About your itinerary
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Don't forget that if something isn't quite right we can make changes to the itinerary.
Thank you so much for our chat this week about your amazing plans to the stunning country of Ireland for your getaway in August. I am delighted to enclose your bespoke itinerary, covering the city of Dublin, the National Park and landscapes of Killarney, and the castle-esque surroundings of Galway.
Throughout your itinerary, you will find some fantastic experiences with some of our wonderful private guides & drivers to make seeing the highlights seamless, giving you the best opportunity to explore and really immerse yourselves in what this country has to offer. As you mentioned you both love food & drink and that is a big focus, as well as some amazing landscapes, you will see I have tied in a fabulous private tour in Dublin of both the Guinness Storehouse & Jamieson Distillery, a tour not to miss.
For your Ring of Kerry tour, I have also made sure you will have a chance to jump on the Skellig Boat Tour out to Skellig Island, where the Star Wars films were filmed too!
As well as your experiences, I have selected some great accommodations, with incredible views of the landscapes, as well as being centrally located.
I know you were starting in Shannon, and there is a direct train out of Limerick (a 20 min drive from Shannon) which would be the perfect way to start your trip but do let me know if you would like me to add in any additional services.
I really hope that you love your itinerary, as much as I have enjoyed putting this together for you, and cannot wait for our chat in just 40 mins time to chat everything through and hopefully make this a reality for you both.
Best travels,
Maria Gardner 
Your Itinerary In Detail
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This itinerary has been tailor-made for you. No two itineraries are the same and we are always able to make changes if something isn't quite right.
Sunday 11th August 2024
Welcome to Ireland
Welcome to Ireland
A small island with a memorable punch, Ireland's breathtaking landscapes and friendly, welcoming people leave visitors floored but looking for more.
Everything you’ve heard is true: Ireland is a stunner. The locals need little prodding to proclaim theirs is the most beautiful land in the world, and can support their claim with many examples. Everyone will argue over the must-sees, but you can't go wrong if you put the brooding loneliness of Connemara, the dramatic wildness of Donegal, the majestic mountains of Mourne, the world-famous scenery of counties Kerry and Cork, and the celebrated Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland on your to-visit list!
Private Vehicle from Limerick to Dublin
Private Vehicle from Limerick to Dublin
After your time in Shannon, make your way to Limerick where you will board your direct train to Dublin. The journey takes approx 2hrs. Unfortunately there is no First Class on this service, but there is lovely views throughout!
Proposed Train Times
Departs: 08:55AM, Limerick (Colbert)
Arrives: 10:56AM, Dublin Heuston
The Address Connolly for 2 nights
The Address Connolly for 2 nights
The Address Connolly (formerly the North Star Hotel) sits in the perfect part of Dublin City Centre with easy access to the delights of downtown.
This design-driven hotel offers an eclectic mix of luxe interiors and traditional design pieces all sourced from and crafted in Ireland. The Address Connolly promises the ultimate 4-star hotel experience full of special touches that surprise and delight.
Connolly Station is super close to the hotel, meaning you have a wide variety of travel options nationwide and across the wider city.
Within the hotel, you will find a beautiful independent branded bar named McGettigans Cookhouse. The Cookhouse provides a casual, diverse and relaxed dining environment serving international cuisine with an extensive cocktail list, craft beers and specially selected wines, where you can join a new friend for a spot of chatter. The food curation focuses on sustainability, seasonality and locality for its inspiration meaning the food is well-sourced for the delights of their guests.
Their motto is: This is not just any Address…this is The Address Connolly, an address like no other!
Your room: Classic Room
Enjoy a comfortable and spacious Classic Room with your generous double bed for those calm nights after a day of exploring. Situated inside the hotel with a beautiful view of the city, adventures from this room & hotel are in a perfect location for Dublin's top sights! You will notice your Classic room is tastefully decorated, warm, inviting and designed to international 4-star standards.
Monday 12th August 2024
Luxury Whiskey & Beer Trail: Guinness & Jameson | Private
Luxury Whiskey & Beer Trail: Guinness & Jameson | Private
Today after a lovely breakfast your hotel, you will be invited on your very own Private Luxury Whiskey & Beer Trail! But don't fret – you won't be drinking whiskey straight away at 9 am, but it is happy hour somewhere in the world right? Your friendly guide will greet you in The Alex lobby where you will be escorted to your executive transport to head over to the Guinness Storehouse for the first part of your experience!
We arrive at Guinness Storehouse at a little after 9:30am, before the masses. But don’t worry, we won’t be drinking beer right away if that sounds a little early in the day for you! Your Whiskey & Beer Specialist Host will take you on a private tour of Guinness Storehouse, giving you the opportunity to find out the history behind how Guinness became one of the most popular and famous beers in the world.
After a lovely morning becoming Guinness experts, you will then travel across the River Liffey to Smithfield – to the original home of Jameson Irish Whiskey. Take a stroll of the buildings sharing ‘insider’ knowledge of the Jameson story before joining the Bow St. Experience tour where you will get to taste 3 different whiskeys together!
By this point you will all be feeling full of knowledge and ready to continue the fun back in the city centre over some gorgeous vegan lunch – lets hope there won't be too much drunkenness!
Tuesday 13th August 2024
Private Chauffeur from Dublin to Cork with Castle Pitstops
Private Chauffeur from Dublin to Cork with Castle Pitstops
This morning is your final morning in Dublin together before heading off on to your next place of Irish wonder. One of our friendly drivers will greet you at the hotel lobby and invite you into your Private Transfer from The Address Connolly with some optional Castle Pitstops along the way before arriving at The Clayton Hotel for 1 night in Cork.
Rock of Cashel
Dating back to the 4th century, this incredible medieval slice of history served as the seat of the Kings of Munster. It’s said that St. Patrick converted them to Christianity here in the 5th century. In 1101, the rock was donated to the church and transformed into an ecclesiastical center.
Entry is granted through the 15th century castle and the Hall of the Vicars, which houses a museum exhibiting the original Cross of St. Patrick. At the top of the grassy hill, you’ll find the partly ruined 13th century Gothic cathedral and 12th century round tower. The highlight of the complex, however, is the 12th-century Cormac's Chapel, widely considered as one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in the country.
While entry is only via guided tour, it’s well worth it to see the beautifully carved doorways and some of the oldest wall paintings in Ireland.
Please note: as one of the most popular destinations in Ireland, the castle can get quite crowded. If you are interested in a guided tour, I can certainly get this organised for you.
Blarney Stone
The legendary Blarney Stone is embedded within a machicolation atop the high walls of Blarney Castle. The exact origins of the stone are unknown. According to some, it was brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah, and was used to decide on the Irish Kings. Others say it’s part of the Stone of Destiny, given to Cormac McCarthy by Robert the Bruce. Another legend says it’s the biblical ‘Stone of Ezel’, brought back to Ireland from the Crusades. Regardless of its origins, the one legend everyone agrees on is if you hang over the precipice to kiss the stone, you will be bestowed with the gift of elegance and flattery. While now there are handlebars to add an extra layer of safety to the ritual (such a shame!!) for centuries one had to be held by the ankles over the drop. This dangerous performance even inspired a Sherlock Holmes case.
Following a memorable day with plenty of photos to share around, continue the last 20 m journey into Cork, where you will check in for the night in a fabulous city centre hotel.
The Montenotte Hotel for 1 night
The Montenotte Hotel for 1 nights
The Montenotte Hotel is an independent, family-owned, luxury destination hotel situated in the heart of Cork. Built within a former 18th Century residence of a Merchant, The Montenotte Hotel has a rich heritage that has been preserved throughout the years and updated with a contemporary twist, decadent detailing, and a luxurious finish.
Offering guests unrivalled views of the city and harbour, The Montenotte Hotel strives to continuously innovate to create memorable experiences for guests, to surprise and savour around every corner; offering all guests the luxury to rest and play, enjoying a truly urban escape experience. The Montenotte Hotel is a proud member of the prestigious, Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH).
Your room: Classic King
Stay in your beautifully designed Boutique Room at The Montenotte Hotel. Designed with your comfort in mind, your Boutique Room is finished to a very high standard with unique décor and amenities to afford you every luxury during your stay at this lovely spot.
Wednesday 14th August 2024
Ring of Kerry Tour | Private
Ring of Kerry Tour | Private
After a hearty breakfast, you are in for a truly spectacular day! Our friendly representative and local guide will greet you all at your hotel before embarking on an incredibly personalised day-tour to the Ring Of Kerry.
Our guide will find out more about you both to create a truly wonderful Private Transfer experience unique to you between Cork & your incredible hotel in Galway to make it more than an A to B drive. Castles, Whiskey, Vegan food and stunning scenery?
The raw beauty of this scenic, 179-kilometre-long route is sure to lift the spirits of the most jaded traveler, and the many attractions of the Ring of Kerry will entice you to savour every moment.
The Ring of Kerry skirts the coastline of the spectacular Iveragh Peninsula. Be prepared for panoramic Atlantic Ocean views, stunning islands, wild sweeping mountains, and many picturesque villages en-route. While the entire journey can be completed in around three hours non-stop, that really doesn't do it justice.
With plenty of stops, and an optional 2.5 Boat Tour to Skellig Island, home of the filming of Luke Skywalker from Star Wars and a potential chance to see a dolphin or whale, this adventure is a remarkable immersive experience where you get to see Ireland in all its wild glory.
There will be a chance to take a spot of lunch in one of the many towns surrounding the area, and I will make sure the stop has a great vegan-friendly restaurant for you to take 5 in.
Your guide after taking you on a fascinating tour will drop you all late afternoon / early evening at your next stunning stay at The Lake Hotel for 2 nights.
The Lake Hotel for 2 nights
The Lake Hotel for 2 nights
If you are visiting Killarney, Kerry or Ireland for the first time and seeking to experience a warm and authentic Irish family-owned and run hotel then The Lake Hotel Killarney is the perfect hotel for your stay. The hotel offers a traditional and warm Irish welcome in a truly magnificent setting. Please note check-in time is from 4 pm each day.
In the 1940’s Ms Hilda Huggard became the proprietor of The Lake Hotel and passed it to her four nephews in the late 1990’s, thus ensuring that her legacy of true Irish hospitality was carried on.
Your room: Woodland Room
The Woodland Rooms are quiet, comfortable rooms located in the original building of the hotel and thus have retained the hotel's old-world charm and appeal.
As indicated in their title, the rooms overlook the front and entrance of the hotel where the wild deer can be seen roaming frequently, particularly in the early morning or evening time.
Friday 16th August 2024
Optional: Group Jaunting Car Tour and Lakes of Killarney Cruise
Optional: Group Jaunting Car Tour and Lakes of Killarney Cruise
Optional Tour
Price Not Included
Today you will have a super fun afternoon out in Killarney National Park! Drive to Ross Castle together ready to meet your guide and the other members of your group for a really fun and great experience of Killarney than would be possible with a single form of transportation!
To start, you will enjoy a Jaunting Car Tour, popular in Ireland from the early 19th century! A Jaunting Car is a light two-wheeled carriage for a single horse, with a seat in front for the driver. In its most common form, there are seats for two or four persons placed back to back, with the footboards projecting over the wheels! This experience will give you and your group the opportunity to access places that are completely inaccessible by motor vehicle!
After a fascinating experience on a Jaunting Car, you will then be dropped off at the Ross Castle Pier, ready to board the MV Lily of Killarney at 13:45PM. Sail across Lough Lein in a glass-covered boat, with breathtaking views of the Lakes, Islands and Castles of the Killarney National Park. You will drift past the monastery on Innisfallen Island before continuing to the foot of the MacGillycuddy Reeks to view Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntoohill. Pass Ross Island as your Captain points out the flora of the area including the ancient Oak and Yew forests and learn about the ecosystem of the area.
Following this lovely relaxing tour, you will have the rest of the afternoon to wander and enjoy the park as you wish!
Cliffs of Moher to Galway Tour
Cliffs of Moher to Galway Tour
This morning after breakfast, your expert guide and driver will greet you at your hotel ready to take you to Galway, with a wonderful Cliffs of Moher Tour tied in for great measure.
En route step onto the edge of the world to visit the spectacular natural wonder that is the majestic Cliffs of Moher. Discover the wonders of Ireland’s Cliff Coast as your guide shares his expertise and points out the fascinating unfolding sights. The Cliffs of Moher rise 214 meters out the Atlantic ocean, a majestic and iconic sight. Wander the pathways along the cliff at your own pace or just rest on one of the viewing platforms and soak in the invigorating salty, sea air.
The Cliffs are home to over 60,000 nesting sea birds and the popular puffins can be seen from April to July. However although you may have missed the Puffins here, the visitor centre will be open to check out interactive exhibits and displays. The unmissable cliffs exhibition animates the story of the Cliffs, presenting the geology, wildlife and human aspects in an entertaining and informative way. The award winning eco-friendly centre has been built nestled into the hillside and features a restaurant, cafe, visitor information and gift shops.
After some time grabbing some more snaps, having a bite to eat and just admiring the rugged beauty of it all, your guide will invite you to take a drive up to the stunning Dunguaire Castle on the outskirts of Kinvara. This is one of the most photographed castles in the whole of Ireland.
