An Irish Discovery

Majestic mountains and captivating cliffs, the west coast of Ireland is our destination of discovery on this five-day holiday. With unique visits and experiences along the Wild Atlantic Way, we explore the breathtaking scenery of some of the most stunning spots in the region, including Kilfenora and the Cliffs of Moher. We also discover traditional Irish farming, locally sourced food, the unique geology of Killary Ford and the history of Kylemore Abbey, an iconic monastery with stunning walled gardens. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply curious about local heritage then an incredible Irish discovery awaits.What's Included?
Includes- Return coach travel & ferry crossings- 2 nights at a selected hotel in the Dublin area (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast*- 3 nights at the Park House Hotel, Kiltimagh (JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Excursions to Kylemore Abbey, Kilfenora Visitor Centre, Cliffs of Moher & Galway- Cruise on Killary Fjord - Glen Keen Herding Experience- Services of a tour manager*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 our tour manager joins us. We continue onwards to our hotel in the Dublin area for our overnight stay.Day 2 - Killary Fjord CruiseToday we embark on a captivating journey through Killary Fjord, Ireland's only fjord, and experience the stunning natural beauty of the region. As we cruise along the 16-kilometre-long inlet, we are surrounded by majestic mountains and lush landscapes that create a breathtaking backdrop. This scenic cruise offers a unique perspective on the area's geology, wildlife and history, providing an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. We enjoy the serene waters and remember to keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and a variety of seabirds that call this pristine environment home.Day 3 - Glen Keen Herding Experience & Kylemore AbbeyWe start the day at the Glen Keen Farm for a hands-on, authentic Irish farm experience. Here we enjoy the unique opportunity to engage with traditional farming activities and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region. During our visit, we can participate in sheep herding demonstrations, watch skilled sheepdogs in action and even try our hand at shearing sheep.After our demonstrations and experiences, we have a bite to eat in the farm's café, which serves delicious, locally sourced food.Our day continues with a visit to Kylemore Abbey, home to a monastic community of nuns since 1920. Inside, we explore the six-acre Victorian Walled Garden where only flower and vegetable varieties from that era are grown. This was one of the last walled gardens built in Ireland during the Victorian period, and its magnificence at the time was compared to London's Kew Gardens.Day 4 - Kilfenora Visitor Centre & Cliffs of MoherFor our first excursion of the day, we travel to the Kilfenora Visitor Centre. Located in the heart of the Burren, the centre offers a unique insight into the rich history and culture of Kilfenora. Here, we explore fascinating exhibits that delve into the ancient traditions, stunning landscapes and vibrant community life of this remarkable region.We continue to our second location of the day, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, including the fascinating visitor centre, which brings the different aspects of the cliffs to life. Stretching for eight miles along County Clare's Atlantic Coast and 214m at their highest, the cliffs offer stunning views towards the Aran Islands and Galway Bay from three different viewing platforms. They are also home to one of the major colonies of cliff-nesting seabirds in Ireland.Day 5 - GalwayWe head across to Galway, a thriving, cosmopolitan city with the added bonus of a seaside setting. We enjoy a guided city tour with our tour manager, followed by free time to explore the city, which was named the European Capital of Culture for 2020! There is plenty to see in Galway, including the Latin Quarter with its cobblestone streets and colourful shops, Galway Cathedral, one of the largest and most impressive buildings in the city, and Salthill Promenade on the seafront, to name a but a few!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.

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.Park House Hotel, KiltimaghJG4 ratingThe Park House Hotel is an elegant hotel in the heart of Kiltimagh and offers a perfect blend of traditional Irish hospitality and modern facilities. Located in a picturesque setting, the hotel boasts beautifully appointed en-suite rooms and many facilities including a fine dining restaurant and a cosy bar.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.