FAM Trips
Bringing Together the Creators, DMOS and Brands Re-Imagining the Travel Industry since 2009
FAM Trips participants are selected through an application process, only a select few attendees are accepted to these trips. Each destination looks for specific criteria, this may not always be based on numbers. Please make sure you can attend a FAM Trip before you apply. Our host spend a lot of time and effort on these trips and it is expected if you apply and are accepted you will participate.
FAM Applications are now Closed
Destination #1 Post FAM Trip
Experience Slow Adventure Tourism in the un spoilt Landscapes of
‘Lovely Leitrim’
Number of Guests
5
Number of Nights
3
FAM Start time and location
September 13th, 9 AM from ATU
FAM End time and location
September 16th, return to ATU in the late afternoon, early evening.
Notes
Brief Description
This FAM Trip is not ADA accessible
Experience the beauty of County Leitrim through a slow adventure tourism itinerary that blends relaxation, scenic exploration, and local culture. Begin your journey in Donegal, traveling through lush landscapes to visit Glencar Waterfall, enjoy a yoga session in Dromahair, and stay at the eco-friendly Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway. Explore Leitrim’s charm with an electric bike tour along the Shannon Blueway, a distillery visit, and a stand-up paddleboarding session on Lough Allen. Indulge in gourmet dining, spa treatments, and a tranquil Moon River Cruise before ending your trip at the luxurious Lough Rynn Castle, where you’ll partake in a traditional willow weaving workshop before departing.
Destination #2 Post FAM Trip
Údarás na Gaeltachta
Number of Guests
6
Number of Nights
3
FAM Start time and location
September 13th, 11 am from ATU
FAM End time and location
September 16th, drop off at Westport train station for those heading to Dublin or continue to Letterkenny, Donegal Airport, or Knock Airport for others.
Notes
Brief Description
This tour is not ADA accessible
This itinerary explores the stunning landscapes and cultural sites of Ireland’s west coast. Starting in Letterkenny, it includes visits to the Céide Fields and Downpatrick Head before a round of golf and an evening in Belmullet. The next day features a dip in the Belmullet tidal pool, a visit to Blacksod Lighthouse and the Solas Visitor Attraction, followed by a boat trip to the remote Inishkea Islands. On Achill Island, the itinerary includes an Irish language class, surfing at Keel Beach, and exploring Keem Beach and the Achill Experience.
Day 1: Saturday, 13th September 2025
- 11:00 AM: Depart from Letterkenny.
- Enroute visit Céide Fields: Visit this archaeological site near Ballycastle to see the oldest known field systems in the world. And Downpatrick Head: A stunning headland with sea stacks and blowholes, offering breathtaking views.
- 3:00 PM: Play 9 holes of golf at the local golf course in Carne golf links followed by Dinner
- Evening stroll around Belmullet town, exploring local shops and pubs.
Day 2: Sunday, 14th September 2025
- 8:00 AM: early tip in Belmullet tidal Pool
- Depart for the Erris Peninsula.: Visit Blacksod Lighthouse.: Explore the Solas Visitor Attraction followed by lunch there.
- 3:00 PM: Depart from Blacksod Pier for a boat trip to the nearby Inishkea Islands. Enjoy walking the pristine beaches, birdwatching, and exploring the abandoned village.
- 6:00 PM: Return to Belmullet.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local seafood restaurant.
- 9:00 PM: Relax at the hotel or visit a local pub for some traditional Irish music.
Day 3: Monday, 15th September 2025
AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and depart for Achill Island.
- 10:30 AM: Arrive in Achill and take an Irish language class.
- 12:00 PM: Surfing session at Keel Beach.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch at The Beehive.
- afternoon: Visit the world-famous Keem Beach. Explore the Achill Experience, a community-run visitor attraction and aquarium.
- Stay in mobile homes on Keel Beach.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Tuesday, 16th September 2025
Depart & Drop off at Westport train station for those heading to Dublin or continue to Letterkenny, Donegal Airport, or Knock Airport for others.
