William's Irish Adventure

William Smith

Wednesday 1st May – Sunday 12th May 2024

Number of Travellers: 1
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. Explore the wildest and most sparsely populated areas of Ireland while challenging yourself with a new hike or bike ride. Along the way, meet some of the west coast’s most colourful characters and maybe even pick a few Irish words.

Highlights

  • Bike through Connemara National Park
  • Hike on Inis Mor, one of the famed Aran Islands
  • Explore Ireland's wildest and most beautiful regions with an expert guide

Day by Day

Day 1 - Wednesday 1st May - Welcome to Dublin

Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you into the city to your 5 star hotel in the city centre. Check-in is at 3pm however feel free to leave your bags, freshen up, or have a bite to eat. Head out in the afternoon to enjoy a walking tour with a local private guide through this vibrant capital city, with its mix of 1,000 years of architecture from the mediaeval to Georgian to modern. See the Georgian style Merrion Square, lush St. Stephen’s Green and Fitzwilliam Square, as well as O’Connell Street, the site of the ‘1916 Uprising’ that led to Ireland’s independence in 1922. Your guide is also a historian who will bring the city to life with colourful tales of life in the city in times gone by.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Thursday 2nd May - Guided Bike Tour of Phoenix Park

The Phoenix Park, over twice the size of Central Park New York, is one of the largest designed landscapes in any European city. A guided bike tour offers a fantastic way to explore one of the largest urban parks in Europe and enjoy the beautiful scenery and historical landmarks it has to offer. Spot Ashtown Castle, wild red deer and Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the President of Ireland. You are free to explore as you wish this evening and we will give you plenty of recommendations!

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Friday 3rd May - Tasting Experience at the Jameson Distillery

Enjoy a morning at leisure – we recommend heading out for a walk around St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street. Later today, enjoy an exclusive and intimate pairing experience hosted in the maturation warehouse in the heart of the old Jameson distillery. Experience the Angels’ Share as you enjoy the quintessential style of Irish Whiskey making, perfectly paired with luxury, hand-made Irish chocolates. Unlock all your senses on this unforgettable whiskey journey. Enjoy dinner tonight at one of Dublin’s many award winning restaurants.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Saturday 4th May - Travelling West to Clare

After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and together you’ll make your way to the wild and rugged west coast of Ireland! Firstly, enjoy a tour of the Neolithic historical site, Brú na Bóinne. The World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne is Ireland’s richest archaeological landscape and is situated within a bend in the River Boyne. Brú na Bóinne is famous for the spectacular prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth which were built circa 3200 BC. Continue on to your home for the next three nights, an 18th century manor house located in the heart of the Burren region, Gregan’s Castle. Your guide will join you tonight for a welcome dinner and a chat about the days to come.

Overnight: The Burren | Gregan's Castle
Room Type: Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 - Sunday 5th May - Hiking in The Burren

This morning after a lovely breakfast to fuel you up, you’ll set off for the Mullaghmore Loop Walk in The Burren. Its unique, striated limestone landscape was shaped by ancient seas and is famous for its Mediterranean and alpine wildflowers. The region is steeped in history as well, with over 2,500 historical monuments to be explored. You’ll have lunch at a local tearoom followed by a visit to the adjoining Burren Perfumery where only natural and organic ingredients are used in production. It’s the oldest working perfumery in Ireland! Options for dinner tonight include a Michelin starred organic restaurant not far from your accommodation.

Overnight: The Burren | Gregan's Castle
Room Type: Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Monday 6th May - Hiking Inis Mor

It’s hard to resist the allure of one of the many islands that dot the Irish coastline and today you will take to the water and ferry to The Aran Islands. The history of these islands goes back millennia and today Gaelic is still the daily spoken language of the inhabitants. The Aran islands seem to defy their size by all they have to offer: breathtaking scenery, medieval castles, cliffs and prehistoric forts are all to be found on this little group of islands. Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands, is your destination today. The sheltered side of the island has many little beaches and coves, a resident colony of seals and the tiny village of Kilronan. The wilder side has huge limestone cliffs facing the open Atlantic, an ancient fort crumbling over the cliff edge and scores of ancient relics from the Christian and pre-christian era – the perfect place to explore on foot. Back on the mainland, enjoy a trad music session in cosy Irish pub.

Overnight: The Burren | Gregan's Castle
Room Type: Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Tuesday 7th May - Galway Food Tour

Making your way further north this morning, you will stop off in what is known as the capital of Ireland’s west, Galway! 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, you’ll make your way to Ballynahinch Castle, one of Ireland’s finest luxury castle hotels located along the Wild Atlantic Way. For dinner we recommend the property’s historic Fisherman’s Pub, a lively place where guests and local mingle.

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle
Room Type: Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Wednesday 8th May - Biking Connemara National Park

Time to saddle up as today you’ll spend your time biking through the majestic landscapes in the northern part of Connemara. Beginning in the small town of Clifden and passing through Connemara National Park, you’ll continue your journey towards Lough Inagh, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a traditional fishing lodge. The final stage of your day in the saddle follows the ‘Bog Road’, an undulating country road that sweeps its way through the lowlands of Connemara’s bogs and brings you back to Clifden.

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle
Room Type: Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Thursday 9th May - Killary Fjord

This morning it’s a 45-minute drive through the windswept Twelve Bens Mountain Range to Killary, Ireland’s only fjord. You will start the day with a walk along an abandoned famine route along the southern shoreline of the fjord. After a pit stop at a local café for lunch, you will transfer back to Ballynahinch Castle. You will have some free time to enjoy the estate this afternoon – go fly fishing, walk around the gardens, or simply kick back with a book by the river. This evening we would recommend dinner at Ballynahinch’s Owenmore Restaurant, which overlooks the salmon river and the wooded estate.

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle
Room Type: Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Friday 10th May - Onwards to Ballyfin

Leaving the west coast behind today you will head to Ireland’s green and rolling midlands. A perfect place to relax and enjoy your last day in the countryside, the 500 acre estate at Ballyfin is yours to explore. Choose from a host of onsite activities including fishing, tennis, walking and biking or enjoy a good book by the fire in the library. We are happy to assist with pre-booking activities and spa treatments to avoid disappointment. Tonight your guide will join your for a farewell dinner onsite.

Overnight: Laois | Ballyfin
Room Type: Stateroom
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11 - Saturday 11th May - Return to Dublin

Enjoy a relaxing morning onsite before check out. Your guide will drop you back to Dublin where you can spend one last night before heading home. Dublin is known for its rich history, literary heritage and friendly atmosphere and we have plenty of suggestions for some must see places. Take a tour the GPO – an iconic landmark that played a pivotal role in Ireland’s struggle for independence or visit the EPIC Museum, celebrating Ireland’s rich heritage and influence around the world.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Sunday 12th May - Depart

This morning, a private transfer will pick you up from your hotel and drop you to Dublin airport for your flight home. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we 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
  • Most meals as indicated above, breakfast each morning, 7 lunch, 2 dinner
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 4 to Day 11
  • Ground transportation from Day 4 to Day 11
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;
  • Airport arrival and departure transfer
  • Private historical walking tour of Dublin
  • Private biking tour of Phoenix Park
  • Tasting Table at the Jameson Distillery
  • Entry to Bru Na Boinne
  • Ferry to Inis Mor
  • Bike Rental
  • Guided hiking throughout – The Burren, Inis Mor, Killary Fjord
  • Gratuities for included meals
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support from the 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

Total price for this trip is €22,013 NET

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

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Virtuoso

William’s Irish Adventure

Wednesday 1st May – Sunday 12th May 2024