10 days 1 country 6 cities
🛫 START: Shannon 🛬 END: Dublin
🚐 Private Coach 👯♀️ MAX 8 WOMEN
🏨 7 nights in a private country manor and 2 nights in a boutique hotel in Dublin
Nestled between windswept cliffs and ancient castles, this 10-day Irish journey invites you to slow down and sink into the rhythm of Celtic life. From your cozy base in County Clare, you’ll explore rugged coastlines, emerald hills, and warm village pubs before capping it off with two nights in lively Dublin. Expect moments of laughter, storytelling, and quiet reflection as we trace Ireland’s soulful spirit together.
The Dandelion Journals experiences are designed around shared values of kindness, curiosity, and connection. We prioritize respect—for fellow travelers, for local cultures, and for the unpredictability of travel itself. If these qualities describe you, you’ll thrive on this journey.
You are:
Flexible, open-minded, and easy-going, embracing a range of experiences
Positive and optimistic, especially when things don’t go as planned
Interested in forming genuine connections and friendships with other women
Respectful of different cultures, people, and the natural world
Unique Considerations for This Trip:
This trip includes a blend of relaxed moments and immersive adventures—from coastal wellness rituals to vibrant city and countryside strolls and castle banquets.
Expect both quiet countryside and lively Irish towns, with opportunities for cultural experiences and exploration.
The itinerary includes travel days of 1–2 hours by private coach, so comfort with some time on the road is ideal.
Please note that this is a non-smoking trip including accommodations, activities, and transfers.
Please refer to our website HERE for the complete Terms and Conditions.
There are many providers of Travel Insurance. We encourage you to shop for what’s most suitable for you. We, as well as many of our past travelers, have used Travel Insured International and feel it offers very comprehensive and reasonable policies and pricing.
To purchase trip insurance from our preferred provider, Travel Insured International, please CLICK HERE to be taken to Travel Insured International's site.
Who can join this trip?
Our trips are designed for women of all ages who are passionate about travel, adventure, and cultural immersion.
What should I pack?
Ireland in May can be cool and a bit rainy, so pack layers! We recommend waterproof shoes or boots, a rain jacket, sweaters, comfortable walking shoes, and at least one nice outfit for dinners out. A full packing list will be provided.
Do I need travel insurance?
We do require that you purchase travel insurance. To purchase trip insurance from our preferred provider, Travel Insured International, please CLICK HERE to be taken to Travel Insured International's site.
What meals are included?
All meals during group activities are included, including private chef dinners at the country home and meals during tours. Snacks or beverages are not included unless otherwise noted.
Do I have to join every excursion?
While we highly encourage participation to make the most of the experience, you are welcome to sit out any activities and enjoy time on your own when feasible. Some excursions you will have to join as we may be transporting to a new location after, just let us know ahead of time!
What airport should I fly into?
You’ll arrange your own flights into Shannon Airport (SNN) and out of Dublin Airport (DUB). Airport pickup and drop-off are included once you arrive in-country.
Will there be downtime?
Yes. This itinerary is thoughtfully designed with built-in time for rest, reflection, and self-guided exploration—especially at our countryside retreat.
Do I need a visa to enter Ireland?
U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays under 90 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyon
Is this trip for solo travelers too?
Absolutely. Many women join our journeys solo and end up forming deep, lasting friendships. The environment is warm, inclusive, and designed for connection.
Can I extend my stay?
Definitely. We can help advise on where to stay if you’d like to explore Ireland more independently before or after the group trip. Just let us know in advance.
Do you offer payment plans?
We do! Options are offered at checkout. If you’d like to discuss further, you are welcome to contact us directly:
📧 letsgo@thedandelionjournals.com
📞 +1 (678) 692-6584
High-end accommodations in boutique hotel and a country manor
Wonderful dining experiences, and meals by our private chef!
Private TDJ Trip Facilitator (Dandies) + Local Guides
All in-country transportation (Airport Transport from Shannon Airport to Country Manor, Transport from Dublin hotel to Dublin airport, Ferry, Private Van, taxi)
Entrance fees and private access to exclusive sites
All Curated Experiences & Excursions
Signature welcome and farewell dinners
Walking tours in Dublin, Galway, and the Aran Islands
Scenic drives along the Wild Atlantic Way and through Connemara
Gather for a group dinner and share stories from the day over a sumptuous dinner and Irish Whiskey tasting.
