Ireland Westport & Connemara

Day 1

We make a leisurely journey to our overnight hotel in North Wales, with time to settle in before dinner.

Day 2

Following an early start, we make the short journey to Holyhead for the morning sail to Dublin, with breakfast provided on the ferry. Our journey takes us west via Mullingar and Longford to the 4* Castlecourt Hotel in Westport for the next 4 nights.

Day 3

Why not begin your day at leisure in Westport by taking full advantage of the hotel's extensive leisure facilities, or enjoy a relaxing read in the conservatory. Westport itself has been a regular winner of Ireland's Tidiest Town Award, with its flower baskets and graceful tree-lined streets overlooking the Carrowbeg River. Westport House is within easy reach, an attractive 18th Century Mansion and pleasure grounds situated on the edge of Clew Bay.

Day 4

Today we enjoy a full day excursion around Magical Mayo. Follow the shores of Lough Conn & Lough Cullen onto Achill, Irelands largest island, (recently used as a filming location for the BAFTA winning and Oscar nominated film 'The Banshees of Inisherin'). At Achill Sound we join the famous circular 'Atlantic Drive'. This is a rugged unspoilt and spectacular region of Ireland, dominated by Slievemore Mountain that rises dramatically to the north.

Day 5

Today we take a scenic day tour down to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey. Follow the shoreline via Louisburgh for breathtaking views of the islands and Croagh Patrick, Ireland's Holy Mountain. Continue through the haunting beauty of the Doo Lough Valley, a long lake set against the Sheeffry Hills and the steep slopes of the Mweelrea Mountains, to the picturesque village of Leenane. Follow the coast road to Killary Harbour, at the start of Ireland's only fjord with its miles of sheltered water and splendid scenery. We include a visit to Kylemore Abbey, a neo-gothic castle mirrored in its own lake, which was originally owned by a millionaire and is now run by Benedictine nuns; its walled Victorian Gardens are charming. Return to Westport via Aasleagh and Liscarney.

Day 6

After breakfast, we say farewell to Westport and travel south to Bunratty Castle and Folk Village which was restored in 1960 and is Ireland's most complete medieval castle and home to the Lord Gort collection of furniture and artwork. The folk park encloses farmhouses, a blacksmith, a water mill and a complete village street. We continue our journey south to our overnight hotel in Waterford.

Day 7

Following an early start, we travel to Rosslare port for your morning return sail to South Wales, with breakfast provided on the ferry, returning you home in the early evening.

D=Dinner, B=Breakfast