Exploring Irelands Wild Atlantic Coast

We fly to Knock in West Ireland. On arrival we transfer by coach to our hotel in Westport, a town on the edge of an Atlantic inlet, on Ireland’s rugged west coast.

Today we are joined by a local guide as we board our coach for a scenic drive to Achill Island. Achill island is Ireland’s largest island, and full of natural beauty. The island is connected to the mainland by the Michael Davitt Bridge.  After crossing we will enjoy the views of sandy beaches, rocky headlands, peat bogs and rugged mountain scenery. Our journey will take in sights such as, Currane Peninsula, Kildavnet Castle, Atlantic Drive, Keem Bay and Dugort. With beauty all around there is plenty of short stops for photo opportunities along the way. We also include a light lunch today at a local island eatery. We return to the hotel for dinner this evening.

After a leisurely breakfast, we journey by coach to Galway. Our local guide leads us through the heart of Galway on this wonderful walking tour, taking in the many splendid sights this city has to offer. From Eyre Square, the Latin Quarter and Quay Street, Galway Cathedral, through quaint Kirwan’s Lane to the Spanish Arch, there is so much to see. Once the tour concludes, you are free to explore further before we board the Corrib Princess for a 90-minute cruise along the Corrib River and Lough Corrib. Enjoy an included Irish Coffee on board as we sit back and enjoy the passing scenery. As we reach the late afternoon, our coach will return to Westport for dinner this evening at the hotel.

This morning we take a short journey via coach to visit Westport House and grounds. This Palladian Mansion was built in the 18^th Century, and often described as one of Irelands National Treasures. It is housed in a magnificent setting with terraces, gardens, and a lake with splendid views out over Clew Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The house was owned and lived in for over 300 years by the Brown family, direct descendants of the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley. With around 30 rooms and permanent exhibitions, one of which tells the story of Grace O’Malley. Your guide will regale you with stories of life upstairs and downstairs as you explore the ‘Big House’. After your house visit you are free to explore the extensive grounds. This afternoon is free to explore Westport further, giving you a chance to visit the good variety of shops in the town or take a stroll along Westport Quay. Dinner is served in the Hotel this evening.

Today we head to the heart of Connemara and Kylemore Abbey. Built by Mitchell Henry in 1867 as an ancestral castle, later becoming home to a Benedictine Community of Nuns who were fleeing war torn Belgium. In 1920 it was transformed into the iconic Kylemore Abbey. You can experience the Abbey at its finest, with restored period rooms and discover the fascinating visitor experience which tells the history of tragedy and romance. Explore the 6-acre Victorian walled garden with formal flower, vegetable, and herb gardens. Follow the woodland and lakeshore walks to see the stunning gothic church before we head to Killary Fjord this afternoon. Here we take a return cruise to the mouth of the fjord, as we admire the stunning Connemara scenery pass by. With panoramic views all around, you may even spot a dolphin or two! We return by coach to Westport for dinner in our hotel for the evening

We enjoy our final breakfast at hotel before our coach takes us back to Knock airport for our flight back to the UK.