Visits to artisan villages, perfumeries, and local markets
Cliffs of Moher Excursion, Sheepdog Demonstration, Kylemore Abbey Tour, Burren Perfumery Tour
Pre-trip support, group calls, and personalized packing list
You can also tip more for exceptional service to locals!
To/from Ireland
Outside listed meals
Or meals during free time
Room service, gratuities for guides or hotel staff
Travel insurance is required.
Your journey begins in the heart of County Clare, where rolling green hills and gentle river bends welcome you to Ireland’s west. Settle into Thomond House, your elegant 18th-century home for the week—an inviting retreat that feels instantly grounding after a day of travel.
🚌 Transport: Private group transfer from Shannon Airport to Thomond House
🏨 Overnight Stay: Thomond House, Clarecastle
👗 Attire Tip: Comfortable travel wear with layers for Ireland’s ever-changing weather
🌅 EVENING
Arrivals & Private Transfer to Thomond House
Once you touch down in Shannon, you’ll be met by our representative and a private driver who will escort you through the green countryside. Relax into the journey as stone cottages, sheep-dotted fields, and winding lanes pass by. It’s a scenic and soul-soothing start.
Check-In at Thomond House
Upon, you’ll check into your charming countryside manor, the Thomond House, located in County Clare – a perfect base for exploring the country's rich history and lively culture. Take a moment to unpack, stretch, or settle in before our Welcome Dinner. It is recommended that you arrive before 5PM on your arrival day to join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Welcome Dinner & Cheers to Ireland
Gather tonight for a warm and easy evening with your fellow travelers. Over a thoughtfully prepared meal, get to know your hosts and companions while hearing more about the days ahead. Expect laughter, a toast or two, and that unmistakable Irish sense of ease that lingers long after the plates are cleared.
🛏️ Overnight: Thomond House, Clarecastle
Wake to the calm hush of the countryside before setting out across the limestone wonderland of The Burren. Today blends artistry and tradition — from hand-blended perfumes to ancient fort walls and the rhythm of sheepdogs at work.
🚌 Transport: Private coach touring County Clare
🏨 Overnight Stay: Thomond House, Clarecastle
👗 Attire Tip: Comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket for outdoor sites
🕰️ MORNING
Breakfast at Thomond House
Fuel up with a classic Irish breakfast and prepare for the adventure that lies ahead!
The Burren Perfumery
Step inside this charming perfumery tucked into the heart of The Burren. Learn how Ireland’s wild botanicals inspire its fragrances and enjoy time in the garden, where herbs and blossoms scent the air.
🕰️ AFTERNOON
Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstration
Continue to a ring fort that has stood for over a thousand years. Watch border collies in their element as they guide flocks with instinctive precision — a living connection to Ireland’s pastoral roots.
Lunch En Route
Poulnabrone – Geosite
We finish our afternoon with a visit to Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of Ireland’s most iconic and mysterious ancient landmarks—a portal tomb that dates back over 5,000 years, even older than the pyramids of Egypt. Set against the stark, lunar-like landscape of The Burren, its massive stone slabs rise dramatically from the limestone, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s prehistoric past.
🌅 EVENING
Gourmet Dinner at Thomond House
As evening falls, savor gourmet meals crafted by your private chef from the finest local ingredients, paired with exquisite wines to tantalize your palate. Dine in style and elegant ambiance, then sit back, unwind, and rejuvenate at this sanctuary.
🛏️ Overnight: Thomond House– County Clare
Today carries you north through scenic valleys to Kylemore Abbey, a storybook estate framed by forested hills and mirrored lakes. The journey continues to Galway, where cobblestone streets hum with street music and local color.
🚌 Transport: Private coach excursion to Connemara and Galway
🏨 Overnight Stay: Thomond House, Clarecastle
👗 Attire Tip: Comfortable layers and a scarf for coastal breezes
🕰️ MORNING
Breakfast by Private Chef
Enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by a private chef. Fuel up for a day of scenic wonder!
