Day 1. Sunday: We depart for the port of Holyhead and our crossing to Dublin. On arrival we continue to the outskirts of Dublin for one night, dinner, bed, and breakfast.
Day 2. Monday: Following breakfast, we depart our hotel and make our way to Westport, making a break in the riverside town of Athlone. Located right in the centre of Ireland and built on the banks of the mighty River Shannon, Athlone is a fascinating town with brightly painted houses, ancient pubs and characterful shops. Our journey will continue into County Mayo and to the town of Westport for four night’s dinner, bed, and breakfast at the Castlecourt Hotel.
Day 3. Tuesday: Today we enjoy a scenic drive through Co. Mayo past Croagh Patrick (the Holy Mountain) and down through eerie Doo Lough Valley. On arrival at Killary Harbour we enjoy a picturesque cruise on the sheltered waters of Ireland’s only fjord. The cruise offers an incredible opportunity to survey the dramatic sweep of the rugged, North Connemara landscape. Later this afternoon we visit Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful estate in Connemara, featuring a Victorian Walled Garden, a Neo-Gothic church, and scenic trails. The Benedictine nuns of Kylemore invite visitors to experience this magnificent place and learn more about the love story that started it all.
Day 4. Wednesday: Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Westport at your own pace. Located along the Wild Atlantic Way in a rugged corner of County Mayo, this genteel town has lots to enjoy. Wander along the Mall, a delightful tree-lined promenade with chunky stone bridges that arc over the waters of the Carrowbeg River and explore the shops, enjoy a bite to eat or head to one of its warm, welcoming and toe-tapping traditional music pubs.
Day 5. Thursday: Today we enjoy a guided tour of Achill Island, Ireland’s largest island. We follow the spectacular Atlantic Coast overlooking the amazing scenery of the Atlantic Ocean and the islands of Clare and Achill Beg. Travelling the northernmost shore of Clew Bay, dotted with eighty small islands, passing through the pretty villages of Newport and Mulranny. Later we visit the deserted village of Slievemore which is a haunting reminder of times past, comprising of some 80 deserted stone cottages located at the foot of Slievemore Mountain.
Day 6. Friday: We depart Westport and begin our return journey home travelling through County Galway and visit Galway, the only city on the Wild Atlantic Way. As well as being a popular seaside destination with long sandy beaches, Galway is also a thriving and cosmopolitan city centre. Take a walk along the Old Quays to visit the Spanish Arch and the Claddagh, which pay testament to Galway’s maritime history or spend time relaxing in Eyre Square beside the maze of streets offering a variety of shops, pubs, and restaurants. We will continue to our hotel on the outskirts of Dublin for one night dinner, bed and breakfast.
Day 7. Saturday: An early departure as we travel to Dublin Port. A full breakfast is included on-board the ferry. We continue our journey home.
Passports: British or Irish citizens travelling on the Irish Sea routes do not need a passport to travel to Britain or Ireland but must have Photographic Identification. Useful means of identification when travelling on this route are passport, driving licence and a bus pass.
Travel Insurance: All passengers must be in possession of fully comprehensive travel insurance.
We require the full name and date of birth for all passengers travelling.
