14 Day Ireland Landscapes & Villages
Women Only
Max group 12
Lifetime Deposit
“I heard you went to Ireland…I haven’t seen it in many years. Is it still green then, and beautiful?
Wet as a bath sponge and mud to the knees but, aye, it was green enough.”
― Diana Gabaldon, The Scottish Prisoner
Ireland is well-known. In fact, it is almost too well-known.
It is so well-known, that we think we understand it, from a distance. Nothing could be further from the truth.
This is Ireland, as best as we can share it with you. Yes, you’ll do the ‘things’ – Guinness, Jameson whiskey, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher – but Ireland is so, so much more than that.
This adventure is a celebration of Irish culture with visits to gorgeous villages where Gaelic is still in daily use, stops in pubs where folk music is still played on a nightly basis, and even a visit to a working farm.
On top of this, we’ve added road trips through unforgettable Irish landscapes, stays in enchanting accommodation – including a converted castle – and a few surprises that we’re keeping up our sleeves…
Highlights
Experience traditional Irish music in cosy pubs
Visit Belfast to learn about the Troubles and how they still impact Northern Ireland.
Wake up for morning horseback trekking along Dingle beach
Take an e-bike cycling adventure along the Great Western Greenway
Hike the Cliffs of Moher
Admire the raw nature of the Connemara region
Stay in the quaint villages of Dingle and Clifden
Kiss the stone at Blarney Castle
Trip Details
Price
$6,898 AUD (twin share)
- $1,500 AUD deposit.
- 2-week cooling-off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement: $TBC. Please get in touch
Trip length
14 days, 13 nights
Dates
Starts: 1 June 2023
Finishes: 14 June 2023
Meeting point
Buswells Hotel, Dublin
Ending point
Dublin
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
Please see our “Participation” section to see the requirements.
Included
- Meals: 13 x breakfasts and 7 x dinners
- List transport: 1 x private air-conditioned luxury touring vehicle
- 14 nights of boutique and premium accommodation
- 1 top-rated tour leader (also your driver) throughout – local expert guides at monuments and sights
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Any visas required
- Late check-out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tipping: as Aussies, we are not used to tipping! In Ireland, it’s also not expected, although it is common to tip ~10% of the bill at hospitality establishments.
- Personal expenditure
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1: DUBLIN
Hello! You’ve arrived in Ireland, the Land of A Thousand Welcomes! One of our Irish team will greet you with a friendly Irish smile when you arrive at Dublin airport, and transfer you directly to your hotel.
Tonight the group will catch up for the first time over dinner…….
Accommodation: Buswells Hotel (or similar)
Included: Dinner
Day 2: BELFAST & THE ANTRIM COAST
There are recognisable shifts crossing the border into Northern Ireland this morning.
Your guide will help you explore these during a tour around Belfast, including reflective moments at the ‘Peace Walls.’ Erected to divide, they became a symbol for the sectarian conflict that plagued Belfast for decades, known simply as ‘The Troubles’. Then, we simply must visit Titanic Belfast (no explanation required.)
In the afternoon, it’s time to hit the road and begin our journey into the Ireland we all imagine. Green pastures, rugged coastline and those joyful pubs and inns! Tonight you’ll stay over in Ballycastle, a remote seaport on the northern Antrim Coast.
Accommodation: Marine Hotel, Ballycastle (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3: CAUSEWAY COAST
After a hearty Irish breakfast (hot porridge with a drizzle of whiskey is on the menu for the constitutionally brave), there’s time to stroll through the village before check-out.
Then it’s just a short drive to the Giant’s Causeway. The naturally formed interlocking columns rising from the coastline are steeped in Irish folklore, and the group will explore them during a 5km hike along the coastal cliff tops.
Just before you slip back over the border, we’ve arranged for a specialist guide to meet you in Londonderry (Derry) to learn about the Civil Rights movement and ‘Bloody Sunday’. Finally, onward to pretty Donegal and an overnight stay in a quintessential stone-built Irish pub. Can you hear an Irish tune playing already? Tonight’s going to be some toe-tapping fun!
Accommodation: Tara Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
Day 4: DONEGAL
This morning you’ll stretch your legs on the wild stone path that threads along the Slieve League Cliffs, taking in cliff and Atlantic Ocean views.
From there we head inland, where you’ll travel along the picturesque Glengesh mountain pass. Fresh seafood is on the cards for lunch as the road once again kisses the ocean.
Arrive in Westport in time for a stroll around town. It’s time to settle in for a couple of nights, so we’ve selected a charming, cosy, family-run B&B.
