The Wild Atlantic Way Tour of Ireland

Day 1 - Monday 5^th October - Cliffs and the Rebel County

Welcome to Ireland! Off your flight this morning meet your guide and after some short introductions depart Dublin and head south to County Cork. On route, enjoy a scenic walk along the stunning Ballycotton Cliffs, where you’ll take in the breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. After your walk, what better way to dust off the plane journey and begin your time in Ireland than with a cold sea swim and sauna? Venture to one of the local beaches where you can become indoctrinated in one of Ireland’s newest culture phenoms.

End your day in the beautiful Ballymaloe House, where you can relax and unwind in luxury after an exciting day of exploration.

*We can also fit in sauna’s and swims other days if this doesn’t suit.

Overnight: Ballymaloe House
Room Type: Superior Heritage
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 - Tuesday 6^th October - Historic Cobh

After breakfast, meander through the bright coastal town of Cobh. A the town with the last stop the Titanic made before she set sail for America. Here you will meet local guide, author and historian Michael for a fascinating gentle walking tour, which will bring you through the streets and environs of Cobh, revealing locations and incidents directly connected to the Titanic and many other aspects of Cork Harbour History & Irish Heritage. Leaving Cobh, stop at the nearby Midleton Distillery for a behind-the-scenes tour with one of their expert Ambassadors. Can you taste the difference between Jameson and Bushmills whiskey?

Return to your oasis located in east cork to enjoy a delicious, locally sourced meal.

Overnight: Ballymaloe House
Room Type: Superior Heritage
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Wednesday 7^th October - Local Life, Furry Friends, and Fresh Flavours of Ireland

Leave the Rebel County Cork behind and head toward County Clare, making a stop at a local farm along the way to experience Ireland’s rich agricultural history. Experience the Burren at its finest with a fully guided tour of a working beef farm against the backdrop of dramatic landscapes and national monuments. Sample local produce with a rustic picnic and capture the true essence of Ireland’s west.

Afterward, continue onto your lovely and relaxing accommodations settled amongst the rocky terrain of the Burren.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 8^th October - 4x4 Experience on Inis Mor

Today, visit Inis Mór (Inishmore), the largest of the three Aran Islands. Enjoy exploring the island with the aid of off-road adventure vehicles driven by your local guides, Padraig and Aonghus. Learn about the unique Irish culture, traditions, and language of the islanders, the beautiful flora and fauna, and, of course, visit the filming site from the recent Banshees of Inisherin film. This experience is unique in that it provides the opportunity to visit parts of the island not readily accessible to those without both local knowledge and a 4×4 vehicle, making for a very memorable day.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 9^th October - Galway City

Galway is the capital of Ireland’s west. Known as the ‘town of the tribes’ the small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful store fronts is vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan. A local military historian will meet you at the city’s main square to guide you through the bustling alleys sharing Galway City’s important roles in the clash of the French, Spanish, Russian and British Empires from 1700 to 1922, including in Ireland’s revolution for independence.

Your accommodation this evening is a fitting finale to your time on the Wild Atlantic Way. Ballynahinch Castle is one of Ireland’s finest luxury castle hotels, set in a private 700 acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway. This authentic and unpretentious Castle Hotel stands proudly overlooking its famous salmon fishery, with a backdrop of the beautiful Twelve Bens Mountain range.

*Your guide will leave you in Galway City today to collect your rental car and make your way to Ballynahinch.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Saturday 10^th October - Anniversary in the Twelve Bens

Spend a romantic day unwinding and relaxing amongst the rugged beauty of Connemara National Park and Ballynahinch Castle. Enjoy a relaxed day on site with a morning woodland sauna session followed by a private picnic lunch on the grounds of the estate.

This afternoon choose to stay on site or venture out into nearby Clifden for a wander along the quaint country streets, or head further to sandy remote beaches where you can really feel like a local.

This evening enjoy a romantic and beautifully set dinner in the Owenmore Restaurant.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 - Sunday 11^th October - Return to Dublin

At your leisure this morning depart from Ballynahinch and make your way to Dublin City. Enroute, stop at the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise. 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.

Arriving in Dublin drop off your rental car before spending an evening in the beautiful centre of our capital city.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Monday 12^th October - Exploring Dublin

This morning join a local historian for an engaging walking tour of the lively capital city. Explore some of Dublin’s best-known attractions, while also enjoying the benefit of local knowledge by visiting spots hidden off the tourist trail. Your guide will leave you off to enjoy the beautiful Trinity College and The Books of Kells.

Later this afternoon, enjoy some free time, before dining in the hotel’s restaurant or in one of the many delightful eateries that pepper the streets of this vibrant, capital city.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Tuesday 13^th October - Depart

A private transfer will collect you and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast