Ultimate Good Food Ireland® 10 Days/9 Nights

DAY 1 ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND:

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Welcome to Ireland

On arrival at Dublin Airport make your way to Brooks Hotel in Dublin’s City Centre via transfer. 

You’ll be warmly welcomed by the Brooks Hotel team who will handle your check in before you are directed to your room. 

Relax in your room after your long journey before meeting up with your fellow travellers. 

The Brooks Hotel culinary team, headed up by Executive Chef Pat McClarnon, will prepare for you a delicious meal, featuring fresh seasonal ingredients. 

DAY 2 DUBLIN:

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Enjoy a short panoramic city tour of Dublin discovering 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. Today Dublin is the Cosmopolitan capital of the Irish Republic and a city of over 1 million people.

Visit the new Museum of Literature Ireland

Discover Ireland’s rich literary heritage from past to present here in the historic UCD Newman House on St Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin. Experience immersive exhibitions, view treasures from the National Library of Ireland, or relax amid the birdsong in our tranquil gardens and café.

Or

Visit EPIC

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is a state-of-the-art interactive experience located in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building in Dublin’s Docklands, the original departure point for so many of Ireland’s emigrants. It will inspire and guide you on a journey to discover the stories of Irish emigration around the world, from early times to the modern day. Over the centuries, some 10 million people have left the island of Ireland. At EPIC you can step through 20 themed galleries to find out why people left, see how they influenced the world they found, and experience the connection between their descendants and Ireland today. Immerse yourself in the stories of some of the most remarkable tales of sacrifice, endurance, adventure, and discovery the world has ever known. EPIC brings these amazing stories to life in a unique and spectacular way.

Tonight enjoy dinner at Hugo’s Restaurant, where Gina Murphy owner of Hugo’s will welcome you. Location wise, you don’t get much better than Hugo’s, which is within walking distance to the City’s Centre’s top attractions. This fine dining restaurant brings together great hospitality and locally sourced ingredients.

DAY 3 DUBLIN TO CORK:

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After a leisurely morning in Dublin we depart Ireland’s capital today, making our way south through Ireland’s Ancient East.

We arrive in Cashel for lunch at Mikey Ryan’s Bar & Kitchen, a destination Gastropub located on Main St. Cashel. This traditional pub and grocery shop has had a total transformation. The ethos and food provenance of Mikey Ryan’s is based on the very best quality of Co. Tipperary and Irish ingredients, the chefs at Mikey Ryan’s kitchen use organic produce when available from local farmers and artisan producers. Throughout the bar and restaurant, an equine and sporting theme runs through the paintings, photographs and memorabilia on display, which harks back to the regions impressive sporting culture

Continue to the charming town of Cahir

Visit Cahir Castle

Superbly set on a rocky island in the River Suir in Cahir town, County Tipperary, this impressive 15th century castle – the largest of its period in Ireland – was considered impregnable until the advent of heavy cannon. Once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family, the castle retains its keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. The origins of the castle are traced back to the third century when a Dun (earthen fort) was built upon the rocky island. This gave the town of Cahir its original name “Dun Iascaigh” (town of the fish fort).

Continue to your hotel in Cork City, the beautiful Hayfield Manor, which is a tranquil haven in Cork’s City Centre. Opened in 1996, family owned Hayfield Manor is close to the University quarter and 15 minutes walk from Cork City Centre. This hotel combines grandeur and opulence with the comforts and facilities found only in the most modern establishments. 

DAY 4 CORK CITY AND BALLYMALOE:

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Situated in the heart of Cork City, the English Market is a roofed food market and has been trading since 1788 and is one of the oldest municipal markets of its kind in the world. Renowned as a food market, it is an important part of food culture in Cork, with an emphasis on fresh, local produce with traditional Cork foods as well as an array of international delights. The stallholders are local and independent food producers or retailers, often with generations of families working in the Market. The traditional serve-over-ccounter stall trading also ensures that the service to the customer is personal and unique.

During your visit to the English Market you will be treated to an Irish Farmhouse Cheese and Smoked Salmon Tasting

This afternoon discover East Cork as you visit Ballymaloe House. Meet the family of the late Myrtle Allen, a real culinary heroine without whom the food culture of Ireland would not be the way it is today. At Ballymaloe Country House, the home she shared with husband and children, discover where it all began and learn just how important this place is on the Irish food scene.

A gastronomic feast awaits as you enjoy a beautiful light lunch. After lunch go just a short distance to Ballymaloe Cookery School home of world-renowned Cookery Teacher and Author Darina Allen. Enjoy a guided tour of the gardens and 100 acre organic farm.

Return to Cork

This evening enjoy dinner at the Vine Wine Room at Hayfield Manor.

