Ireland·August 7 - 14 2024

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

Visit medieval castles and ruined abbeys and discover vibrant towns and villages on this tour of Ireland. Hear traditional music in lively pubs and take in awe inspiring views as you visit two of Ireland’s most famous National Parks. On this trip, you won’t miss any highlights from the Cliffs of Moher to Kerry. The hidden gems, the dramatic, ever-changing landscapes and the charming people will become the memories you'll take away from this remarkable country. This tour of Ireland is one we've designed for those who prefer style and grace. Gorgeous premium hotels will keep you cozy at night. These luxury hotels include the completely refurbished Davenport in its stunning Georgian building in Dublin, a Relais and Chateaux stay in Kenmare with an award-winning spa, and a family run 18th century castle hotel on the west coast. The trip ends at the hip design-led Dean hotel in Galway, where you’ll dine on Michelin star gourmet food. This Irish romp through the friendliest country in Europe is the for the lady who prefers a bit of elegance in 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: Wednesday, August 7th, 2024

Arriving in Dublin today, you'll 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. The hotel is a short walk to Trinity College, Christchurch Cathedral and several other attractions. 

Check in and unwind at your hotel 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'll meet the group and our trip leader and guide for welcome drinks. Afterward, we'll head 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: Thursday, August 8th, 2024

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. It 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'll recommend some of our favorite spots for dinner this evening.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Not Included

Dinner

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Kenmare

Day 3: Friday, August 9th, 2024

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

After lunch, check into our 5* Relais & Chateaux hotel in the charming town of Kenmare. Enjoy a 60-minute treatment in the award-winning spa before joining the group for dinner in the brasserie.

Overnight Sheen Falls Lodge

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

seaweed

The Kerry Coast

Day 4: Saturday, August 10th, 2024

We’ll be on our merry way after breakfast, driving along the wild Kerry Coast as we follow the road south to find the Ring of Kerry. 

Here, we'll meet with a local forger at a remote beach. We'll walk the shore, uncovering native superfoods, including the seaweed that grows abundantly in the Atlantic’s pristine waters. Join us later for a seashore feast prepared by Kerry-Ann. She'll combine modern flavors with the best local produce and your foraged favorites.

We'll head back to the hotel to rest and relax. 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: Sunday, August 11th, 2024- Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is the jewel in Kerry’s crown. Our adventure takes us into the park's heart today as we journey north. 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: Monday, August 12th, 2024

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 the hotel, we'll visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Here, you'll 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. 

Dinner and traditional music in a pub in tiny Doolin village is on tonight's agenda. Fiddling Irish style will have you singing along with the locals!

Included

Breakfast

Afternoon Tea

Dinner

pub

Galway

Day 7: Tuesday, August 13th, 2024

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've arranged a wonderful culinary walking tour of Galway. The tour brings the city to life. 

Galway is renowned for its exceptional cuisine, and tonight’s final dinner is at one of the city’s best Michelin starred restaurants. After dinner we'll converge onto one of Galway's many lively, music-filled pubs. 

Overnight Glenlo Abbey

Included

Breakfast

Culinary Walking Tour

Dinner

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Dublin

Day 8: Wednesday, August 14th, 2024

We'll return to Dublin by lunch today. We can drop you directly at the airport or you can 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 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 west 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 hotel is magnificent inside and out.

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 immersed in that place. She loves being up high where she can read the landscape. Knowing what to look for can reveal so many stories of human lives past, glaciers and oceans long gone, and wildlife very much alive. She loves to interpret these stories. She has worked for years 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. Then, there’s history and botany and geology and astronomy. Along the way, Fionnuala has had an assortment of other jobs, from growing trees and vegetables to teaching music at schools and 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 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! 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 should fly into Dublin International Airport.

The trip officially starts on the afternoon of August 7th, but if you are traveling across an ocean to get to Dublin, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and get adjust to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, please let us know and we will book your room for you and make sure that you are kept in the same room till 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· August 7 - 14 2024· 7 nights

COMING SOON