Hidden Heartlands of Ireland

Join us on a journey of discovery through Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, an enchanting region characterised by fairytale forests, trickling streams, towering mountains and a lovely slower pace of life. Amidst this beauty, we soak up the county's cultural heritage with visits to one of the country's most famous monastic sites (dating back to 544!), the oldest whiskey distillery in Ireland and a grand estate which documents powerful stories of the Great Famine. A cruise along the River Shannon, a visit to Galway and the chance to explore Dublin rounds off this magical escape to the Emerald Isle.What's Included?
Includes- Return coach travel & ferry crossings- 4 nights at the Bloomfield House Hotel, Leisure Club & Spa, near Mullingar (JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast- 1 night at a selected hotel in the Dublin area (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast*- Excursions to Clonmacnoise Monastic Site, Strokestown Park, Old Kilbeggan Distillery, Galway & Knock- Guided walking tour of Galway (includes admission to Galway City Museum)- Cruise on the River Shannon- Services of a tour managerOptional guided city tour of Dublin (£16pp)*Please note: due to our early departure, breakfast on the final morning will be taken on the ferry.

Itinerary
ItineraryDay 1We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin where we meet our tour manager. We continue onwards to the Bloomfield House Hotel, Leisure Club & Spa, where we stay for the next four nights.Day 2 - Clonmacnoise Monastic Site, Strokestown Park & Old Kilbeggan DistilleryFor our first visit we head to the impressive Clonmacnoise Monastic Site, one of the most significant early Christian locations in Europe, where 6th-century ruins still stand proudly on the banks of the River Shannon. Founded by St Ciarán, it became an important seat of learning with scholars flocking from all over Europe to visit and was also closely associated with the kings of Connacht until the 9th century. It's a fascinating experience to walk amongst the cathedral, two round towers, carved high crosses, nine churches and hundreds of early Christian gravestones to really imagine what has gone before us here, and there's also an informative visitor centre to learn more.We continue to Strokestown Park, an atmospheric Anglo-Irish estate consisting of a Palladian-style Georgian house, once home to a renowned military family for over three centuries, as well as lovely gardens and the National Famine Museum. State-of-the-art exhibits, immersive displays, local documents, tragic stories and unique artefacts combine to bring to life a moving part of Ireland's history while comparing the lives of Strokestown's aristocratic landlords and their tenants.Our last stop of the day is the famous Old Kilbeggan Distillery, the country's oldest licensed distillery, housed in charming buildings. Established in 1757, it's now one part museum and one part distillery with authentic features on display such as the 19th-century waterwheel, offering the perfect chance to learn all about the traditional Irish whiskey-making process.Day 3 - GalwayToday we visit Galway, a thriving, cosmopolitan city and the European Capital of Culture in 2020. It may be the fastest growing city in Ireland, but it has managed to retain its enchanting atmosphere with its cobbled streets, colourful buildings and lovely seafront location on the magical Wild Atlantic Way. We enjoy a guided walking tour to discover the landmark spots and also include admission to the Galway City Museum, which celebrates local and national cultural heritage, from prehistoric Galway right through to the present day. Afterwards, there is time to find somewhere for lunch (not included) and to browse the little shops for souvenirs - think cosy Aran sweaters, unique crafts and iconic Claddagh rings!Day 4 - The Shannon & KnockThis morning, we make our way to the quaint village of Carrick, where we board our cruise on the River Shannon, the longest in Ireland and entwined with ancient folklore. Sit back and relax as we meander along the pretty waterways, admiring the beautiful scenery and ancient sites along its banks.Next stop is Knock, a small village nestled in County Mayo and a popular Christian pilgrimage site thanks to the Knock Shrine, where 15 people witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist in 1879 (their testimonies are a fascinating read). We can find out more in Knock Museum, which covers 140 years of history and features a fantastic model village, or take in the views over the Shannon Estuary, Clonderlaw Bay and Kilkerrin Peninsula.Day 5 - Optional guided city tour of Dublin (£17pp)Finally, we head to Dublin and enjoy an optional guided tour with our tour manager. With its fascinating past, iconic landmarks and plethora of convivial pubs serving up the perfect pint of Guinness, Dublin never fails to charm its visitors. After our guided tour, there's free time in the city before enjoying our last evening in an overnight hotel here.Day 6We check out of our hotel very early to catch the ferry back to Holyhead; therefore a voucher will be provided to enjoy breakfast on board. On arrival in Holyhead, we continue our journey home.Due to ferry times, coach pickup times may be very early in the morning.

Galway
The delightful town of Galway is the ancient capital of West Ireland and is the only city along the Wild Atlantic Way. Offering vibrantly-coloured alleys dotted with an array of museums, the famous Spanish Arch and a unique Cathedral, it is easy to see why the city was named as the European Capital of Culture for 2020! The winding cobbled streets are also packed with independent shops and traditional Irish pubs to enjoy.Hotel
Selected HotelJG3 ratingWe spend the first and the last night of our stay at a conveniently located hotel in the Dublin area.Bloomfield House Hotel, Leisure Club & Spa, MullingarJG4 ratingWith spectacular views over Lough Ennell, the family-run Bloomfield House Hotel is located near the county town of Mullingar and offers lovely surroundings for a restful stay. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, walled garden and a leisure club with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym (spa treatments are available at an extra cost) plus comfortable bedrooms with a smart TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.Hotel RatingJG3 ratingHotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.JG4 ratingAccommodation in our JG4 category is of an even higher standard, typically offering a wide range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are designed to make your stay the most comfortable possible and the staff provide a service that reflects the detail and quality. You can also expect higher standards of food and beverages.