The Miller Family

Day 1 - Tuesday 18^th March - Céad míle fáilte

Céad míle fáilte, or one hundred thousand welcomes, to Ireland’s capital, Dublin! On arrival, you’ll be met by a private transfer who will whisk you directly to your city centre hotel.

Activity Option 1:

Once you’ve checked in, make your way to Drury Street where Jill and her skilled team will take you through the process of forging a bespoke piece of jewellery to commemorate your time in Ireland. You’ll make a traditional Irish ring that symbolizes love, loyalty and friendship.  This evening, visit one of the local pubs for some traditional Irish pub food and drinks with the locals.

Activity Option 2:

Take some time to settle in before joining a local historian for an engaging walking tour of the lively capital city. Explore some of Dublin’s best-known attractions, while also enjoying the benefit of local knowledge by visiting spots hidden off the tourist trail. Later this afternoon, enjoy some free time, before dining in the hotel’s restaurant or in one of the many delightful eateries that pepper the streets of this vibrant, capital city.

*Pricing is based on activity option 1.

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Room Type: x1 Deluxe King & x1 Westbury Twin Interconnecting
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Wednesday 19^th March - Irish National Stud & Kenmare

After breakfast this morning, your private guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and after some short introductions, together you will transfer to

Activity Option 1:

the Irish National Stud & Gardens, located in the beating heart of Ireland’s thoroughbred country in County Kildare. You will take a tour of the grounds, and the paddocks, meet a thoroughbred, and enjoy the famous Japanese Gardens with your guide. Back on the road, we continue south where, on the edge of the Ring of Kerry, Sheen Falls Lodge awaits. Tonight your guide will join you for a welcome dinner and a chance to chat about the week to come.

Activity Option 2:

a fantastic family-friendly stop to stretch the legs and explore is Birr Castle, Gardens and Science Centre. Owned by one family for over 400 years, the Parsons family has created an environmental and scientific time capsule. See the world’s largest telescope from the 1840s, the first ever invented steam engine, and discover astronomical instruments, cameras, photographs, and photographic equipment used by the Third and Fourth Earls and Mary, Countess of Rosse, in the middle and late 1800s. The gardens are award-winning and there are lots of areas for the kids to climb and explore.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: x1 Signature Suite & x1 Estate Room Interconnecting
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Thursday 20^th March - Foraging & Feast on The Beara Peninsula

Activity Option 1:

Today we head into the wilds of West Cork for 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. Our experience of the day involves meeting local foraging expert Kloe to share 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.

Activity Option 2:

The Ring of Kerry is often used as a substitute name for the Iveragh Peninsula, but more properly it refers to the 175-kilometre road that encircles this vast, scenic leg of land on the southwest of the island. Your guide will lead you on explorations around the Peninsula today. Your first stop is the Skellig Six 18 Distillery where you’ll meet a local storyteller and discover the science and art of crafting Irish Whiskey, all while learning the history and mythology of this ancient land. After a delicious lunch in a nearby pub, you’ll take a spin out to the nearby Valentia Island, a step back in time. On the rugged and exposed elements of the southwest coast is Valentia Lighthouse, a beacon of safety to many a seaward traveller. There are even prehistoric fossilised footprints to discover.

Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: x1 Signature Suite & x1 Estate Room Interconnecting
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Friday 21^st March - Ballyfin Demesne

This morning we make our way to Ballyfin Demesne where stone walls enclose 614 acres of parkland, a lake and ancient woods, delightful garden buildings, follies and grottoes.

Activity Option 1:

Step back in time and take a guided tour on a horse & carriage which awaits you at the front door. The tour will take you around the pathways of the demesne with your guide highlighting the history of the estate.

Activity Option 2:

An exclusive picnic experience with some excellent locations to choose from, such as the grotto, temple, the water cascade, the top of the tower or by the lake.

Activity Option 3:

Clay Pigeon, Archery, Horse Riding or Air Rifle Shooting

Activity Option 4:

Exploring the Slieve Bloom Mountains

Activity Option 5:

This evening, fun and laughter will accompany your dinner as you delve into frockage Heaven – where you will find a wonderful selection of 40 costumes along with a great selection of matching accessories. Your family will have great fun exploring the rails of beautiful costumes and selecting one to suit each individual. The onsite trained dressers will ensure you look the part for the evening and your selected costume will be delivered to your room. You are now ready to enjoy a splendid evening with fine dining and a toast to your time in Ireland.