DAY 5 CORK TO KILLARNEY:

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Discover nearby Blarney Castle. An ancient stronghold of the McCarthy’s, Lords of Muskerry, it is one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles, and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster. Built in 1446, Blarney Castle is famous for its Blarney stone, the Stone of Eloquence, which is traditionally believed to have the power to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who kiss it. Many legends tell the story of the Stone, but why not kiss it and find out the truth behind the legend. The Castle gardens covering 60 acres of land are under constant change and over the past few years, a water garden, fern garden and poison garden have been developed and are all open to visitors.

As you pass the town of Macroom stop at The Castle Hotel, a Good Food Ireland member and a family run hotel. The Castle Hotel is an institution and landmark in Macroom and a visit here for a light lunch will give you a real taste of life in a rural Market town. All ingredients on the menu are locally sourced and the staff are happy to talk about the menu making for a quality assured Irish dining experience.

As you continue towards Killarney stop in the town of Ballyvourney for a visit to 9 White Deer Brewery, proud to be making quality Irish beers with Irish ingredients. The Brewery is located in a Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) area with the locals referring to it as Fia Ban, the Irish for White Deer. Learn about the brewing process along with a sampling of some of their beers.

Finally for today, you’ll make your way to the bustling town of Killarney, where you’ll check into the lovely Killarney Royal Hotel. Owned and managed by the Scally family for three generations, gracious hospitality awaits each guest, offering a haven of tranquility in the heart of Killarney town. This boutique 4 star hotel offers a cosy reprieve from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with the majestic beauty of Killarney on the doorstep. With luxurious accommodation, exceptional cuisine, and attentive staff on hand to ensure you enjoy a memorable stay. 

Dinner tonight will be served in the Killarney Royal Hotel. 

DAY 6 RING OF KERRY:

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A journey along the Ring of Kerry takes you through 10,000 years of dramatic history. The road takes you through rugged, majestic landscapes, from deep forest to the crashing waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

At Cromane Oysters, visit a local working oyster farm for a unique seafood experience. Taste freshly harvested Oysters as you take in the beautiful surroundings

Continue along with Ring of Kerry to Waterville

Later in the afternoon as you return to Killarney you will pass through Molls Gap & Ladies View, two excellent outlook points overlooking Killarney, the valleys and lakes. Molls’ Gap is a spectacular photographic viewing point on the famous Ring of Kerry Tour. The visitor is presented with a magnificent view of Death Valley. Close by is the famous Ladies View viewing point with gives a different perspective of this magnificent countryside, with the 3 Lakes of Killarney all surrounded by the Kerry Mountains. Ladies View received its name from Queen Victoria, who was so impressed with the view that she insisted that her ladies-in-waiting should also visit here.

Tonight in Killarney enjoy a special dinner at the Killarney Urban Farm Tour & Taste Experience

Killarney Urban Farm is a sustainability initiative of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection. Ireland’s first hospitality hydroponic urban farm, growing for and servicing bars, restaurants, and hotels in Killarney. In collaboration with the renowned restaurant The Tan Yard, the tour will commence in the Window Bar, located at The Tan Yard in Killarney town centre.

The evening will include a guided tour of Killarney Urban Farm with chosen O’Donoghue Ring Collection champions, as you sip on a hand-curated hyperlocal cocktail. The tour will explore the technology that powers the reclaimed space that is now host to the hydroponic towers, Killarney Urban Farm. You will savour a taste of a plethora of hyper-fresh ingredients in the form of canapés, see first-hand all that the Killarney Urban Farm represents – hyper-local freshness, sustainability and innovation. The experience will then see you return to The Tan Yard for a sit-down 3-course meal, exclusive only to the Killarney Urban Farm Tour & Taste attendees. Each of the dishes on this unique menu features an array of iingredients produced in Killarney Urban Farm paired with local farmers and suppliers in the form of our local legacy.

DAY 7 KILLARNEY TO GALWAY :

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We depart Killarney today and travel up to Galway

At Foynes Flying Boat Museum learn all about the Irish Coffee has become one of the most welcoming drinks in the world. From 1939 to 1945 Foynes was the centre of the aviation world for air traffic between the United States and Europe. Located 35 km west of Limerick city on the Shannon estuary, the Foynes Museum recalls this era with a comprehensive range of exhibits and graphic illustrations. The museum features the original Terminal Building including the authentic 1940’s cinema; the Radio and Weather Rooms, complete with transmitters, receivers and Morse code equipment. The exhibits feature an introduction to the first transatlantic passenger service from Foynes during the war years and the only full sized replica B314 flying boat. Irish Coffee was invented in Foynes. Chef Joe Sheridan made the first in 1942 to warm up some damp and miserable passengers. Since then Irish Coffee has become one the most popular welcoming drinks in the world. The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant sells biscuits & snacks, coffee and tea and of course Irish Coffee!