Destination #3 Post FAM Trip
Lough Derg Pilgrim Tourism
Number of Guests
14
Number of Nights
0 – This is a one-day FAM experience
FAM Start time and location
September 13th, 9 AM from ATU
FAM End time and location
Returning to ATU approx. 5:15pm
Notes
Brief Description
This a ONE day FAM
Embark on a tranquil boat trip across the serene waters of Lough Derg, to Ireland’s most revered pilgrimage site. As you glide along the lake, you’ll be surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills and lush green landscapes framing the horizon. The journey takes you to Saint Patrick’s Purgatory, a centuries-old pilgrimage site on Station Island, where tradition and spirituality intertwine. This visit offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the significance of the site, steeped in Irish history and legend. Pilgrims have been making the journey to this sacred island for over a thousand years, seeking spiritual renewal and penance. See video description HERE.
- 10am collection from ATU Letterkenny
- 11.15am – arrival, boat trip with guide around the Island and lake presenting the history of the Island and local area.
- 12.30pm Arrive on Island. Tea/Coffee and homemade scones.
- 1pm Tour of the Island
- 2pm Lunch on Island
- 3pm Time for prayer and meditation
- 3.45 Depart Island – bus back to ATU Letterkenny – arrival 5.15pm.
Destination #4 Post FAM Trip
Visit Sligo Fam
Number of Guests
8
Number of Nights
3
FAM Start time and location
September 13th, 9 AM from ATU
FAM End time and location
Tuesday September 16th at the Sligo Train Station
Notes
Brief Description
Moderate activity
Experience the best of northwest Ireland with adventure on land and water—guided hikes, surfing, kayaking, and golf—paired with rejuvenating activities like saunas, seaweed baths, and local food tours, and enriched by visits to historic sites, traditional Irish music, and ancient landmarks older than the pyramids.
We wish to showcase everything that is wonderful about our spectacular corner of the north west of Ireland and envisage that our guests will get to experience;
Exploration of ancient neolithic sites that are older than the pyramids of Egypt
Adventure and activity on the land and water through;
A guided hike
An offshore fishing trip
A surf lesson
A kayak tour
Beach yoga session
A group golf lesson at a world class links golf course
Refresh and rejuvenate through;
Sauna and cold water dip sessions
The Taste of Sligo food tour
Oyster farm tour
Brewery Taproom Tour
A seaweed bath
Enrichment through;
Guided tours of heritage sites such as The Model contemporary art gallery, Sligo Abbey, Drumcliffe Parish (burial site of WB Yeats) and Sligo Folk Park
Traditional Irish music showcase
Destination #5 Post FAM Trip
Number of Guests
10
Number of Nights
3
FAM Start time and location
September 13th, 11 AM
FAM End time and location
Tuesday September 16th return to Letterkenny approx. 6 pm.
Notes
Brief Description
Guests are welcomed at the Shandon Hotel with cocktails, canapés, and live jazz and blues music. Activities include a scenic drive to Horn Head Cliffs, a drinks reception, dinner at the Rusty Oven, and attending the Jazz & Blues Festival. Optional early morning walks or sea swims start the next day, along with tours of Crolly Distillery or a safari in Burtonport. Later days feature paddle boarding, kayaking, spa treatments, or forest walks. Culinary highlights include charcuterie and stout tastings, a chocolate and cocktail workshop, and dinners at local restaurants. The trip concludes with a visit to Glenveagh National Park.
Saturday 13 th of September.
