William's Irish Adventure - Final Information

William Smith

Saturday 27th April – Wednesday 8th 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.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Saturday 27th April | Welcome to Dublin | Overnight: Dublin

Day 2 | Sunday 28th April | Guided Bike Tour of Phoenix Park | Overnight: Dublin

Day 3 | Monday 29th April | Trinity College & The Book of Kells | Overnight: Dublin

Day 4 | Tuesday 30th April | Travelling West to Clare | Overnight: Ballyvaughan

Day 5 | Wednesday 1st May | Hiking in The Burren | Overnight: Ballyvaughan

Day 6 | Thursday 2nd May | Hiking Inis Mor | Overnight: Ballyvaughan

Day 7 | Friday 3rd May | Galway Food Tour | Overnight: Galway

Day 8 | Saturday 4th May | Biking Connemara National Park | Overnight: Galway

Day 9 | Sunday 5th May | Killary Fjord | Overnight: Galway

Day 10 | Monday 6th May | Onwards to Ballyfin | Overnight: Laios

Day 11 | Tuesday 7th May | Return to Dublin | Overnight: Dublin

Day 12 | Wednesday 8th May | Depart

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 - Saturday 27th April - 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 Westbury Hotel
Room Type: Classic King
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Justin
Pick Up Location: Arrivals Hall Dublin Airport | Pick Up Time: 05:15 | Approx Duration: 0.5 hrs
Phone: +353 (0)87 233 8396

Justin or one of his drivers will meet you in arrivals hall. They have your flight details so please don’t be alarmed if you are delayed.

Day 1 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend having lunch at your hotel before meeting your guide.

Day 1 - Historical Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Historical Walking Tour
Guide Name: Eoin Walsh
Start Location: The Westbury | Start Time: 14:00
Phone: +353 [0]87 9488236

Eoin will meet you in the lobby of your hotel.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud | Location: 21 Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, D02 KF79, Ireland
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: BPLJ37CT
Phone: +353 (0)1 676 4192 | Website: https://restaurantpatrickguilbaud.ie/

Smart/Casual dress code. Shorts, tracksuits and sportswear are not permitted. There is a cancellation fee of €100 for bookings cancelled within 48 hours.

Day 2 - Sunday 28th April - 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 Westbury Hotel
Room Type: Classic King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Phoenix Park Bike Tour Read More +

Activity: Phoenix Park Bike Tour
Guide Name: Conal Keaney
Start Location: Phoenix Park Bikes, Chesterfield Ave, Saint James' (part of Phoenix Park), Dublin 8, D08 DF88 | Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Phone: +353 (1) 6798290

You will need to take a taxi to Phoenix Park – this can be booked for you by your hotel. Alternatively, take the chance to enjoy a walk along the Liffey.

Day 2 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend Bloom Brasserie.

 

Day 2 - Suggested Stops Read More +

EPIC Museum You won’t find leprechauns or pots of gold here, but you will discover that what it means to be Irish expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world.

Kilmainham Gaol For over 100 years Kilmainham Gaol held thousands of men, women and children for crimes that ranged from minor offences to being involved in some of the most momentous events in Irish history.

Dublin Castle Constructed in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland.

National Gallery of Ireland At the corner of Merrion Square West and Clare Street, the recently renovated National Gallery is a treasure trove of permanent and temporary art exhibitions. Highlights include Ireland’s National Portrait Collection, the Yeats Archive and stained glass by Harry Clarke.

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Winding Stair | Location: 40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1, Ireland
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: 100029
Phone: +353 (0)1 872 7320 | Website: https://www.winding-stair.com/

A €30 cancellation fee per person will be charged in the event of a failure to cancel within 24 hours of your booking or a failure to show up.

Day 3 - Monday 29th April - Trinity College & The Book of Kells

Enjoy a morning at leisure – we recommend heading out for a walk around St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street. This afternoon, we have booked a guided tour of Trinity College Dublin for you. 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. Tonight, enjoy dinner tonight at one of Dublin’s many award winning restaurants.

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Room Type: Classic King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Trinity College & The Book of Kells Read More +

Activity: Trinity College & The Book of Kells
Start Location: Enter Trinity College through the Front Gate on College Green | Start Time: 13:50 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Booking Reference: 443488151
Phone: +353 (0)1 896 1000 | Website: https://www.visittrinity.ie/book-now/

Your Guided Tour will commence from the Camponile in Front Square. Your tickets are attached.

Day 3 - Suggested Stops Read More +

St. Patrick’s Cathedral As the largest cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for over 800 years.

Dublinia See Dublin from a new perspective as you travel back to the heart of the old city at Christchurch. Walk where Vikings walked, find out about Dublin’s rich past and even climb an original Medieval tower.

14 Henrietta Street When you enter 14 Henrietta Street you’ll experience over 300 years of city life in the walls of one address. By connecting to the personal stories of those who called 14 Henrietta Street home, the building’s hidden histories are revealed. See the house, hear its stories and discover the layers of Dublin history within its walls.

Day 3 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend The Pig & Heifer or Shaka Poke.

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Matt The Thresher
Reservation Time: 19:30
Website: https://matts.ie/

Day 4 - Tuesday 30th April - 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: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Guide Details - Andrew Lynas Read More +

Name: Andrew Lynas
Contact Number: +44 (0)7773 707 416
Meeting Place: The lobby of The Wesstbury | Meeting Time: 09:00

Day 4 - Bru Na Boinne Read More +

Activity: Bru Na Boinne
| Approx Duration: 3 hrs

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Gregan's Castle
Reservation Time: 19:00

Your guide will join you for dinner tonight.

Day 5 - Wednesday 1st 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! Tonight, we recommend dinner in the small town of Ballyvaughan.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Hiking in The Burren Read More +

Activity: Hiking in The Burren
| Approx Duration: 3.5 hrs

Please wear your hiking boots and waterproof clothing if needed.

Day 5 - Lunch Details Read More +

Today you’ll have lunch at the Burren Perfumery.

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Monks Restaurant
Reservation Time: 18:30
Website: https://monks.ie/

Day 6 - Thursday 2nd 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. Options for dinner tonight include a Michelin starred organic restaurant not far from your accommodation.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Hiking on Inis Mor Read More +

Activity: Hiking on Inis Mor
Start Location: Doolin Pier | Start Time: 09:00 | Approx Duration: 8 hrs

This morning yourself and your guide will take the ferry to Inis Mor for a day of exploration.

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Homestead Cottage | Location: Luogh North, Doolin V95 KH30, Co. Clare
Reservation Time: 19:30 | Booking Reference: William Smith
Phone: 0656794133 | Website: https://www.homesteadcottagedoolin.com/

Please note there is a cancellation fee of €80.

Day 7 - Friday 3rd 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 your accommodation just outside of the city. For dinner we recommend the Pullman Restaurant, one of Ireland’s most unique dining experiences.

Overnight: Galway | Glenlo Abbey
Room Type: Corrib Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Galway Food Tour Read More +

Activity: Galway Food Tour
Guide Name: Sheena
Start Location: McCambridge's Shop Street | Start Time: 11:00

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Pullman Restaurant | Location: Glenlo Abbey, Bushy Park, Galway
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: William Smith
Phone: +353 91 519 600 | Website: https://www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie/pullman-restaurant.html

Day 8 - Saturday 4th 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: Galway | Glenlo Abbey
Room Type: Corrib Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Biking in Connemara Read More +

Activity: Biking in Connemara
| Start Time: 09:00 | Approx Duration: 7 hrs

Please wear appropriate clothing and a waterproof jacket if necessary. Biking Route can be found here.

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend heading into Galway city for dinner this evening. Try Ard Bia or Kai Restaurant. We are happy to make reservations in advance.

Day 9 - Sunday 5th May - Killary Fjord

This morning it’s a 1 hour 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 Glenlo Abbey. You will have some free time to enjoy the 138 acres of estate this afternoon – walk or cycle through the grounds, or take to the water to fish for brown Trout or Salmon.

