A fourteen day self drive tour of the Galway, Connemara, Clare Island, Westport, the Burren and Kerry regions. Arrival and departure from Shannon Airport.
| Day 1 |
Arrival at Shannon airport and collect your hire car. Drive north to the eclectic city of Galway. Your accommodation is by the shores of Galway Bay and walking distance from the old city. Be sure to check out the local market behind St. Nicholas’ Church…local flavour no visitor should miss! And join the locals in the evening to walk the prom at Salthill.
(Drive time 2 hours). |
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| Day 2 |
Drive via the Connemara coast road through the traditional Irish speaking villages of Spiddal and Rossaveel to Ballynahinch Castle (near Clifden). Your accommodation won’t be as draughty as the first inhabitants were accustomed to - the original castle was home to the 15th century O’Flaherty chieftains. The log fires are just as warm and welcoming.
(Drive Time 1 hour) |
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| Day 3 |
Wild and exciting countryside, dramatic loughs, lanes and landscapes. Visit Roundstone, Clifden, lunch at the Victorian Walled Gardens of Kylemore, climb on Diamond Hill at the Connemara National Park and visit the Cultural Centre at Leenane. Drive though the stunning Dhulough valley to Louisbur and take an afternoon ferry to Clare Island, home to 200 inhabitants and as traditional an experience as you could hope for!
(Drive Time 2.5 hours) |
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| Day 4 |
Visit Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain, overlooking drumlin studded Clew Bay. Continue to the colourful 17th century port town of Westport, with carefully planned streets and canal.
(Drive Time 1 hour) |
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| Day 5 |
From Mayo to Clare. Lots to see today, Ballintubber Abbey, Ashford Castle and the village of Cong, past Galway to Clare and the Burren. Galway Bay at its best. Round off the day with a sunset trip to the Cliffs of Moher.
(Drive Time 4 hours) |
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Day 6
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A free day to explore the Burren or take the opportunity to visit the Aran Islands- wild flowers, limestone ridges, island communities, fishing currachs, stone forts, Gaelic culture. Or for sheer exuberance take the Aran Island cruise to the base of the towering cliffs before stopping on Inis Oirr for lunch in the island pub. |
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| Day 7 |
From county Clare cross the Shannon River by car ferry to Kerry. The heritage town of Listowel is home to Ireland’s famous playwright, John B. Keane. Cross the Sliabh Mish mountains under the promontory fort of Caherconree to Dingle, nestling between hills and sea. This is a Gaeltacht region; deep seated Gaelic language and culture, alive in every day life.
(Drive Time 4 hours) |
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| Day 8 |
Explore the western extremity of Ireland. Our earliest Christian heritage remains are littered here, coupled with breathtaking Atlantic views. Gallarus Oratory, Kilmalkeadar Church, Riasc Monastic settlement, Loch a Dúin…it was a busy place in the 6th century!
Or take a boat trip to the Blasket Islands, uninhabited since 1953. It was the source of the lyrical literature of some of the best Gaelic authors. Sit amongst the ruins of their homes and watch the Atlantic dance below you. |
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| Day 9 |
Your route takes you to the Iveragh Peninsula and the famous Ring of Kerry, with breathtaking views of Dingle Bay. Visit a 5th century ring fort near Caherciveen and the Heritage Centre of British military design which should have been in India… The Skellig Experience Centre in Portmagee offers a fascinating insight to life in the area since the first Christians in chose here as their home. And don’t miss dinner in Paddy Frog’s!
(Drive Time 2.5 hours) |
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Day 10
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Visit the lovely Valentia Island, site of the first Atlantic Telegraph. A back road tour through the most beautiful scenery. A good walk takes you to top of Geokaun hill on the island, just to see the Atlantic at its best!
Or take a boat trip of a lifetime from Waterville to the World Heritage Site, the fabulous 5th century monastic remains on the remote Skellig Rock. Nearby Little Skellig is home to 20000 pairs of breeding gannets, as well as puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and storm petrels. Quite a sight and smell! And on your return boat trip there’ll be fresh mackerel on the barbecue. |
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| Day 11 |
Cross the interior of the Iveragh Peninsula via the Ballaghoisheen Pass. Desolate, wild scenery and a lovely descent to the welcoming town of Killarney. Visit the National Park Centre and 19th century Muckross House. Your town centre accommodation affords ample opportunity to explore – and walking distance from a wonderful world of shopping!
(Drive Time 2 hours) |
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| Day 12 |
Choose from walking trails in native oakwoods, a drive and walk tour of the Gap of Dunloe, jaunting carts, the Lakes of Killarney by boat, or just a day in town. We will provide you with all the information you need. We recommend coffee and cake at Bricín or Mac’s homemade ice-cream! |
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| Day 13 |
Depart Killarney for a short drive to Limerick city. Stop at the 2000BC Stone Age settlement of Lough Gur – forts, stone circles, standing stones, burial tombs. Visit 12th century King John’s Castle in Limerick and the Hunt Museum.
(Drive time 2 hours) |
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| Day 14 |
Return to Shannon airport and depart.
(Drive time 20 minutes). |
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