 Visit Glenstal Abbey

Glenstal Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in County Limerick. An estate with streams, lakes and woodland paths, surrounds a castle built in Norman style. The abbey, which is dedicated to Saints Joseph and Columba, is home to a community of monks. Prayer and liturgical celebration combine with managing a boarding school for boys, a farm, and a guest house. Here enjoy a possible Gregorian Chant experience

Continue to your hotel in Galway, you’ll be staying at the stunning  Glenlo Abbey Hotel. 

Glenlo Abbey Hotel, situated on the outskirts of Galway city, is one of the most exclusive 5 star hotels in Ireland. Glenlo Abbey Hotel offers unrivalled facilities for a luxury hotel in Ireland providing deluxe accommodation, state of the art conference and meeting rooms, award winning restaurants, leisure activities such as shooting and fishing and its own private golf course among others.

Tonight, step back in time and dine aboard the Pullman Restaurant. Comprising of two original carriages from the Orient Express, beautifully restored and set on the grounds of Glenlo Abbey Hotel. Enjoy the luxury and splendour of dining in true style and sit by the window seat and take in spectacular views overlooking Glenlo Abbey Estate and Lough Corrib.

DAY 8 THE BURREN & CLIFFS OF MOHER:

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The Burren landscape covers over 150 square kilometres and is one of Ireland’s 6 National Parks. The region is visually similar to a moonscape, yet shelters a mixture of flora and archaeological sites which have attracted visitors for centuries. Man came here over 6000 years ago, cleared the forests and set in motion soil erosion. Centuries of weathering has produced a terrain of fissured limestone pavements, disappearing lakes, terraced mountains, and underground cave systems. For millennia man has left his mark, megalithic tombs and cooking sites litter the pavements, while medieval towerhouses and churches guard the valleys. Today man is absent from most of the upland, leaving behind ancient field systems, routeways and placenames. Today’s visitors to the Burren will find Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean plants growing together.

Visit the Burren Smokehouse and meet Master Smoker Birgitta Curtin. Hear her story and taste her home smoked Irish Salmon from the western shores of Ireland.

Visit the Cliffs of Moher

Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren region, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. The cliffs reach their highest point just north of O’ Brien’s Tower built by Cornelius O’ Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, to entertain his lady friends. A visit of the tower is also possible. The sweeping view across the Atlantic has recently been ranked the best ‘cliff-view’ on the planet by Conde Nast Traveler. The respected travel publication has voted the world-famouslandmark at the top of a new chart of ‘ Nine Gorgeous Cliff Views That Rival The Grand Canyon’.

Atlantic Edge is the exciting new interpretive centre at the Cliffs of Moher and is built into the natural landscape. The centre is a huge domed cave that contains images, exhibits, displays & experiences exploring different elements of the mighty Cliffs of Moher: Ocean, Rock, Nature and Man. The visitor centre has a restaurant, shop facilities and ample coach and car parking. A spectacular upgraded 13 km of scenic coastal pathway along the Cliffs of Moher links Doolin to Hags Head.

Afterwards enjoy a local artisan picnic lunch at the Cliff View Café. Experience tastes of the Burren.

Return to Galway for an enjoyable pub dinner at the King’s Head. This iconic pub is located on Galway’s famous Shop Street. The interior, is everything you’ll expect for a traditional Irish Pub. This is a lovely compliment to the delicious local food offering you’ll enjoy. 

DAY 9: GALWAY TO DUBLIN:

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Return to Dublin today for your final taste of the Capital before returning home

At Maynooth stop at Ely Winestore for a curated light lunch

This latest addition to the ELY family is located in the bustling town of Maynooth. The wine shop doubles as a win bar and café with an inimate space for dining. Ely Winstore stocks over 400 wines to enjoy or bring home

This afternoon in Dublin visit the Guinness Storehouse where you will enjoy a Connosseiur Experience. The Guinness Brewery in Dublin is Europe’s largest stout producing brewery and home to the Guinness Storehouse. Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness. Today it houses a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. Visitors will discover what goes into the making a pint of Guinness – the ingredients, the brewing process, the time, the craft and the passion. The exhibition shows how the brew has been marketed and how it is today sold in over 150 countries. Once the tour has finished, the guest is invited to the Gravity Bar to enjoy their pint of Guinness.

Check into your final hotel of the tour, The Merrion Hotel. The Merrion Hotel is located in Georgian Dublin opposite Government buildings and around the corner from fashionable Merrion Square. It is a 5-star luxury property built within 4 Georgian townhouses to recreate the charm and elegance of that era. 

Here enjoy a final farewell dinner prepared by Executive Chef Ed Cooney.

Day 10: FAREWELL

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Transfer to Dublin Airport for your journey home.