Overnight: Galway | Glenlo Abbey
Room Type: Corrib Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Killary Fjord Famine Hike Read More +

Activity: Killary Fjord Famine Hike
| Start Time: 09:00 | Approx Duration: 6 hrs

Please wear appropriate hiking shoes and a waterproof jacket if needed.

Day 9 - Glenlo Abbey Activities Read More +

Glenlo Abbey has numerous activities onsite. If you would like to enjoy golf, falconry, fishing, cycling or a river cruise please let us know and we are happy to book this in advance.

Day 9 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend Palmers Bar & Kitchen.

Day 10 - Monday 6th 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: Laios | Ballyfin Demesne
Room Type: Stateroom
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10 - Option to Explore the Slieve Bloom Mountains Read More +

Activity: Option to Explore the Slieve Bloom Mountains

The gentle rolling hills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains rise from the central plains of Ireland, forming a natural link between the counties of Laois and of Offaly. The area is picturesque, peaceful, gloriously multi-coloured and one of the least explored in Ireland. Dotted around the mountains are quaint little villages, and to visit one is like stepping back in time to an era when life moved at a slower pace. Choose to hike with your guide today before check in.

Day 10 - Ballyfin Activities Read More +

Estate Activities

House Activities

Wellbeing & Treatments

 

 

Day 10 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Ballyfin Demesne
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: William Smith
Website: https://www.ballyfin.com/en/restaurant.html

Your guide will join you tonight for a farewell dinner.

Day 11 - Tuesday 7th 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 Hotel
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Suggested Stops Read More +

The GPO The GPO Museum is an immersive, interactive and engaging experience telling the story of the 1916 Easter Rising and Modern Irish History.

The Jeanie Johnston One million Irish people fled Ireland during the famine. 2,500 took a gruelling voyage on the Jeanie Johnston. Take a journey back in time, get an insight into life on board a Famine ship and hear the stories of the people who made the arduous voyage.

Marsh’s Library Marsh’s Library is a beautifully preserved library of the early Enlightenment. It was built with money provided by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh, an academic and book lover with a strong belief in the public utility of education and learning.

Day 11 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend Alma or Urbanity.

Day 11 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: BANG Restaurant
Reservation Time: 19:15
Website: https://www.bangrestaurant.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-OwBhBnEiwAgwzrUjdGRIpAgJe_LGG-auKZPU5h2hN-dq7LSoAx2_eQzLp1a_7j5HoVpRoCmkUQAvD_BwE

Day 12 - Wednesday 8th 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

Day 12 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Justin
Pick Up Location: The Merrion Hotel | Pick Up Time: 09:30
Phone: +353 (0)87 233 8396

Justin will meet you outside of your hotel.

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
  • Entry to Trinity College & The Book of Kells
  • 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
Important Additional Information Read More
  • Books of Kells Tickets - PDF: View Now
  • Ballyfin Activities Brochure - PDF: View Now
  • Ballyfin Spa Treatments Brochure - PDF: View Now
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

The Westbury Hotel

Balfe Street | Dublin | Co. Dublin |
D02 CH66 | Ireland
Phone: +353 1 679 1122
Web: doylecollection.com/hotels

Gregans Castle

Gregans Castle Hotel | Ballyvaughan | Co. Clare |
H91 CF60 | Ireland
Phone: +353 65 707 7005
Web: gregans.ie

Glenlo Abbey

Bushypark | Co. Galway |
H91 XD8K | Ireland
Phone: +353 91 519 600
Web: glenloabbeyhotel.ie

Ballyfin Demesne

Ballyfin | Co. Laois |
R32 X5X8 | Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)5787 55866
Web: ballyfin.com

The Merrion Hotel

Upper Merrion Street | Dublin | Co. Dublin |
D02 KF79 | Ireland
Phone: +353 1 603 0600
Web: merrionhotel.com

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Meet Your Guide

Andrew Lynas

Contact Number: +44 (0)7773 707 416

I grew up in the Glens of Antrim playing in the beautiful natural surroundings nearly every day – I guess that’s still what I do and it’s great helping others do the same! I love seeing people’s happy, windswept faces!

Virtuoso

William’s Irish Adventure – Final Information

Saturday 27th April – Wednesday 8th May 2024