IRELAND ACTIVITY & CHALLENGE TRIPS, 2021/2022
Most of you know us for foreign rugby or golf tours but under the current situation, like other businesses, we are trying to adapt and continue to offer our clients a quality dedicated service. Where better to look for new ideas than right here in Ireland.
We have put together some great trips that may interest you. We all have different needs while on a break, some of us want a bit of a physical challenge , to meet people, enjoy the nightlife, others want a more relaxed option and some just want to inspire mindfulness and healthy living. Whatever you want we hope we have you covered!
The governments new ‘Stay and Save’ scheme is an added incentive operating from October through to April of 2021.
Activity and Challenge Trips
The Twin Peaks Challenge
This is a really rewarding trip. It involves climbing the twin peaks of Slieve Foye in Co Louth (highest peak in the Cooley Mountains ) and then crossing over Carlingford Lough to conquer Northern Ireland’s highest peak Slieve Donard beside Newcastle Co Down.
This is a 2 night 3 day adventure as follows:
Day 1. – Climb Slieve Foye
Morning arrive Carlingford Co Louth and Climb Slieve Foye 589 m ( this is a moderate climb 2 hours up and 2 down Route map provided. ) The ridge and trail to the top of Slieve Foy is very safe and the trail is very easy to follow. This is a very rewarding hike and not too hard. Picnic on top before descent into Carlingford – Over-night in Carlingford Hotel; Belvedere House or Ghan House.
At the peak of Slieve Foye you can gaze over at your next peak across in County Down!
Dinner in the Bay Tree Restaurant included.
Day 2. - Refresh Day!
Before breakfast start the day off with a plunge off the pier into Carlingford Lough!. After check out take the Carlingford Lough Ferry from Greenore to Greencastle and make your way to ur hotel in Newcastle The Slieve Donard or the Donard Hotel. For lunch why not try The Mourne Seafood Bar in Dundrum for excellent local seafood. Afternoon enjoy and relax in Soaks Seaweed bath – great experience.(included)
Evening: Newcastle has plenty of great bars and restaurants – try Brunel’s restaurant which is a stone throw away from your hotel.
Day 3
After Breakfast start ascent of Slieve Donard up the Glen River (route map provided) starting at Donard Park . You will pass the 18th century Icehouse on the way and walking along the amazing Mourne Wall . At the summit you can look back at your achievement from Day 1 while enjoying your well-earned picnic. The round trip is about 5 hours and 4.6km one way from the car park to the summit, although it is fairly steep in places so it will give you a good workout. The height of Slieve Donard is 850m so the views are well worth the effort.
Included:
• 1 night Belvedere House Hotel BB , 1 Night Donard Hotel BB
• 1 dinner Bay Tree Restaurant Carlingford
• Route maps both climbs plus 2 Picnic packs
• Ferry Pass (one Way)
• Seaweed bath experience
Cost €250 per person sharing
Upgrade to Ghan House in Carlingford and luxury Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle extra €95pps
The Champion Golfers Trail
This Golf Trail takes in the locations of the Ireland's Shane Lowry’s greatest victories. Apart from the 3 superb championship courses we will take you on a journey around North East and North West Ireland's coast with spectacular scenery and historic towns / cities.
What Shane has achieved is quite remarkable. He is the only amateur to ever win his own national PGA open (The Irish Open) in Co Louth GC Baltray in 2009. He also won the West of Ireland amateur Championship in Co. Sligo GC Rosses point in 2008. Of course, the pinnacle was winning the The Open in Royal Portrush in 2019 where he also won the North of Ireland Amateur Championship in 2008. On this trip you will follow in his footsteps playing these superb championship golf courses.