Your driver will drive you into Galway, and drop you at your hotel for an evening of leisure.
Harbour Hotel for 2 nights
Harbour Hotel for 2 nights
When you come through our doors, you enter a world of sleek style, creature comforts and a West of Ireland welcome like no other. When you go out our doors, you have the city of Galway at your feet.
At the four-star Harbour Hotel in the heart of the city, we offer our fab guests something a little bit different, something a little bit special. From our unique and stylish rooms to our cutting-edge cooking and crafty cocktails, you’ll find everything you could possibly want at the Harbour.
When you head outside, everything our super city has to offer is just a stone’s throw away. Cool coffee shops, world-class restaurants, super shopping, buzzing streets and an atmosphere day and night that is unmatched anywhere in the world! It’s all here just for you.
Your room: Executive King
For the executive treatment, you have hit right with your Executive King Room. With a king size bed, lots of space and gorgeous modern design, your every need is met in executive style!
Warm and welcoming, your air-conditioned Executive King Room has been created to provide you with the perfect room for the perfect city break. Cool furniture, plush beds, soft pillows and black out curtains ensure you get a great night’s sleep when you finally get to bed.
Saturday 17th August 2024
Optional: Aran Off Road Wild Atlantic Experience | Private
Optional: Aran Off Road Wild Atlantic Experience | Private
Optional Tour
Price Not Included
This morning as part of your Galway experience, you will be ready to explore and discover the amazing Aran Islands on this unique and special tour. Rise early to drive to Connemara Airport for your seaplane to Inis Mor which will depart at 10 am. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Atlantic Ocean as your flight takes approx 10 mins.
Upon your arrival in Inis Mor's Airport, you will be met by your fabulous guide and invited int your customised Land Rover Defender 4×4 off-road Jeep with large leather seats and huge windows to see the spectacular landscape and seascape of Inis Mór in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Be prepared to be taken completely off the beaten track! Travel along remote, rocky roads for spectacular, unspoilt views of Inis Mór and the other Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher and the rugged coastline of Ireland.
First up you will visit Poll na bPéist : This guided hike is a wonderful experience over the unique limestone landscape to Poll na bPéist. It is a natural, rectangular-shaped pool, carved out of the cliff edge by the Atlantic Ocean. It is a must-see on your visit to Inis Mór.
Next you will visit the UNESCO Heritage site Dún Aonghasa, a 3000-year-old stone fort standing 100 meters high above the Atlantic Ocean on the very edge of Europe. Here enjoy in the incredible views around the fort with complimentary tea/coffee at the base of Dún Aonghasa.
After a spectacular day with your local guide, you will be driven back to the Airport to catch your domestic flight back to Connemara Airport where you can collect your car and head back to Glenlo Abbey for your final night together.
Sunday 18th August 2024
Transfer from Harbour Hotel to Shannon International Airport
Transfer from Harbour Hotel to Shannon International Airport
After a lovely couple of nights in Galway, you will be ready to return back to Shannon and onwards to your flight home. Your private vehicle and driver will collect you from your hotel, and take you back for the hour's drive to Shannon Airport, in enough time for your flight.
What's Included
Your itinerary includes
- Private Transfers to/from Dublin Airport
- 4* Accommodation as listed
- All breakfasts included (excl Cork)
- Private Tours as listed
- Hotel Pick-ups for Private
- Train from Limerick to Dublin
- Private Transfers between Destinations
- 24/7 emergency concierge service
Your itinerary excludes
- Optional Tours
- International Flights
- Lunches & Dinners
- Breakfasts in Cork
- Skellig Boat Price (Ring of Kerry)
- Additional admissions during Private experiences
- Travel insurance
- Resort Fees / City Taxes
- Visas (if applicable)
- Gratuities
Important Information
Travel Advice
It is important to seek independent and up-to-date advice when travelling to any foreign country. Many of our customers ask us to keep them up-to-date on the existing legal position regarding LGBT rights in the country to which they are travelling. You can find up-to-date details on our website under the country which you are travelling to. They are provided as a guide only and laws can change frequently. You should seek advice from the relevant authorities and embassies before travel (if applicable).
Travel Insurance and Terms and Conditions
It is a condition of booking with Out Of Office that you have adequate insurance cover for your trip at the time of booking. Please also ensure you have referred to our terms and conditions which can be found at www.outofoffice.com/terms-and-conditions. Please note that as each booking is tailor-made for you we only confirm the itinerary once we have received a deposit. There is a small chance that availability on some items quoted may change. If this is the case we will book similar accommodation and let you know.