Explore Kylemore Abbey
Explore the fairytale beauty of this Benedictine abbey, built as a love story in stone. Wander through its Gothic church and walled gardens, where every path invites a slower pace and a deeper breath.
🕰️ AFTERNOON
Lunch en route
Galway City Stroll
Arrive in the vibrant city of Galway. Follow your guide through its lively lanes filled with music, shops, and charm. Stop for a bite or simply take in the spirited rhythm of this coastal gem before returning to your countryside haven.
🌅 EVENING
Dinner in Galway
🛏️ Overnight: Thomond House– County Clare
Today unfolds at an easy pace, inviting you to connect more deeply with Clarecastle — the village just beyond Thomond House. The morning offers local stories and gentle exploration, while the afternoon turns inward with relaxation and renewal with yoga and spa treatments.
🚌 Transport: Local village walk and short transfers as needed
🏨 Overnight Stay: Thomond House, Clarecastle
👗 Attire Tip: Comfortable shoes for walking; light activewear for yoga or spa time
🕰️ MORNING
Brunch at Thomond House
Embrace the serenity with a recipe for wellness served by your private chef. Today is a day of pampering and indulgence!
Clarecastle Historical Tour
Step into the history of this riverside village with a local guide. Hear tales of trade, resilience, and river life as you explore heritage sites that give Clarecastle its quiet charm and sense of place.
🕰️ AFTERNOON
Visit to Eco-Spa & Yoga
Experience the tranquility of Shannon Estuary Way Retreat for an afternoon dedicated to restoration. Enjoy a gentle yoga session and eco-spa experience — a pause to soak in the rural landscape and the ease of unhurried company.
🌅 EVENING
Live Music & Dinner in Ennis
As twilight falls, head to nearby Ennis for a night of traditional Irish music. In the cozy glow of a local pub, the laughter, fiddles, and conversation weave a soundtrack that lingers in the heart.
🛏️ Overnight: Thomond House– County Clare
Today captures Ireland’s essence — dramatic cliffs, timeless castles, and the warmth of shared stories over good food and whiskey. It’s a day for awe, for ease, and for savoring the textures of Clare’s landscape and hospitality.
🚌 Transport: Private coach touring County Clare
🏨 Overnight Stay: Thomond House, Clarecastle
👗 Attire Tip: Windproof layers and sturdy shoes for coastal walks
🕰️ MORNING
Breakfast at Thomond House
Begin your day with a nourishing Irish breakfast. Then we’re off for an unforgettable coastal adventure.
Cliffs of Moher
Stand at the edge of Ireland’s wild Atlantic frontier. Feel the ocean spray and the steady pulse of waves far below. This iconic site invites quiet reflection and a renewed sense of wonder at nature’s scale.
🕰️ AFTERNOON
Afternoon Tea at Dromoland Castle
Settle into the elegance of Dromoland Castle for a classic afternoon tea. Enjoy fine china, delicate pastries, and views across manicured lawns — a graceful pause that feels both timeless and deeply Irish.
🌅 EVENING
Irish Whiskey Tasting Dinner
Return to Thomond House for an intimate dinner and whiskey tasting. A perfect close to a day rich in texture and taste.
🛏️ Overnight: Thomond House– County Clare
Today brings together two sides of Ireland — the quiet poetry of island life and the spirited celebration of medieval lore. It’s a day to feel the salt wind on your face and raise a glass in good company.
🚌 Transport: Private coach and ferry transfers to Inis Mór (Aran Islands)
🏨 Overnight Stay: Thomond House, Clarecastle
👗 Attire Tip: Comfortable layers and flat shoes for walking on uneven ground
🕰️ MORNING & AFTERNOON
Breakfast at Thomond House
Fuel your body and spirit with a hearty breakfast at the hotel to ensure you have energy for the day.
Aran Islands Horse Carriage Tour
Sail to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, where stone walls lace across emerald fields. Explore by horse-drawn carriage, taking in ancient forts, sea cliffs, and glimpses of daily island life — quiet, rugged, and unforgettable.
Lunch in Inis Mór
🌅 EVENING
Dinner at Thomond House
Return to Clarecastle for a heartwarming dinner. Share stories and enjoy a night of reminiscing over the day’s magical experience over delicious traditional Irish dishes.
