Explore Ireland’s famous Burren National Park. Immerse yourself in local culture, culinary delights, heritage and tradition. Enjoy the music, the dance, the entertainment, the zen, and the food all the while staying in an eco-friendly retreat. This packages ties in with many local Gathering events in Dublin and Clare Co.
Designed for a small group of 6 people who are traveling together and who want to experience Ireland’s “Gathering” in a very special way. Get away from it all at the secluded, tranquil setting of Clare County and treat youself. Enjoy a warm Irish welcome, wholesome home cooking and the chance to roam the rich, diverse contours of the Clare countryside. You will experience Burren and coastal trips, explore local heritage, participate in guided walking tours, experience traditional Irish music and dance as well as delicious organic vegetarian food. There will also be an optional program of activities and healing therapies, and of course plenty of time to relax. As well as the tour program, there will be the opportunity to participate in a ceramics or cob building workshop, to try out your kayaking skills and to join an early morning yoga session each day.
Package includes:
- Accommodations in either a single room that shares a bathroom with another single room or a twin room with a private bathroom
- Vegetarian meals
- Entertainment
- Guided activities as indicated
- Transport
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival Dublin Airport
Your awaiting driver will escort you to a luxury coach and transport you west through the middle of Ireland to Galway, otherwise known as the city of tribes (approx. 2.5 hrs). Lunch stop in Galway with a chance to explore the buzzing street scene. Continue through the Burren making a short stop en route to Linnalla Irish Ice Cream parlour where you can enjoy a coffee and sample some of their locally made ice creams while enjoying the stunning views of The Burren and Galway Bay. Arrival and check in to The Boghill Centre – a beautiful secluded eco venue set in 50 acres of bog land.
• Interaction with Nature tour: A guided walk around a selection of sustainable activities on the Boghill Estate demonstrating a close bond with nature
• Welcome dinner and music this evening in a local traditional Irish pub
Day 2 Farm Heritage and Coast
Optional early morning Yoga before breakfast. Farm Tour with one of the farmers from Clare Farm Heritage Tours – learn how nature, culture and farming have shaped the Burren as you see it today with a farmer who has inherited an ancient and unique system that links directly to pre-historic Burren farmers. A passing stop at the famous Poulnabrone portal tomb – the symbol of the region. Lunch at Burren Fine Wines and Food, which will provide a tasty lunch with many healthy vegetarian/food combining options and a range of mouth-watering homemade desserts. Explore Ballyvaughan at your leisure – a picturesque Clare fishing village. Alternatively, for the more adventurous, take a Kayak with North Clare Sea Kayaking – a team of local, experienced sea kayakers will show off the secret treasures along the West coast of Ireland, from hidden coves and bays to private islands and beaches. Round the coast tour to the Cliffs of Moher and enjoy the breathtaking views and cliff wildlife and the indoor Cliffs of Moher Experience.
• Delicious vegetarian evening meal and traditional Irish music session at Kilshanny House
Day 3 Burren National Park
Optional early morning Yoga before breakfast. Tour through the Burren past burial mounds and dolmens that the tourist does not normally see. Visit Cahercummaun stone fort – a 15 minute walk will take you to a dramatically situated fort on the edge of a cliff with all three of its concentric walls abutting the cliff edge. Call in at the Burren Perfumery – Ireland’s oldest working perfumery situated in the heart of the Burren. An early afternoon tea at Glanquin House – a rare experience to visit the home of the 3 priests from the popular TV series – Father Ted, hear the story of the Father Ted experience and tuck into a fabulous afternoon tea of traditional home baking. Set off for a Burren National Park Walk with Tony Kirby from Heart of Burren Walks. Tony is an excellent guide and marvellous raconteur on all things of the Burren and he will take you to see a stunning array of Burren highlights.
• Gourmet vegetarian dinner and evening walk around Carron’s famous turlough – a disappearing lake – you may see it you may not!
• Traveling Bard story telling at Cassidy’s Pub in Carron
Day 4 Local Heritage
Optional early morning Yoga before breakfast. Take the picturesque walk along the back lanes to the Burren Centre. Here you can walk through time to when this area lay under the sea and explore the tiny city of Kilfenora featuring St Fachtna’s Cathedral, dedicated to the saint that built the first monastery on the site in the 6th century. Lunch at Vaughans pub in Kilfenora hosted by Orla Vaughan of Kilfenora Hostel – a mine of local information and stories. Back to Boghill for some free time with an opportunity to indulge in individual therapy sessions. Or if you wish to learn a new skill try a Boghill Eco Experience – an afternoon of Cob building / Ceramics workshops using our beautiful therapeutic Boghill clay.
• Internationally influenced meal at Boghill followed by a sunset walk along an ancient green road to a secret Holy well, overlooking the Aran Islands and Galway bay.
• Traditional Irish music session in Linnane’s in Kilfenora
Day 5 Painting and Tasting
Optional early morning Yoga before breakfast. An Outdoor Painting Experience with the Burren Painting Centre along the scenic Burren coast highlighting the local flora, fauna and unique geographical features. Picnic lunch on the beach. Burren Smokehouse Experience where you learn about a local ancient food craft in the Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings and history. Birgitta and Peter Curtin will regale you with the local stories and host a craft beer and smoked salmon tasting in The Roadside Tavern and Micro Brewery. Also take time to have a wander in Lisdoonvarna.
• Another delicious vegetarian evening meal at Boghill.
• Set Dancing Class in Vaughans’ Barn followed by Ceili – a chance to learn try out the local sport!
Day 6 Departure
Optional early morning Yoga. After a last breakfast at Boghill, say goodbye to The Burren and drive eastwards to Dublin for your return flight. Follow an alternative route through Limerick with an optional stop off at Bunratty Castle and lunch on the way, guided by your friendly driver.
