Ireland·11 - 18 August 2023

The Castles & Culture of Ireland

Explore Ireland’s highlights from the wild Atlantic west coast to the rolling green of her hidden heartlands on this VERY VIP tour.

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Overview

You’ll visit medieval castles, ruined abbeys and discover vibrant towns and villages. Hear traditional music in lively pubs and take in awe inspiring views as you visit two of the country’s most famous National Parks. You won’t miss any highlights from the Cliffs of Moher to Kerry but it’s the hidden gems, the dramatic, ever-changing landscapes and the charming people will be the memories that you will take away from this remarkable country. This tour of Ireland is one we designed for those who prefer style, and grace. Gorgeous premium hotels will keep you cozy at night starting with the completely refurbished Davenport awaiting you in Dublin’s center in its stunning Georgian building, to a Relais and Chateaux stay in Kenmare with an award-winning spa, to a family run 18th century castle hotel on the west coast and ending up at the hip design-led Dean hotel in Galway where you’ll dine on Michelin star-awarded gourmet food. This Irish romp throughout the friendlies country in Europe is the for the lady who desires a bit of elegance in her life.

Highlights

Spend 7 nights in 4–5 star hotels & castles, some of the best in the country

Spend 7 nights in 4–5 star hotels & castles, some of the best in the country

Meet inspiring local women as you travel along Ireland’s west coast

Meet inspiring local women as you travel along Ireland’s west coast

Relish a Michelin Star meal

Relish a Michelin Star meal

Explore 2 of Ireland’s National Parks- Killarney & The Burren

Explore 2 of Ireland’s National Parks- Killarney & The Burren

Clap along to Irish pub music

Clap along to Irish pub music

Forage for your lunch with a local expert on the wild Kerry Coast

Forage for your lunch with a local expert on the wild Kerry Coast

Soak up Irish history and culture in charming towns and villages

Soak up Irish history and culture in charming towns and villages

Experience the Famous Cliffs of Moher

Experience the Famous Cliffs of Moher

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip.

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Hapennybridge

Dublin

Day 1: Friday, August 11th, 2023

Arriving in Dublin today, you will have the opportunity to explore solo before joining your group. In the afternoon you may check in to your central hotel. From here you can explore the city- it’s a short walk to Trinity College, Christchurch Cathedral and a host of other attractions. 

Check in and unwind at your hotel located in the heart of Georgian Dublin steps away from Merrion Square, The Davenport is one of Dublin’s most iconic luxury 4* hotels.

This evening we will meet the group and our trip leader and guide for welcome drinks. Together we will head out into the city for dinner at one of Dublin’s favorite restaurants.

Overnight The Davenport Hotel

Included

Dinner

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Dublin

Day 2: Saturday, August 12th, 2023

Your guide will lead you on a short walking tour of the capital city this morning before meeting a curator at The Little Museum of Dublin. This eclectic collection of artifacts showcases the city’s unique social and cultural heritage and provides a great introduction to the real Dublin.

We’ll make a pitstop for lunch at a traditional Irish pub.

Your Dublin exploration culminates in a tour of the Guinness Storehouse where you will enjoy an exclusive tasting with a Guinness expert and learn to pour your own perfect pint. We will recommend some of our favorite spots for dinner this evening.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Not Included

Dinner

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Kenmare

Day 3: Sunday, August 13th, 2023

Departing the city this morning, we will drive through Ireland’s rolling green midlands. We will stop on the way at The Rock of Cashel where we will explore the medieval castle and gothic chapel in this historic site that dates back millennia.

After lunch we’ll arrive and then check into our 5* Relais & Chateaux hotel in the charming town of Kenmare. Here you will enjoy a 60-minute treatment in their award-winning spa before joining the group for dinner in their brasserie.

Overnight Sheen Falls Lodge

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

seaweed

The Kerry Coast

Day 4: Monday, August 14th, 2023

We’ll be on our merry way after breakfast driving along the wild Kerry Coast following the road south where we’ll find the Ring of Kerry. 

Here we will meet up with a local forger at a remote beach. Together we will walk the shore, uncovering native superfoods including the seaweed that grows abundantly in the Atlantic’s pristine waters. Later you will join up for a seashore feast, prepared by Kerry-Ann who combines modern flavors with the best of local produce and your foraged favorites.

Back at the hotel for some rest and relation, then feel free to enjoy dinner in town this evening at a restaurant of your choosing.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Not Included

Dinner

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Killarney National Park

Day 5: Tuesday, August 15th, 2023- Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is the jewel in Kerry’s crown. Our adventure takes us into the heart of the park itself today as we journey northwards. Visit Muckross House on the shores of Lough Leane and enjoy a tour on the lake in a traditional boat, soaking up the marvelous views across some of Ireland’s highest mountains. 

We will stop in the quaint Adare village where you’ll have time to browse local craft boutiques.