Accommodation: Plougastel B&B (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
Day 5: WESTPORT
A leisurely cycle is what we’ve organised for you this morning, along the coastal rail-trail from Achill Island to Westport. Make sure you have your camera handy because you’ll never tire of the views; passing by bogs, farmland, and native woodlands.
The trail gradients are gentle, and you’ll be on an e-Bike, so there’s no worries if you haven’t been on a bike for a while! There’s time to relax in the afternoon before regrouping to cruise around some of the hundreds of islands dotted around Clew Bay.
Tonight you can explore Westport as you please – but not before your guide makes sure you know which pubs pour the creamiest Guinness and play the best Irish tunes!
Accommodation: Plougastel B&B (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
What Are Irish Pubs Really Like?
While the days of travel will be full of memorable experiences, the pubs themselves will be a real highlight.
You may find yourself asking… does the famous Irish pub culture live up to the image, after all these years?
The answer is an emphatic ‘YES!’
Even in 2022, it is common for Irish trad (ie. folk) music to be played at village pubs. They’re not hard to find, but our hand-picked expert Irish guide knows exactly which places to visit in each town. You’ll love it.
Day 6: CLIFDEN
You won’t want to bid farewell just yet to our lovely B&B hosts, but sadly this is what must happen in order for you to see the rest of Ireland.
This morning, pay a visit to the popular local attraction Westport House, where your guide will entertain you with wild accounts of Grace O’Malley, the local Irish Pirate Queen in the 1500s. Then, before lunch, you’ll visit the site of the Doolough Tragedy, which commemorates the memory of events that occurred during the Great Irish Famine.
Speaking of lunch, how does a feast of mussels – plucked straight from the local fjord – sound…?
Tonight’s stay is in Clifden – a seaside town in the Connemara Region known for its wild boglands and for being one of the few remaining strongholds of the Irish Gaelic language. Listen out for it at the local pub tonight. It’s great Craic!
Accommodation: Dun Ri Guesthouse (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: CONNEMARA REGION
No need to repack your suitcase tonight, as you’re staying in Clifden for a day of exploration of the natural wilderness of Connemara.
The headline act of the day is Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland’s most picture-worthy buildings. As you head towards the Abbey, you’ll be taken through areas of Connemara loaded with majestic scenery and even get the chance for an optional hike.
This rugged area is not just beautiful. It’s wind-swept… it’s wild… it’s nature at its finest.
Your humble writer is now running out of adjectives to describe this region, but believe us when we say Ireland truly delivers on its promise today.
A drive along the Sky Road route is just the cherry on top as you return to Clifden.
Accommodation: Dun Ri Guesthouse (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
Day 8: SURPRISE!
We like to keep a few surprises up our sleeve, and today’s experience is so incredible, so remote and so picturesque, we know you’ll be swept off your feet by it! All we can share is that you’ll transfer there by boat and that the location is so remote, if you were to travel further West across the Atlantic, you’d reach Canada. And if you drifted North, you’d landfall in Iceland! A local guide will be by your side, unravelling the 2500 years of history on this windswept island.
Tonight you’ll rest up in the prettiest of stone lodges back on the mainland. It’s just one night here, as there is still no shortage of fun remaining.
Accommodation: The Lodge, Doolin (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
Day 9: MIGHTY CLIFFS OF MOHER
Visit the Cliffs of Moher today. They’re just as beautiful (there’s that word again) in real life as they are in the photos, if not more so. You’ll want to take the optional self-guided walk to arrive at the cliffs, but those who have had a Guinness too-many the night before might want to be taken straight there in our comfortable mini-bus.
This isn’t just a 5-minute photo stop. There are loads of things to do and enjoy, and you’ll have ample time to explore. Dingle of County Kerry is your home for the next 2 nights, but before you arrive, we have organised a special visit to a picturesque working sheep farm.
Dingle is that Irish village that you’ve always been dreaming of visiting. A historical fishing town, Irish fishermen would down a pint of Guinness at the end of a long day. Despite having been discovered by international visitors, it still retains a magical character, with colourful buildings and lively streets.
Accommodation: Harbour Nights (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10: DINGLE
It’s a change of pace this morning – quite literally – as the group visits the Longs Horse trekking stables for some beach horseback riding. You’ll take the reins of a traditional Irish cob pony along the seashore, enjoying the smells of the ocean and countryside atmosphere along the way.
