Hotels:
Day One:
Arrive in Dublin and stay for dinner and overnight in the Skylon Hotel.
Day Two:
After some time in Dublin, begin your travel westwards, call in at the Cruachan Ai Heritage Centre, where you will have a fascinating insight into one of the ‘Celtic Royal Sites’ of Ireland on a guided tour. Continue on to arrive at the lovely resort town of Westport where you will stay for four nights at the delightful Westport Woods Hotel which is set in woodlands located between the town centre and the quay. The hotel also has entertainment on each evening during your stay.
Day Three:
A lovely day ahead as you journey around scenic Clew Bay and across the Corraun Peninsula and Achill Sound to reach tranquil Achill Island. Return past Lough Conn to visit Hennigan’s Centre. Led by Ted Hennigan, you can enjoy a tour around the traditional cottage, learning all about rural life in County Mayo and also enjoy music, dancing and refreshments. Back to Westport Woods Hotel for dinner, entertainment and overnight.
Day Four:
Today you have a chance to relax and explore the welcoming heritage town of Westport or enjoy the hotel leisure centre and spa or venture out to see some of the local attractions such as Westport House and Gardens. Back to Westport Woods Hotel for dinner, entertainment and overnight.
Day Five:
Heading south, call in at the stunning Kylemore Abbey, an extraordinary abbey in a beautiful setting overlooking Kylemore Lake. You will learn of the remarkable and moving stories which have marked the history of the site and have a chance to explore the abbey, gothic church, walled gardens and pleasant walks. Continue on to beautiful Connemara National Park, an area of nearly 5000 acres of scenic countryside on the slopes of the Twelve Bens mountain range. Back to Westport Woods Hotel for dinner, entertainment and overnight.
Day Six:
Sadly, its time to leave Westport this morning but first call in at the wonderful medieval city of Galway. Known as ‘The City of The Tribes’, Galway is a lively and picturesque city set at the mouth of Galway Bay. You then continue back across country to Dublin for dinner and overnight at the Skylon Hotel.