SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 – Northwest from Dublin to Co Monaghan

Assuming your arrival to Ireland finds you at Dublin Port (we can help arrange travel to the island at extra cost, to the port of your choice) enjoy a brief  jaunt north to the border county of Monaghan and your accommodation on the shores of Glaslough.

Your accommodation

One of the last great Irish country estates in the hands of its founding family, your accommodation in Co Monaghan is a wonderful, romantic spot in which to spend the first day or two of your holiday. For some 450 years, politicians, poets, ambassadors and ufologists have enjoyed time here, exploring the 1000 acres of rolling landscape, its woodland and shimmering lakes and unique flora and fauna. The authentic interiors offer traditional bedrooms, acres of wood panelling and a genuinely eclectic collection of art and antiques.

Day 2 – Exploring Your Castle Grounds and Further Afield

As well as fine-quality dining, many activities are available at your accommodation, including archery. clay shooting, boating and fishing; or you may prefer to relax in the Victorian spa. Alternatively, make your way out into the surrounding countryside, perhaps crossing the nearby border into Northern Ireland and Armagh cider country, or a little way west to the vast nature reserve of Eshbrack Bog with its many Neolithic features.

Day 3 – Criss Crossing the the border on your way to Co Mayo

Take your time over a fine breakfast today, before hitting the road and spearing west. Wind through wonderful Co Fermanagh and along the northern shores of Lough Erne, bringing you to Donegal and the Wild Atlantic Way. Ireland’s 2500km coastal touring route has quickly established itself as one of the world’s finest and you’ll experience arguably its best sections during your trip. From Donegal you travel south, perhaps taking in the fine historic city of Sligo before entering Co Mayo at Ballina, your next base a few miles further on.

Your accommodation

On 100 acres of magical private grounds between Foxford and Ballina, your accommodation in Co Mayo is a beautifully presented, privately owned country house. The unmistakable atmosphere created by peat-burning fires provides a signature welcome before climbing the vast staircase to one of 32 bedrooms, each treated to those generous Victorian dimensions. Alongside award-winning dining, guests are invited to luxuriate in the fully equipped spa and wellness suite with indoor pool, or to enjoy several on-site activities.

Day 4 – Explore or linger, the choice is yours

Mayo’s vast wilderness is on your doorstep, its coastline and cute Westport within easy reach. Though you may elect to take a day off from driving to stroll or cycle the vast grounds of your hotel, enjoying a picnic lunch and a laze by the lough.

Day 5 – To County Clare and the Mystical Burren

Wave goodbye to Connemara this morning and head south via the city of Galway into County Clare.

Continue along the coast taking in the world class Cliffs of Moher, the beautiful beach at Fanore and the port town of Doolin, perhaps taking a glass of Guinness and classic chowder for lunch.

Then head a little inland to your accommodation at Ballyvaughan in the midst of Ireland’s most enigmatic landscape: the Burren.

Your accommodation

Hidden from view down a leafy track, your hotel in County Clare is a sumptuous getaway retreat set within the craggy limestone geology of the Burren. This Georgian country mansion has been lovingly restored by its longstanding (since 1976) family owners, whose rare eye for detail and design goes way beyond choosing appropriate colours and carpets. Antiques and art fill this place, tastefully positioned throughout each of the rooms, the restaurant and the bar, alongside fresh flowers from the gorgeous garden and roaring log fires. Dining here is an exquisite affair, with only the best locally sourced produce making it on to the fine menu, complemented by an expertly assembled wine list. Despite the hotel’s obvious refinement, the welcome here is as warm as you’ll find anywhere, with friendly local staff eager to put guests at immediate ease as you’re assisted to your room, many of which have quite superb views to the coast and all the way to Galway on a clear night.

Day 6 - Morning of exploration on the Burren

One of Ireland’s most mysterious landscapes, the enormous limestone feature of the Burren provides near-endless opportunities for exploration, with easily accessed caves, fascinating historical villages and unique food experiences. Today, you’ll meet a local guide and take a gentle walking tour of some of its most arresting features. Later, wander along the coast on your hotel’s doorstep, where you’ll  find vast beaches and more superb towns and villages to wander.

Day 7 – Further south to West Cork

Today, you head inland as you make the first move on your eventual return to the east Coast. There’s no great distance involved – around 2.5 hours as the crow flies – so you’ve plenty of time to dawdle in Co Clare, perhaps taking in the vibrant county town of Ennis, regarded as the home of Irish traditional music, and majestic Lough Derg, crossing the bridge at Killaloe and into Co Tipperary. Join the route to Tipperary town and it’s just a little further to ancient Cashel.

Your accommodation

In a grand Palladian manor rescued from decades of neglect over the course of a years-long restoration by one of Ireland’s most prominent families, your accommodation in Cashel is now a quite wonderful five-star hotel. The sport of horse-racing being the family’s prime concern, there’s certainly more than a nod throughout, in the collection of art, the fixtures and fittings, each carefully curated to deliver a sense of sophistication with a typically Irish twinkle. Bedrooms are presented in detail of the highest quality, with sumptuous bedding and en-suites, while dining majors on the very best that’s available from the local landscape’s larder. Need to relax a little more? Do so in the inviting spa, with treatment rooms and indoor pool.

Day 8 – Exploring Cashel

In this ancient corner of Ireland, the world-famous Rock of Cashel has been drawing guests from far and wide for centuries. The imposing former seat of Irish kings looms over the town, with many visitors making an annual pilgrimage to stroll among its walls. But there’s much more to Cashel and wider Tipperary, with longstanding links to the world of racing evident throughout, as well as villages and towns home to engaging museums, pubs seemingly preserved in aspic and a distinctly welcoming brand of local resident.

Day 9 – Drive to East Cork

Another great touring day today, further east to Ireland’s ‘sunshine state,’ Co Wexford. Stay away from the motorway to meander through Tipperary’s horse-racing country, perhaps taking in the historic town of Fethard, home to the fascinating Horse Country Museum and one of Ireland’s most extraordinary pubs – it doubles as an undertaker. You’ll even have time to visit the city of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest, filled with rich Viking history, later arriving at your last stop close to the ferry port at Rosslare.

Your accommodation

Simply pulsating with history at every turn, your accommodation by Wexford town is a 17th-century castle standing alongside a 15th-century Norman tower house, all within beautifully manicured gardens in which guests are encouraged to roam. Despite the grandeur of the setting and exterior, there’s no hint of stuffiness inside, the gregarious family owners exuding a typically Irish warmth as you’re welcomed in the grand hall, open fire roaring. Each of the eight bedrooms, reached via the grand staircase, is  of its own character and decoration, the classic feel complimented with modern facilities. After dinner in nearby Wexford, relax in the drawing room with a glass from the well-stocked honesty bar, perhaps trading stories with fellow visitors.

Day 11 - Onward Journey Home

Rosslare Port is within a few minutes’ drive of your  accommodation, or your may [prefer to travel via Dublin, around 90 minutes away.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing a double or twin room for nine nights on a bed and breakfast basis; price includes a guided walk on the Burren in Co Clare.

Please note, this is a self-drive holiday and car hire is not included, but can be arranged for a range of vehicles – do just let us know.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes and suggestions on places to visit, depending on your interests, to help you get the most from your holiday.

We would recommend Dublin as your starting point, although it is also easy to come via Belfast or the port of Rosslare, via the ferry from Fishguard in the south of Wales if bringing your own car. This holiday can also be done on a fly-drive basis, with flights to Ireland & car rental.