Southern Smoke Meets Irish Soul: An Irish Adventure w/ Sweet Lew's BBQ

August 15th to August 22nd, 2026

Imagine a week where Ireland’s wild landscapes, legendary flavors, and warm-hearted culture come alive—where every day is a new adventure for your eyes, your palate, and your soul. Picture yourself wandering cobblestone streets in vibrant cities, tasting world-class whiskey, smoky barbecue, and the freshest oysters straight from the Atlantic. Feel the wind along rugged cliffs, breathe in the scent of peat fires and the sea, and let the music of live fiddles, flutes, and laughter carry you from one unforgettable moment to the next.

Southern Smoke Meets Irish Soul: An Irish Adventure with Chef Lewis Donald of Sweet Lew’s BBQ is exactly that: a journey designed for food lovers, whiskey aficionados, BBQ devotees, and anyone who wants to experience Ireland beyond the ordinary. Every meal, every toast, and every step along this adventure is curated to connect you with the land, the flavors, and the people that make Ireland truly unforgettable.

Highlights of Your Adventure:

• Dublin Arrival & Welcome: Join Chef Lewis and Chef Richard for a lively meet-and-greet with frosty pints, laughter, and new friends. Ease into Ireland’s rhythm before our adventure officially begins.

• Trinity College & the Book of Kells: Step into history and marvel at the world-famous manuscript and the soaring Long Room, a library cathedral like no other.

• The Big Grill Festival: Watch pitmasters in action, savor smoky creations alongside Chef Donald, enjoy live music, and immerse yourself in a fiery, flavor-packed celebration.

·        Private Guinness Storehouse Tour: Go behind the scenes, learn the craft, and savor a pint with panoramic Dublin views.

• Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery: Explore historic buildings, copper pot stills, and the art of triple distillation. Conclude with a private guided whiskey tasting and a riverside meal at the historic Old Warehouse.

• Galway Exploration: Wander the Latin Quarter, stroll Shop Street, enjoy live music, and experience why Galway is repeatedly voted the friendliest city in the world.

• Aran Islands Adventure: Sail to Inishmore, meet a local goat cheese maker, hike to Dun Aengus, and shop for iconic Aran sweaters crafted by hand for generations.

• Markets & Cheesemongers: Experience one of Ireland’s best markets at the St. Nicholas’ Market and taste some of Ireland’s best cheeses at Sheridan’s Cheesemongers, then enjoy an evening of traditional music in Galway pubs.

• Connemara & Sky Road: Drive through windswept boglands, mountains, and lakes, take in panoramic Atlantic views along the legendary Sky Road, and explore the romantic Kylemore Abbey.

• Four-Hands Dinner at Kombu: Witness culinary magic as Chef Lewis and Ireland’s trailblazer JP McMahon collaborate on a BBQ-Japanese-Irish fusion feast bursting with creativity and flavor.

• Kelly’s Oysters & Moran’s Oyster Cottage: Taste the freshest Irish Native and Pacific oysters, explore a historic oyster farm, and enjoy a meal steeped in centuries of tradition along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Why You Can’t Miss This Adventure:
This isn’t a standard tour—it’s a full immersion in Ireland’s spirit, from pitmasters and poitín distillers to legendary pubs, colorful streets, and unforgettable landscapes. Every day is designed to delight, surprise, and connect, guided by Chef Lewis Donald and Chef Richard Gruica.

Who is Hosting?

Chef Lewis “Sweet Lew” Donald | Sweet Lew’s BBQ

Chef Lewis Donald, known to friends and fans as Sweet Lew, is a master of Carolina-style barbecue and a beloved figure in the American culinary scene. With a passion for bold flavors, slow-smoked meats, and authentic Southern techniques, Chef Lewis has built Sweet Lew’s BBQ into a destination for food lovers seeking soulful, smoky perfection. Beyond the grill, he’s celebrated for his infectious energy, warm hospitality, and ability to turn every meal into a shared experience of joy and community. On this Irish adventure, he brings his BBQ expertise across the Atlantic, fusing Southern smoke with Irish soul in an unforgettable culinary journey.

Chef Richard Gruica | Founder, The Gourmet Vacation

Chef Richard Gruica is the visionary founder of The Gourmet Vacation, a boutique travel company specializing in curated culinary adventures around the world. With a lifelong passion for food, wine, and culture, Richard designs immersive experiences that connect travelers with world-class chefs, local traditions, and unforgettable flavors. Known for his attention to detail, storytelling, and infectious enthusiasm, he turns every journey into a feast for the senses and a celebration of culture, community, and cuisine.

Book Your Spot

Spaces for Southern Smoke Meets Irish Soul are limited. Don’t miss your chance to explore Ireland in a way only The Gourmet Vacation can deliver—a perfect blend of flavor, adventure, and soul.

