Kennedy's Kitchen

Join us for our visit to County Donegal October of 2026 for a relaxed pace with time off to explore on one's own.  We are looking at Oct 11 - 21.  It's three nights in Donegal Town, three nights in the coastal village of Downings, two nights in Belfast and then a day and an evening in Dublin.  The price will include round trip air O'Hare - Dublin, hotels, most breakfasts, ground transport in Ireland, some dinners.  

 Call INTERTRAV at (630) 377-5840     $3,740 per person, double occupancy, with a single supplement of $540.  The “Land Only” price is $2,990 per person.

Mon., Oct. 12 – DUBLIN / DONEGAL TOWN  (I,D)

As the sun rises on the Irish coast we arrive in Dublin and meet our Driver Guide who will welcome us to Ireland. Leaving the airport, we’ll set out across the gorgeous Irish countryside for County Donegal.  Our fabulous Driver Guide is sure to find the perfect stop for a bite and something off the beaten path to explore before we continue to our hotel in Donegal Town.  We’ll be sure to start off our adventure in Ireland with music this evening from joHn and Chris.

Tues., Oct. 13 – DONEGAL                                 (B)

Today we will explore the Donegal Peninsula where the landscape has been remarkably unaffected by the passage of time, a striking mixture of coastal beauty, mountains and lovely lakes. We begin at the Slieve League Cliffs Visitor Centre for an insight into the wildlife, local history and heritage from years gone by and more - all combined with some Irish banter! As we’ll learn, the cliffs rise almost 2,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. After the cliffs, we’ll head to Triona Design, Donegal Tweed Centre, where the age-old artistry of handweaving meets contemporary elegance. Nestled in the heart of Ardara, the Triona story is a tapestry woven with passion, dedication, and a commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Donegal Tweeds. If the mood strikes, and time allows, we’ll journey along the scenic coast road to Elliots Bar in Lettermacaward, known for traditional music and great local stories.  Returning to Donegal Town, the remainder of the day is free to explore this fairytale of a place, with a charming harbor and stoic stone remains of centuries past, like those of 15th-century Donegal Abbey and the Diamond, the central hub of the town.  joHn and Chris will be looking to play music this evening atnearby Reel Inn.

Wed., Oct. 14 – DONEGAL                                 (B)

After breakfast, our mourning will begin with a visit to Donegal Castle, built by Red Hugh O’Donnell as his personal fortress in the 15th century. Then have a lunch or perhaps just tea and scones at the iconic Biddy’s o’Barnes, a rural, family run pub since 1870, and a favorite of joHn’s relatives who live in and around Donegal Town.  Then, a through the Blue Stack Mountains letting the wind and the whim of our driver choose the roads and lanes.   The scenery is magnificent, with mountains, valleys, streams and waterfalls cascading down toward the Wild Atlantic.  Tonight joHn and Chris will be looking to make more music with friends.

Thur., Oct. 15 – DONEGAL / DOWNINGS      (B,D)

This morning we’ll say goodbye to Donegal Town and head north to remote Downings.  Today will be a day of exploring, choosing the route and stops along the Wild Atlantic Way that suit best - there are no bad options!  joHn and Chris drove this section just last October and it was the highlight of their one week stsy in Downings.  Upon arriving, we will enjoy a relaxing dinner at our hotel, our home for the next three nights.  Downings is a historic fishing village on a lovely horseshoe bay.  It has also been a resort town for over 100 years, mostly for the Irish from the northern part of the Island.  It has a spectacular golf course, stunning area beaches.  We’ll be there during the off season.  We’ll be dropping by “The Singing Pub”.  

Sun., Oct. 18 – DOWNINGS / BELFAST      (B,D)

This morning we say goodbye to Donegal and head into Northern Ireland.  Our first stop is the city of Derry where we’ll have a walking tour of the Derry Walls with our guide, Ruairi O’hEara.  Then it’s off to train from Derry to Coleraine..?  Dinner tonight and music from joHn and Chris.

Tues., Oct. 20 – BELFAST / DUBLIN               (B)

After breakfast we depart Belfast for the journey to Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland.  We’ll visit Kilmainham Gaol, most famous for the executions of the leaders of the Easter 1916 uprising, but the gaol also housed thousands of men, women, and children on charges ranging from petty offenses to serious crimes.  After time for lunch, we’ll visit the Guinness Storehouse to experience the Guinness Story and the brewing process before finishing with a sampling of the black stuff in the Visitors Bar, with a panoramic view of the city.  This evening is free to explore Dublin and find one of the city’s iconic musical pubs, many within walking distance of our hotel! [insert suggestions here] A perfect end to an unforgettable musical adventure!

joHn