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    Sample Itinerary

    Wild Wellness Retreat

    Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    Price: P.O.A. Make an Enquiry

    Trip created by Louise Kavanagh
    View Louise's Profile

    Region: South West – Cork & Kerry
    Accommodation: Luxury

    Grading: Your Own Pace

    Carbon Footprint: 144kg ? What does this mean?
    Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    Spending time in nature is a wonderful way of slowing down, recalibrating and finding a renewed sense of calm. The beautiful beaches, leafy woodlands and rolling hills of West Cork and Kerry offer the perfect place to switch off and unwind on a luxury retreat. On a trip tailored perfectly to you, enjoy a private yoga session on a stunning secluded beach, wild swimming in salty turquoise water, and a coastal ramble, mindful of the sights, sounds and smells of the season.

    Spend time under the peaceful canopy of old forests, visit sacred pilgrimage sites and enjoy a poetry reading on an uninhabited west coast island. In the evening, enjoy the finest locally sourced, organic meals and try your hand at making some traditional Irish recipes. Come evening, relax in unique, boutique guesthouses and elegant hotels that brim with rustic charm.

    Trip Highlights

    • Enjoy a decadent and delicious local food tour of Kinsale in County Cork.
    • Visit ancient archaeological sites, a beautiful island monastery and a Buddhist temple.
    • With your expert guide, explore Ireland's oldest National Park.
    • Sail to the wonderful Blasket Islands, learning about their rich literary and musical heritage.
    • Take time to enjoy private yoga sessions and guided meditations.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 - 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

    Day 2 - 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

    Day 3 - 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

    Day 4 - 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

    Day 5 - 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

    Day 6 - 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

    Day 7 - 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.

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    Sample Itineraries
    Wild Wellness Retreat

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    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    Perryville House
    Lovingly restored, this elegant 4-star townhouse overlooks the pretty harbour and offers a welcoming escape in the heart of Kinsale.

    Sheen Falls
    Bask in the luxury of this historic, 5-star Relais & Chateaux Lodge, which contains an award-winning restaurant, and is situated along the scenic shores of Kenmare Bay.

    Castlewood House
    Overlooking Dingle Bay, with easy elegance and meticulous attention to detail, this 4-star hotel is the perfect blend of style and comfort.

    Trip Grading Read More

    At Your Own Pace

    On this adventure, you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Ireland guide who will be able to suggest and lead you on a range of activities such as gentle hikes, cycles, yoga or surfing, to immersive cultural and heritage experiences. As this is a luxury trip, your travel designer will work with you to customise the trip and activities to suit your interests and ability levels. During your trip, your guide will tailor any activities to your group, ensuring that you can explore at whatever pace you feel comfortable.

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    The closest airport is Cork Airport. However, you may choose to arrive in Dublin or Shannon Airport, where your private guide will pick you up. At the end of your trip, your guide will return you to the airport, or you may extend your stay in Ireland.

    Photo Gallery

    Make an Enquiry

    Speak to an Expert

    Louise Kavanagh

    From scuba diving to motorbikes to hiking, Louise is no stranger to adventure! Born and raised in County Sligo, Louise has a love for Ireland’s West Coast u2013 particularly the northwest. Louise is one of the team’s expert trip designers and ready to help you explore Ireland’s wild places. When not at work, Louise can usually be found underwater exploring Ireland’s unique coastlines or else zipping through the countryside on her motorbike.

    Ask Louise a Question

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