Tour Overview
On this 8-day active tour of Ireland, explore the Emerald Isle on foot, on horseback, or by bicycle. Discover spectacular scenery - from steep mountains to heather-covered hills, magnificent coastline and tranquil lakes. Begin with a visit to Dublin, Ireland’s young and dynamic capital. Continue to County Wicklow, “The Garden of Ireland,” for a day of hiking. Next, drive to Connemara, the wildest and most romantic part of Ireland. Enjoy a day of horseback riding or hiking along the beach. Then, take the ferry across to the Aran Islands. Explore Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands, by bicycle or on foot. Return to the mainland and take a walking tour of Galway, the charming capital of the west. Your journey ends in Shannon, where you stay in the 4-star Fitzpatrick Hotel beside the famous Medieval Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Dublin, IrelandArrive Dublin International Airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in. This afternoon, enjoy a half-day walking tour of Dublin.
Gresham Hotel Day 02: Dublin - Wicklow
Drive a few miles south of Dublin to the County of Wicklow, popularly known as "The Garden of Ireland". Today you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy short strolls beside the sea or alongside a river, through the forests or over the hills and mountains. Travel along old coach roads, bog roads, nature trails and mountain paths used by medieval monks. Along the way you will find deserted settlements, forts, a varied flora and roaming deer. Later, transfer to your hotel, where the balance of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast
BrookLodge Day 03: Wicklow - Birr Castle - Connemara
Today, en route to Birr Castle, travel across Kildare County and the Curragh plain, renowned for its thoroughbred horses. Continue via Galway to Connemara and your hotel for overnight.
Breakfast
Renvyle House Hotel Day 04: Connemara
Explore Connemara, the wildest and most romantic part of Ireland. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and ocean air on horseback (approx. 35.00 Euro for a 1.5 hour ride.)
Breakfast
Renvyle House Hotel Day 05: Connemara - Aran Islands
Drive to Ros A Mhil (Rossaveal) where you board the passenger ferry to Inishmor, the largest of the Aran Islands. The three Aran Islands, Inisheer, Inishmaan and Inishmore, situated in Galway Bay, form a mass of limestone, similar to the Burren’s geology. After a 45-minute ferry ride, you will arrive on Inishmore. It is about a 10-15 minute walk from the ferry dock to your hotel. If pedaling is your pleasure, hire (approx. 15 Euro) a bike in Kilronan village and meander at will around this lovely island!
Breakfast
Aran Islands Hotel Day 06: Aran Islands - Galway - Shannon
This morning, board the passenger ferry back to the mainland. On arrival you will be met by your driver/guide for a half-day tour of Galway. Visit the Galway Heritage Center. A guided tour will take you through various rooms dedicated to different aspects of Galway’s life and history: the Claddagh village, the Galway Hookers (boats) and the Galway Tribes. You can also visit the crystal factory and watch an audio-visual presentation about the city and its crystal. Afterwards, visit the very well preserved Dunguaire Castle. In the afternoon, explore Galway at your leisure. Then travel south to Ennis, a center for Irish folk music. Continue to Shannon and your hotel for overnight.
Breakfast
Bunratty Shannon Shamrock Hotel Day 07: Shannon
Today, visit the famous Folk Park at Bunratty. It is a reconstructed traditional Irish village with cottages, a forge and working blacksmith, weavers and butter makers. Enjoy a pint or two at the famous Durty Nellies Pub, which features live music nightly. The balance of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Breakfast
Bunratty Shannon Shamrock Hotel Day 08: Depart Shannon
Transfer to the airport for your departing international flight.
Breakfast
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