🏰 European Adventure: Dublin, London & Stoneleigh
✈️ Trip Overview
Experience the rich cultural heritage of Ireland and England with this carefully crafted journey designed specifically for your interests in equestrian experiences and historic sites. This 11-day adventure combines leisure travel with Hank's professional engagement in Stoneleigh, featuring authentic local experiences and the Irish National Stud.
Trip Highlights
- Irish National Stud & Gardens: Guided tour of Ireland's premier horse breeding facility with Living Legends retired racehorses
- Howth Cliff Walk & Cruise: Spectacular coastal scenery with boat tour options
- London Luxury: Stay at Great Scotland Yard Hyatt with VIP Tower of London tour
- Professional Component: Stoneleigh work engagement with nearby equestrian sites
- Flexible Transportation: Multiple options for each destination to suit your budget and preferences
- Historic Dining: Authentic experiences at Ireland's oldest pub and London's finest historic establishments
✈️ Flight Details
- Route: Round-trip flights Mobile ↔ Dublin ↔ London ↔ Birmingham
- Departure: Thursday, September 18, 2025
- Return: Sunday, September 28, 2025
- Booking: Multi-city routing through Apple Vacations
- Note: Specific flight times and carriers to be confirmed upon booking
🗓️ Detailed Itinerary
- Departure from Mobile Regional Airport
- International connecting flights to Dublin
- Overnight flight with meal service
- Morning arrival at Dublin Airport
- Hotel check-in (3:00 PM standard, early check-in available)
🚶♂️ Evening Walking Sightseeing
Dublin City Center Orientation Walk
- O'Connell Street to Trinity College (15 minutes)
- Temple Bar area exploration
- Historic Dublin Castle grounds (exterior viewing)
- Christ Church Cathedral (exterior viewing)
- Return via Dame Street and Grafton Street
🍽️ Evening Dining Recommendation
The Brazen Head
Location: 20 Lower Bridge Street (10-minute walk from hotel)
Historic Significance: Ireland's oldest pub, revolutionary hub where Robert Emmet planned the 1803 uprising
Specialties: Traditional Irish stew, fish & chips, live music
Atmosphere: Authentic Irish pub experience with traditional music
Website: brazenhead.com
💎 Kim's Hidden Gem - Dublin
3FE (Third Floor Espresso) - This local favorite was started by a former investment banker who followed his passion for coffee. They roast their own beans and serve some of the best filter coffee and espresso in Ireland with a simple but delicious breakfast menu.
Address: 32-34 Grand Canal Street Lower, Dublin 2
Website: 3fe.com
🚗 Transportation Options to Irish National Stud
Option 1: Train + Taxi (Most Economical)
- Cost: $40 total per person round trip
- Dublin to Heuston Station: 11-minute taxi ride
- Train departure times: Every hour from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Dublin Heuston to Kildare: 35-minute direct train journey
- Train cost: $20 each way per person
- Kildare Station to National Stud: 10-minute taxi ride
- Taxi cost: $10 each way
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who enjoy local transport
Option 2: Direct Taxi (Convenient)
- Cost: $80-120 each way
- Route: Direct from Dublin hotel to National Stud
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Best for: Convenience and door-to-door service
Option 3: Private Car Service (Premium)
- 2 hours: $161
- 4 hours: $317
- 6 hours: $472
- Includes: Professional driver, comfort, flexibility for additional stops
- Best for: Luxury experience with flexibility to explore the area
🐎 Irish National Stud & Gardens
- Guided tour of Ireland's premier horse breeding facility
- Living Legends retired racehorses experience
- Japanese Gardens and St. Fiachra's Garden
- Entry fee: $15 per person
🍽️ Dublin Evening Dining Options
Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen
Location: 5-minute walk from hotel
Cuisine: Contemporary fine dining with Irish influences
Perfect for: Special occasion dining
The Church Café Bar & Restaurant
Location: Junction of Mary St & Jervis St, Dublin 1
Unique Feature: Dining in a beautifully restored historic church
Website: thechurch.ie
🚂 Transportation Options to Howth
Option 1: Train (Recommended)
- Cost: $15 each way per person
- Duration: 45 minutes direct from Dublin
- From Hotel: 15-minute walk to train station OR 3-minute taxi ride
- Arrival: Train ends at the harbor in Howth (perfect for tours!)
- Best for: Scenic journey and arrives right where you need to be
Option 2: Taxi (Direct)
- Cost: $80-100 one way
- Duration: Approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic
Option 3: Private Car Service (Premium)
- 2 hours: $161
- 4 hours: $317
- 6 hours: $472
- Best for: Full day excursion with driver waiting
⛵ Howth Excursion Choices
Ireland's Eye Tour
- Experience: Dedicated boat tour to Ireland's Eye island
- Link: Book Ireland's Eye Tour
- Best for: Island exploration and wildlife viewing
Craft Beer and Seafood Trail with Local
- Times: 12pm or 3pm tours available
- Combination: Could book Ireland's Eye tour earlier in the day
- Link: Book Beer & Seafood Trail
- Best for: Culinary experience and local culture
🚶♂️ Howth Cliff Walk
- Self-guided cliff walk with spectacular coastal views
- Duration: 2-3 hours for full loop
- Difficulty: Moderate with some steep sections
- Highlights: Ireland's Eye views, lighthouse, coastal wildlife
- Hotel check-out from Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
- Morning departure to Dublin Airport
- Flight: Dublin to London (specific times TBC)
- Arrival: London Heathrow/Gatwick
- Hotel check-in: Westminster location
🏨 Great Scotland Yard, Hyatt Unbound Collection
- Room: King Bed ADA Accessible (279 sq ft)
- Location: Westminster, historic London
- Rating: 5-star luxury hotel
- Historic Significance: Grade II listed building in 1820's Edwardian and Victorian architecture
- Amenities: Historic building, premium location, luxury service, Michelin-starred restaurant
💎 Kim's Hidden Gem - London
The Old Shades - A Grade II listed pub built in 1898, just 2 minutes from your hotel on Whitehall. This traditional British pub has been serving Londoners for over 125 years and offers the perfect authentic pub experience with their famous fish & chips and homemade pies.
