the star-shaped Charles Fort, one of the best-preserved examples of a 17th-century star-shaped fort associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history.
After, you’ll embark on a delightful culinary journey where every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and local flavour. As your local guide regales you with stories of the town, enjoy fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, and vibrant produce sourced from nearby farms.
Your accommodation is in a central location overlooking the sea.

Overnight: Kinsale | Actons Hotel

Day 2 - Saturday 25^th October - Morning Cork City- Afternoon Farm and Cheese Experience

This morning we explore Cork City and I recommend a stop at the English Market, one of the oldest covered markets in Europe

Leaving Cork, we make our way to the coast to the Kingdom of Kerry. En route, your journey takes you across rolling farmlands with stunning pastoral scenes. Stop at a working Buffalo dairy farm for an immersive tour and tasting, and get up close and personal with a herd of Irish Buffalo! 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.

Your hotel this evening is in the pretty little market town of Kenmare.

Overnight: Kenmare | The Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Sunday 26^th October - Hotels Visits- Boat Safari & Chocolate

This morning, we suggest some local site visits to increase your knowledge of hotels and guesthouses in Kenmare.
Brook Lane is a great high 3-star/ lower 4-star choice
Lansdown Hotel is a great option for those who want to be near the town ( along with your own hotel). Sheen Falls is our preferred 5-star hotel in this part of Kerry, and you will check in here later this evening.

This afternoon, travel to Bantry and meet the folks from Bantry Bay Boat Hire for a Sea Safari taster. Usually a 2 hour experience, you board a RIB  which goes way out deep into Bantry Bay visiting sea caves, looking for dolphins, seals, birdlife (whales if we’re really lucky!), learning history about Bantry Bay and touring around Whiddy Island etc.

Returning to Kenmare, stop by and see Benoit for a small taster experience of his chocolate-making workshop. Perfect for couples, multi gens and families with kids.

This evening, check into Sheen Falls Hotel just outside Kenmare

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 27^th October - Killarney National Park

A site tour of Sheen Falls this morning after breakfast, and it’s time to hit the road.
Our destination is Killarney National Park, the oldest National Park in Ireland and the jewel in Kerry’s crown.
Here you will board a boat with Dux and his canine friend and cruise the tranquil lakes of Killarney with one of the most spectacular backdrops imaginable as you are overlooked by Ireland’s highest mountain peaks.

This afternoon, we will visit Cahernane House and The Great Southern Killarney for some hotel site visits. If time allows, your guide will take you to some of Killarney’s other top attractions.

Overnight: Killarney | The Great Southern Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 28^th October - The Burren Co Clare

Departing Killarney, we make our way north, into Co Clare and home to the famed Cliffs of Moher, your last stop of today.
Clare is also home to the Burren, a rocky alien landscape is said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Here we will meet Oonagh for a guided Wild Food Walk on land and seashore. Forage edible gems and learn about Irish seaweed, berries and wild food before enjoying a catered picnic*.
For the rest of today, we explore the Burren and some of the attractions of the region, including The Burren Perfumery, Smokehouse and of course, The Cliffs of Moher.

Your hotel this evening is in the little village of Doolin, where live traditional music can usually be found.

*Weather dependant

Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn

Day 6 - Wednesday 29^th October - Connemara National Park

A morning tour of the small bespoke hotel found in the heart of the Burren, Gregans Castle Hotel, then its off to galway and to Connemara National Park.
Here,  you meet a local farmer, Tom, who will introduce you to his sheepdogs before giving you a fascinating demonstration of how a sheepdog is used to bring in the sheep on real farms. Responding to Tom’s whistled commands, the dogs guide the sheep downwards from their mountainside location, safely and speedily to the commands of their master, gathering in a pen beside you.
Tom has trained Border Collies in the art of sheep herding for over 15 years, and his amazing skills are on show here with his dogs responding to his every command.

Spend the rest of today exploring Connemara with your guide, including the little village of Clifden, Dog’s Bar, Sky Road and Kylemore Abbey.

This evening, stay in the traditional hunting lodge of Ballynahinch Castle Hotel.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 30^th October - Bohemien Galway

There is some time this morning to see some of the Connemara site we might have missed yesterday, before we head to Bohemian Galway city for the afternoon.
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.
A local military historian will meet you at the city’s main square to guide you through the bustling alleys, sharing Galway City’s important roles in the clash of the French, Spanish, Russian and British Empires from 1700 to 1922, including in Ireland’s revolution for independence.

Your guide will leave you in Galway today, and you can catch a train to Dublin tomorrow.
Enjoy an evening in lively Galway and your overnight hotel Hyde Hotel

Overnight: Galway | Hyde Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 31^st October - Connemara to Dublin

Board a comfortable train this morning and make your way to Dublin City, your home for the next two nights.

Your base will be one of the O’Callaghan Hotels, we suggest The Davenport, and we have some great suggestions of places to check out that are within easy walking distance and great for unguided travellers who are either exploring alone on a self-drive or have some unguided days in Dublin.

Overnight: Dublin | The Davenport Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Saturday 1^st November - A day in Dublin

Experience a day in Dublin that we would typically include in our trip design, starting with a historical walking tour of the city. Explore some of Dublin’s best-known attractions, while also enjoying the benefit of local knowledge by visiting spots hidden off the tourist trail.

Stop by Trinity & the Book of Kells, check out EPIC and finally finish your day at the Guinness Storehouse for a tour and a pint.

While in Dublin, we also recommend some more hotel site visits. The Merrion Hotel and The Westbury are two 5-star hotels that we love, and the other O’Callaghan properties, The Alex & The Mont are both next to your own hotel, the Davenport.

Overnight: Dublin | The Davenport Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Sunday 2^nd November - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections.

We hope that your time in Ireland has demonstrated the level of style, comfort and attention to detail we love to incorporate into all our custom trips. We look forward to welcoming all your clients and travellers.