Your Ultimate Good Food Ireland® Package

Ultimate Good Food Ireland®

Vacations Direct

 

  9 Nights

  Europe

  Vacations Direct

  PA8G8HC




Embrace Ireland’s legendary culinary scene on this 10-day Ultimate Journey, specially curated by Good Food Ireland®. The trustmark for local food and drink experiences of the island of Ireland, this tour provides the opportunity to take in the dramatic scenery of southern Ireland, enjoy iconic dining experiences and sample some of the country’s best food, wine and, of course, a drop of Guinness.


Your Fly & Tour Package Includes:

  • $2500 flight credit per person
  • 10-day Ultimate Journey, specially curated by Good Food Ireland®

Includes:

  • 9 nights accommodation at specially selected 4 to 5-star hotels
  • Breakfast daily
  • 5 lunches and 8 dinners
  • Food and beverage tastings as specified in the itinerary
  • Tours as specified in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach
  • Services of a professional tour leader and driver
  • Small group travel – maximum 16 guests

Rate is per person twin share and based on travel 20-29 April 2024

07-16 September 2024 departure also available, seasonal surcharges apply

Extend your holiday, speak with your travel consultant about options!


Itinerary:

DAY 1: SATURDAY – WELCOME TO IRELAND

Make your own way from Dublin Airport to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore the cosmopolitan city of Dublin. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers for a pre-dinner drink followed by a welcome dinner at Francesca’s Restaurant.

Overnight: Brooks Hotel, Dublin

Meals: Dinner

DAY 2: SUNDAY – DUBLIN

This morning, take a short panoramic city tour of Dublin and discover its Viking past and many interesting sights. A walk around Merrion Square will remind you of the glorious days of Dublin, when it was ranked as the second city of the British Empire after London.

This afternoon, you have the option of visiting the new Museum of Literature Ireland or exploring EPIC The Irish Immigration Museum, a museum experience like no other! Discover Ireland’s rich history at your own pace. Tonight, enjoy dinner at Hugo’s Restaurant, a stylish inner-city restaurant known for its extensive array of fine wines.

Overnight: Brooks Hotel, Dublin

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 3: MONDAY – DUBLIN TO CORK

Today, journey south through Ireland’s Ancient East, known for its stunning castles, medieval towns and memorable food experiences. Arrive in Cashel for lunch at Mikey Ryan’s Bar & Kitchen, an Irish Gastro Pub. Sample a taste of Tipperary as you feast on dishes made from seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and artisan producers. After lunch, head to the charming town of Cahir and visit Cahir Castle. Located on a rocky island on the River Suir, the impressive 15th century castle is one of Ireland’s largest castles.

Finish the day in Cork, in the beautiful surroundings of Hayfield Manor. The evening is yours to spend at leisure.

Overnight: Hayfield Manor, Cork

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 4: TUESDAY – CORK CITY AND BALLYMALOE HOUSE

After breakfast, venture to the English Market, one of the oldest in Europe. Renowned as a food market with an emphasis on fresh, local produce, tantalise your tastebuds with an Irish Farmhouse cheese and smoked salmon tasting.

Next, head to Ballymaloe House where you will have lunch and meet with the Allen family, widely credited with having established a new, modern era in Irish food. After lunch, visit Ballymaloe Cookery School, home of world-renowned cookery teacher and author Darina Allen. Join a guided tour of the gardens and 100 acre organic farm.

This evening, enjoy a special private dining experience in the Vine Wine Room at Hayfield Manor.

Overnight: Hayfield Manor, Cork

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 5: WEDNESDAY – CORK TO KILLARNEY

This morning, visit the world-famous Blarney Castle, kiss the Blarney Stone and stroll through the picturesque gardens. Stop at The Castle Hotel in Macroom and sit down to a light lunch of locally sourced ingredients.

On the way to Killarney, visit 9 White Deer Brewery in the town of Ballyvourney to learn about the brewing process and sample a selection of beers.

Arrive in Killarney and check in to your hotel. Later, enjoy dinner at the hotel in The Candle Room.

