Arriving into Ireland this morning, your guide will meet you at the airport and together you will begin your journey West. The characterful town of Galway is the capital of Ireland’s West, known as the ‘town of the tribes’, the cobblestone streets and colourful store fronts are vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan.

What better way to spend an afternoon here than a delectable food tour to tantalise your taste buds with a delightful journey through Galway’s culinary scene. From artisan cheeses, craft beers, to handcrafted chocolate, this will be a true feast for the senses. After your tour, a stroll through shop street and a coffee stop at the Spanish Arch is recommended.

Afterwards,  continue to your accommodation for the next two nights located in the rugged region of Connemara. Ballynahinch Castle is one of Ireland’s finest luxury castle hotels, set in a private 700 acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway. This authentic and unpretentious Castle Hotel stands proudly overlooking its famous salmon fishery, with a backdrop of the beautiful Twelve Bens Mountain range.

Overnight: Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara
Included meals: Lunch and dinner

The hills and mountains of Connemara are defined by the ocean surrounding them, and this is particularly evident at the beautiful Killary Fjord. This morning your guide will lead you along the shores of the fjord, delving into Irish history at a famine-era abandoned village and bringing to life the rich and ancient histories of the landscape.

Head back to your hotel via the stunningly beautiful Kylemore Abbey and Gardens to tour the grounds and hear the romantic story behind this iconic site.

Overnight: Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

Departing Connemara this morning, it’s time to head further south to Co. Clare. 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 – and today as you explore this other-worldly region, it’s easy to see why!

You will visit a local sheep farm where you’ll enjoy a private tour and watch the sheepdogs at work. This tour will also include a walk to a prehistoric stone fort, with a worldly history which will be brought to life by the farm’s local guide and multi-sensory presentations. Excavations from the site, ranging from Venetian glass and Baltic amber, serve to juxtapose the ancient settlement against its contemporary trading inhabitants.

Your accommodation for the next two nights is a family run, 18th century manor house, complete with welcoming open fires, antique furniture and their very own organic garden.

Overnight: Greagans Castle Hotel, Clare
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

It’s hard to resist the allure of one of the many islands that dot the Irish coastline and today you and your guide will take to the water and ferry to The Aran Islands. The history of these islands goes back millennia and today Gaelic is still the daily spoken language of the inhabitants. The Aran islands seem to defy their size by all they have to offer: breathtaking scenery, mediaeval castles, cliffs and prehistoric forts are all to be found on this little group of islands.

Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands, is your destination today. The first port of call is a goat farm, here Gabriel, fisherman-come-goat farmer and island native will introduce you to his flock of extraordinarily cute goats. You’ll taste his award-winning cheese, but more importantly, you will leave with his wealth of knowledge on the island’s history, language and culture. We will make sure you don’t miss the incredible prehistoric cliff top fortress at Dun Aenghus as well as some hidden spots along the island’s shore.

Overnight: Greagans Castle Hotel, Clare
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

We leave Clare today, taking the road to Limerick and to the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. On route stop at the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle. With origins as a viking trading camp to today’s present impressive castle structure, a tour here encompasses stories of bravery and battles through the centuries all with idyllic views over the Clare countryside.

Once back on the road, your final destination this afternoon is the Dingle Peninsula. One of three peninsulas in Kerry, Dingle is like an open air museum of historical and cultural sights. With Ireland’s second highest peak Mount Brandon dominating the horizon, stretches of pristine beaches, villages, arts and crafts, Dingle is the best of Ireland distilled.

Overnight: Pax House, Dingle
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

There are many options to explore Dingle from a day’s hiking along The Dingle Way to a visit to The Blasket Islands. We recommend a morning walk, ending in the tiny village of Annascaul. Its most famous habitant was an adventurer too – Tom Crean was an Antarctic explorer who went to the South Pole with both Scott and Admundsen. Upon returning to Ireland, he decided to open a pub and live out his days in relative quiet.

Visit the Beehive Huts, related to those found on the Skellig Islands and featured in the Star Wars film, The Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian dry stone ‘church’ and if time allows, The Louis Mulcahy Pottery Studio before returning to Dingle town for a delicious locally sourced dinner.

Overnight: Pax House, Dingle
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

There are many options to explore Dingle from a day’s hiking along The Dingle Way to a visit to The Blasket Islands. We recommend a morning walk, ending in the tiny village of Annascaul. Its most famous habitant was an adventurer too – Tom Crean was an Antarctic explorer who went to the South Pole with both Scott and Admundsen. Upon returning to Ireland, he decided to open a pub and live out his days in relative quiet.

Visit the Beehive Huts, related to those found on the Skellig Islands and featured in the Star Wars film, The Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian dry stone ‘church’ and if time allows, The Louis Mulcahy Pottery Studio before returning to Dingle town for a delicious locally sourced dinner.

Overnight: Pax House, Dingle
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

After enjoying a relaxing morning, it is time to leave Dublin. A private transfer will drop you at the airport at your preferred time.

Included meals: Breakfast