The Hobbs Family Irish Adventure

Adrienne, Michael, Abby & Addision

Tuesday 10th December – Monday 16th December 2024

Number of Travellers: 4
Duration: 7 Days / 6 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.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Tuesday 10th December | Céad míle fáilte | Overnight: Clonakilty

Day 2 | Wednesday 11th December | Cape Clear Island | Overnight: Clonakilty

Day 3 | Thursday 12th December | Forage & Feast | Overnight: Kenmare

Day 4 | Friday 13th December | The Skellig Islands | Overnight: Kenmare

Day 5 | Saturday 14th December | Killarney National Park | Overnight: Kenmare

Day 6 | Sunday 15th December | Heading Back East | Overnight: Kildare

Day 7 | Monday 16th December | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Tuesday 10th December - Céad míle fáilte

This morning, your private guide will meet you at Luttrellstown Castle and after some short introductions, you will begin your Irish adventure together. You’ll head straight for the wilds of West Cork – a remote haven where crafters, artists and artisan food producers have happily retreated over the years. The drive is 4 hours, but we’ve got some stops planned to break up the journey. You’ll visit the Rock of Cashel, a cluster of immaculately preserved medieval buildings including a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, and a fifteenth-century Tower House. You’ll stop for lunch before continuing to your accommodation, nestled on the beach overlooking the Atlantic. Your guide will join you for a welcome dinner tonight and a chance to chat about the week to come.

Overnight: Clonakilty | Inchydoney Island
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Balcony King, x1 Deluxe Balcony Twin
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 - Wednesday 11th December - Cape Clear Island

Off the coast of Baltimore is Ireland’s southernmost inhabited island, traditionally the last glimpse of Europe for those who once sailed to North America by ship. Cape Clear is a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) island just 5 km long and 2 km wide. Hopping off the ferry, you’ll hike across the island, explore its ancient sites, spot the rich birdlife and visit a local goat farm. You’ll learn about the island’s farming traditions and sample some of the delicious cheese made from the goats’ milk. As you take in the stunning, coastal vistas that surround you, you’ll realise that this is authentic and untouched Ireland. Wrap up your day by enjoying a refreshing drink overlooking the harbour to the soundtrack of waves crashing and seagulls calling.

Overnight: Clonakilty | Inchydoney Island
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Balcony King, x1 Deluxe Balcony Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles

Day 3 - Thursday 12th December - Forage & Feast

Saying farewell to Cork today, you’ll head further north into Kerry, but not before stopping for a fully immersive experience in the sights, sounds, smells & taste of a rare temperate rainforest valley & bay. 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 you will meet local foraging expert Kloe to share in her craft on the remote southern edge of the 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. Afterwards, you’ll head north and check in to your accommodation, Sheen Falls, situated amidst the majestic landscapes of the Ring of Kerry. This afternoon we have organised an interactive falconry experience onsite for you.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Superior King, x1 Deluxe Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Friday 13th December - The Skellig Islands

The Skelligs are two jagged rock pinnacles rising above battering Atlantic waves. It was on the UNESCO site Skellig Michael that the monks of yesteryears once lived and prayed in stone beehive huts which still cling to the island’s rocky slopes. Today your skipper will transport you out for a 3-hour landing on the big island, where you can follow in the footsteps of these 7th-century Irish monks to their dramatic island retreat. The small Skellig is equally renowned as a home to 27,000 pairs of gannets, the second-largest colony in the world. The islands have famously been used as a filming location for the 2015 and 2017 Star Wars movies.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Superior King, x1 Deluxe Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 3 km / 2 miles

Day 5 - Saturday 14th December - Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is the most famous of Ireland’s national parks – and with good reason, as it is flourishing with breathtaking mountains, lakes and waterfalls. Embark on an enchanting cycle through the lush landscapes as you pedal through the oldest and most awe-inspiring national park in Ireland, every turn reveals a new facet of Killarney’s charm. Cycle along routes that offer uninterrupted views of emerald forests, tranquil lakes, and the untamed wilderness that defines Ireland’s rugged beauty. Back at Sheen Falls, we have arranged a whiskey tasting for Michael before dinner. Your guide will join you on your last night together.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Superior King, x1 Deluxe Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 12 km / 7 miles

Day 6 - Sunday 15th December - Heading Back East

This morning, you’ll bid farewell to Ireland’s South as your guide takes you back towards Dublin. En route, you’ll stop at the oldest market in Europe, trading since 1788. The English Market in Cork City has survived famine, flood, war, fires, and multiple recessions to remain a strong part of Cork’s fabric. This is a great place to pick up some souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Your guide will drop you at your hotel and you will say goodbye. Your hotel for your final night is an historic site, and home to one of Ireland’s most up-and-coming restaurants – a perfect way to end your trip before flying home.

Overnight: Kildare | Cliff at Lyons
Room Type: x1 Lily Pond King, x1 Lily Pond Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Monday 16th December - Depart

This morning, a private transfer will pick you up in the lobby of your hotel and take you to Dublin Airport in time for your flight home. The drive is only 40 minutes, so it won’t take long! 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 7
  • Breakfast each morning, 6 lunch & 2 dinner
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 6
  • Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 6
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;
  • Entry to the Rock of Cashel
  • Ferry to Cape Clear Island
  • Entry to Goat Farm
  • Private Foraging & Tasting Experience
  • Private Falconry Experience
  • Landing Tour on The Skellig Islands
  • Private Cycling Tour in Killarney National Park
  • Private Whiskey Tasting Experience for Michael
  • Departure Airport Transfer
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Tips for experience providers and at included meals
  • 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
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
Virtuoso

The Hobbs Family Irish Adventure – V1

Tuesday 10th December – Monday 16th December 2024