Address: Whitehall, just off Trafalgar Square
Website: oldshades.co.uk
🍽️ London Evening Dining Options
The Old Shades
Location: Whitehall, 2-minute walk from hotel
Historic Significance: Serving London for over 125 years
Specialties: Beer-battered fish & chips, homemade pies, Sunday roasts
Website: oldshades.co.uk
The Clarence Whitehall
Location: Whitehall, 3-minute walk from hotel
Atmosphere: Elegant traditional pub with proper real ales
Specialties: Fish & chips, homemade pies, West Country beef
Website: theclarencewhitehall.com
🎯 London Premium Tours
Private Black Taxi Tour
- Duration: 2-hour customized London tour
- Cost: $225 total for group (flat rate for up to 5 passengers)
- Highlights: Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral
- Book: Black Taxi Tour
VIP Beefeater Tower of London
- Experience: Skip-the-line with Crown Jewels access
- Duration: 3 hours with expert Beefeater guide
- Cost: $110 per person
- Highlights: Crown Jewels, White Tower, Beefeater tales
- Book: Tower of London Tour
Thames River Cruise
- Experience: Scenic city tour by boat
- Duration: 1 hour
- Cost: $25 per person
- Route: Westminster to Tower Bridge
- Book: Thames Cruise
🍽️ London Additional Dining Options
The Admiralty Pub
Location: Trafalgar Square area, 5-minute walk
Unique Feature: Maritime decor reflecting Britain's naval heritage
Specialties: Traditional British pies, Admiral's Mule cocktail
Sherlock Holmes Pub
Location: 8-minute walk from hotel
Theme: Dedicated to the famous detective
Specialties: Sherlock Burger, traditional pies, literary atmosphere
🚂 Travel to Stoneleigh
- London to Coventry Train: Standard rail travel ($38 per person)
💎 Kim's Hidden Gem - Stoneleigh
The British Horse Society Headquarters at Stoneleigh Park - As a farrier and avid rider, you'll appreciate visiting the home of the UK's largest equine charity. The grounds are beautiful, and they sometimes offer tours when arranged in advance.
Address: Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2XZ
Website: bhs.org.uk
🏨 Stoneleigh Area Accommodation (September 23-28)
- Arrangement: Accommodation arranged separately (outside package)
- Duration: 5 nights
- Location: Warwickshire countryside near work site
- Professional engagement activities
- Nearby equestrian sites exploration opportunities
- Travel from Stoneleigh area to Birmingham Airport
- Return flights: Birmingham to Mobile via connecting cities
💰 Investment Summary
| Package Component |
Cost |
Details |
| Air & Hotel Package |
$4,897.04 |
$2,448.52 per person |
Suggested Tours and Excursions
| Activity |
Cost |
Details |
| Black Taxi Tour of London |
$225 |
Private tour, flat rate for up to 5 passengers |
| Beefeaters VIP Tower of London |
$220 |
$110 per person |
| Thames River Cruise |
$50 |
$25 per person |
| Irish National Stud Entry |
$30 |
$15 per person |
| Howth Excursions (Various Options) |
Varies |
See excursion choices above |
| London to Coventry Train |
$76 |
$38 per person |
| Total Additional |
~$601+ |
Excluding transport choices |
💳 Payment Schedule
Disclaimer: Travel prices fluctuate closer to departure date, so exact total is determined once deposit is made.
Apple Vacations Package ($4,897.04)
- Deposit Due: $3,473.39 (Due: June 2, 2025)
- Final Payment Due: $4,897.04 (Due: August 4, 2025)
Tours & Excursions
Tours and excursions are paid directly to vendors or can be arranged through Kim. Payment is typically required at time of booking or on the day of service.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended. Allianz Worldwide Travel Insurance with coverage information. Price will be determined by cost of the trip and traveler age. Kim can provide quotes from multiple carriers.
📋 What's Included
✅ Package Includes
- Round-trip flights Mobile ↔ Dublin ↔ London ↔ Birmingham
- 3 nights Dublin luxury hotel with breakfast
- 1 night London 5-star hotel
- Professional travel planning and support
Note: Destination charges applicable upon check-in including taxes, hotel fees, and/or resort fees.
📋 Not Included
- Stoneleigh accommodation (arranged separately)
- Local transportation (multiple options provided above)
- Tours and excursions (optional add-ons)
- Meals (except Dublin breakfast)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities