V.2 Wendy Perrin- Linda Manning & Family Irish Adventure

Day 1 - Friday 24^th January - Welcome to Ireland - Transfer to Cork

Fáilte go hÉireann – Welcome to Ireland

Arriving in Dublin, your private guide/ driver will greet you off your flights and together you start your Irish Adventure.

Our first 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.

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor Hotel
Room Type: Manor King/ Twin
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 - Saturday 25^th January - Visit Charles Fort and Discover Kinsale

After breakfast, join your guide to meander through the bright coastal town of Kinsale. Historically a medieval fishing port, its spectacular waterfront setting and candy-coloured houses, shops and restaurants, make it a glorious blend of old and the new. After a mellow morning, walk to the historic Charles Fort – a 17th-century military fortress which stretches across the cliffs and down to the seashore. Learn about the turbulent years of the Williamite War and hear the haunting tale of the White Lady. This afternoon, join a local for a delicious food tour, discovering Kinsale’s culinary delights.

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor Hotel
Room Type: Manor King/ Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Sunday 26^th January - Forest Feast

Embark on an immersive foraging adventure through the untamed beauty of West Cork, where nature’s bounty unfolds before you. Your journey begins with a guided walk through the wild landscape, where an expert forager will introduce you to the plants, herbs, and botanicals that thrive in this rugged corner of Ireland. Back at the campfire, the experience deepens with an interactive demonstration on how to transform these freshly gathered ingredients into a mouthwatering two-course feast. Learn the ancient art of baking bread over an open fire, then gather around the flames to enjoy the fruits of your labour, savouring the rustic, wild flavours of your meal in the heart of the great outdoors. It’s a feast for all the senses, where every moment is infused with the spirit of adventure and the rich tastes of the land.

Overnight: Killarney | Great Southern Hotel Killarney
Room Type: Garden Room Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 27^th January - Killarney National Park

Set back in time with a visit to a 200-year-old traditional cottage and farm. Experience the simple country lifestyle in rural Ireland before the days of electricity & modern conveniences. Learn how to churn butter by hand, cut turf from the open land, bake traditional bread over an open fire and distil Poitin the old way.
Spend the rest of today exploring the park with your guide.

Overnight: Killarney | Great Southern Hotel
Room Type: Garden Room Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 28^th January - The Dingle Peninsula

The county of Kerry is made up of four peninsulas, The Kerry Head, The Beara, The Iveragh and probably its most well-known,  The Dingle Peninsula and your destination today.

Following a relaxed Irish breakfast hit the road to explore the beautiful Dingle Peninsula. This is Gaeltacht country where the Irish language is still widely spoken as a first language and culture and traditions remain strong. Tour the peninsula visiting a fascinating array of ancient sites including Iron Age forts, beehive huts, inscribed stones, and historical churches. The Peninsula culminates at the dramatic Slea Head—Europe’s most western point.

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

Day 6 - Wednesday 29^th January - The Burren with Goat Farm and Cheese Experience

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 – as you explore this region today you’ll see why!  Today you will pay a visit to a charming, locally-owned goat farm for an immersive tour and tasting. Meet and feed the tribe, visit the milking parlour, and learn about the history of goat farming in Ireland and the traditional methods used to care for them and produce award-winning goat cheese. You’ll witness the cheese-making process firsthand and enjoy a tasting of their full range of Irish cheeses, right there on the farm!

In the late afternoon, you’ll visit the Cliffs of Moher, after the crowds have departed, make sure to take that selfie for those at home!

Overnight: Doolin | Doolin Inn
Room Type: Townhouse Executive Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 30^th January - Traditional Irish Music

Traditional Irish music – called simply “trad music” in Ireland – is perhaps the most accurate Irish culture stereotype. Irish trad music has endured better than most European folk music – and it is simply everywhere you go in Ireland. Today however we have a unique Irish Music experience for you outside of the usual pub setting.
Meet Christy Barry and his partner Sheila who have entertained friends and musicians at their home for many years, sitting around the fire playing music and telling stories. A truly bespoke experience that will stay with you forever.

