Desiree's 40th Irish Adventure
It’s Desiree’s 40th birthday! Let’s Celebrate!
July 19 - July 28, 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.
Your nine 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 will 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. Explore the geological wonder of the Burren. The rich bohemian vibe of Galway, the arts capital of Ireland, will spark creativity and inspiration in us all!
Join Desiree and Alchemy Adventures on this trip around the Emerald Isle for a 40th birthday celebration like no other!
Your Irish Adventure Includes:
Nine days and nine nights in six cities and villages
Three and Four Star luxurious Inns and 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
Seventeen 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
Pre- and post-trip group conference calls with Kim and Eric
Leprechauns and Fairies
Magic and Synchronicity
$500 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT PER PERSON DUE UPON REGISTRATION
$4995
- per person
- International airfare not included
Just Imagine...
Days 1 to 2: Dublin & Glendalough
July 19: Laragh
Our day starts with a ride south from Dublin into the countryside where we will enjoy the internationally renowned Powerscourt Gardens. After lunch in the garden and a stroll around the beautiful Powerscourt Estate we’ll stop by the sea. Our peaceful B&B in the countryside 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 20: Laragh
The mountains are calling! After breakfast, we’ll 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’ll return to our countryside Inn for a restful evening of fun.
Days 3 to 5: Kilkenny, Carrickbeg, & Cork
July 21: Kilkenny
This morning after breakfast we head to the charming medieval town of Kilkenny. We’ll tour the magnificent Kilkenny Castle and the Cathedral of St. Canice, and climb the Round Tower where we’ll get 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 22: Carrickbeg & Cork
After breakfast in Kilkenny we travel through the rolling green countryside of County Tipperary to the village of Carrickbeg! We’ll explore this quaint burg and enjoy lunch, and then head 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 23: Doolin
Our morning will start with a trip back in time to the famed Blarney Castle and Stone. From there we’ll head north toward the rugged western coast to the charming village of Doolin. We’ll 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 24: Doolin
After breakfast we are off to the fabled Cliffs of Moher. From Hag’s Head Point we will 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 below our feet set the stage for some of the most unforgettable scenery in all the land. After our hike we’ll reward ourselves with the world-famous fish and chips at Gus O’Connor’s pub!
Days 7 to 8: Galway
July 25: Galway
This morning we’ll 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’ll 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 26: 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 27: Newgrange and Dublin
We’ll enjoy breakfast together in Galway, then 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’ll 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 28: Dublin
After breakfast it’s off to the airport and begin the journey home with full hearts and forever memories!
Your Irish Adventure Includes:
Nine days and nine nights in six cities and villages
Three and Four Star luxurious Inns and 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
Seventeen 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
Pre- and post-trip group conference calls with Kim and Eric
Leprechauns and Fairies
Magic and Synchronicity
I would join Kim and Eric on another Alchemy Adventures tour in a heartbeat. They are super playful, fun to travel with, and they definitely do their homework when it comes to scouting out interesting places to visit. They also have an innate ability to help travelers go deep inside themselves and make even greater meaning of the experience. Would highly recommend.
- Mike Bergeron, Ireland