Ireland | Dublin & The Wild Atlantic Way | Adult Only

Your holiday starts in Dublin where your guide will meet you on arrival and transfer you to the vibrant town of Ballina. Take in the magnificent view over the River Moy and Belleek Woods, then stroll around the Quay Village and marvel at the Crete Boom, Ballina’s own concrete ship which keeps watch over the quay. Enjoy a traditional homecooked Irish Bacon and Cabbage dinner around the table with the group in a homey kitchen, washed down with an Irish coffee made with Jameson, Ireland’s favorite whiskey. After dinner, you can hit the town and visit Pat Rouse’s bar, Ballina’s oldest family-owned pub where a traditional Irish music session will go late into the night (and you may even get the chance to pull your own pint of Guinness.

About Twin Trees Hotel Ballina

Nestled in the heart of Mayo’s Wild Atlantic Way, the 80-year old hotel is managed by husband and wife team David and Rachael Smith – the third generation of the Moylett family to manage the property. In the 1920’s, “Downhill” was the residence of Mr. Garvey, a retired Crown Solicitor, and his wife. During this time, the house and its valuable contents caught fire. Chamberlain Worcester China, an irreplaceable library, an historic picture of St Francis of Assissi, antique Chippendale and Sheraton furniture, and pianos all burnt to the ground. Not only did the fire affect the owners, but also the many poor people who were supplied daily with free milk by Mrs. Garvey. Downhill House, as it was then known, was purchased by Michael and Frances Moylett in 1936 as a private residence, then registered as a guesthouse two years later. Rebranded as the Twin Trees Hotel Ballina in 2014, the name refers to two monkey puzzle trees at the front of the hotel which were planted in 1954 by Mrs. Francis Moylett. They have grown with the hotel and the family and continue to do so to this day.

The hotel offers a bar, ballroom, leisure center with indoor heated swimming pool, children’s splash pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gymnasium, and two squash courts, hotel gardens, kids’ room, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

After a refreshing sleep and a delicious homemade breakfast, hit the trails of Mayo and get your boots dirty. This segment of the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ has some of the country’s most dramatic coastline, and was described in Lonely Planet as, “The finest sustained coastal walk in western Ireland, with a profusion of precipitous cliffs, crags, caves, chasms and islands.” Return to Ballina to stop at the iconic Downpatrick Head where your guide will bring this place to life with facts and folklore about time gone by. Next, the beautifully designed Ceide Fields Visitor Centre will showcase the oldest, most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, consisting of megalithic tombs, fields and houses, the relics are softly covered by a natural blanket bog, which itself is a wonder with its unique flora and fauna. Then, prepare to be blown away (not literally, please) at the viewing platform at the edge of the 110-meter cliff across the road.

Hike the iconic mass of Croagh Patrick, as no trip to the region is complete without a journey to the “Reek.”  Ascending across open mountain, you follow the main Pilgrim Route that most people use. Taken slowly, this is a wonderful route offering glorious views across Clew Bay. Reaching the top of the mountain, you will find the famous church there, have time to enjoy your triumph, and then continue west to descend along a different route (if weather allows). Following your hike, you will return to Ballina for time to relax before dinner.

Today you’ll climb Knocknarea and add a stone to the thousands adorning the imposing grave (or cairn) of Maeve, the great warrior queen, which overlooks Strandhill. On our descent, we’ll check out the surfers here in one of Ireland’s premier surf destinations, then enjoy an organic, fair-trade coffee (and a treat) at the outstanding Shells Café which overlooks the strand. After a coastal drive to Enniscrone, we’ll stroll along the pier. Relax in the luxurious seaweed bath in Kilcullen’s Bath House which first opened its doors for business in 1912, the year of the ‘Titanic’ (nearly 100 years old and into the fifth generation of ownership the same family)! Upon return to Ballina you will go on an exclusive, intimate tour of the newly opened Connacht Whiskey Distillery, where the ancient Irish tradition of pot still whiskey has been revived. From there it’s down to the historic Belleek Castle for a tour, where we’ll see private dining rooms, decorated in a romantic, opulent style, the magnificent medieval banqueting hall, and The Marshall Doran Collection of arms and armor, fossils and antiques. Return to your accommodation for time to relax before enjoying another fabulous meal in one of Ballinas great restaurants or bars.

Travel back within Ireland’s ancient history to visit the iconic Bru na boinne “Palace of the Boyne” in County Meath. Explore one of the world’s most important Neolithic landscapes, including three large Megalithic passage tombs and some 90 additional monuments. After lunch in the village of Slane, its onto the “Big Smoke” – the city of Dublin. Check in to your accommodation to take some time to relax before dinner in one of the city’s best restaurants.

About Lansdowne Hotel Ballsbridge

Dublin’s Lansdowne Hotel Ballsbridge has been owned by the Quinn Family for more than 30 years, with a tradition of providing quality rooms, great hospitality and personal service for all its guests. All rooms are equipped with hairdryers, cable TV, direct dial telephone, tea/coffee making facilities, writing desk, table and chairs. Irons and ironing boards are available on request and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. The Den Bar (which also serves food) presents the largest rugby tie collection in the world, thanks to the hotel’s close proximity to Aviva Stadium.

We’ll drive a short distance north of Dublin City to the beautiful village of Howth. From there we’ll hike the headland with wonderful views across Dublin Bay, north towards Skerries and south across Dun Laoghaire. This is a varied walk offering wonderful gardens & vegetation, an ancient dolmen & glorious coastal views across the bay. On return to your accommodation, you have time to refresh before another wonderful meal in the capital city.

A city walk encompassing key highlights historical sites, such as St. Patrick’s or Christ Church Cathedral, Trinity College & the Book of Kells, and the Guinness Storehouse. Afternoon free time for some exploration on your own. A brilliant literary pub crawl where a local guide takes you to pubs frequented by Irelands best loved playwrights and authors. Enjoy your final evening meal together, then afterwards enjoy some wonderful Irish music, song or dance while tapping your feet and humming along to your favorite songs.

Following another delicious breakfast, bid farewell to the Emerald Isle. Transfers back to Dublin Airport for your onward flights.

*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.