Your Journey Awaits. Sláinte.

Friday, August 14th

Pre-Tour-Dublin Arrival: Cheers, Chats, and the First Tastes

Touch down in Dublin and let the magic begin. We ask all guests of Southern Smoke Meets Irish Soul: An Irish Adventure w/ Sweet Lew's BBQ to arrive by Friday, August 14th — giving you time to settle in, shake off the journey, and ease into the rhythm of Ireland before our culinary adventure officially kicks off on Saturday morning.

Your first evening sets the tone. Join us for a lively pre-tour meet and greet, where frosty pints, easy laughter, and good company flow freely. It’s the perfect chance to get to know your fellow travelers and share a first toast with Chef Lewis and Chef Richard. Consider it your warm Irish welcome — pint in hand, spirit lifted, adventure unlocked.

Overnight Stay:
Rest your head at the stylish Trinity City Hotel (our host hotel while in Dublin), a vibrant gem right in the heart of Dublin. With plush rooms and unbeatable access to the city’s best sights, it’s the perfect launchpad for what's ahead.
Please note that this night is not included in the tour package, as the adventure officially begins on Saturday.

Explore more about the hotel:
https://www.trinitycityhotel.com/en/

Let Dublin be your first hello — the rest of Ireland will take it from there.

Saturday, August 15th

Day 1-From Irish Ink to Open Flames

Good morning and welcome to Dublin, where Southern Smoke Meets Irish Soul officially flickers into full flame. We begin with a timeless Irish treasure: a private exploration of Trinity College and the world-famous Book of Kells.

Trinity is Ireland’s most storied university, a place where cobblestones whisper centuries of brilliance. Its crown jewel, the Book of Kells, isn’t just a manuscript — it’s a masterpiece of medieval artistry, created by monks over 1,200 years ago. Vivid pigments, swirling knotwork, and impossibly intricate illustrations illuminate every page. Standing before it feels like standing at the crossroads of history, myth, and devotion. And then there’s the Old Library’s Long Room, a soaring cathedral of books that many call one of the most beautiful libraries on Earth. Simply put: this is a must-visit for anyone setting foot in Ireland.

From scholarly splendor, we turn up the heat — literally.

Next stop: The Big Grill, Europe’s premier barbecue festival and the fiery centerpiece of our Dublin stay. This is where pitmasters, flame tamers, smoke whisperers, and flavor fanatics gather from across the globe. And right at the heart of it all, Chef Lewis Donald from Sweet Lew’s Barbecue, bringing Carolina soul to Irish soil by brining our to this stellar event. Expect roaring fires, mouthwatering demos, bold bites, cold pints, live music, and an atmosphere that crackles with pure joy. It’s the perfect collision of cultures, craft, and camaraderie, and one of the highlights of our entire journey.

After we’ve eaten, sipped, cheered, and basked in the glow of the grills, the evening is yours to write however you wish. Wander Dublin’s lively streets, unwind with a nightcap, or drift back to your room in that happy, barbecue-blessed haze.

A spectacular beginning to an unforgettable Irish adventure awaits.

Overnight Stay:
Rest your head at the stylish Trinity City Hotel, a vibrant gem right in the heart of Dublin. With plush rooms and unbeatable access to the city’s best sights, it’s the perfect launchpad for what's ahead.

Explore more about the hotel:
https://www.trinitycityhotel.com/en/

Sunday, August 16th

Day 2- From Guinness Glory to Barbeque Dreams

We’ve all heard the phrase hair of the dog, and since we’re in Ireland on a food-and-drink adventure, we figured… why not start the day the Irish way? Folks like to say Guinness is a meal in a glass, so instead of breakfast, we’ll let that first velvety pint do the honors.

This morning, we’re stepping into the legendary Guinness Storehouse for a private, behind-the-scenes immersion into the soul of Ireland’s most iconic brew. Inside the historic St. James’s Gate brewery, the Guinness story rises floor by floor: Arthur Guinness signing his bold 9,000-year lease, the roasted barley and hops that conjure that deep, dark magic, the science behind the famous cascade, and the global journey that transformed a local stout into a cultural symbol.

Seven floors of craft, history, aroma, and playful discovery lead us upward to the Gravity Bar, where Dublin unfurls below like a quilt of rooftops and river light. It’s part museum, part cathedral of brewing, part cloud-level lounge, and absolutely the right place to savor that “liquid breakfast.”

From there, we wander into a different kind of fire. The rest of the day belongs to The Big Grill, Dublin’s great celebration of smoke, flame, and flavor. Picture pitmasters from near and far working their magic over crackling embers, as creative cocktails and craft brews weave through the air, live demos pop up like edible fireworks, and food stalls turn the park into a carnival of char-grilled temptation. Every corner promises something sizzling, unexpected, and wildly delicious.

