West Coast Explorer

Departing Dublin, you travel west through the counties of Kildare and Offaly. The first stop is the attractive village of Kinvara, where you get a chance to take some superb photos of Dunguaire Castle and discover its remarkable historical legacy. From here you head to the Burren. This is one of Ireland’s true national treasures: a land of limestone pavements, rare flora and ancient stone monuments. The Burren was also home to one of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland. From there, you head to the incredible Cliffs of Moher. Here, you can walk the stunning cliff trails and watch rare seabirds swooping through the air. You can also delve into the excellent and award-winning environmental exhibition nearby.

After exploring the area thoroughly, you head to Galway City, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. On the way, you pass through the famous Galway Bay. Picturesque views, excellent food and cosy pubs await you within this lively student town.

Overnight - Galway 

Travel inland through the Maam Valley to the village of Cong, the setting for the film classic, “The Quiet man”. You’re free here to visit the local museum devoted to the movie or discover the magnificently restored 12th century Cong Abbey.

You continue through the heart of Connemara and the beautiful house and grounds at Kylemore Abbey, where grand buildings and magnificent man-made gardens are a treat for the eyes and soul.
Your journey continues to Connemara National Park, where abundant wildlife resides amidst the ancient tombs and wood paths. Here you’ll see the magnificent Diamond Hill, a 500m peak that rivals any summit in Europe. And then we travel to Clifden, famous for being the location of the first transatlantic flight landing. In the National Park, you’ll also enjoy the majesty of the Sky Road, as well as the sharp peaks of the Twelve Bens of Connemara.

You then travel back for the night to your cosy residence in Galway City.

Overnight - Galway

We wave goodbye to Galway and take some of the quaint back roads through central Ireland. Clonmacnoise is the first major highlight of the day. It’s the site of an early Christian settlement and boasts a famed
collection of churches, fabulous stone crosses and round towers. After lunch in a local village, the tour continues through the peatiest Irish bogs you’ll ever see. The flora and fauna will
take your breath away, as your guide shows you the incredible biodiversity of the bogs.

Then you make your way to your final stop before Dublin: Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery on the
planet. Here you can relax with a glass of their famed whisky; and after a drink (or two?), you’ll head back east to Dublin,  arriving around 19.00.

*Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.