v.2 Wendy Perrin- Julie Lehman Family Ireland

Day 1 - Sunday 19^th May - Welcome to Ireland

Arriving in Dublin this morning, collect your rental car at the airport and make your way out of the city, heading west, to where the crashing Atlantic Ocean meets the Irish shores. On route, we have a selection of recommended stops for food and activity with the ancient monastic ruins of Clonmacnoise being one of the most popular.

St Ciarán founded his monastery on the banks of the River Shannon in the 6th Century. The monastery flourished and became a great seat of learning, a University of its time with students from all over Europe. Today the ruins include a Cathedral, two round towers, three high crosses, nine Churches and over 700 Early Christian grave-slabs.

This afternoon, explore Galway’s bohemian charms with a foodies walking tour. Galway’s streets are full of street performers, buskers, live theatres and those who love to immerse themselves in the arts and culture scene. Along with the arts, Galway has a firm hold on its place on the Irish Foodie scene with fresh produce in abundance. Sample sweet and savoury treats as you walk the bustling streets learning as you go.

Overnight: Galway | The Hardiman
Room Type: Deluxe Double & Classic Twin
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Monday 20^th May - The Wilds of Connemara

Connemara is an exceptional region with wild open plains surrounded by mountains and hills all waiting for you to explore. Described by Oscar Wilde as a “savage beauty”, the heather clad, windswept hills of the Connemara landscape beckon you today.  Take a hike in the park, the views from the top of Diamond Hill’s glittering quartzite summit are worth the effort for sure before exploring the coast with little villages and beaches a plenty such as Carraroe, Roundstone and Dogsbay.

This evening your hotel is just outside the lively town of Clifden, home to Irish Traditional music and native Irish speakers. We recommend dining in town before checking out the pub scene.

Overnight: Connemara | Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double & Standard twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Tuesday 21^st May - Connemara to Clare

Time to hit the road today, taking your time, exploring along the way as you move from Galway to Clare passing through the Burren’s rocky alien landscape, said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Visit a local sheep farm where you’ll enjoy the opportunity to walk through this unique landscape and see the sheepdogs at work. This tour will also include a walk to a prehistoric stone fort, with a worldly history which will be brought to life by the farm’s local guide and multi-sensory presentations. Excavations from the site, ranging from Venetian glass and Baltic amber, serve to juxtapose the ancient settlement against its contemporary trading inhabitants.
Your hotel this evening stands on the coastal edge with stunning sea views, surrounded by beaches. There are so many activities here to choose from including surfing, kayaking and hiking the Cliffs of Moher Trail.

Overnight: Clare | Armada Hotel
Room Type: Ocean View Superior & Classic Twin Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Wednesday 22^nd May - The Aran Islands

It’s hard to resist the allure of one of the many islands that dot the Irish coastline and today, 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 where you will join up with two brothers for an exciting 4×4 adventure on the island. Explore hidden parts of the island, learn the history and culture from the locals and see the native flora and fauna, the blue flag beach and natural landmarks.

Overnight: Clare | Armada Hotel
Room Type: Ocean View Superior & Classic Twin Sea View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Thursday 23^rd May - Clare to Dublin

A last jump in the ocean or beach walk this morning before the journey back east to Ireland’s capital for a few days of city exploration with friends.
We have some classic and quirky tours and experiences to recommend for you for Dublin from the iconic Guinness Storehouse tour to the more quirky E-bike experience.

Overnight: Dublin | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: Executive King & Classic Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Friday 24^th May - Celtic Games

Dare to be a Celtic Warrior today! Take a journey of discovery deep into Irish culture, where our sports and language meet. From hurling, one of the oldest field sports in the world, to Gaelic football you will experience an enthralling energy packed introduction to our National Games that will literally take your breath away and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Overnight: Dublin | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: Executive King & Classic Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Saturday 25^th May - Depart Dublin

Departing Dublin airport today we hope your time in Ireland has been memorable for all the family.

Meals Included: Breakfast