Overnight Gregans Castle Hotel

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

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The Iconic Cliffs

Day 6: Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

We’ll start our day with a hands-on workshop at The Burren Perfumery. A women-owned and run venture that draws inspiration from the region’s unique rocky landscape, and the wildflowers that grow there.

After a traditional afternoon tea at your hotel, you will visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Here you will have the chance to take a short walk away from the crowds. Your guide will introduce you to the myriads of seabirds that nest in the rocky crevices while you absorb the panoramic views before dinner and traditional music in a pub in tiny Doolin village. Fiddling’ Irish style will surely get you clapping and singing along with the locals!

Included

Breakfast

Afternoon Tea

Dinner

pub

Galway

Day 7: Thursday, August 17th, 2023

Our final destination on this epic exploration of Ireland’s west coast is the bohemian city of Galway. The best way to get to know the city is through the eyes of a local so we have arranged a wonderful culinary walking tour of Galway that brings the city to life. 

Continuing the gastronomic theme (Galway is renowned for its exceptional cuisine) tonight’s final night dinner is in one of the city’s best Michelin starred restaurants before converging on one of the city’s many lively, music-filled pubs. 

Overnight Glenlo Abbey

Included

Breakfast

Culinary Walking Tour

Dinner

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Dublin

Day 8: Friday, August 18th, 2023

We will return to Dublin by lunchtime today. Where you will have the option to be dropped at the airport directly or finish your trip in the city. Plan to fly out at 3pm or after that day or the next.

Included

Breakfast

You'll Be Staying Here

The Davenport Hotel

The Davenport Hotel

The Davenport Hotel is the perfect base to explore all the culture and dining Dublin has to offer.

Sheen Falls Lodge

Sheen Falls Lodge

Sheen Falls Lodge is situated near the Sheen Falls, which means every view will be picturesque. 

Gregans Castle Hotel

Gregans Castle Hotel

Gregans Castle Hotel is a stunning 18th century manor located on Ireland's western coast. Rumor has it J.R.R Tolkien was inspired by the hotel and the scenery when writing Lord of the Rings.

Glenlo Abbey

Glenlo Abbey

Who wouldn't want to stay at an abbey, let alone an abbey as stunning as Glenlo Abbey. The grounds alone are magnificent let alone the rooms.

Hosts

Fionnuala Kennedy - Trip Guide & Local Expert

Fionnuala Kennedy - Trip Guide & Local Expert

This trip will be led by Fionnuala Kennedy. For her, days spent in the wilds of Ireland are about being immesed in that place. She loves being up high and being able to read the landscape. If you know what to look for it can reveal so many stories; of human lives past, of glaciers and oceans long gone, and of wildlife very much alive. She loves to try and interpret these stories. She has several years working in outdoor education and as an archaeological guide which  has led to a fascination with Ireland's history, heritage and folklore, something which only deepens with time. And then there’s history and botany and geology and astronomy… sometimes there’s just too much that’s interesting .Along the way, she has had an assortment of other jobs, from growing trees to growing vegetables, and from teaching music in schools to playing tunes in McLynns pub in Sligo on Friday nights.


Casey O'Brien Blondes - Trip Host

Casey O'Brien Blondes - Trip Host

Casey is a Girls' Guide colleague who will accompany you throughout the journey to ensure that everyone is happily engaged. Based in the Loire Valley, Casey is a dual-national and author of two travel and lifestyle books. Casey develops and leads many trips for us throughout Europe. Long an avid traveler, she loves to share her enthusiasm for exploring new cultures through immersive experiences that create an emotional connection with the destinations you discover! When not focused on travel, Casey works as a freelance writer, editor, translator, and college essay coach.

Jump into Ireland

Ireland

A small island with a memorable punch, Ireland's breathtaking landscapes and friendly, welcoming people leave visitors floored. You'll want to go back for more. 

Ireland

What's Included

What's Included

All meals except when noted

Two glasses of wine or beer with dinner

All excursions and entry fees

A GG2W Facilitator and an experienced Irish guide

All in country transport in our own private vehicle

Welcome & Farewell drinks

One Spa service at the Sheen Falls Lodge

Roundtrip international airfare to Ireland

Additional wine, beer, or spirits beyond what is offered at meals

All personal souvenirs or additional spa services

Meals not mentioned in the inclusions

Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions Gratuities for the trip guide

Travel and Medical Insurance (required)

FAQs

You'll want to fly into Dublin International Airport.

The trip officially starts on the afternoon of August 10th, but if you are traveling across an ocean to get to Dublin, you may want to consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and get acclimated to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, please let us know and we will take care of booking your room for you and make sure that you are kept in the same room as you will be in when the trip starts. 

We will have a zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips. 

The weather in Ireland in August should be in the low to mid 60's. Even in August, don't be surprised if there are grey skies and rain showers. You might need a rain jacket.

Inquire about this trip

The Castles & Culture of Ireland

Ireland· 11 - 18 August 2023· 7 nights

FREE