DAY 1

Our trip begins with a happy hour in Galway, where we’ll gather with our fellow travelers and celebrate the start of our trip over a round of pints. After a pint of the black stuff, we’ll take our merriment with us to our first destination on the coast of Connemara. Our dinner this evening will be served family style at our accommodation, and will be prepared by a local chef. After dinner, feel free to hit the pub for a night cap, or take a stroll along the coast.

DAY 2

Our first full day begins with a nature walk with a storytelling archaeologist as our guide. We’ll learn about life on the Connemara coast while enjoying fresh air and enjoying the gorgeous seascape. For lunch, we’ll head to the charming town of Clifden, where we’ll warm up at a local pub. After some time for relaxation in the afternoon, we’ll gather again for a meal prepared by James & Max using local ingredients.

DAY 3

We’re joined today by a food traditionalist, writer, and photographer, who will be teaching us about artisanal methods of hot and cold smoking fish without using machinery. We’ll learn how to prepare whole fish for smoking; hot smoke fish on a local beach which we will then eat for lunch; and cold smoke fish and other food in a barrel in Roundstone harbor.

DAY 4

We’ll say goodbye to Connemara after breakfast and head back into Galway for some time in the city! Our first stop en route is lunch at a bilingual café in the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht. On our way into Galway, we’ll visit a local distillery and sample some spirits. Tonight is a free night for dinner, so be sure to make a recommendation from our suggested list! Some of the group will meet up after dinner for a trad session at one of Galway’s best pubs for music.

DAY 5

After a couple of nights in the city of tribes, we’re heading south again—this time to the Burren, a UNESCO Global Geopark and one of our favorite places on the island of Ireland. It wouldn’t be right to spend this much time in Ireland and not get the opportunity to experience native Irish oysters! Today, we’ll visit a family owned oyster farm near Galway bay, where we’ll drink local craft beer and fill our bellies with Irish oysters, followed by seafood lunch at a famous local pub and restaurant. There will be some time to explore the city and do some shopping before we meet for our evening meal. Dinner tonight is at our favorite Michelin green starred restaurant!

DAY 6

Most of the day today will be spent on Inis Oírr, the smallest of the three Aran Islands. We’ll take a ferry over from Galway harbor, and will spend the day learning about the island’s traditional craft and farming practices. Our return home follows the scenic route (ever seen the Cliffs of Moher from the sea?!), so be sure to be on time. Later, we will settle in for a leisurely meal at our stunning hotel—one of our favorites on the entire island.

DAY 7

Our morning begins with plenty of fresh air, as we walk the coastline and learn about the unique history of the area with our guide, a geologist and marine biologist. Lunch today is at THE best fish & chips spot in the country. On our way back to our hotel, we will make a short stop at the famous Cliffs for a photo opp! After a brief respite at our hotel, we will gather for a fun and fancy meal at one of our favorite spots in the Burren.

DAY 8

On last full day together begins with some leisure time at our gorgeous hotel. Later, we will head out to a local home for long table lunch, followed an afternoon with artisan knife and spoon maker. To close out our tour, we’ll enjoy a more casual, family style dinner. 

The itinerary above is the current plan, and things may change. We will make every effort to provide the tours and experiences that are described. However, the nature of the places we’ll be visiting — not typical tourist destinations — means that things can change at the last minute.