Overnight: Ballyfin | Ballyfin Demesne
Room Type: x1 Junior Suites Interconnecting
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 - Saturday 22^nd March - Welcome to Scotland

This morning, your guide will take you to the airport in time for your flight to Scotland.

On arrival into Scotland, you will be met by your new experienced guide, who will also act as your driver for the first part of your time in Scotland. Together, you will transfer north, stopping off at one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks, Stirling Castle. Steeped in history and a prominent symbol of national pride, this is a must see location on any trip to Scotland. Wander around the ramparts and get a sense for the grandeur of the castle as it overlooks the city.

From here, continue north into Scotland’s biggest National Park, The Cairngorms. This will be your home for the next couple of nights. On arrival at your hotel, take some time to relax after a long travel day.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 1x Scottish Heritage Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Sunday 23^rd March - Morning Private 4x4 Safari & Afternoon Explorations

Activity option 1:

This morning you head out on a fun private 4×4 off road vehicle with a knowledgable local guide. Exploring private estate tracks to see what traditional gillies and estate managers drive every day. Keep your eyes open for the local wildlife, Red Deer, Mountain Hares and Eagles that are all to be found here (animal sightings cannot be guaranteed).

In the afternoon you have some time to further explore the area. Head out on a guided walk or simply spend some time exploring the quaint highland shops and cafes of Braemar. You will have the chance to chat with your guide about what options are available to you.

*Pricing is based on activity option 1

Activity option 2:

Meet an experienced, knowledgable local guide for a driven tour of Braemar and the surrounding area. Head out in a high specification Land Rover Discovery and explore the lesser known areas and history of this location. Hear stories of the past and the royal connection to the area in this fun and informative activity

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 1x Scottish Heritage Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Monday 24^th March - Fresh Scottish Water and a Warming Sauna

Activity option 1:

This morning, after breakfast, you will head out with an expert local wild swimming guide for the chance to try a truly exhilarating and liberating activity, wild swimming. Your expert guide will assist you with getting in and out of the water, breathing techniques, and how to reach to the cold water. Fear not though, as reward for your bravery you will get the chance to step into a warming sauna located in truly stunning surroundings. This activity is sure to feel rewarding and a chance to take on one of the newest crazes sweeping through outdoor enthusiasts.

*Pricing is based on activity option 1

Activity option 2:

Today is all about exploring on two wheels. Head out with an experienced and qualified guide for a day of hitting the trails around the Cairngorms National Park. You’ll explore forest trails, ride along crystal clear rivers, and visit glistening lochs, as you test your endurance on this epic adventure. (Includes all equipment hire and a qualified biking guide)

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 1x Scottish Heritage Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Tuesday 25^th March - Scotland's Birds of Prey and the Capital

Today, you bid farewell to the Cairngorms, as you head south into the rolling hills of highland Perthshire. First stop on today’s journey will give you the chance to meet some of Scotland’s birds of prey, and get hands on with a selection of them, as you try one of the oldest sports around, Falconry. Under the guidance of an expert, you will act as a landing pad for the birds as they fly high around you, coming in for food as a reward for their show.

Continuing south, you will arrive into the historic capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. Your guide will drop you at your city centre hotel, before bidding their farewells as they depart, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime. The rest of the day is yours to play with. Choose to head out and explore the city a little bit, or simply spend some time relaxing in your hotel.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 1x Junior Suite twinned with an Executive Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Wednesday 26^th March - Exploring Edinburgh

Activity option 1:

This morning immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local guide. Discover the highlights of this unique capital city from the Palace of Holyroodhouse all the way up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past. Your guide will leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish.

You then have a free afternoon to continue explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.

*Pricing is based on activity option 1

Activity option 2:

Meet your experienced local guide in the foyer of your hotel and head in search of Edinburghs favourite foods. Led by the guide you will explore a variety of the Edinburgh food spots, sampling some famous Scottish cuisine, straight from the Scottish ladder. This tour will give your tastebuds something new to try, and who knows, you might even find a new favourite food! If this has peaked an interest in Scottish food, why not add on a bespoke cookery glass where you’ll get the chance to create a classic Scottish dish in a historic Scottish home kitchen. 

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 1x Junior Suite twinned with an Executive Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Thursday 27^th March - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast