Journey Through Ireland & Spain
Start your trip exploring the Green Isle of Ireland at your leisure. Then, head down to Spain for some Mediterranean flavor in Barcelona and the island of Menorca.
Begin in Ireland, a country known for its bucolic beauty and beguiling people. The landscapes feel like something out of a painting, and the traditional Irish hospitality is evident from the moment you arrive.
There’s something familiar about Spain that draws visitors, who maybe remember a few phrases of high school Spanish or harbor a vague curiosity of bullfighting or siestas. But it’s the staggering diversity—of cultures, languages, cuisines, and landscapes—that keeps travelers coming back again and again.
Aug 5–7, 2023: Dublin (2 nights)
Aug 7–9, 2023: Galway (2 nights)
Aug 9 – 12, 2023: Barcelona (3 nights)
Aug 12 – 15, 2023: Menorca (3 nights)
Aug 15, 2023: Departure
Even in August, temperatures in Ireland are mild with highs around 70 degrees F and chilly evenings. Spain will be much warmer, with temperatures that can reach up to 90 F. At night, you can comfortably walk around in short sleeves.
U.S. passport holders do not need any special visa to visit Spain or Ireland for tourism purposes.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
Tipping in Spain is casual and almost never required. But when the service is exceptional, leaving a small gratuity is always appreciated.
If you want to tip in a restaurant using your credit card, just inform the server when they bring the credit card machine how much you want to pay.
- Restaurants: In casual restaurants tipping isn't expected, but in nicer sit-down restaurants, you can leave up to 10% of the total bill if the service was exceptional.
- Guides: A gratuity of 20€–40€ per day is recommended, depending on the service and if it's a half-day or full-day tour
- Drivers: A gratuity of 10€-20€ per day is recommended
- Hotels | Housekeeping: 2€-5€ per day
- Hotels | Porters: 1€-2€ per bag
Welcome and dia dhuit as they say in Ireland! Start off your trip in the Irish capital of Dublin, known for its scenic quays, traditional pubs, and excellent museums.
Upon leaving the airport, hail a taxi directly from the terminal for your ride to the Shelbourne in the city center.
Address: 27 St Stephen's Green, Dublin
Visit the home of one of the most famous beers in the world, the Guinness Storehouse. You'll see the famous lease signed by Arthur Guinness himself, and learn all about the production of the world's most well-known stout. Take a self-guided tour that ends with an included pint on the rooftop Gravity Bar. They say Guinness tastes different in Ireland, and you'll see for yourself.
Recommended by Scenset
For a truly boozy introduction to Ireland, pair your Guinness trip with a visit to the Jameson Distillery. The self-guided tour is paired with plenty of opportunities for tastings, and you'll taste the difference between Irish whiskey and Southern bourbon whiskey
Recommended by scenset
Why we love it for you: The signature red-brick Victorian façade of The Shelbourne Dublin has glowed on the northern side of St Stephen's Green since 1824. Think five-star elegance: the main bar is a popular fixture on the city's social scene, while afternoon tea in the Lord Mayor's Lounge is something of a Dublin tradition.
Your room has been upgraded from the standard guest room originally quoted to a Deluxe King Guest Room, complimentary by scenset.
Explore Dublin at your leisure. The city is very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Or you can grab a taxi to visit some nearby sites. Recommendations for things to do and where to eat will be provided.
Trinity College Dublin is Ireland's most prestigious university, a collection of elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings, cobbled squares and nature-friendly wildflower meadows that make for a delightful place to wander.
Its biggest draws are the barrel-vaulted Long Room in Old Library, one of the most photographed rooms in Dublin, and the Book of Kells, the beautifully illuminated Gospel manuscript that dates back to the 9th-century and is one of Ireland's greatest cultural treasures.
Recommended by scenset
An imposing grey building, built in 1796, it's played a role in virtually every act of Ireland's painful path to independence, and even today, it still has the power to chill. Sometimes referred to as "The Bastille of Ireland", Kilmainham Gaol was decommissioned in 1924 and is now a museum with an enthralling exhibit on the history of Irish nationalism.
Recommended by scenset
For your final two days in Ireland, we recommend renting a car. Drive it to Galway (about 2 hours away), where you'll stay in a gorgeous country house. You can use your vehicle to explore the county.
Galway is famed far and wide for its pubs, most of which are just a crawl from the next. Join the friendly locals as they bounce from place to place, never knowing what fun lies ahead but certain of the possibility. A brilliant starting point is Tigh Neáchtain (or just Neáchtain's – pronounced 'nock-tans'), a bright-blue-painted 19th-century treasure that attracts all walks of life beneath its low ceilings and on its tree-shaded terrace.
Apart from Guinness, look out for Galway Hooker Irish Pale Ale, a local success story brewing locally for over a decade.
Recommended by Scenset
The Pullman Restaurant located at your hotel sits inside a real old-time train car. Hop aboard and take a seat, enjoying a meal as if you're traveling across the Irish countryside.
Recommended by scenset—let us know if you'd like a reservation.
Why we love it for you: The Glenlo has a style all its own; grand, gracious and quirky. The scenset 18th-century country house, with its splendid reception rooms and harmonious dimensions, remains the heart of the hotel. It connects to the eponymous abbey building, complete with tower, and to the modern wing – all set amid tranquil grounds.
Your room has been upgraded from the superior guest room originally quoted to a luxurious Garden Suite, complimentary by scenset.
Take a drive out to visit the most iconic natural attraction in Ireland, and arguably one of the most picturesque places in the world.
Drive your vehicle through the scenic countryside to the Cliffs of Moher, about 1 hour 45 minutes from your hotel. The landscape here is nothing short of breathtaking, and August is an excellent time to see the cliffs without the usual Irish fog.
Find directions from your hotel to Cliffs of Moher here.
Recommend activity by scenset.
Taste the very best of West Irish cuisine at Michelin-star restaurant Aniar. You'll try a tasting menu of items that come from the terroir of Ireland, such as locally grown produce and meat and seafood that have traveled a few miles at most.
Recommended by scenset—let us know if you'd like a reservation. Options are limited with the amount of time left.
Today, enjoy a leisurely morning in Galway and then make the drive back to Dublin in time for your evening flight to Spain.
Casually hip Ard Bia ('High Food' in Irish) is decorated with works by local artists and upcycled vintage furniture. Organic, local, seasonal produce (some foraged) features firmly – you might sample Cork monkfish, Burren smoked haddock or Galway goat's yogurt.
Recommended by scenset. They don't take lunchtime reservations, so feel free to pop in if you want a bistro-style lunch.
Drive back to Dublin in time for your flight out to Barcelona. You should drop off your car at the airport in the late afternoon to catch your flight.
You're already checked in for your flight and can access your boarding passes below.
Departs From: Terminal 2
Find your boarding passes here.
You'll be picked up from the airport and taken to your hotel in the city center by private transfer.
Driver: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked By scenset
There's no shortage of great food in Barcelona, and some of the best meals are at the bar you stumble into by surprise. Here's a list of some top places to eat. Please let us know if you'd like reservations.
- Cocina Hemanos Torres: The well-known Torres brothers present their innovative gastronomic proposal located in the neighborhood of Les Corts. We can enjoy a nice evening while the chef cooks for us in one of the 3 islands.
- Atempo: Atempo offers a new gastronomic format merging the waiter’s trade with the passion and creativity of the chefs. An offer based on products with soul, in an intimate and cozy environment.
- Hoffman: Hoffman is the restaurant run by the person responsible for the prestigious cookery school with the same name. With a Michelin star, their menu presents modern creations that have Mediterranean-Catalan and French haute cuisine as a starting point. Desserts are simply spectacular. It is essential to book in advance.
- Can Ramonet: Paella is perhaps the quintessential Spanish dish, and the best place to eat it is near the coast. Head to Barceloneta neighborhood near the water and try one of their famous paellas (remember in Spain, paella is traditionally lunch food, not dinner!).
- Solomillo: Indulge all your darkest carnivorous desires at this meat-lovers’ paradise, where the name of the restaurant is the same as your order (solomillo means “sirloin steak”). This is the best steak in Barcelona and the menu is customizable to your liking.
- Berbena: Few tourists have heard of Berbena. Inside, there are daily batches of home-baked bread that smell like your grandma’s kitchen, comfort food like hearty beef with wine stew and gooey slices of Spanish omelet, platters of locally sourced cheese and charcuteries.
- Bocanariz: Visit this unassuming wine bar which has a selection of hundreds of bottles, from Cataluña, around Spain, and the world. Paired with some small bites to snack on, it's the perfect Spanish bar experience.
- La Pepita: A more casual eatery with a fun vibe and delicious menu to accompany it. It's always filled with locals, a good sign for any place to eat.
Why we love it for you: The bijou Hotel Bagués was once the showroom for a jewelry company, and a forensic attention to materials and details remains evidenced throughout. The Bagués enjoys a prime position on La Rambla, but after a day's sightseeing, retreat to the hotel's rooftop plunge pool to cool off in the Barcelona summer—a rare gem at Barcelona hotels.
It’s clear from the moment you step foot in Barcelona that it’s unlike any other Spanish city. The boulevards are wider, the architecture is quirkier, and, if you have an ear for languages, you may hear that the locals are speaking Catalan, not Spanish. An architect's masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, is just one of his architectural gems scattered about the city. With something to offer art enthusiasts, adventurous foodies, and beach loungers, it’s no wonder that Barcelona is one of Europe’s top destinations.
Gaudi left his mark all over Barcelona, so visit some of his most iconic works around the city. Begin with his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, which you'll see from inside and out. Afterward, head to Park Güell, which is like a wonderland fantasy but in real life.
Pick-Up Time: Morning
End Time: Afternoon
Guide: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Walk through the medieval streets of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter or Barri Gotic. Here you'll discover over 2,000 years of history, seeing Ancient Roman Walls, the original cathedral, and more.
After the tour, you'll stop at the Picasso Museum to see works by one of Spain's most iconic artists.
Pick-Up Time: Morning
End Time: Afternoon
Guide: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked By scenset
Hotel Bagués
Deluxe Room
- Breakfast included
You'll be picked up from your hotel in Barcelona in a private transfer to catch your flight to Menorca in the evening.
Pick-Up Time: Morning
Driver: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked by scenset
You're already checked in for your flight and can access your boarding passes.
Find your boarding passes here.
Upon exiting baggage claim, look for your driver holding a sign with your name on it for a private transfer into the center of Mahón.
Contact: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Menorca is best-known for its "kilometer zero" cuisine, meaning ingredients are locally sourced from freshly caught seafood, homegrown produce, and Menorcan cows.
- Mestre d'Aixa: This is one of the best places to eat in Mahón, located right on the port and with a creative fusion menu that never disappoints.
- Cap Roig: Fresh seafood is always good at Cap Roig, but the paella is their specialty. It's about a 10-minute drive from Mahón, but make sure to go for lunch or sunset so you can take in the incredible views.
- Binifadet: One of Menorca's top wineries, stop here to try a glass or two of local wine, paired with their delicious gourmet menu.
- Sa Pedrera des Pujol: Journey into the Menorcan countryside at this small restaurant, which is often listed as one of the best restaurants on the island.
- Vida Una: A bar on the Mahón port that specializes in vermouths and cocktails. There's always a great ambiance and it's the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Ask your hotel for assistance in calling a taxi to take you to the cave bar, Cova d'en Xoroi. From your hotel, it's a 15-20 minute drive.
Take a visit to the Cova d'en Xoroi, hands down one of the coolest bars you'll ever see. It's built into the side of a cave overlooking the Mediterranean, perfect for taking some pictures while enjoying a cocktail or two. Enjoy live music while watching the sunset!
Time: Evening – Late Evening
Bring your passport to enter!
You have skip-the-line access when you arrive. Show up to the front door with your passport to collect your tickets. They will be provided under a name.
Why we love it for you: In a town as charming as Mahón, it’s only fitting to stay in a hotel that exudes that same island encanto. A boutique hotel is charming in every way, from the kitschy decoration in the rooms to the fragrant terrace shaded by overgrown eucalyptus trees. The ebullience of the staff and personal details—including framed pictures of their pets—truly gives your stay the sensation of escaping to your Mediterranean summer home.
Menorca wouldn't be done right without a day of cruising over crystal waters, past secluded rocky coves and powder-sand beaches. Spend the afternoon aboard a private yacht and explore the rugged coast, stop at any sandy cove you wish and forget about time and space. Snorkels and stand-up paddle boards are available on board for you to use!
Enjoy a delicious meal of local seafood grilled on the boat and drinks throughout the day.
Boat Departure: Late morning
Captain: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Return Time: Early evening
The boat dock is just a 15-minute walk from your hotel.
Booked by scenset
Enjoy your last full day in Spain at leisure exploring the island.
If you want to rent a car for the day, it can be arranged to pick up at your hotel and drop off at the hotel when you're done. It's the best way to explore the island, and we can make recommendations of where to visit including local wineries, gorgeous beaches, farms that produce local cheese, and more.
Recommended by scenset.
This high-brow art gallery from renowned Hauser & Wirth is located on the tiny Isla del Rey inside the Mahón port. It's a beautiful setting with incredible art pieces, plus an on-site restaurant that's a true gem. Also on the island is an 18th-century hospital you can tour from Menorca's days as a British colony.
It's free to visit the gallery, but you need to purchase roundtrip ferry tickets. Ferries depart every 30 minutes.
You can buy tickets here and also make a reservation to eat at the restaurant Sa Cantina if you wish.
Recommended activity by scenset—nothing has been booked.
You've seen some of the best of Spain and Ireland, and surely you're leaving with anticipation to come back and explore even more!
You'll be picked up in a private transfer for your ride to the Menorca Airport.
Pick-Up Time: Morning
Contact: will be provided
Booked By scenset
You're already checked in for your flight and can access your boarding passes.
Catch your flight back to the U.S. from Barcelona. Flight details will be provided as soon as they are available. Safe travels!
