Day 1 Early morning departure for the journey north to Holyhead for the 14.10 hours Irish Ferries sailing to Dubin. On arrival you will travel to the overnight hotel in tranquil landscapes of Meath and Kildare.
Day 2 After a leisurely breakfast you will continue your journey to Westport and the Westport Woods Hotel for a four night stay.
Day 3 A scenic day tour to Connemara with a visit to the Visitor Centre where you can see the exhibition and AV film for free. Follow the shoreline by way of Louisburgh for breath-taking views of the islands and Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain. Continue through the haunting beauty of the Doo Lough Valley to the picturesque village of Leenane, overlooking Killary Harbour and at the start of Ireland’s only fjord, with miles of sheltered water and splendid scenery. At Nancys Point you will board a boat to enjoy a picturesque 90 minute cruise on the sheltered waters. Returning to the hotel by way of Aasleagh and Liscarney.
Day 4 Today you will travel to Galway City, famous for its maritime history, and known as the ‘City of the Tribes’. Galway sits perched on the roaring River Corrib and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. A short stroll down the winding streets of this walkable small city brings you into another world. Dubbed Ireland’s most charming city by The New York Times, also home of the Galway International Arts Festival and European Capital of Culture in 2020.
Day 5 Drivers day off. A free day Westport. We have included a visit to National Museum of Country Life. With modern exhibition galleries you can immerse yourself in objects, rare archive photography and films that explore Ireland’s rural past and an almost vanished but recent way of life. You may also visit Turlough Park House, referred to as a ‘Victorian Gothic’ Mansion overlooking the gardens, parkland and woodland and incorporates visitor facilities such as the gift shop and café. After free time you could wander into the Georgian town centre with its stone bridges and tree-lined promenade on the Carrowbeg River. You can also make use of the leisure facilities on offer at the hotel.
NB: We have included transfers to and from the National Museum, and the driver will arrange a time for the return. Those wishing to visit the town can do so at their own expense.
Day 6 Depart from Westport and travel to the Shed Distillery where you will enjoy a 90 minute tour followed by tastings of gin and whiskey. Then continue the journey to the overnight hotel outside Dublin for your final stay in Ireland.
Day 7 An early start to the port of Dublin for the 08.05 hours sailing to Holyhead with breakfast on board. On arrival in Holyhead, you will commence the homeward journey.