After we’ve soaked up the festival’s heat and heart, the evening is yours to roam Dublin, find a snug pub, or drift home with that gentle glow only stout, smoke, and good company can kindle.

Overnight Stay:
Rest your head at the stylish Trinity City Hotel, a vibrant gem right in the heart of Dublin. With plush rooms and unbeatable access to the city’s best sights, it’s the perfect launchpad for what's ahead.

Monday, August 17th

Day 3- Whiskey Trails and Western Welcomes

Today we slip out of Dublin’s lively rhythm and into the open-hearted charm of County Clare, beginning with a visit to one of Ireland’s legendary storytellers in liquid form: Tullamore D.E.W. Wander through historic stone buildings, take in the shine of copper pot stills, and learn how triple distillation gives this iconic whiskey its beautifully smooth character. Naturally, we’ll conclude with a guided tasting that allows you to savor the flavors that have made Tullamore famous.

After our tour, we’ll enjoy a hearty meal at The Old Warehouse, a historic riverside venue set on the site of the original Tullamore Distillery, where local flavors and warm Irish hospitality set the tone for the rest of the day. It also happens to be co-owned by professional golfer Shane Lowry.

From there, we make our way to Galway, where the next chapter of our adventure unfolds. The night is yours to explore. Wander the lively Latin Quarter, pop into a cozy pub for live traditional music, stroll Shop Street for buskers and boutiques, or unwind with a pint overlooking Galway Bay.

Galway has been voted the friendliest city in the world more than once, and its warmth is unmistakable. It’s also famously musical—you won’t have to look far before the city serenades you.

Overnight Stay:

Our Galway stay is still being finalized, but it will be a 4+ star hotel—comfortable, welcoming, and the perfect base for our time in the city.

Tuesday, August 18th

Day 4 – Aran Islands Adventure: From Goat Cheese to Cliffside Legends

Today we set sail for the stunning Aran Islands, beginning with a scenic boat ride across sparkling waters to Inishmore, the largest and most enchanting of the islands. Once there, we’ll meet a local guide who is also a master goat cheese maker, offering a behind-the-scenes look at his farm and the traditional methods that transform simple ingredients into rich, flavorful cheese.

Lunch takes us to Teach Nan Phaidi, a charming eatery serving hearty, authentic Irish fare. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore the island’s famed knitwear scene. The Aran Islands are the birthplace of the iconic Aran sweater, known for its intricate cable patterns and unmatched warmth. Each stitch tells a story—crafted by local hands, these sweaters have kept islanders cozy for generations and make for the perfect, timeless Irish souvenir.

Our day continues with a hike to Dun Aengus, a dramatic cliffside fort with panoramic views of the Atlantic that are truly unforgettable. It’s one of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes, where history and nature collide in spectacular fashion.

On the way back to the mainland, we’ll stop at the Burren Smokehouse for a guided tasting and tour of their artisanal smoked fish and meats, savoring flavors that reflect the region’s coastal traditions. We’ll finish the day with a comforting meal at a quaint country tavern and microbrewery in a town famous for its lively matchmaking festival.

Back in Galway, the evening is yours to explore—wander Shop Street for lively pubs and street performers, meander through the Latin Quarter, or find a cozy café to soak in the city’s charm.

Overnight Stay:
Our Galway accommodations are still being finalized, but it will be a 4+ star hotel—comfortable, welcoming, and the perfect base for your city adventures.

Wednesday, August 19th

Day 5- Markets, Midday Food Magic and Music

Start your morning your way. Sleep in, wander the cobblestones, or follow your

Start your morning your way. Sleep in, wander the cobblestones, or follow your curiosity through Galway’s colorful streets.

By midday, we’ll regroup for a visit to St. Nicholas’ Market, the beating heart of Galway on a summer afternoon. This legendary market spills over with fresh produce, artisan bites, handmade crafts, and all the character you’d expect from a city that loves good food and good fun.

Just around the corner awaits a treat: Sheridan’s Cheesemongers, Ireland’s most beloved cheese temple. Here, we’ll savor a tasting featuring some of the country’s finest wheels and wedges. Think tangy farmhouse cheddar, creamy blues, nutty goats’ cheeses, and the unique flavors shaped by Ireland’s lush fields and small producers. Sheridan’s has spent decades championing Irish cheesemakers, and this tasting celebrates the very best of that craft.

Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore Galway at your own rhythm.

In the evening, we’ll gather again for trad music at one of Galway’s iconic pubs. Fiddles, flutes, and pints will flow, and the first round is on Chef Donal and Chef Richard. Cheers to a night wrapped in rhythm and good company.

Overnight Stay:
Our Galway accommodations are still being finalized, but it will be a 4+ star hotel—comfortable, welcoming, and the perfect base for your city adventures.

