Castles and Cairns
A Couples’ Adventure into the heart of Ireland
Castles and Cairns
A Couples’ Adventure Into the Heart of Ireland
June 30 - July 9, 2024
Lush green countrysides and rolling hills surround distant mountains and rugged sea cliffs. Ancient mythology boasts of mysticism and magic, mischievous fairies, and gold at the end of the rainbow. Ireland, the culture known for its music, folklore, and mystical history is the stage for this epic adventure for couples.
Your ten day adventure begins in the countryside near the Wicklow Mountains. Hike in the valley of the two lakes and soak up the beauty of these green and rocky landscapes. Explore ancient castles and medieval villages that transport you back in time. Dive into the delicious tastes of Cork, the food capital of Ireland, and experience how the Irish make their whiskey. Walk along the wild and magical Cliffs of Moher, then dance a jig in Doolin. Be inspired by the rich bohemian vibe of Galway, the arts capital of Ireland.
This Irish adventure includes couples’ experiences designed to support loving and open communication and inspire your meaningful relationship. This adventure through the Emerald Isle is a perfect way to celebrate your love and reconnect you to the fun, romance, and joy in your partnership!
Join Kim Mlinarik and Eric Fulgenzi on this life-changing Alchemy Adventure!
Your Irish Adventure Includes:
Ten days and nine nights in six cities and villages
Charming Country Inns and Four Star Boutique Hotels
The magical cities of Kilkenny, Cork, Doolin, Galway, and a walk along the Cliffs of Moher
Visits to the famous sites of Kilkenny Castle, Blarney Castle, and more
All transportation and luggage transfers
Sixteen of 27 meals
Three professionally guided hikes on the Wicklow Way, Cliffs of Moher, and the Burren Way
A driving tour of the Emerald Isle
Couples’ experiences to inspire your most meaningful partnership
Pre- and post-trip group zoom calls with Kim and Eric
Leprechauns and Fairies
Magic and Synchronicity
$5195
per person
$500 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT PER PERSON DUE UPON REGISTRATION
- International airfare not included
This trip was the reset that we needed! After falling into old patterns and habits of living in parallel ways without realizing it, we got this chance to just be truly together, parting from regular routines and responsibilities. To go through so many days in paradise with the person I chose to marry all those years ago, and to get to see, hear and feel his very heart, was a much-needed gift.
- Amalfi Coast 2022 Couples’ Trip
Just Imagine...
Days 1 to 2: Dublin & Glendalough
June 30: Dublin to Laragh
Our day starts with a visit to the gorgeous Dublin Castle. Feel the history as you experience the life of Irish royalty of yesteryear. From there we ride south into the countryside to enjoy the internationally renowned Powerscourt Gardens. After lunch in the garden and a stroll around the beautiful Powerscourt Estate we head to our peaceful B&B in the countryside. Laragh is the perfect place to celebrate the start of our adventure together with a traditional home-cooked meal at one of our favorite restaurants in all of Ireland!
July 1: Laragh
The mountains are calling! After breakfast, we head out to hike in the immense glacial valley of Glendalough. Stunning views await us in Wicklow Mountains National Park. We walk through the glacial valleys and if we’re lucky, we may encounter a leprechaun along the trail! In the afternoon we return to our countryside inn for a restful evening of fun.
Days 3 to 5: Kilkenny & Cork
July 2: Laragh to Kilkenny
This morning after breakfast we head to the charming medieval town of Kilkenny. We tour the magnificent Kilkenny Castle and the Cathedral of St. Canice, and climb the Round Tower where we take in an unbelievable view of town. After lunch at a local pub the afternoon is yours to wander around and explore Kilkenny at your own pace. Evening in the Marble City promises your choice of premiere pub food and live music at every turn.
July 3: Kilkenny to Cork
Today we travel through the rolling green countryside to the colorful city of Cork, the culinary capital of Ireland! Experience the historic English Market established in 1788, filled with specialty foods, fine wines, and chocolate. Take in the Titanic Museum, the famous historic Gaol (jail), or tour the Jameson factory and taste their finest. The options are endless in this magical city.
Days 5 to 7: Doolin
July 4: Cork to Doolin
Our morning starts with a trip back in time to the famed Blarney Castle and Stone. From there we head north toward the rugged western coast to the charming village of Doolin. We check into our country inn and prepare to immerse ourselves in the heart of traditional Irish music: the pubs of Doolin. Be prepared for an evening of soul-stirring jigs, bohemian ballads, and a few pints!
July 5: Doolin
After breakfast we are off to the fabled Cliffs of Moher. From Hag’s Head Point we walk along this dramatic coastline, feeling the spray of the wild and majestic North Atlantic Ocean on our cheeks. The Aran Islands in the distance, the crashing waves below us, and the poetic emerald pastures beneath our feet set the stage for some of the most unforgettable scenery in all the land. After our hike we get to reward ourselves with the world-famous fish and chips at Gus O’Connor’s pub!
Days 7 to 8: Galway
July 6: Doolin to Galway
This morning we stroll amidst the magnificent karst stone landscape of the Burren, known for its Neolithic tombs, fields of limestone slabs and fissures, and hundreds of rare plant species. We stop for lunch at an oceanside cottage, then make our way to Galway, the de facto arts capital of the Republic of Ireland. With the National University of Ireland at its heart, we spend the evening immersed in this colorful seaside town that is known to capture the heart and soul of all of its visitors.
July 7: Galway
Today we explore the bohemian neighborhoods and colorful shops of Galway. Join in a walking tour, settle into the music of a local pub or cafe, or if you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the sea. A few surprises are bound to be afoot in this artsy town tonight!
Days 9 to 10: Newgrange & Dublin
July 8: Galway to Newgrange and Dublin
This morning we head east to Dublin, but not before a tour of the 5,200 year old Newgrange burial complex. This grand passage tomb, older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt, is like nothing you’ve ever seen! From there, we head to our final castle and a night of celebration and gratitude for the magic of this land and the adventure we’ve shared!
July 9: Dublin
After breakfast it’s off to the airport and begin the journey home with full hearts and forever memories!
Your Irish Adventure Includes:
Ten days and nine nights in six cities and villages
Charming Country Inns and Four Star Boutique Hotels
The magical cities of Kilkenny, Cork, Doolin, Galway, and a walk along the Cliffs of Moher
Visits to the famous sites of Kilkenny Castle, Blarney Castle, and more
All transportation and luggage transfers
Sixteen of 27 meals
Three professionally guided hikes on the Wicklow Way, Cliffs of Moher, and the Burren Way
A driving tour of the Emerald Isle
Couples’ experiences to inspire your most meaningful partnership
Pre- and post-trip group zoom calls with Kim and Eric
Leprechauns and Fairies
Magic and Synchronicity
Alchemy Adventures provides a truly stress-free vacation, without the worry (and sometimes arguing and/or headaches!) over where to stay, how to get to and from incredible sightseeing locations, or where the best places to eat are. Eric and Kim are extremely experienced travelers, and they do an unbelievable amount of research before planning each trip. Most importantly, they are both intensely caring people; they make absolutely sure that everything runs smoothly for each individual member in their group. This makes everyone feel like they are smooth-sailing, and just gliding along on this fabulously adventurous ride. We are already talking about our next Alchemy Adventure with Kim and Eric!
- Amalfi Coast 2022 Couples’ Trip