Day 1 - Arrive Dublin

Arrival in Dublin and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon join a local guide on an orientation tour which will include a visit to Trinity College Library to see the exquisite Book of Kells. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, Ireland's highest rated restaurant with two-Michelin-stars.

Overnight: The Merrion 

Meal Plan: D

Day 2 - Culinary Dublin Tour, Guinness Storehouse and The Irish House Party

This morning, meet an expert on Irish cuisine for a walking tour of Dublin, which includes visits to various outlets such as a cheese store and a traditional butcher (including product tastings). 

Afterwards at the Guinness Storehouse, learn how a pint of the world-famous stout is created and enjoy a tasting in the Gravity Bar which has great views over the city. Later visit the Old Jameson Distillery, again with a chance to sample the produce. This evening at The Irish House Party enjoy a delicious three course dinner and traditional live entertainment.

Overnight: The Merrion

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 3 - Dublin to Galway

This morning depart Dublin and head west. On the banks of the river Shannon are the ruins of Clonmacnoise, one of the most important medieval monastic sites in Europe. After a guided tour of the site, board a boat and cruise north through the town of Athlone onto Lough Ree, one of the two largest lakes on the river. After lunch at leisure continue west to Connemara where you check in to your hotel.

Overnight: Glenlo Abbey

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Connemara Smokehouse, Errisberg House and Moran’s Oyster Cottage

This morning visit the Connemara Smokehouse, where the proprietors will demonstrate how salmon is filleted and prepared for the delicate smoking process that imparts such a distinctive flavour (a tasting is included). Lunch will be taken at nearby Errisbeg House, home to Richard, 7th Duke de Stacpoole. 

This afternoon, continue to Killary harbour, now home to Ireland's mussel farming industry. This evening drive to Clarinbridge for dinner at Moran's Oyster Cottage where you can sample the famous oysters reared in Galway Bay, or a wide range of alternative seafood dishes.

Overnight: Glenlo Abbey

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 5 - Scone Making Class at Rathbaun Farm and Irish Coffee

This morning depart the hotel and head south. Enjoy a visit to Rathbaun Farm for a private scone making class using a secret recipe; later your freshly-baked scones are served with homemade preserves and cream, and of course tea and coffee. 

Later head to the town of Foynes, located on the southern shores of the River Shannon. In 1939 Foynes was the site of the first commercial transatlantic passenger service, which although short-lived did give rise to the creation of Irish Coffee. Learn how to make proper Irish Coffee in a master class using Irish whiskey and fresh local cream. Dine this evening in the hotel.

Overnight: Glenlo Abbey

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 6 - Artisanal Cheeses and Local Fishing Industry

Leave the hotel this morning for West Cork, an area that has become established as a leading centre for artisanal cheeses including Durrus, Milleens and Gubbeen. Stop at one of the factories to learn about cheese-making and to enjoy the fresh produce. Later travel to Castletownbere, the leading port in Ireland for white fish-landing. Hear about the importance of the fishing industry to the local economy before enjoying a lunch of freshly caught fish in a local hostelry. This afternoon drive over the Caha Mountains to the colourful town of Kenmare where there is time to shop for souvenirs.

Overnight: Hayfield Manor

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 7 - Ballymaloe Cookery School

Run by legendary chef Darina Allen, Ballymaloe is the most celebrated cookery school in Ireland. The chefs will offer a demonstration on the techniques used to prepare quality dishes, after which you have the opportunity to make the dishes yourself. At the end of the session enjoy the fruits of your labour in a well-deserved late lunch followed by a tour of the extensive gardens of the school where all the vegetables and herbs are grown. 

Return to Cork and visit the English Market, ironically one of the most noted food markets in Ireland. The market hall includes a huge range of Irish produce, from meat and fish to fruit and vegetables. The evening is at leisure to dine independently.

Overnight: Hayfield Manor

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 8 - Transfer to Cork airport

Privately transfer to Cork airport for your departure flight.

Meal Plan: B