POETS & PÓITÍN
Landscape, Literature, & Terroir
with Amanda Smeltz
APRIL 29 - MAY 3, 2025
$3500
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE IRISH LANDSCAPE
WITH POET & SOMMELIER AMANDA SMELTZ
The Irish landscape has inspired the country’s literary greats for centuries. Beyond the backdrop for some of our favorite poems and stories, Ireland’s cities and seascapes have been depicted as central characters in some of the island's most successful novels. Ireland’s terroir has played an equally important role in the history of distilling and producing artisanal beverages like cider on the island, as well as peat-smoked whiskey, illegal homemade póitín, and the more recent proliferation of local gins. Join us for a week-long journey on Ireland’s west coast with American poet and sommelier Amanda Smeltz, focused on the Irish landscape as muse for writers, craft beverage producers, and culinary adventurers alike.
ABOUT OUR CO-HOST
AMANDA SMELTZ
POET & SOMMELIER
Amanda Smeltz has been a sommelier working in the New York wine world for 15 years, leading beverage programs at such restaurants including Estela, Altro Paradiso, Roberta’s, Blanca, and Bar Boulud. Her wine work has been profiled in The New York Times, Esquire, Punch Drink, Wine & Spirits magazine, and Eater, among others. Amanda was featured as one of two sommeliers who were the subject of Simon and Schuster’s book Becoming a Sommelier, part of the Masters at Work series. In her literary work, Amanda’s poetry has been honored with selection for The Best American Poetry 2023 anthology, with recent features in such literary magazines as The Iowa Review, Poetry Northwest, Pleiades, and more. She currently splits her time between New York and Italy, where she is both writing and practicing tending the vine with her vignaiolo partner in the province of Mantova.
The cold smell of potato mould, the squelch and slap
Of soggy peat, the curt cuts of an edge
Through living roots awaken in my head.
But I’ve no spade to follow men like them.
Between my finger and my thumb
The squat pen rests.
I’ll dig with it.
-from Digging, by Seamus Heaney
SAMPLE IRELAND TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1
Our trip commences in Galway, where we will gather together over a celebratory pint and get to know one another over lunch. Then we’ll head to the wilds of Connemara for some time in nature with one of our favorite local guides, learning about local seaweed and shellfish cultivation, before arriving at our gorgeous accommodations on the coast. After settling in, we’ll reconvene for dinner at a traditional Irish pub, where we’ll eat local seafood and enjoy a trad music session.
DAY 2
We have quite an eclectic program planned for our first full day! We’ll head out to an unexpected location where a special guest teacher will regale us with stories of the connections between Irish folklore, history, trees, and some of Ireland’s biggest literary talents. Lunch today is at a local spot with one of the best views on the island of Ireland! After a bit of rest & relaxation in the afternoon, we’ll regroup for a cocktail hour in the woods hosted by one of Ireland’s best photographers and food & travel writers. Tonight’s dinner features a tasting menu prepared by a Michelin starred chef.
DAY 3
Our field trip this morning features an island hike led by a poetry-reading, beef farming archaeologist. Yes, you read that right! We’ll get some exercise today on an unforgettable experience that combines storytelling, poetry, folklore, and local culture. Those who are brave enough may even have the chance to take a dip in the bay! One of our favorite Irish writers and storytellers will join us this evening and treat us to a short presentation before our evening meal. We’ll be treated to a special family style dinner prepared by a visiting chef at our accommodation this evening with wine pairings chosen by Amanda.
DAY 4
We’ll spend our final full day together in Connemara taking a deep dive into some of the rich writing and craft that helped to put this area on the cultural map. From Tim Robinson’s folding landscapes to Joe Hogan’s baskets and beyond, we’ll visit a number of local spots (many of which are not open to the public) for a truly immersive experience in the Connemara wilds. Tonight’s meal features a range of ciders made on Ireland’s only biodynamic apple farm paired with a hearty, family style feast prepared by another local chef. We’ll close out our time together with a literary salon, featuring Amanda and a surprise special guest…and if you have something you’d like to share, you’re welcome to join in!
DAY 5
After our farewell breakfast, we’ll hop on our minibus for the road back to Galway. Slán abhaile!
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Incredible, responsibly-sourced food, including all breakfasts and most lunches and dinners; private transportation; private tours with local guides & experts; behind-the-scenes visits with artisanal producers, farmers, & chefs; exclusive access and tastings; hands-on cooking & foraging experiences; guided activities & adventures; Bog & Thunder guides at your disposal for the duration of the trip; unique hotel accommodations.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
International airfare; transportation to trip’s starting point; food & beverage not specifically included in itinerary; hotel incidentals; alcoholic beverages not specifically included in itinerary; personal spending money; gratuity for tour leaders or local guides.
“LAND OF HEART’S DESIRE,
WHERE BEAUTY HAS NO EBB, DECAY NO FLOOD,
BUT JOY IS WISDOM, TIME AN ENDLESS SONG.”
W.B. YEATS