Wild Wellness Retreat

Welcome to Ireland

After meeting your private guide, start your wellness retreat in Cork. Stroll the lovely streets of the city, enjoying the energetic atmosphere before settling down for lunch in one of the many excellent restaurants. Afterwards, amble along the waterfront, breathing in the fresh sea air and perhaps visiting Cork City Gaol and the architecturally stunning St Finbarr’s Cathedral. This afternoon, meet a private chef at a renowned cookery school to bake a loaf of traditional Irish soda bread. As the warm, homely smell wafts into the air, enjoy chatting about Ireland’s food heritage and the many local treasures to be found down the cobbled streets of the city. This evening, transfer to your luxury accommodation, located in the colourful and characterful town of Kinsale.

Overnight: Perryville House | Kinsale

A Food Tour of Kinsale

In the golden rays of first light, celebrate the sunrise with a fusion yoga session. After breakfast, feeling refreshed and invigorated, meander through the bright coastal town of Kinsale. Historically a medieval fishing port, its spectacular waterfront setting and candy-coloured houses, shops, and restaurants, make it a glorious blend of the old and the new. Popular with artists and entrepreneurs, the community is one defined by its creative spirit, making its winding cobbled streets a wonderful place to explore. After a mellow morning, join your guide on a walk to the historic Charles Fort – a 17th-century military fortress which stretches across the cliffs and down to the seashore to learn about turbulent times and haunting ghost stories. This afternoon, join a local guide on a delicious and decadent food tour of Kinsale, discovering well-kept secrets and local culinary delights. Return to your Georgian hotel this evening, perhaps sitting in the blooming courtyard garden to enjoy a cocktail before dinner.

Overnight: Perryville House | Kinsale

An Ancient Pilgrimage & Seaweed Bath

After a relaxed breakfast, head out with your guide to the ancient pilgrimage site of Gougane Barra – a secluded island monastery overlooking a placid lake. Located at the end of St. Finbarr’s Way, an ancient pilgrimage path, there are few places in southwest Ireland that are more beautiful and calming. Learn about the Gougane Barra’s history, while also taking time to enjoy the tranquillity. This afternoon, enjoy a detoxifying seaweed bath at an award-winning spa and wellness centre. Indulge in other therapeutic treatments, perhaps having a hot stone massage. Feeling refreshed, later this afternoon choose to enjoy a private falconry display, go fly-fishing on the tumbling River Sheen or amble through the countryside on horseback. Tonight, sink into the comforting crush of an armchair and enjoy sampling some of the finest Irish whiskeys.

Overnight: Sheen Falls Lodge | Kenmare

The Wilds of Beara

Spend the day exploring the wilds of West Cork. In the morning, venture into the untamed landscape of the Beara Peninsula. With your guide, enjoy a ramble under a never-ending sky on a peninsula that tapers like a brush tip into the ocean. Whether you wish to walk or cycle, discover archaeological gems and sacred sites, gaining a deeper understanding of this beautiful and mountainous coastline. If you like, venture east to visit the ornate Dzogchen Beara, a Buddhist Temple that looks out over the deep blue depths of the North Atlantic Ocean. Here, a place that belongs to the wind and the sea and sky, enjoy some light meditation. At the very end of the peninsula, there is an internationally important population of red-billed choughs. Shy, with glossy blue-black feathers and a joyous, chiming call, these birds find refuge on this wild coastline, alongside a breeding population of fulmar. This evening, return to your luxury Lodge and relax after an adventurous day.

Overnight: Sheen Falls Lodge | Kenmare

Killarney National Park

From West Cork, transfer north into the Kingdom of Kerry, a place of majestic mountains, glittering lakes and thick forests. Start your morning with an early morning mindfulness session, before heading out with your guide to explore Killarney National Park. Perhaps enjoy a gentle bike ride or choose to hike up a more challenging peak – the park being home to the highest mountain range in Ireland. This afternoon, as herds of red deer wander the hillsides, delve into the history of the landscape by visiting Kilarney’s impressive castles, abbeys and manors. Visit Ross Castle and learn about the legend of O’Donoghue, who is said to sleep in the deep, dark depths of Lough Leane and arises every seven years on the back of his white stallion to bestow luck on the first person who sees him. Later, return to your accommodation, looking out over the picturesque Dingle Bay and enjoy an aperitif in the deep pink of a seaside sunset.

Overnight: Castlewood House | Dingle Peninsula

Visiting the Blasket Islands

After breakfast, follow the contour of Dingle’s dramatic coastline to Ireland’s westernmost point for a private boat trip to the Blasket Islands. This stunning archipelago of islands is known for its spectacular beauty, deep-rooted literary heritage and rich biodiversity. Though the Blaskets were inhabited for centuries, isolation, harsh conditions and a dwindling population led to the island’s evacuation in 1953. After exploring with your guide, spotting a mix of seabirds or perhaps seals, enjoy an open-air poetry reading, in the tumbling ruin of an old village. Back on the mainland, return to the charming town of Dingle and meet a local brewer, taking the opportunity to visit a microbrewery perched on the side of Slea Head. Feeling refreshed and relaxed, enjoy dinner in a renowned seafood restaurant, toasting a wonderful week spent on this beautiful emerald isle.

Overnight: Castlewood House | Dingle Peninsula

Departing the Emerald Isle

Enjoy a morning stroll on the beach, or wander through the streets of Dingle, visiting artisanal shops and local galleries. Your guide will transfer you to your chosen airport so you may continue your onward journey.