Westport & Connemara

Day 1

TO WATERFORD
We travel to Fishguard / Pembroke for our ferry crossing to Rosslare and continue on to Waterford where we stay overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. (D)

Day 2

WATERFORD TO WESTPORT
After breakfast we travel northwest arriving later this afternoon in the charming Georgian town of Westport where we stay for the next four nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at the family-run Westport Woods Hotel. (B, D)

Day 3

CONNEMARA, KILLARY HARBOUR & KYLEMORE ABBEY
Enjoy a guided tour to witness the enticing green scenery of Connemara. First we travel along the southern shore of Clew Bay passing the impressive Croagh Patrick, Ireland's Holy Mountain and once of the country's most iconic landmarks before we continue along the lovely coastal route, through the Doolough Valley and onto Killary. We include a cruise from Killary Harbour across Ireland's only fjord, sometimes described as the 'Gateway to Connemara'. Here it is possible to see seals in their natural habitat and even dolphin encounters are possible. This afternoon we visit Kylemore Abbey, home of Benedictine nuns and see the Gothic church and Victorian walled gardens. (B,D)

Day 4

FREE DAY
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore charming Westport or take advantage of the excellent leisure facilities at our hotel. (B,D)

Day 5

ACHILL ISLAND & WESTPORT HOUSE
Today we enjoy a guided tour to 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. We follow the northernmost shore of Clew Bay, dotted with eighty small islands, pasting 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. On returning to Westport, we visit Westport House which enjoys a superb parkland setting with lakes and wonderful gardens. (B,D)
Please note Westport House may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties.

Day 6

WESTPORT TO WATERFORD
We depart Westport and call in at the historic city of Galway, the ancient capital of West Ireland, with highlights such as the Spanish Arch, cobbled medieval alleyways and the impressive stone cathedral on the banks of the River Corrib. We continue on to our overnight hotel in Waterford. (B,D)

Day 7

FROM WATERFORD
After an early breakfast we travel to Rosslare to board the early morning sailing to Fishguard / Pembroke from where we complete the journey home. (B)