🛏️ Overnight: Thomond House– County Clare
After days wrapped in green hills and coastal light, it’s time to trade country calm for the hum of the city. Today’s drive carries you across Ireland’s heartland, arriving in Dublin — a lively mix of history, charm, and easy conversation.
🚌 Transport: Private coach transfer
🏨 Overnight Stay: Thomond House, Clarecastle
👗 Attire Tip: Casual wear for daytime village visits, and something playful or dramatic for our themed medieval banquet
Breakfast at Thomond House
Enjoy a country breakfast and let the comfort of this slow morning anchor you for the day ahead.
Countryside Exploration and traditional Irish Lunch
Bunratty Castle Banquet
End your Clare chapter with a feast at Bunratty Castle. Step into candlelit halls filled with music, hearty food, and laughter — a celebration of Irish hospitality and storytelling that brings centuries of tradition to life.
🛏️ Overnight: Thomond House, Clarecastle
After days wrapped in green hills and coastal light, it’s time to trade country calm for the hum of the city. Today’s drive carries you across Ireland’s heartland, arriving in Dublin — a lively mix of history, charm, and easy conversation.
🚌 Transport: Private coach transfer from Clarecastle to Dublin
🏨 Overnight Stay: The Trinity City Hotel, Dublin
👗 Attire Tip: Smart-casual for an afternoon of light walking and city exploration
Breakfast at Thomond House
Enjoy a country breakfast and let the comfort of this slow morning anchor you for the day ahead.
Travel to Dublin on our private transport.
Dublin Walking Tour
Stretch your legs with a guided walk through the city’s most beloved corners — Grafton Street’s shops and buskers, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Temple Bar’s cobblestones, and the quiet green of St. Stephen’s Park. Dublin unfolds like a story told at just the right pace.
Dinner in Dublin
Enjoy your first taste of city dining at a favorite local restaurant.
🛏️ Overnight: The Trinity City Hotel, Dublin
Your last full day celebrates the heart of Irish conviviality — good stories, hearty food, and a shared pint raised among friends. Dublin offers its best today, from the deep caramel scent of brewing barley to the hum of conversation over a final meal together.
🚌 Transport: Private coach transfers within Dublin
🏨 Overnight Stay: The Trinity City Hotel, Dublin
👗 Attire Tip: Comfortable layers and smart-casual for dining out
🕰️ MORNING
Breakfast at the Hotel
We gather in the hotel for an Irish breakfast— there’s laughter, reminiscing, and maybe a few tears as we reflect on all we’ve shared. This is your final moment to soak in the magic of the countryside and the sisterhood you’ve built.
Guinness Storehouse
Step inside the home of Ireland’s most famous stout for an immersive visit. Learn the history and craft behind Guinness, then enjoy the city views from the Gravity Bar — pint in hand, Dublin at your feet.
🕰️ AFTERNOON
Pub Lunch
Settle into one of Dublin’s beloved pubs for a relaxed lunch of local fare. Between clinking glasses and warm conversation, you’ll feel what makes this city so magnetic — a rhythm of welcome that feels like home.
🌅 EVENING
Farewell Dinner
This evening, we’ll gather for a special farewell dinner—raising a glass to new friendships, laughter, and the unforgettable days we’ve shared in Ireland.
🛏️ Overnight: Trinity City Hotel, Dublin
As the sun rises on your final morning in Ireland, the mood is soft and full of gratitude. This journey has been more than just breathtaking landscapes and historic villages—it’s been a collection of shared stories, spontaneous laughter, and quiet moments of awe. Today, we say “slán abhaile”—safe home—with hearts a little fuller than when we arrived.
🚌 Private transfers to Dublin International Airport
🏨 No overnight stay
👗 Attire Tip: Travel-ready comfort; layers for changing temperatures
🕰️ MORNING
Farewell Breakfast & Goodbyes
Gather for a final breakfast together - a time for hugs, shared reflections, and promises to stay in touch as you begin your journey home.
Private Transfers to the Airport
You’ll be transported by private vehicle to Dublin International Airport, your bags packed with handmade keepsakes and your heart filled with memory. As the green fields fade into clouds beneath your plane, may the spirit of Ireland travel with you—playful, poetic, and always a little wild.