Thursday, August 20th

Day 6- Spirits of the Hills and Fires of the Kitchen

Today is a full-throttle celebration of flavor, landscape, and creativity.

We begin with a spirited stop at Micil Poitín Distillery, the home of Galway’s oldest continuously distilled spirit. This family-run distillery keeps alive a tradition that once hummed in hidden stills across the hills. You’ll hear stories of rebels, recipes, and the bold personalities who kept poitín alive through the centuries. The tasting is a lively parade of flavor, from silky-smooth poitín to Micil’s beautifully crafted gins. It’s heritage in a glass with a wink of modern Galway charm.

Then it’s off to the wild. Our Connemara drive sweeps us through a landscape that looks sculpted by wind and poetry. Boglands shift into mountains, lakes blink in and out of view, and sheep wander like tiny white commas in the scenery. Connemara doesn’t whisper; it glows.

From there, we journey along the legendary Sky Road, one of the most breathtaking routes on the planet. The Atlantic stretches into the horizon, cliffs tumble toward turquoise water, and every turn offers a view that feels almost unreal. Have your camera ready. Your soul, too.

Our next stop is the timeless Kylemore Abbey, a grand lakeside estate wrapped in romance and history. Its stone walls and mirrored lake make it one of Ireland’s most beloved sights, and exploring the grounds feels like stepping into a living postcard. Wander the gardens, breathe in the quiet, and let the place work its gentle magic.

But the highlight of the day awaits back in Galway. Tonight, we settle in for an extraordinary four-hands dinner, as Chef Lewis teams up with one of Ireland’s culinary trailblazers, Chef JP McMahon. JP is a chef, author, educator, and creative force whose influence has shaped modern Irish cuisine. Known for pushing boundaries while honoring tradition, he brings deep Irish roots and fearless imagination to every plate.

The venue? Kombu, his new Japanese-inspired concept. Get ready for a dazzling fusion of BBQ, Japanese technique, and Irish soul. This dinner will be a collaboration bursting with fire, flavor, and personality.

A day of wild scenery. A night of wild creativity. Perfect balance.

Overnight Stay:
Our Galway accommodations are still being finalized, but it will be a 4+ star hotel—comfortable, welcoming, and the perfect base for your city adventures.

Friday, August 21st

Day 7- A Last Taste of the Atlantic

As we come to our final morning together, enjoy Galway at your own pace. Linger over breakfast, stroll the harbor, or simply breathe in the easy rhythm of Ireland’s friendliest city. Around midday, we’ll say a gentle goodbye to Galway and follow the road as it curls back toward the Wild Atlantic Way.

Our first stop: a return to one of my favorite families in Ireland, the crew at Kelly’s Oysters. For generations, the Kellys have harvested the tides with a craft passed down like a treasured heirloom. Today, they’ll bring us through their oyster farm, share how the Atlantic shapes their work, and guide us through a tasting of both Irish Native Oysters—the rare, slow-grown, copper-toned beauties—and Pacific Oysters, known for their briny brightness and clean, crisp finish. Whether you fall for one or love them all, it’s a tasting that captures the very essence of the West Coast.

In keeping with our oyster journey, we’ll continue to one of Ireland’s most storied seafood landmarks: Moran’s Oyster Cottage. Dating back to 1760, this thatched-roof cottage has served everyone from local fishermen to visiting presidents, poets, and curious wanderers. The Moran family still runs it, carrying on a tradition built around turf fires, overflowing seafood platters, and famously fresh oysters pulled straight from nearby waters. It’s the kind of place where time pauses, pints settle slowly, and every dish comes with a whisper of history.

After we’ve filled ourselves with good food, good drink, and good company, we’ll make our way back to Dublin, where we’ll check in one last time and settle into the comfort of the evening.

Content. Fed. Joyfully full of Ireland.

To close our journey, a heartfelt thank you from Chef Lewis and Chef Richard for sharing this adventure with us. Southern Smoke Meets Irish Soul: An Irish Adventure w/ Sweet Lew’s BBQ has been a celebration of flavor, landscape, and connection—and it wouldn’t have been the same without you.

Here’s to the roads we traveled, the meals we shared, and the memories that will linger far longer than the last bite. Sláinte.

Overnight Stay:
Rest your head at the stylish Trinity City Hotel, a vibrant gem right in the heart of Dublin. With plush rooms and unbeatable access to the city’s best sights, it’s the perfect launchpad for what's ahead.

Day 8-Saturday, August 22nd

Fond Farewells and Departure

Guests will enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing for Dublin Airport. As we bid farewell, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for joining Chef Lewis Donald and Chef Richard Gruica on this unforgettable culinary journey with The Gourmet Vacation through Ireland. We hope the memories, flavors, and experiences you've gathered will stay with you for years to come. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you on future adventures!

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Departure