Feathersone/Speight Family Irish Private Adventure

Donna Featherstone, Lindsay Speight

Friday 24th January – Saturday 1st February 2025

Number of Travellers: 4
Duration: 9 Days / 8 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, and 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 the island of Ireland’s famous and off-the-beaten-track sites of natural, cultural and political interest. A world-renowned food scene means your evenings are spent dining in style and with the promise of a pub just around the corner, music and laughter are never far away. Your trip to Ireland will surprise and delight you but the people of Ireland will stay with you, long after your journey has taken you home.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Friday 24th January - Galway City

This morning your guide will collect you from Shannon airport and make your way towards Galway, 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.

Enjoy a walk around Galway City led by your guide. Founded in the 12th century, Galway has long been a hub of commerce and culture, and its medieval heart is still visible in the narrow lanes and ancient stone buildings that line the Corrib River. Take in landmarks like the Spanish Arch, a remnant of the old city walls, and St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, dating back to 1320.

Your first evening in Ireland is spent on the cobbled streets of Galway taking in the cosy pubs and buskers on every street corner.

Overnight: Galway | The Galmont
Room Type: Superior Double/Superior Twin
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 - Saturday 25th January - Connemara

The hills and mountains of Connemara are nothing short of awe-inspiring. As you leave the vibrant city of Galway behind, the landscape transforms into a rugged, untamed wilderness, where the dramatic beauty of barren hills and sweeping valleys stretches as far as the eye can see.

Visiting the Quiet Man Bridge feels like stepping into the very heart of cinematic history. This charming stone bridge, made famous by the iconic film The Quiet Man, is a must-see for any movie fan. On a walking tour of Cong, you’ll wander through the village’s picturesque streets, past ancient buildings and quiet lanes, all while following in the footsteps of John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Every turn reveals a piece of the movie’s magic, making the village feel like a living tribute to the classic film.

Spend some time in The Quiet Man Museum, a treasure trove of memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts that bring the story of the film—and the village—vividly to life. The museum offers a deeper look at the film’s legacy, as well as the rich history of Cong, making it an unforgettable part of your visit.

Wrap up the day with a pint in Pat Cohan’s a famed film location before making your way back to the bustling streets of Galway City.

Overnight: Galway | The Galmont
Room Type: Superior Double/Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Sunday 26th January - The Burren National Park and The Cliffs of Moher

This morning, head out to explore the fascinating Burren landscape – fissured plateaus of limestone and shale, vast in their captivating and barren beauty. Accompanied by your guide, wind your way over the stark rocky terrain, past prehistoric tombs and through wildflower grasslands.

Later, visit the striking Cliffs of Moher, absorbing their majesty in a quiet, secluded spot away from the crowds. Home to thousands of seabirds, including razorbills, fulmars and puffins, the cliffs are alive with activity above the crashing waves far below.

This evening, step into time with the old school village of Doolin. Home to traditional music, you’ll be sure to find the sound of a fiddle or bodhran flowing out the doors of the pub.

Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn
Room Type: Double Room/Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 27th January - Exploring The Aran Islands

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 where you will meet two brothers who offer a unique off road tour of the islands.

Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn
Room Type: Double Room/Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 28th January - Friendly locals in the Burren

The Burren’s rocky alien landscape is said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy – and today as you explore this other-worldly region, it’s easy to see why!

You will visit a farm where you’ll enjoy the opportunity to walk through this unique landscape, This tour will also include a walk to a prehistoric stone fort, with a worldly history which will be brought to life by the farm’s local guide and multisensory presentations. Excavations from the site, ranging from Venetian glass and Baltic amber, serve to juxtapose the ancient settlement against its contemporary trading inhabitants.

This evening join a local pub landlady with one of Ireland’s largest private whiskey collections for a unique tasting experience.

Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn
Room Type: Double Room/Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 29th January - Exploring Killarney National Park

After a leisurely breakfast, head south from County Clare into Killarney National Park – the jewel in the county of Kerry’s crown. Joined by your guide, enjoy an engaging hike, relaxing with a picnic lunch and soaking up the beautiful views.

Later this afternoon, visit Ross Castle and hear about the legend of O’Donoghue and his snow-white horse. Return to your charming accommodation this evening, sitting down to a delicious, locally sourced dinner.

Overnight: Killarney | The Great Southern Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe King/Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 30th January - Explore The Ring of Kerry

Today you will travel to the southern shores of the Iveragh peninsula, also known as The Ring of Kerry, where you will meet one of our favourite characters. A fisherman, foraging expert, storyteller and a true Irish gent, John, will take you on a wander along the shoreline learning about life on Ireland’s west coast all the while regaling you with tales of characters from the region, from lonely monks to 18th century civil rights activists to mythical heroes.

Take some time today to tour The Ring of Kerry stopping at picturesque bays and harbours and points of interest along the way before returning to your hotel in Killarney this evening.

Overnight: Killarney | The Great Southern Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe King/Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 31st January - Dingle Peninsula

Spend today exploring the Dingle Peninsula, and there is much to discover. Take an exhilarating Sea Safari and do a spot of dolphin and whale watching, strap on the boots and take to the hills and trails for a hike, grab some takeaway coffees and browse the local stores or take the famous Slea Head Drive route along the Wild Atlantic Way with ancient archeological sites, like the Fahan Beehive Huts. The peninsula delivers breathtaking views around every corner. Be sure not to miss my personal favourite,  Dunquin Harbour ( pictured). Round off your day with some award-winning ice cream and today is going to be a perfect day.

Head back into Killarney for one final evening in the heart of County Kerry. Whether you choose to enjoy a traditional Irish meal, listen to live folk music, or take a peaceful stroll around the picturesque streets, Killarney’s charm will leave you with lasting memories of a perfect evening in one of Ireland’s most beloved destinations.

Overnight: Killarney | The Great Southern Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe King/Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 - Saturday 1st February - Depart Home

Your guide or private transfer will bring you from your accommodation to Shannon for your flights. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 8
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 9
  • Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 9
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Public Walking Tour of Quiet Man Film Locations
  • Public Entrance to Quiet Man Museum
  • Public Entrance to Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre
  • Public Aran Ferry Tickets
  • Private Aran Off Road Experience
  • Private Farm Experience
  • Private Whiskey Tasting
  • Public Entrance to Ross Castle
  • Private Seaweed Foraging Experience
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness 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
Optional Upgrades Read More
  • Room Type Upgrade to Deluxe or Suites
  • Accommodation Upgrade to 5*
  • Experience on Dingle Peninsula (ie Falconry, Sea Safari, horse-back riding)
Arrival & Departure Read More

Your guide will meet you at Shannon at on the first day of your trip.

You will be returned to Shannon at on the final day of your trip.

Pricing Read More

The price per person for this trip based on 4 people sharing 2 rooms is €6549 per person.

If anyone would like their own room there is a single supplement charge of €925 per person.