Final Information - Dennis & Marshall Lynch and family

Day 1 - Sunday 10^th March - Arrive In Ireland

Arriving into Knock Airport, you will be met by your guide and your first port of call is the bustling city of Galway. Your introduction to the city will be by way of a local musician- historian. His depth of knowledge on the city’s origins, history and current culture and economy and his skill as a raconteur are matched only by his musical prowess. Touring extensively as a traditional Irish musician but using Galway as his base makes him a fantastic companion to explore with. Finish your walk in a little known gem of a pub to join him and some friends for a music ‘session’.

Dinner reservations for 4 made at The Owenmore Restaurant 19:30pm payable locally

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle
Room Type: Riverside Suite & Luxury Twin
Meals Included: None
Ride Details: 35 km / 22 miles

Day 2 - Monday 11^th March - The Coast of Connemara

Windswept and austere, the exceptional barren beauty of Connemara has captured the imagination of writers and artists for centuries. With many miles of coastline, the ocean has always played an integral part in the lives of the locals. Enjoy a stunning bike along the seashore, crossing through the blanket bog-lands that characterise the mountainous terrain. Stop for a pub lunch in a quaint fishing village. Keep an eye out for native Connemara ponies – a hardy and companionable breed well suited to the rugged terrain. Later take to the waters of the Owenmore River that sweeps past your hotel with a ghillie who will show you the ropes as you try your hand at fly fishing.

Dinner reservations for 4 made at The Fisherman’s Pub 19:30pm payable locally

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle
Room Type: Riverside Suite & Luxury Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Tuesday 12^th March - The Aran Islands

It’s hard to resist the allure of one of the many islands that dot the Irish coastline and today you and your guide will take to the water and ferry to The Aran Islands. The history of these islands goes back millennia and today Gaelic is still the daily spoken language of the inhabitants. The Aran islands seem to defy their size by all they have to offer: breathtaking scenery, mediaeval castles, cliffs and prehistoric forts are all to be found on this little group of islands.

Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands, is your destination today. The first port of call is a goat farm, here meet a fisherman-come-goat farmer and island native who will introduce you to his flock of extraordinarily cute goats. You’ll taste his award-winning cheese, but more importantly, you will leave with his wealth of knowledge on the island’s history, language and culture. We will make sure you don’t miss the incredible prehistoric cliff top fortress at Dun Aenghus as well as some hidden spots along the island’s shore.

Dinner reservations TBC

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Riverside Suite & Luxury Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Wednesday 13^th March - Sheep Dog Farm, Famine Trail and Traditional Bread Baking

First stop this morning is a traditional working mountain farm with approx. 200 ewes and lambs roaming freely in the mountain with spectacular scenery overlooking Killary Fjord. Here you will meet with the local farmer, seeing his talented dogs in action as they round up the free roaming sheep following his every command. After, take the opportunity to walk the famine Road, along the spectacular fjord, in the footsteps of those who fled hunger and desolation in search of a better life. After lunch, meet Carmel and enjoy an authentic, fun experience in making, baking (and eating!) traditional Irish soda bread and scones. Get an insight into Irish food culture and way of life, past and present.

What better way to get to know Ireland than through its people and its food!

Dinner reservations for 4 made at Cullens at the Cottage 19:30pm payable locally

Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: Presidential Suite & Deluxe Queen Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles

Day 5 - Thursday 14^th March - Ashford & Beyond

Waking up in Ashford Castle, you have a full day on site to enjoy all the activities available. For Dennis, tennis with the onsite coach is arranged for you after breakfast followed by a unique and exhilarating Falconry Experience for all.

The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the site or day wander into the village of Cong where your guide can show you around the tucked away abbey and nearby woodlands, introducing you to the history of the town, estate and the prestigious Guinness family who once owned it. Please let us know if you would like any other activities arranged at Ashford Castle.

Dinner reservations TBC

Overnight: Mayo | Ashford Castle
Room Type: Presidential Suite & Deluxe Queen Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Friday 15^th March - Departure

There may be time this morning for one last walk around the grounds of your magnificent castle hotel before saying goodbye to Ireland’s rugged west and making your way back to Knock Airport. Your guide will say their farewell at the airport and as you catch your flight home we hope that your time in Ireland has been special and memorable.

Meals Included: Breakfast