The Burtman's Irish Adventure

Day 1 - Friday 24^th January - Céad míle fáilte

Céad míle fáilte! One hundred thousand welcomes to Ireland’s ‘Wild West’, a region of immense beauty, ancient history, and Irish tradition. This morning, your guide will meet you at Shannon Airport and transfer you to your coastal 4-star hotel. As today is your arrival day, please relax and perhaps catch up on some sleep before meeting your guide this evening for a welcome dinner and a chance to chat about the week to come.

Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: x2 Family Rooms, x1 Classic King Ocean View
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 - Saturday 25^th January - Exploring Inis Mor

We hope the weather gods are on our side today as we head out to visit one of the remote islands that dot the Irish coastline. Inis Mor (Inishmore) is the largest of the three Aran Islands and our destination this morning. The first port of call is a goat farm, here Gabriel, fisherman-come-goat farmer and island native will introduce you to his flock of extraordinarily cute goats. You’ll taste his award-winning cheese, but more importantly, you will leave with his wealth of knowledge on the island’s history, language and culture. We will make sure you don’t miss the incredible prehistoric cliff-top fortress at Dun Aenghus as well as some hidden spots along the island’s shore.

Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: x2 Family Rooms, x1 Classic King Ocean View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Sunday 26^th January - Kayaking in Galway Bay & Iconic Cliffs

This morning you’ll journey through The Burren region to meet a local kayaking guide and take to the water for a wonderful kayaking experience around Ballyvaughan and Galway Bay. Explore the rugged coastline, including small inlets and tidal islands, where you may be greeted by friendly seals and magnificent sea birds, as well as the underwater beauty that crystal clear water affords you. En route back to your accommodation, your guide will take you to some of the region’s interesting and historical spots, including Poulnabroune Dolmen, one of Ireland’s most iconic archaeological monuments. And of course, you couldn’t leave without a visit to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, walk along the cliff edge and make sure to get that selfie for those at home!

Note: While some of the family are kayaking your guide will be on hand for mainland explorations. 

Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: x2 Family Rooms, x1 Classic King Ocean View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 27^th January - Traditional Farm & Baby Lambs

Leaving Clare behind this morning you will journey further north stopping en route at a traditional farm where you will get the chance to watch a sheepdog demonstration, feed the baby lambs and meet Roisin, a beautiful little Connemara Pony. Enjoy a traditional lunch here before continuing to The Lodge at Ashford Castle, originally built in 1865 for the Estate Manager of 800-year-old Ashford Castle. Later today we meet some feathered friends at the oldest falconry school in Ireland, onsite at Ashford Castle where you will be joining the expert onsite falconer for a private hawk walk experience. Fly your own Harris hawks under the guidance of your instructor through the magnificent woodlands that surround the castle and meet some of the magnificent birds of prey that call Ashford home.

Overnight: Cong | The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Room Type: x2 Lake View Suites, x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 28^th January - Bread baking & Westport Adventures

This morning, it’s a 40-minute transfer to Westport to meet Carmel and enjoy an authentic, fun experience making, baking (and eating!) traditional Irish soda bread and scones. What better way to get to know Ireland than through its people and its food?  Get an insight into Irish food culture and way of life, past and present. Before heading home you’ll visit Westport House, which features Ireland’s largest Net Park, 100-meter ziplines, giant swings, slides, climbing walls, and an aerial trekking course—everything for an unforgettable adventure.

Overnight: Cong | The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Room Type: x2 Lake View Suites, x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 29^th January - Connemara Explorations

Windswept and austere, the exceptional barren beauty of Connemara has captured the imagination of writers and artists for centuries. With many miles of coastline, the ocean has always played an integral part in the lives of the locals. Your guide will lead the exploration today and there are a range of activities to choose from including a hike in Connemara National Park, a visit to a Gothic Abbey or a wander around the small villages that dot the area.

Overnight: Cong | The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Room Type: x2 Lake View Suites, x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 30^th January - Depart

This morning, your guide will drop you back at Shannon Airport in time 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