Day 1 Arrive at Shannon Airport

Arrive at Shannon airport in the morning, pick up your rental car and travel to the coastal village of Ballyvaughan (1 hour).

Day 1 to 3 - Gregans Castle Hotel Ballyvaughan, County Clare

3 nights, including one gourmet dinner and breakfast each morning.

Gregans Castle Hotel is at the foot of Corkscrew Hill, and has breathtaking views of the mystical burren and of colorful Galway Bay.    The estate was founded in 1656, and the main house that comprises Gregan’s Hotel dates from 1750.   Gregan’s is a four-star country house hotel, a haven that serves up warm hospitality, comfort, and a time to renew.  The lush décor is of the traditional country-house style.  Lahinch, Doonbeg, Gort Golf Clubs and the Cliffs of Moher are nearby, and local pubs have terrific traditional music. 

If you care to dine in the hotel, expect the best—a carefully prepared menu that includes dishes using local produce, seafood, lamb and beef as well as a large selection of wines.  Walk outside and wonder at the ruins of the old castle.  Wander through the parklands with its pond, ducks, donkeys, pony, red squirrels, and birdlife.  (Plus the hotel cat!)  Gregan’s also offers in-room massage service. 

Let Authentic Ireland introduce you to one of the best-kept secrets in the West of Ireland.

Optional outdoor activity: Burren Guided Walk
Optional Irish experience: Gourmet Tour & Tasting

Day 4 to 6 - Blue Haven Hotel Kinsale, County Cork

3 nights; includes one gourmet dinner and breakfast each morning

Welcome to luxury.  The Blue Haven is a boutique-style hotel situated in the heart of Kinsale.  One of Ireland’s best known hotels, the Blue Haven graciously combines the charm of yesterday with the amenities of today.  Their reputation for meticulous attention to detail, friendly service, and incredible shoreline views makes your stay at the Blue Haven a slice of perfection.  Their restaurant, ‘blu’, is known for its culinary ingenuity, featuring modern Irish cuisine with an array of international influences.

As if the hotel weren’t terrific enough, the town of Kinsale is the icing on the cake.  The undisputed gourmet center of Ireland, medieval Kinsale is not only about food, it’s about traditional pubs and music, 400 years of wonderful architecture, narrow streets, colorful shops & galleries plus many activities on land and sea.  As anyone who has visited knows, Kinsale is not just a place it’s a state of mind.  A perfect pairing with the Blue Haven Hotel, a haven for all good things in life.

Day 7 - Dromoland Castle County Clare

1 night; includes breakfast

Between Shannon and Ennis, Dromoland Castle stands majestically over 410 acres of its own private domain, quietly affirming itself as one of the most impressive and distinguished castle hotels in Ireland, and one of Europe's most desired five-star destinations.

Dining at Dromoland is an occasion.  Using fresh, local produce there is something for everyone at the Castle Restaurant in Clare: A Six-Course Dinner Celebration; Afternoon Tea served in the Drawing Room or a light snack in the Country Club.  Ask for a picnic lunch—the chef will be happy to prepare it.  Enjoy champagne on a terrace, afternoon tea beside the old castle entrance, or become renewed in the Drooled Spa located in the heart of the castle walls.

The West of Ireland is known for its beautiful landscape and warm welcome.  Dromoland has reigned supreme since 1543, and is the ideal choice for the ultimate Irish experience.

Optional Irish Experience: Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle

Day 8 Depart from Shannon

Travel from Dronoland to Shannon airport to catch your departing flight (15 minutes).

The Burren

The Burren, or Boireann, meaning Great Rock, is in County Clare. It is, without dispute, one of the most unique and strangest landscapes in Europe. The Burren is about 250 square kilometers. Bounded by the Atlantic on the west and rocked by Galway Bay to the north, it is a multi-layered landscape where delicate plants have adapted in order to thrive and flourish between harsh crevices. Stroll the meadows, be astonished by the boulders, and read the trail marks and footprints that the ice age and volcanoes left behind.

Interested in sacred sites or ancient Ireland?  This area is not only a miracle of biodoverstiy, it is rich  in a history that stretches back through the mists of time and forward to its preservation.  The Burren abounds in Celtic Spirituality—the Irish legends and the people of this area cannot be separated.  Those who live here reflect this land, and they are its guardians as firmly as they ever were.

A walking tour with Authentic Ireland’s local guide is the only way to truly explore this extraordinary place.  Smell the air as the sea dampens the limestone, watch the weather color the sky differently in a matter of hours, listen to the sounds of ancient Ireland ripple through time, stone, and story.  Put one foot in front of the other and revel in this untamed landscape.

Doolin and The Cliffs of Moher

The small coastal village of Doolin is located on County Clare's wild Atlantic coast. The surrounding area has much of interest including the barren yet strikingly beautiful Burren region with, among other things, the 5,000 year-old Poulnabrone Dolmen. Also worth a visit is Doonagore Castle and of course the spectacular 650-foot high Cliffs of Moher, which are only a few miles from Doolin. But the real reason people flock to Doolin from all over the world is the traditional music in the local pubs. Until recently Doolin had only three pubs. There are now some new establishments on the scene but we recommend sticking to the old reliables: McGanns, McDermots and O'Connors. Even at that you will be spoilt for choice. Each pub is full most nights with musicians and music lovers alike. Be sure to check out all three!

Blarney Castle

This magnificent castle was built in 1200 A.D. near the present town of Blarney. Positioned near the River Martin, it was a medieval stronghold.  When the castle was destroyed in 1446, the present castle was built on the same site by one of Ireland’s great chieftains, Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster and Lord of Blarney.

It is built on solid limestone, but beneath the castle and rocks, slick caves wind through the layers of stone. Part of McCarthy’s castle is in ruins, but some rooms and battlements are still intact.  Built into one of the walls on the third story is the Stone of Eloquence—the Blarney Stone.  Over the years thousands of visitors have flocked to Blarney, making it one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.
 
If you stand in line to kiss the Stone, finish up, and you’re ready to rush off to your next destination, consider this alternative:  Walk the grounds of this magical place where it is said that, long ago, ancient kings were crowned and then blessed by the kisses of faeries.

Cork City

In the bustling city of Cork, stroll the river walk at the University and pop into the Glucksman Gallery.  Relax in a café, and hit Shandon Street, just a short walk from the main shopping district.  Climb the 120 foot steeple, and ring the bells of Shandon.  Soak up the city views as they fade into the countryside. Award-winning restaurants line the streets, and nightlife choices include Irish Traditional, classy nightclubs, theater, opera, plays, and dance.  (Take the haunted night tour of the city jail—it’s a great way to start your evening with a bang.) Of course, there’s the Jameson Old Middleton Distillery in east Cork.  Learn how Irish whiskey is made, and finish with a tasting.  As for Ennis, her beautiful medieval streets, narrow and meandering past small colorful shops, are enchanting.

Drombeg Stone Circle

In County Cork. This lovely recumbent stone circle is locally knownasthe Druid's Altar, and is located on the edge of a rocky terrace withfine views to the sea about a mile away. The word Drombeg means 'the small ridge'. The circle stones have been shaped to slope upwards to the recumbent itself. The midpoint of this stone was set in line with the winter soltice sunset viewed in a conspicuous notch in the distanthills

Killarney

Killarney lies on the edge of the astoundingly beautiful Killarney National Park with its three magnificent lakes and the spectacular MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range. The park is also home to Muckross House and Gardens. Killarney is a wonderful base for all manner of activities including angling and water sports, golf, riding, orienteering, hiking, cycling, and canoeing. The town itself is quite small but full of charm as you will soon see as you walk down the brick footpaths and pass curious old-style shop fronts. Killarney is well known for its excellent shops, restaurants and cosmopolitan appeal. It is also renowned for its evening entertainment including many singing pubs, cabarets, dancing venues, and banquets. Traditional Irish music can also be heard in many of the local pubs.

Adare

Adare is a quaint picturesque village lined with traditional thatched-roof cottages. Snuggled in a wooden and lush countryside setting, Adare is widely regarded as being Ireland's prettiest and most unique village. Situated on the river Maigue, a tributary of the Shannon river, Adare (Gaelic name: "Ath Dara" - the "ford of the oak" - from the combination of water and woodland) dates back, at least, to the early 13th century. Adare village has a rich wealth of heritage, as well as architectural and scenic beauty. Two groups of world famous, ornate, thatched cottages line part of the village's broad main street, punctuated with beautiful stone buildings, medieval monasteries and ruins.

Bunratty

Enjoy the medieval grandeur that awaits in Bunratty Castle and the lively Folk Park. Enjoy a relaxing cup of tea and sample freshly baked scones in the quaint thatched cottage cafe. Within a few minutes’ drive you’ll also find the historic Durty Nelly’s, Knappogue Castle, Craggaunowen, King John’s Castle, and the Hunt Museum. We suggest you spend your day enjoying the Folk Park and wandering the Bunratty Castle grounds.  When evening rolls around, head to Bunratty Castle for a medieval Banquet of food, song, and jesters.  It’s an absolutely unforgettable evening for all! 

Gourmet Tour & Tasting

A tour through the Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna, coupled with a delectable tasting, is a gourmand’s dream.   And it is offered only in conjunction with Authentic Ireland. You will be presented with the finest organic salmon from the world’s best fisheries, just four miles off the wild coast at Clare Island.  Swept by strong currents, the fish reflect that spectacular ocean in the savor of their taste. More information >

Guided Walk in the Burren

We offer guided walking tours into the heart of the Burren landscape located on Irelands west coast. Each tour covers a broad range of interests such as an introduction to a working farm where you learn of old and new practices. Irish history, the archaeology of the Burren, mythology, the Burren’s unique botany, story telling, folklore & folk traditions, Poteen distilling and much more.

We cater for all levels of experience and groups sizes. Our walks are sociable and relaxed, interesting and most importantly lots of fun. The walks run on average between 1.5 - 2.5 hours.  more information >

Medieval Castle Banquet Dinner

Join the Earl of Thomond in the splendour of the main guard of Bunratty Castle for a dinner experience not to be missed! Bunratty Castle, was built in 1425 by the Earl of Thomond. Following his tradition of hospitality, the world renowned Bunratty Medieval Banquet is held twice nightly throughout the year.

Since 1963, the Ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl's Butler, have welcomed guests from the four corners of the globe to dine at The Earl's Banquet at Bunratty Castle.  The entertainment provided by the world renowned Bunratty Singers is a fitting compliment to a mead reception, a four course meal, and of course good wine. more information >