Glorious Ireland and The  Wild Atlantic Way

September 10 –  September 17, 2023

$6,500.00 per person, double occupancy!
$2,500.00 single occupancy supplement

Day 1

September 10

Arrival Shannon Airport. Met by your private guide and luxury executive coach and transfer to Glenlo Abbey

This evening enjoy a welcome drinks reception and dinner at the hotel.

Overnight Adare Manor Hotel

Day 2

September 11

Full day spent touring the Connemara National Park, Galway
Situated on the Gaeltacht border, Connemara’s National Park is a 2000-hectare state owned conservation centre incorporating of mountains, bogs and grasslands with wonderful wildlife. Four of the mountains belong to the Twelve Bens range, including the highest, Benbaun (730 metres). At the centre of the park is the valley of Glanmore where the Polladirk River flows.

Traces of ancient settlements can be seen in the park, including 4,000-year-old megalithic tombs and markings of former grazing areas.

Today we have arranged for a special visit and lunch hosted by the Earl and Countess of Roden at their beautiful and charming home in Connemara called Doonreagan.
DOONREAGAN is a beautiful old farmhouse situated in Cashel: an area of outstanding natural beauty right in the heart of Connemara on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Over the years many artists have spent time in Cashel: from Lucian Freud, Paul Newman and Claire Bloom to Bono and The Edge. Former Poet Laureate Ted Hughes is on record saying that it was whilst living at DOONREAGAN in the 1960s that he made his “big breakthrough – in his writing and in everything to do with himself”.

En route back to Glenlo stopover in Galway for a brief visit. A balmy, bohemian city with a love of traditional music – Galway is hard to resist. The spirit of Ireland’s west coast beats through the bustling streets, from mellow old pubs boasting turf and cosy corners to shops selling Claddagh rings, Aran sweaters and bog-oak carvings.

Return to Adare Manor overnight. Dinner at leisure in the hotel.

Day 3

September 12

Morning check-out of Glenlo Abbey and head south for Killarney in County Kerry. En route we hope to visit:

Glin Castle Gardens

On the banks of the Shannon estuary, some twenty miles in from the open sea, the bow-fronted castle looks out to the rocky foreshore. On still and misty evenings, when the light falls long and low, the cry of the curlew and lapwing conjure up all the wonderful loneliness of Ireland’s west coast in winter.

On the inland side, sheltered and facing south, is an entirely different world. Without heavy frosts and washed by the Gulf Stream, exotic plants thrive. Groves of Gunnera, camellia and rhododendron flourish under the Killarney oaks and Monterey pine. A Persian Ironwood tree crowns the formal parterre of clipped yew and behind it, the meadowy hill lights up in spring with a thousand pale yellow daffodils.

In the 19th century walled garden, espaliered fruit trees border the asparagus and artichoke beds. Two wooden gothic temples: one deep in the spectacular herbaceous border; the other looking out east along the Shannon, afford quiet contemplation.

The owner of Glin Castle, Catherine FitzGerald, is an acclaimed Irish landscape and garden designer.

Lunch will be included at Glin Castle or en route.

On arrival in Killarney check-in to the Killarney Royal Hotel situation right in the middle of this bustling town.

Overnight at the Killarney RoyalHotel

The Killarney Royal is a family-run hotel and boasts an indoor pool and spa, an award-winning restaurant and elegant rooms with free WiFi.
Dinner at leisure this evening – in town or in the hotel.

Day 4

September 13

Full day spent enjoying the spectacular countryside and touring the Ring of Kerry

Ring of Kerry

Following the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula, the ‘Ring of Kerry’ route is one of Ireland’s most famous drives. Taking in the famed ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, the route encounters some of the country’s finest landscapes, weaving around a breath-taking mosaic of storm-beaten coast, steep mountains, ancient ruins, slate-colored glacial lakes and welcoming towns and villages.

As you might anticipate, it is a photographer’s paradise and there are numerous pausing places. Perhaps pause at Ladies View where Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting visited in 1861. Drive along Moll’s gap, a mountainous pass through bleak bogland and high mountainous terrain, offering stunning views. It takes its name from Moll Kissane; she made herself popular for her illicit homemade poitin or whiskey which she sold from an unlicensed public house in the 1820s whilst the road was being built.

In Sneem brightly painted cottages line the streets of this charming town. Set on a hill up a narrow track, the Iron Age Staigue Fort is the best preserved in Ireland. Dating back to the 17th century, Derrynane House was once the family residence of Daniel O’Connell, often called The Liberator, and the most important political figure in early 19th century Ireland. Home to the Kerry Bog Village, a cluster of reconstructed cottages dating from the 1800s. It provides a fascinating insight into how the ‘Kerry’ men and their families lived and worked in the 18th century.

We will stop for a pub lunch en route.

Return to the Killarney Royal Hotel for dinner at leisure.

Day 5

September 14

Full-day excursion today:

Visit Garnish Island, Ilnacullin

Garnish Island (Ilnacullin Garinish or Garnish) is located in the sheltered harbor of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, in Southwest Ireland. Garnish is world renowned for its gardens which are laid out in beautiful walks and it has some stunning specimen plants which are rare in this climate.

Take the Garnish Island Ferry from Glengarriff Pier to visit this amazing island garden. The very sheltered ferry trip includes a wonderful visit to seal island where you will visit the very tame seal colony.