For more details Click Here
Whats Included and costs:
1 Night 4* Maldron Hotel Belfast City Centre B&B
1 Nights 4* Adelphi Hotel Portrush BB
2 Nights 4* plus Harveys Point Lough Eske Donegal BB and 1 Dinner
3 Rounds Golf at Baltray ,Royal Portrush and Rosses Point
Cost:
Aug /Sept €1025 per person sharing
October €900 per person sharing
November €775 per person sharing
NB For Other Golf Trails and Stay and Play around Ireland visit our website The Flying Golfer
The Walls and Cliffs of Derry and Donegal
This 3 Night trip takes in both history and some of the most spectacular scenery the North West has to offer. The City of Derry is wonderful place to visit and a credit to its communities that have enabled the city to put itself forward to be considered for the 2023 European City of Culture. Once you visit you will see why it is being looked at. No other city in Ireland has integrated its Historical City Walls into a vibrant young developing city which is experiencing rapid growth in Tourism. Places to see City Walls, Peace Bridge, Guild Hall, Free Derry Corner. You can’t miss the new Derry Girls mural on a gable end by the Walls!
After staying one night in Derry in Maldron Hotel you will move west to take in some of the Wild Atlantic Way of Donegal with your base for the next 2 nights is in the award winning Harveys Point Hotel just 10 mins from Donegal Town. From here you can explore the many places of beauty like Glencolumbkille, Ardara, Malin beag, Silver Strand and the spectacular Slieve Liag Cliffs. You can visit the Cliffs by driving or cycling up to them or for an even better view by boat from Teelin pier.
If its golf you want, then Portnoo Golf Course is a must or Murvagh very close to your Hotel.
Option: This area of Donegal is a wonderful area to cycle – you won’t be disappointed.
Included :
1 Night Maldron Hotel Derry BB
2 Nights Harveys point Hotel BB plus 1 Dinner
Call for a quote
Dublin Bay Cruises
Cruise from Dun Laoghaire to Howth enjoying some great views of Dublin Bay , Howth Cliffs and the Baily Lighthouse. Then enjoy a wonderful lunch in Aqua Restaurant Howth. Option to enjoy the Howth cliff walk / Howth Summit route for more wonderful views of Dublin Bay. Finally return to Dun Laoghaire on the
Dart. A great day out.
Included :
Cruise from Dun Laoghaire to Howth
3 Course Lunch with wine in Aqua restaurant West Pier Howth
Route map for Cliff/Summit Walk
Cost From €95 per person
• To include an overnight in Clontarf Castle incl BB -From €65 pps extra
Wild Fire Cooking and Foraging
Location : Wicklow
Join our expert guide and chef for a unique Irish Forest Forage experience.
Then enjoy a wonderful open air grill and tasting for a feast not to forget.
(groups min 6 persons) – Overnight in 4* Hotel in Wicklow.
(Full Details to come)
To register please email info@killestertravel.com
Walk or Cycle the Copper Coast Waterford Greenway
2 night trip.
There is so much to do in this regions so let us put together an amazing trip for you . To get the most we suggest a 2 night trip. You walk or cycle or both or just take in some sightseeing driving from point too point Some suggested trip inclusions for you to consider are:
Walkers:
Comeragh Mountains – Walk the Mahon Falls loop or walk up to the falls through the Crough Wood following the Mahon river up to the falls. St Decland Way - This walk takes you along the stunning cliff walk around Ardmore
Waterford Greenway – This 46Km walk is on an old railway line between Waterford and Dungarvan through Kilmeadon Kilmacthomas and Durrow. Its is well developed and can be walked in sections to suit. Copper Coast Mahon Falls
Cyclists:
If its casual family cycling then the Waterford Greenway is the one. This can be done in sections and bike Hire depots are available in 3 different locations along the route For more of a challenge try : ( Remember this is Sean kelly Country!)
1. Cycle from Waterford to Dungarvan via coastal route 89 km (linear)
2. Cycle the Kelly Legacy Route 105km (loop)
3. Cycle the Kelly Comeragh Challenge with climbs 160 km (loop)
Included :
2 Nights 4* Hotel Waterford / Dungarvan BB
1 x dinner in Local restaurant
Guided Tour of Medieval Museum Waterford
Detailed route map for Walks or Cycles
Cost from €275 pps
Bike Hire extra €50 (2 days)
A Taste of Japan - Cork Style
1 night trip. (Extra nights available on request)
Many of you may have been in Japan last year for the RWC so this trip is designed for you to give you a reminder of the amazing food you experienced while in Japan. We are delighted to offer Irelands finest Japanese restaurant Ichie Ichigo. This restaurant has won many awards including one Michelin Star. Enjoy 12 courses using the finest Irish ingredients prepared and served Japanese style.