Spend the rest of today exploring the Burren with your guide, with time to seek out some native Irish orchids, 27 of Ireland’s 31 species are found within these limestone habitats.

Overnight: The Burren | Doolin Inn
Room Type: Townhouse Executive Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Friday 31^st January - Galway Food Tour

We leave Clare and make our way farther North this morning, to Galway, also known as the ‘town of the tribes’!

The small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful storefronts is vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan. What better way to explore here than a delectable food tour? Tantalise your taste buds with a delightful journey through Galway’s culinary scene. From artisanal cheeses, and craft beers, to handcrafted chocolate, this will be a true feast for the senses.

Spend the rest of your day exploring Galway with your guide.

Overnight: Galway | The Hardiman Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Double/ Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Saturday 1^st February - Exploring Connemara with Sheepdog Demo

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.

Return to Galway this evening.

Overnight: Galway | The Hardiman Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Double/ Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Sunday 2^nd February - Irelands Crafts

Ireland’s craft tradition is a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of history, creativity, and skill. From intricate handwoven textiles and pottery to stunning glasswork and metalcraft, Irish artisans have long perfected their crafts using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations.
Today we visit a local craft village where we partake in a wonderful basket weaving workshop with a local artist.

Overnight: Galway | The Hardiman Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Double/ Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Monday 3^rd February - Falcons at Ashford Castle & Mayo

We start our day with a visit to Ashford Castle, on the Galway and Mayo border, and to the oldest falconry school in Ireland, where we will be joined by an expert to learn about this fascinating Medieval sport and then see the birds of prey in action.

Leaving the castle, we enter Mayo, working our way to the bustling little market town of Westport, overlooked by Ireland’s Holiest Mountain, Croagh Patrick. Be sure to check out Pat Molloy’s Bar this evening where you will find a traditional Irish Music session.

Overnight: Westport | Westport Plaza Hotel
Room Type: Superior King/ Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Tuesday 4^th February - Back to Dublin

Spend your morning exploring more of Westport with your guide before we embark on an afternoon transfer back to Dublin.
Your guide will say their goodbyes to you at your Dublin Hotel, leaving you to enjoy your last few nights in Ireland unguided.

Today is a free day to relax, rest, and explore as you wish. Dublin is easily explored on foot and we have some great suggestions of places to see near your hotel including Merrion Square, The National Gallery of Ireland, Temple Bar and a personal favourite of ours, The Little Museum of Dublin.

Overnight: Dublin | Booked by Clients
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Wednesday 5^th February - Free morning & The Guinness Storehouse

Your morning is free to explore the Dublin you now know a little better. Browse the shops, grab a coffee and go for a stroll, check out some of the local historical buildings and monuments you passed on your walking tour or visit some of the other attractions and experiences that make up the culture of the city. We particularly recommend 14 Henrietta Street and Kilmainham Gaol.

This afternoon it’s off to one of the most iconic sights in Dublin, The Guinness Storehouse. Arthur Guinness must have known what a special product he had when he signed a 9,000-year lease in 1759, for the handsome sum of £45 a year. Little did he know his beer would become one of our most famous exports, known the world over.
Spend the afternoon at St James Gate, learn the history of Arthur and Guinness, test your skills at pouring the perfect pint and sit back and relax enjoying the views from the sky bar with a pint of the Black staff after. A great way to end a day in Dublin.

Overnight: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Thursday 6^th February - Historical Walking Tour & Trinity & Book of Kells

Head out this morning to enjoy a walking tour with a local private guide 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.
This afternoon, immerse yourself in a captivating journey through Ireland’s rich history at Trinity College Dublin. Set on 46 acres of leafy squares, cobblestone walkways, and historic buildings. Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s Oldest University and home to The Book of Kells. You’ll join a group walking tour of the campus before viewing the Book of Kells and Old Library *(self-guided).

*Please note the Book of Kells is a self-guided audio tour as it is housed in a working library.  

Overnight: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Friday 7^th February - Depart

A private transfer will take you to the airport in time for your 12:30 flight home. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we look forward to welcoming you to our little island once again.

Meals Included: Breakfast