The Gardens are the result of the creative partnership of Annan Bryce and Harold Peto, architect and garden designer. The island was bequeathed to the Irish people in 1953.

Stop in Kenmare. Kenmare was founded in 1670 by Sir William Petty, Cromwell’s surveyor general. It nestles in a truly natural, unspoiled environment; cradled in the heart of Kenmare Bay at the foot of the Cork and Kerry mountains. It is particularly noted for its boutique craft shops and dining options, with over 30 to select from. The Kenmare Food Festival takes place in mid-July and aims to showcase the very best of the town, from award-winning restaurants to local producers, 5-star dining, charming cafes, delicious deli’s, and bustling bakeries.

A Pub lunch is included today en route.

Return to the Killarney Park Hotel for dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the Killarney Park Hotel

Day 6

September 15

Check out of your hotel this morning and spend the day traveling to Dublin.

En route we have arranged a private visit and lunch at Cappoquin House in County Waterford hosted by the owner.

Located in County Waterford, Cappoquin House is an 18th-century Georgian mansion built on the site of an old Fitzgerald castle, home to the Keane family since 1735. It dominates the River Blackwater at the point where the river turns south and plows its way through the hills to the sea. The castle was one of a series controlling the tidal waters of the river, a main artery of trade with England. From the property, visitors can take in views of Lismore Castle and Dromana, the great castle of the Earl of Desmond.

The present house is classical Georgian around a large courtyard. It was rebuilt in the 1920’s after its destruction in the Civil War. It is remarkable for the quality of its internal decorative arrangements and plasterwork.

The garden, like all gardens is in constant evolution. Being on acid soils it is able to grow a wide variety of plants, shrubs, and trees. it is noted for its south-facing extensive views and the quality of its garden management. There are formal bits, surprising corners, and plenty of color at all times of the year. Gardeners appreciate the knowledge of the head gardener Mark Windross always ready to share information and advice.

After lunch at Cappoquin continue to Dublin.

Stop for a cup of tea mid-afternoon at Burtown House in Co Kildare
Burtown House is one of two 17th-century houses in Kildare to never have been sold, and the only house that you can visit, and have guided tours by family members. It is the only original Quaker house in Ireland that can be visited that is still lived in by the family that built it from this period. The gardens at Burtown are made up of several areas, including large herbaceous borders, shrubberies, a rock garden, a yew walk divided by a pergola, a sundial garden, an old orchard, a more formal stable yard garden, a walled organic vegetable garden and a large woodland garden surrounded on all sides by water. There is a sculpture park set in wildflower meadows with mown pathways, a shop, and a plant sales area with guided tours available by family members of this original Quaker house now surrounded by 12 acres of flower, and kitchen gardens with old grass meadows. With the award-winning farm-to-fork restaurant The Green Barn and its on-site artisan food shop and gallery, it offers guests an opportunity to experience history, gardens, art, and the very best of seasonal Irish cuisine in one of Ireland’s most unique settings.

Continue to Dublin and check in to the Merrion Hotel

Italian marble bathrooms, a restaurant with 2 Michelin stars, and an infinity pool are offered at this award-winning 5-star hotel. In Dublin’s center, the Georgian building features beautifully landscaped gardens.

Spacious and sumptuously furnished with Georgian decor, each room at The Merrion features city or garden views. Guests can relax in cozy bathrobes with luxury toiletries in the bathroom. Rooms offer a flat-screen satellite TV, a refrigerator, and a minibar.

Dinner at leisure in town or in the hotel.

Overnight Merrion Hotel, Dublin

Day 7

September 16

Morning sight-seeing tour of Dublin with your knowledgeable guide
Learn the history of Dublin through its unique architectural landscape as well as get a feel of its current atmosphere as you wander through the city. From theaters, cultural institutions, restaurants, parks, and pubs you’ll see it all.

Afternoon at leisure for shopping.

Final drinks and dinner this evening at the exclusive member’s club The Kildare Street and University Club located a short walk from the hotel on St Stephen’s Green in a beautiful Georgian building hosted by Daniel who is a member of the Club.

Day 8

September 17

Transfer to Dublin Airport for return flights

18 paying participants will be as follows:

Per person sharing a room :$6500
Single room supplement $2500

Cost includes the following:

Accommodation as follows:

2 nights at Adare Manor Hotel including full Irish Breakfast each morning
3 nights at Killarney Park Hotel including full Irish Breakfast each morning
2 nights at the Merrion Hotel, Dublin including full Irish Breakfast each morning

• Lunch at Adare on the arrival day
• Welcome drinks and dinner on the first night at Adare Manor
• Visit and lunch at Doonreagan House hosted by the owners
• Visit and lunch at Glin Castle Gardens (TBC) or alternative en route to Killarney
• Ring of Kerry tour including a pub lunch
• Visit to Garnish Island and Ilnacullin Gardens
• Pub lunch on 2 September
• Private visit and lunch at Cappoquin House
• Tea and biscuits at Burtown House
• Half day sight-seeing with entrances Dublin
• Final night drinks and dinner with wine at the private members club – the Kildare Street and University Club on St Stephen’s Square
• Dedicated and qualified tour guide Daniel Calley throughout
• Luxury midi-coach at disposal throughout
• Driver and guide expenses
• Driver Gratuities

NOT included:
• Guide gratuities
• Any meals not specified
• Airfare
• Transfers other than day 1 and last day of trip
• Insurance – highly recommended!