After lunch, a special treat for those who are lovers of spectacular views as we take in the ‘Slea Head Drive’, which was once described by National Geographic as the most beautiful place on earth. Hop in the bus with the group for an afternoon countryside trip that includes local beaches, ancient stone huts, and views of the wild Atlantic ocean – all amongst the green fields that Ireland is known for.
You’ll have ample time off in the afternoon to come back and enjoy the local pubs of Dingle, which, we failed to mention, happen to be renowned across Ireland for their lively folk music.
Accommodation: Harbour Nights (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Good Ol’ Irish Hospitality!
“In Ireland, you go to someone’s house, and she asks you if you want a cup of tea. You say no, thank you, you’re really just fine. She asks if you’re sure. You say of course you’re sure, really, you don’t need a thing. Except they pronounce it ting. You don’t need a ting. Well, she says then, I was going to get myself some anyway, so it would be no trouble. Ah, you say, well, if you were going to get yourself some, I wouldn’t mind a spot of tea, at that, so long as it’s no trouble and I can give you a hand in the kitchen. Then you go through the whole thing all over again until you both end up in the kitchen drinking tea and chatting.
In America, someone asks you if you want a cup of tea, you say no, and then you don’t get any damned tea.
I liked the Irish way better.”
― C.E. Murphy, Urban Shaman
Day 11: IVERAGH PENINSULA
We can never get enough of eye-catching scenery, especially when it is part of the Ring of Kerry route. This is considered by many to be Ireland’s most spectacular road, and covers 180 km of rolling countryside.
Names such as Kells, Caherciveen, or the Molls Gap might not mean much to you now, but after a few hours in this countryside, you’ll see why we’re determined to get you there.
Tonight, you’ll arrive at world-famous Killarney, close to the Killarney National Park, where you’ll be staying the night. Your 5pm arrival will give the walkers in the group more than enough time to stretch the legs, and why not? Abbey Lodge Killarney is just metres from walking trails to Lough Leane, a scenic lake nearby.
Accommodation: Abbey Lodge, Killarney (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
Day 12: CORK
Ireland is known for many things, not least its country roads, emerald green fields, and whiskey. You’ll get all three things on Day 12, but all of us know that Blarney Castle wears the crown as the place that all Irish pilgrims must visit. So, like millions before you, you will get your chance to kiss the famous stone and if the legend holds true, receive the gift of the gab.
Then, it’s time for the whiskey. Join the group on a tour of Jameson Distillery in Cork, which (of course) will include a whiskey tasting of three different drops.
The highlight of today could well be your accommodation for the night. The medieval Kinnitty Castle Hotel was built in the 13th century and now is a wonderful heritage hotel set on 650 acres of parkland. Before wandering the castle itself, take the chance to enjoy the expansive grounds. Wander through the fine settings of the Library Bar and the Drawing Room, enjoy a regal meal prepared by the Kinnitty Culinary Team.
Then, sleep like a queen.
Accommodation: Kinnity Castle (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13: CORK
The saddest part of any of our Patch Adventures is when you wake up and realise that you have just one full day remaining. But that one day will be lived to the fullest!
So, after a couple of slower days, this final day is full of final Irish highlights – a chance to tick off some ‘must-dos’. A final drive through the wilderness of the Wicklow Mountains takes you to Avoca and the 300-year-old handweaving mill where you’ll meet the weavers. They’ll share the steps involved in the making of a famous Avoca throw. You’ll visit a 6th-century monastery and visit the Guinness Storehouse. Some things you just have to do!
After 13 days of enjoying Ireland, we wrap up the adventure with your last team dinner at one of Dublin’s cheery pubs – Have a drink or two, and sing along with friends to the local tunes you’ve all come to love. Forget about tomorrow. It can worry about itself.
Accommodation: Buswells Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 14: FAREWELL, FRIENDS
Good morning, Dublin, and a reluctant goodbye Patchies. Today, the trip finishes.
Your airport transfer is included, if you’re headed out, but we also recommend that you stay at least a little longer in town to explore it at your own pace.
Included: Breakfast
The Essential Info
This is a once-in-a-lifetime, relaxed tour of Ireland that will take you beyond the guidebooks. Your local Irish guides will bring this cultural experience to life, as only they know how! They are not only master storytellers but purveyors of the absolute craic!
LANGUAGES IN IRELAND
Everyone on the island of Ireland speaks English, but such is our cosmopolitan way, in our cities and towns, you’re also likely to hear chatter in a variety of accents from Polish and Korean to Japanese and Brazilian – all you have to do is keep your ears open.