During the day take a self guided tour of Cork taking in the English market which has the very best of Irish artisan food and wonderful purveyors of meat, fish and cheese. Included in the package Lunch tasting menu from the English market. You will also visit the main sites of historical interest using our route map and descriptions.
Included :
1 Night BB 4* Maldron Hotel South Mall
Lunch English market tasting menu Oyster Tavern
Dinner in Ichie Ichigo restaurant (Drinks not included)
Self-Guided Tour of Cork City – Route Map included
Cost from €295 pps
Call us on 018336935 or email paddy@killestertravel.com
A Heavenly Break to Donegal
Our Hotel – The Shandon Hotel and Spa - Refurbished in 2016, the Shandon Hotel & Spa is situated in Marble Hill on the outskirts of the small village of Dunfanaghy and offers wonderful views of the Sheephaven Bay and a luxury spa. All the rooms, the bar, the swimming pool, the relaxation room and the outdoor Canadian hot tub overlook the nearby bay, hills and countryside.
The bright and airy bedrooms each have a cosy seating area and some have sea views. All rooms feature a TV, tea/coffee facilities and a private modern bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Hotel guests have free use of the leisure centre which boasts a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, spa bath & gym. Discounted access to the luxury thermal spa is available to hotel residents. The spa is housed in a separate building to the hotel.
The restaurant at Shandon Hotel & Spa serves an international menu in elegant surroundings. Shandon Bar has open fires, free WiFi and a sun terrace, and hosts live music nights.
Shandon Hotel & Spa is just 5.6 km from the beautiful Ards Forest Park. Free on-site parking is available, and Sheephaven Bay Beach is just a short walk away.
Day 1 -
Perhaps travel to Donegal via the walled city of Derry, taking time to walk the walls and enjoy a stroll on the peace bridge. On arrival in hotel, check in and then relax before enjoying a wonderful evening meal.
Day 2 -
Start your morning with a walk on the beautiful beach at Marble Hill before a hearty breakfast. This morning you might decide to take the short drive into Dunfanaghy and visit ‘The Workhouse’ where a tour will have you learning the story of Wee Hannah who survived the Famine and lived in the workhouse. Then a drive around Horn Head is a must for it is as spectacular on a bad day as it is on a good one. Weather permitting, you may decide to climb Donegal’s highest Mountain, Mount Errigal. This afternoon immerse in a world of unique medley of various therapies which help to induce deep relaxation and wellbeing. The treatment begins with Meditation Breathing Exercises, Aromatherapy oils and touch therapy designed to calm the Mind, Body and Spirit while stimulating the senses. Indulgence in the Shandon Stone Back Therapy Massage using hot and cold stones and Aromatherapy oils which will help to eliminate toxins from the body, decreases stress levels allowing tension to drift, fade and melt away allowing the new you. Enjoy a nourishing Warm Stone Foot Massage and where a luxurious cream mask is applied and massage into your feet leaving your skin silky and deeply nourished leaving the body totally stimulated, relaxed and rejuvenated. Total package time 2 hours 40 minutes#
Day 3 -
This morning you are free to enjoy the beauty of Donegal. A drive into Downings with the fantastic Tra Mor beach streatching for miles or a drive around the majestic Atlantic Drive, perhaps stopping in the well known ‘Singing Pub’ for a bowl of soup or a light lunch.
Returning to the Shandon you are booked into the Thermal Spa for a one and a half hour experience, followed by afternoon tea.
You will undoubtedly want to relax and chill out after this wonderful experience. We have left tonight free so that you can, if you wish, nip into Dunfanaghy and enjoy dinner there.
Day 4 -
Check out after breakfast and head home feeling revived in mind, body and spirit.
Included :
• 3 Nights in the Shandon Hotel & Spa
• Breakfast Each Morning
• 1 Dinner Included
• *2 Spa Treatments as detailed above OR *2 Rounds of Golf (Dunfanaghy / Rosapenna)
Cost from €595 pps
Note – Accommodation is in a deluxe seaview double or twin based on midweek stay. Rates may vary at the weekend and on busy periods.
