Exploring Ireland and London

Day 1 - Wednesday 5^th February - Arrival in Dublin

Arriving in Dublin on your overnight flight, pick up your rental from the airport and make your way into the city to your centrally located hotel. Check-in may not be ready till later this afternoon however you are free to check your bags, grab a bite to eat, freshen up and head out to explore the city.
Dublin has been described as a ‘city with a village feel’; as you explore its cobbled streets and historical monuments, it will be easy to see why. Many of Dublin’s highlights are within walking distance from your hotel, and indeed you will discover it is in the act of wandering from one to another where you will soak up Dublin’s authentic atmosphere. Walk down Grafton Street where musicians and buskers entertain with modern and traditional music, or stroll through St. Stephen’s Green, an oasis in the heart of the city.

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: Classic Room
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Thursday 6^th February - Morning Walking Tour, Free Afternoon

This morning, meet a local guide for a walking tour through this vibrant capital city, with its mix of 1,000 years of architecture from the medieval 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.

Stop by one of the many ( many) pubs for a hearty lunch in a traditional atmosphere before spending your free afternoon taking in some more of Dublin’s sights. perhaps you would like to visit Trinity College and The Book of Kells or prefer to tick The Guinness Storehouse off your bucket list. One of our favourite experiences is The Little Dublin Museum for a personal and unique view into life for the residents of Dublin.

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Friday 7^th February - The Wilds of West Cork

Setting off from Dublin, your route takes you south, out of the city and into the countryside.
Our first recommended port of call is the mediaeval city of Kilkenny and the iconic 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. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the local eateries, sampling some of Kilkenny’s delicious cuisine. Once you’ve had your fill of this historic gem, continue your journey to Cork, where more adventures await you.

Day 4 - Saturday 8^th February - Kinsale

Day 5 - Sunday 9^th February - Forage & Feast in a Temperate Rainforest

This morning you will head to West Cork to enjoy a fully immersive experience in the sights, sounds, smells & tastes of a rare temperate rainforest valley & bay on the Wild Atlantic Way. Too often overlooked by visitors, the Beara Peninsula is a hidden paradise. At each turn, there is a new view to marvel upon, with panoramas over the hidden valleys, rocky slopes, sheep-dotted hills and far-away lakes. Make sure to leave room after breakfast this morning, as your experience of the day involves meeting local foraging expert Kloe to share in her craft on the remote southern edge of the Beara Peninsula. After an hour out in the field learning the science and practices of foraging in the woods, reconvene around a campfire together for a cooked lunch of your gathered goods.

Overnight: Kenamare | Brook Lane Hotel
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Monday 10^th February - Killarney National Park

After breakfast, you’ll make your way to Killarney National Park, 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. Enjoy an afternoon exploring the park before returning to your accommodation for one last night in the South West of Ireland.

Overnight: Kenmare | Brook Lane Hotel
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Tuesday 11^th February - Hiking in The Burren

This morning you will head into the heart of the Burren and meet local author and producer, Tony, for a walk in this rugged, limestone escarpment that comes alive in the spring and summer with wildflowers. Set off for a walk in an area that 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. Lunch will be held at a local tearoom with an option to visit the adjoining Burren Perfumery where only natural and organic ingredients are used in production. It’s the oldest working perfumery in Ireland!

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x1 Superior Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Wednesday 12^th February - Galway City

This morning you will make your way south into The Burren, a region of immense beauty, ancient history, and Irish tradition. 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. Enjoy lunch at one of our favourite restaurants before some free time to explore, do some shopping or watch at the city’s iconic Tigh Neachtain pub. Continue to Gregan’s Castle, a former retreat for poets and authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. You’ll be back in time for a cool pint of Guinness by the fire before dinner at your leisure at its award-winning restaurant.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x1 Superior Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Thursday 13^th February - Céad míle fáilte - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

Arriving at Dublin Airport this morning, pick up your rental car and make your way to the first stop on your Irish road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way. Connemara is a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region) known for its windswept landscapes of mountains, beaches and bog. Ballynahinch Castle is one of Ireland’s finest hotels, set in a private 700-acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway. This authentic and unpretentious Castle Hotel stands proudly overlooking its famous salmon fishery, with a backdrop of the beautiful Twelve Bens Mountain range. As today is your arrival day, check in and spend the afternoon on-site enjoying the estate.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Classic Riverside Room
Meals Included: None

Day 10 - Friday 14^th February - Inishlaken Island

This morning you’ll make your way to Roundstone Harbour to meet local man Damien, a fourth-generation fisherman who has been around the sea all his life. As you explore Roundstone Bay by boat, look out for the resident seals, dolphins & Basking sharks! You’ll pass by the stunning beaches of Ervallagh, Gurteen & Dog’s Bay as you make your way to the deserted Island of Inishlacken. With its panoramic views, picturesque unspoilt beaches & pristine waters, this deserted island is the perfect place to stop off for a bespoke picnic lunch! Inishlaken has long been a centre point for writers, poets & artists because of its unique setting. A once largely populated island with its own schoolhouse & lots of quaint cottages, the population dwindled & the last of the island’s residents left for the mainland. But where man has left, nature has flourished and the island is now home to a large variety of insects & birds, rabbits, resident goats, sheep & donkeys.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Classic Riverside Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Saturday 15^th February - Killary Fjord

This morning it’s a 45-minute drive through the windswept Twelve Bens Mountain Range to Killary, Ireland’s only fjord. Start the day with a sheep-herding demonstration at a local farm, and you’ll have the opportunity to cut peat from the bogs – a method that’s been used to harvest fuel in these parts for aeons. From there, walk an abandoned famine route along the southern shoreline of the fjord. After a pit stop at a local café for lunch, return to Ballynahinch Castle. You will have some free time to enjoy the estate this afternoon – go fly fishing, enjoy a walk in the forest, or simply kick back with a book by the river. This evening, head into the town of Clifden for dinner and traditional folk music.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Classic Riverside Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Sunday 16^th February - Connemara to Dublin

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: x1 Classic Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Monday 17^th February - To London

This morning, a private transfer will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and take you to Dublin Airport in time for your flight to London. Upon arrival in London, transfer to your city centre hotel, located in the heart of London’s theatre district. Explore the surrounding streets on foot, wandering into the Convent Garden market where there are after stalls and street performers. Grab dinner in one of the many local restaurants before heading to a show in the iconic West End.

Overnight: London | Henrietta Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Tuesday 18^th February - Exploring the Capital

After a relaxed breakfast in your hotel, you’ll head on a London tour with a difference! Meet your local guide in their classic British Mini Cooper, and together you’ll head out to explore the city. See world-famous landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard, but also explore the hidden gems that so often get missed – street art in the Leake Street Tunnel, quirky back streets and local markets. After your tour, choose where to be dropped off to continue to explore. A great option is a visit to the Churchill War Rooms; from there, you can wander through St James Park and up The Mall to Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guards.

Overnight: London | Henrietta Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Wednesday 19^th February - Exploring the Capital

As red buses and black cabs trundle around corners, join a hop-on hop-off bus tour. As it winds your through the heart of the city you’ll disembark along the way to visit local landmarks. Your ticket will also be valid for river cruises on the Themes. Enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants or head to Borough Market a wide variety of incredible street food. Spend the afternoon and continue to explore, end the day at the London Eye for incredible views over the iconic city.

Overnight: London | Henrietta Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Room