IRELAND FAMILY ADVENTURE

Day 1 Arrival in Dublin

On arrival into Dublin airport, meet your driver and transfer privately to The Westbury. Check into the hotel and perhaps enjoy a spot of lunch. This afternoon, meet your private guide for a fascinating walking tour taking in some of Dublin's key attractions. Stroll along Grafton Street, visit the mighty castle and make your way from the excavation site of Viking and medieval Dublin to the gothic Chapel Royal. Don't miss Trinity College, Ireland's most prestigious university. Amble through its cobbled squares, towards the Old Library where the Book of Kells - a 9th century manuscript documenting the four Gospels - can be found.

Overnight: The Westbury

Day 2 A highlights tour of Dublin City

Spend your morning at leisure to recover from any jetlag before meeting your private guide in the afternoon. Head out on a brisk walking tour, following the river Liffey and learning of the city's storied past, as well as its ambitious future, heading towards the Guinness Storehouse, the site of the Guinness brewery since the 18th Century. With your guide by your side, you'll learn about the fascinating process of creating 'the black stuff' and why its early 20th Century claims that 'Guinness is Good for You' are in fact true! At the conclusion of your tour, head upstairs to the Guinness Gravity Bar, boasting glorious views across the city. Here you can enjoy a complimentary pint - and stay for as long as you like. Soft drinks are of course available for younger members of the family.

Overnight: The Westbury

Day 3 A cycling tour of Co. Dublin

This morning, hop in a taxi [payable locally] and travel to the nearby town of Howth, in coastal Dublin. Embark on a fabulous cycling tour along the coast, to take in the glorious scenery of the area and see a different side to the region, from historic lighthouses to glorious castles. We suggest enjoying a lunch of fish and chips in Howth Harbour [payable locally] at the end of your tour. Take a taxi back into Central Dublin at the end of the day and spend the rest of your evening at leisure.

Overnight: The Westbury

Day 4 Journey to Co. Galway

This morning, check out of your hotel and make your way to pick up your rental car in the city centre. Travel westwards out of the city towards Co. Galways. En route, stop off at the picturesque Lough Derg. Explore the lake with an expert guide by kayak to see some of the glorious scenery, discover little known wildlife and slow the pace of travel to that of the waters flowing past. Continue onwards to Ballynahinch Castle, in an idyllic setting overlooking the Overmore River, in the Connemara region of Co. Galway. Check in and enjoy your evening as a family.

Overnight: Ballynahinch Castle Hotel

Day 5 A day to enjoy your castle hotel

Spend the day enjoying your surroundings at Ballynahinch. The castle can organise a huge array of activities from fly fishing, cycling and trail hiking, which can be arranged separately. We also highly recommend a nearby falconry experience for fabulous family memories and photo opportunities with majestic birds of prey [to be quoted separately].

Overnight: Ballynahinch Castle Hotel

Day 6 Explore the Wild Atlantic Way

Depart Ballynahinch and embark on a drive along Ireland's famed 'Wild Atlantic Way', which hugs some 1,500 miles of rugged, jaw-dropping coastline, from Co. Donegal in the north to Co. Cork in the south. It has the distinction of being the longest coastal driving route on earth, encompassing spectacular cliff formations, turquoise-watered bays, secluded beaches and some of the best seafood in the world, making it a must-do experience whilst in the west of Ireland. Whilst your drive today will encompass just a small part of the route, it will give you the perfect snapshot of the stunning scenery of this magical corner of Ireland.

During your drive, be sure to stop off at the breath-taking Cliffs of Moher. This natural masterpiece is characterised by its towering height and crashing waves, with swooping seabirds and ever-changing skies. There are plenty of clearly marked viewing areas from which to get a sense of the scale of this stunning landscape. In order to get the best vantage point of the Cliffs and the glorious Burren region, take a short cruise along the Cliffs, for fabulous photo opportunities of the glorious views.

At the conclusion of your day, make your way onwards into Co. Limerick and the picturesque village of Adare, often referred to as one of the most charming in Ireland. Check into to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Dunraven Arms

Day 7 Step back in time at King John's Castle

After a leisurely start to your day, take the short journey into Limerick City. We suggest having a hearty lunch at a traditional Irish pub, before visiting King John's Castle, for a fascinating insight into Irish feudal life in the Middle Ages. We will provide tickets for you to enjoy the castle.

Overnight: Dunraven Arms

Day 8 Depart

This morning, check out of the Dunraven Arms, following a last leisurely Irish breakfast. Make your own way to Shannon Airport, depending on the timings, perhaps stopping off en route for a delicious pub lunch, or to stop off for some further exploration locally. Drop off your rental car at Shannon Airport, before checking in for your departure flight. Bon voyage!