Overnight: Killarney Royal Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 6: THURSDAY – RING OF KERRY

Today, journey along the Ring of Kerry and take in the spectacular scenery. Stop at a local working oyster farm and taste freshly harvested Cromane Oysters. Continue through Moll’s Gap and stop at Ladies View, named after Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting who visited and admired the view in 1861. Take in the three lakes of Killarney, surrounded by the Kerry Mountains.

After your Ring of Kerry tour, return to the hotel to freshen up for a special Killarney Urban Farm Tour and Taste experience. Sip on a cocktail and try the delicious canapés as you take a guided tour of Ireland’s first hospitality hydroponic urban farm. Then transfer to The Tan Yard restaurant for an exclusive three course meal.

Overnight: Killarney Royal Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Canapés and Dinner

DAY 7: FRIDAY – KILLARNEY TO GALWAY

After breakfast, head north to Galway. Stop at Foynes Flying Boat Museum and learn about the significant role Foynes and flying boats played in the invention of Irish coffee. Afterwards, visit Glenstal Abbey in County Limerick and wander through the 17th century terrace garden, before continuing on to Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, home for the next two nights.

Tonight, one of Ireland’s most unique dining experiences awaits you. The Pullman Restaurant, on the grounds of the Estate, comprises two beautifully restored dining carriages, dating back to 1927, and part of the original Orient Express train. Step back in time and enjoy the luxury and splendour of dining in true style with spectacular views of the Estate and Lough Corrib.

Overnight: Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Galway

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 8: SATURDAY – BURREN AND CLIFFS OF MOHER

Today, head to the Burren region and the dramatic, near-vertical Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves. From the cliffs on a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands and all the way across the Galway Bay. O’Brien’s Tower stands near the highest point and has served as a viewing point for visitors for hundreds of years.

Continue on to the Burren Smokehouse and meet Master Smoker Birgitta Curtin. Hear her story and taste home smoked Irish Salmon from the western shores of Ireland. Spend time at the Atlantic Edge, an interpretive centre at the Cliffs of Moher and built into the natural landscape. Enjoy a local artisan picnic lunch at the Cliff View Café.

Return to Galway for a relaxed pub dinner at The Kings Head.

Overnight: Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Galway

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 9: SUNDAY – GALWAY TO DUBLIN

After a hearty breakfast, commence your journey back to Dublin. Marvel at the picturesque Maynooth in north County Kildare and then drop by the Ely Winestore for a curated light lunch.

Arrive in Dublin and visit the Guinness Storehouse. Take a tour, learn about the making of this world-famous beer and sample a pint at the Gravity Bar.

This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel.

Overnight: The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 10: MONDAY – FAREWELL DUBLIN

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast




* Conditions apply. Offer is limited, subject to availability and change without notice. Promotion is correct and valid at the time of publication. Booking and full supplier terms and conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only and not combinable with any other offer (unless stated).

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 05 May 2023 and can be withdrawn without notice. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Air credit is applicable on airline of choice, subject to availability and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions. All arrangements are subject to availability, cancellation, or modification due to inclement weather, late running of services or other unforeseen circumstances. A minimum non-refundable deposit equivalent to 30% of the tour cost is payable within 7 days of confirmation of your booking and cancellation prior to final payment will result in your deposit being forfeited. Final payment of your holiday cost is required at least 100 days prior to departure, there will be no refund for bookings cancelled less than 99 days prior to travel. The tour itinerary is subject to change and final confirmation will be provided 90 days prior to departure. The travel services provided by these suppliers are subject to the conditions imposed by the suppliers and their liability may be limited by their tariffs, conditions of carriage, and agreements. A minimum of 12 passengers is required for this tour to operate. Information required at time of booking - full name, including title, initial and surname as per ID, any information relating to dietary/ mobility/medical requirements and mobile contact number. A fee will apply for payments made by debit and credit card which may vary. Travel agents may also charge service fees. Please check all prices, availability, and other information with your travel consultant before booking. Images supplied courtesy of Good Food Ireland and Tourism Ireland.