Languages in the Republic of Ireland
The Gaelic language in Ireland – Gaelige, or Irish as it’s known locally – is a Celtic language and one of “the oldest and most historic written languages in the world” according to Foras na Gaeilge. Its poetic flow can be heard in schools across the country and throughout the shops, pubs, streets, fairs and festivals of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) regions.
Keep your eyes open because you’ll be introduced to Irish almost as soon as you arrive, with all street and road signs in the Republic of Ireland in both English and Irish.
The Irish language
English remains the primary language on the island of Ireland, but in true Irish fashion we’ve put our own twist on it and developed what’s known as Hiberno-English. Hiberno-English blends the grammatical styling of Irish into the English language. Here’s are a few phrases you might hear along your travels:
“C’mere till I tell you” – “Could you come within an audible distance? I have something to tell you”
“You never asked if I’d a mouth on me” – “You do not ask whether I was hungry”
Most people you’ll meet will have a cúpla focal (a few words) of Irish and locals, especially in Gaeltacht areas, always appreciate any effort to speak the local language.
Languages in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, English is the first language. However, Ullans (Ulster-Scots) and Irish are both recognised as culturally
significant, which is why you’ll find the arts and culture centre of Irish in Cultúrlann, and the Ulster-Scots language society (both in Belfast) showcasing Ulster-Scots writings.
And what is Ullans? Well, it’s a variant of Scots, the language brought to Ulster by Scottish settlers in the early 17th century. Scots is part of the West Germanic family of languages, a lovely lyrical tongue that’s taught these days in universities. In fact, you’ve probably already used some Ulster-Scots without even realising it.
Have you heard of Scotsman Robert Burns? He penned the lyrics of that New Year’s Eve favourite: Auld Lang Syne, which translates as The Good Old Days.
So welcome to Ireland or Fáilte go hÉireann or Fair Faa Yae tae Airlan.
IRELANDS WEATHER
In Ireland, everyone talks about the weather. Whether it’s discussing the direction of the rain from a supermarket doorway, or musing that it’s 24 degrees in March from a bar counter.
Irish weather can be unpredictable, so we like to discuss it. A lot.
Ireland’s climate is influenced most by the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, it doesn’t have the extreme temperatures that other countries at similar latitude would have. The average temperature is a mild 10°C.
A major warm ocean current called the North Atlantic Drift keeps sea temperatures mild too. Hills and mountains, mainly around the coast, shelter the rest of the island from strong winds coming off the ocean.
So while the weather can be changeable – it’s rarely extreme.
The seasons: spring and summer
In spring (February to April), the average highest temperatures range from 8 to 12°C, with April considered particularly pleasant. In summer (May to July), the averages for highest temperatures are between 18 and 20°C.
The warmest months, July and August, get about 18 hours of daylight and it gets dark only after 11pm. Hence the well-worn phrase in Ireland; “sure there’s a grand stretch in the evenings”.
A weather-friendly wardrobe
Wondering what to bring? You’ll need to be adaptable. so go for layers that you can put on or take off as the temperature changes. Bring a sweater, even in summer; waterproofs to accompany all outdoor activities; sunglasses; comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella.
Don’t be fooled into thinking you won’t need sunscreen in the summer months – when the sun shines in Ireland it’s quite strong, so wear a high factor and bring a sunhat. Short-term forecasts are viewable at Met Éireann.
Okay, it does rain in Ireland, but long bouts of rain are pretty rare. So, you can either put on suitable clothes, or duck into a nice cosy pub to wait out the shower. You can imagine which one is our favourite strategy.
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love to travel but don’t like being herded around B-grade attractions… just the mere idea of joining a ‘big bus’ tour makes you want to run for the hills.
You also know, however, that some places are worth the wait.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also love the idea of living a day fully, and then returning to unique, interesting accommodation!
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that could involve trying something you haven’t tried before, like perhaps trying a few words of the local dialect.
If that sounds like you, you’d make a great Patchie.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
Australian passport holders are not required Visa to enter Ireland or UK.
A deposit of $1,500 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 95 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Note: prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:EUR exchange rate; this trip pricing is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD: 0.65 EUR.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Airfares are not included.
Solo travellers will be matched with a room-mate. Of course, if you prefer to have your own space, you can reserve the private room supplement.
You will need a universal power adaptor on this trip.
You’ll need a moderate level of fitness for this trip. If you can walk 3 – 4 hours – ie 7 to 10 km at a leisurely pace on undulating terrain, you’ll be fine. There will be days where you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet and some days may include activities like half-day cycle tours and some horse riding.
Our guide for this trip will likely be female, but this is not guaranteed.
