V.4 Gourmet Trails- Ireland

Day 1 - Arrival Ireland- Kinsale Co Cork

On arrival at Dublin Airport, take a morning train to Cork where your trip begins. Your private guide/ driver will greet you at the train station and together you will travel to Kinsale, a colourful seaside town where local fishing and pleasure vessels bob about in the sheltered idillic bay. The town has a rich maritime history and is famous for its delicious seafood, particularly its fresh fish and locally sourced shellfish. Before leaving Cork for the coast, visit Cork’s renowned *English Market, one of the oldest covered market’s in Europe. Browse the local produce, sample some local delicacies and mingle with the locals as you wander the isles and stalls.

Relax for the reminder of the afternoon in Kinsale, wandering the colourful streets, stopping by some of the local craft stores or with a glass of wine enjoying the view over the water.

If you would like a more planned activity, your guide can take you to hear the interesting story of Ireland’s only restored Napoleonic Signal Tower with its panoramic views from the rooftop walkway. Nearby is The Lusitania Museum and Old Head Signal Tower,  the closest point of land to the final resting place of the tragic RMS Lusitania.

There are a range of options for dinner available this evening in Kinsale including fresh fish restaurants and we are happy to make recommendations and book a table for you.

*Subject to arrival day and time. 

Overnight: Cork
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Food Tour Kinsale

Kinsale has firmly established its place as a foodies mecca and with so many glorious venues on your doorstep, tourists and locals alike flock to Kinsale for their wonderful food. For a foodie fanatic, your walking tour today will take you to a selection of different eateries, meeting locals and sampling sweet and savoury treats as you go, not to mention some liquid fortification! From local seaweed to oysters, chowder to Irish soda bread and homemade butter, beer battered fish and chips, local ice-cream, chocolate and cake! During the tour, hear stories about the food and meet some of the fascinating characters who make it too.

This afternoon, there are options to rest or if you prefer to walk off all the food from earlier,  explore the nearby Charles Fort, a well preserved, striking star shaped military fort of the late seventeenth century built during King Charles 11 reign to protect the town and harbour of Kinsale from attack. Enjoy the panoramic views of the coastline, surrounded by countryside views of lush green hills dotted with sheep and farmhouses.
For those who wish to explore further afield, there is an optional visit to Midelton Distillery later today for a tour and tasting. Home to seven world class brands including Jameson Whiskey and The Spot Collection, Midelton takes you back to the essence of whiskey production in Ireland through prohibition and closure to the world renewed brand it is today. Your trip designer will be happy to walk you through the tour options.

This evening why not dine at one of Kinsale’s fantastic farm to fork restaurants.

Overnight: Cork
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Immersive Garden Experience

Explore a captivating immersive garden tour with lunch lead by a award wining horticulturalist and head gardener duo with a genuine passion for their craft.
Awaken the senses with sights, sounds and smells in a stunning oasis, where vibrant wild flowers, fragrant herbs and lush greenery showcase their incredible knowledge and skills. Your immersive in depth  garden tour includes a delicious lunch with much of the produce grown right there in the garden.

Your accommodation tonight is in the quaint little town of Kenmare in Co Kerry. With rolling mountains as the backdrop and colourful streets lined with charming restaurants and shops, Kenmare or Ceann Mara (head of the sea) is the place to escape to.
We have some wonderful recommended restaurants for you to dine in this evening.

Overnight: Kerry
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Irish Oyster Tour and Tasting or Foraging

The pristine clear coastal waters of the Atlantic Coast offer the perfect environment for fishermen and farmers growing shellfish for hundreds of years.
Today you will take to these very shores along Kerry’s Wild Atlantic Way with.a choice of experiences.
First up, experience first hand what goes into creating the perfect Oyster! Meet the family run fishermen and women, learn how oysters are grown and harvested and the equipment used, enjoy a demonstration how to stuck an oyster and even try your hand at shucking before enjoying tasting in a stunning setting in the heart of Kerry.

Alternatively, visit the southern shores of the Iveragh peninsula and 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.

This evening we have a cosy little pub to recommend, where locals and visiting musician gather to sing and play many evenings a week. Sit by the open peat fire, sip a pint of Guinness and just see if you can stop your toes from tapping along with the rousing beats.

Overnight: Kerry
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - The Beara Peninsula

It’s hard to recommend just one peninsula in this southern region of West cork and Kerry, as they all deserve a mention. Mizen, Sheepshead and Beara each carry authenticity and maintain a charm that’s sometimes lost in more populated areas. Their lesser-travelled landscapes make the towns and villages a breath of fresh air along the way.

Today you will explore the Beara Peninsula with your guide on a hike to suit your activity levels. Beara boasts a wealth of archaeological heritage amidst its Caha mountain range, such as the Ballycrovane Ogham Stone, the tallest Ogham stone in the world.

Following your hike, take a scenic tour of The Ring of Kerry stopping at interesting sites and villages along the way before returning to your hotel in Kenmare this evening.

Overnight: Kerry
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Cliffs of Moher & Whiskey Tasting

Leaving the mountainous region of Kerry, we head north across the River Shannon and into Clare, to the little village of Ballyvaughan.
Stopping at the mighty and famous Cliffs of Moher it is hard to take in the sheer size and scale. Home to thousands of migratory seabirds the cliffs come alive during nesting season, with the calls of different species all filling the air.
Choose to spend some time at the visitors centre and viewing points or opt for a longer cliff walk with your guide as you wish.

This evening, we visit a small traditional pub frequented by the locals, where the warm and welcoming landlady will take you on a journey through the history of Irish Whiskey production with tasting of different whiskeys included.

Overnight: Clare
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Bohemien Galway

Your guide or private transfer will take you today to Galway where you have the rest of the day and evening to explore Galway unguided.
We have some great tours and experience we can recommend to you including cycling tours, whiskey, history and of course FOOD!

Overnight: Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Depart

Time to hop on board a train back too Dublin today and your flights home.

We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and you visit us again soon.

Meals Included: Breakfast