11am Pick up at ATU
12.30pm Welcome Reception at the Shandon with GM / Director Carolynne
Tour of the resort (brief)
Canapes and cocktails
Guests to check in, welcome gifts in rooms
1.45pm Lunch in Arnolds Hotel
Entertainment throughout Lunch (Jazz & Blues Festival)
4pm Short tour of Horn Head Cliffs (driven)
4.45pm Return to the Shandon Hotel & free time for guests until 7pm
7pm Drinks Reception in hotel lobby, wine, cheese & craft beers
7.30pm Dinner in Rusty Oven Dunfanaghy & attend Jazz & Blues festival that evening
Sunday 14 th of September
6am Optional sunrise sea swim or walk
8.45am Breakfast
10.15am Departing the hotel
11am Arrival in Crolly Distillery
Option 1: Guided Tour Crolly
Option 2: Safari Tour Burtonport
2.30pm Lunch
4.30pm Return to the hotel
7pm Depart Hotel to Ole Glenn Bar Restaurant for dinner at 7.30pm
Monday 15 th of September
8am Breakfast
10.30am Activity
Option 1: Paddle Boarding/Kayaking
Option 2: Spa Day approx. 3.5hrs
Option 3: Walk in Ards Forest Park
2.30pm Charcuterie Board & Stout tasting
3.30pm Workshop with Julia Head Chocolatier & Pastry Chef & Cocktail Class
5.30pm Free Time (approx. 2 hours)
7.30pm Dinner in Marbles Restaurant at the Shandon
9pm Music in bar
Shandon Hotel & Spa
Tuesday 16 th of September
9am Breakfast
11am Depart the hotel
12noon Glenveagh National Park Tour
2.30/3pm Lunch
Destination #6 Post FAM Trip
Number of Guests
3
Number of Nights
2
FAM Start time and location
Sunday 14th September 12pm Kildare Town. You need to make your own way to Kildare, accommodations are not covered on the 13th. There is frequent train and bus services from Dublin to Kildare Town. Suggested Route
FAM End time and location
Tuesday 16th September 4pm Newbridge. There is frequent train and bus services from Newbridge to Dublin.
Notes
Brief Description
The tour is ADA accessible and includes cultural, historical, and immersive activities.
The FAM tour starts at Kildare Town and ends at Newbridge. Highlights include visits to historic Kildare Town, the Irish National Stud & Gardens, Kildare Village, the Curragh Racecourse horse racing, and the Legends of Kildare VR Experience. The itinerary also features stops in Athy with a visit to Kilkea Castle, the Barrow Blueway, and a stay at Clanard Court Hotel. The final day includes a barge trip on the Grand Canal, a brewery tour at Lock 13, and a visit to Mondello Park.
Brief Description
Day 1 (Sunday) – Kildare Town.
One of the oldest towns in Ireland rich in Heritage & history
Drop bags off at the Silken Thomas
Lunch in Kildare Town – Firecastle / Hartes of Kildare
Option 1
Visit to Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
Following a quick tour of the museum, take your thoroughbred skills to the test and experience
the thrill of the race in the Irish Racehorse Experience at the Irish National Stud and Gardens
Visit to Kildare Village
Option 2
Visit to Kildare Village
Attend Irish Champions Festival at the Curragh Racecourse
Home of Irish flat racing and what’s known as the richest race day of the year
Dinner in the Silken Thomas
Suggested post dinner entertainment in Cunninghams
Overnight stay – Silken Thomas
Day 2 (Monday)
Breakfast in Silken Thomas
Legends of Kildare VR Experience in The Heritage Centre
Travel to Athy by train
Athy is a medieval heritage town in the southwest of County Kildare, situated on the banks of
the River Barrow where it meets the Athy branch of the Grand Canal.
Visit to Kilkea Castle – new Escape Room experience / lunch (TBC)
Visit the Shackleton Experience – open date delayed so TBC
Barrow Blueway – tow path along the River Barrow, popular walking route
Overnight stay & dinner at the Clanard Court Hotel, where you will be greeted by their resident
Alpacas and rare breed Jacob Sheep!
Day 3 (Tuesday)
Depart for Sallins
Barge Trip on the Grand Canal
Meander out of Sallins, pass Soldiers Island and stop atop of the aqueduct spanning the Liffey
Lunch & Brewery Tour of Lock 13
A Lock 13 Brewpub experience is quite like no other, an unrivalled atmosphere. The only way to
truly understand the unique endearing qualities of Kildare’s 1st ever Brewpub, is to experience it
for yourself
Visit to Mondello Park
Tour the tracks and get to see the supercars of Mondello up close!
