Galway & the Contrasts of Connemara

We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin and continue onwards to our hotel in the Dublin area for our overnight stay.

We head across to Galway, a thriving, cosmopolitan city with the bonus of a seaside setting. There is plenty to see on our free afternoon here, including the Latin Quarter with its cobblestone streets and colourful shops, Galway Cathedral, one of the largest and most impressive buildings in the city, the lively Eyre Square and the scenic Salthill Promenade on the seafront, to name but a few!

We start the day at Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Garden. Discover the restored rooms of the beautiful Gothic Abbey, home to a monastic community of nuns since 1920, and the six-acre Victorian Walled Garden where only flower and vegetable varieties from that era are grown. Dating back to the 1860s, this was one of the last walled gardens built in Ireland during the Victorian period, and its magnificence at the time was compared to London’s Kew Gardens.

Then, admire the scenic mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands that make up the Connemara National Park. Covering around 3,000 hectares of scenic countryside, the park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the famous Connemara ponies. There's also the Visitor Centre, where there's time to see the exhibits, grab a coffee, or walk one of the woodland trails.

Later, we embark on a captivating journey through Killary Fjord, Ireland's only fjord, and experience the stunning natural beauty of the region. As we cruise along the 16-kilometre-long inlet, we are surrounded by majestic mountains and lush landscapes that create a breathtaking backdrop. Enjoy the serene waters and remember to keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and a variety of seabirds that call this pristine environment home.

Today is yours to spend at leisure; enjoy time at the hotel or discover Westport, a colourful town with a welcoming atmosphere. Stroll to Westport Quay, a picturesque waterfront area with scenic views and plenty of cafés to relax in.

Alternatively, join us on an optional excursion to the historic Westport House & Estate, with time to explore its beautiful grounds and heritage. In the afternoon, we continue with a scenic drive to Achill Island, Ireland’s largest island. Take in coastal views as we follow the spectacular Atlantic Coast Drive, part of the world-renowned Wild Atlantic Way.

After checking out of our hotel, we travel to Dublin, where we spend the afternoon at leisure. There are plenty of historic sites, architectural splendours and iconic monuments to see, from the oldest, Dublin Castle, to one of the newest, the Spire of Dublin. Or you may like to experience one of Dublin’s traditional pubs – there are 1,000 lining the city’s cobbled streets! We also have the option to join a guided tour of the city before spending the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.

We check out of our hotel early to catch the ferry back to Holyhead; therefore, a voucher will be provided to enjoy breakfast on board. On arrival in Holyhead, we continue our journey home.

We fly to Dublin airport and continue onwards to our overnight hotel in the Dublin area.

We head across to Galway, a thriving, cosmopolitan city with the bonus of a seaside setting. There is plenty to see on our free afternoon here, including the Latin Quarter with its cobblestone streets and colourful shops, Galway Cathedral, one of the largest and most impressive buildings in the city, the lively Eyre Square and the scenic Salthill Promenade on the seafront, to name but a few!

We start the day at Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Garden. Discover the restored rooms of the beautiful Gothic Abbey, home to a monastic community of nuns since 1920, and the six-acre Victorian Walled Garden where only flower and vegetable varieties from that era are grown. Dating back to the 1860s, this was one of the last walled gardens built in Ireland during the Victorian period, and its magnificence at the time was compared to London’s Kew Gardens.

Then, admire the scenic mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands that make up the Connemara National Park. Covering around 3,000 hectares of scenic countryside, the park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the famous Connemara ponies. There's also the Visitor Centre, where there's time to see the exhibits, grab a coffee, or walk one of the woodland trails.

Later, we embark on a captivating journey through Killary Fjord, Ireland's only fjord, and experience the stunning natural beauty of the region. As we cruise along the 16-kilometre-long inlet, we are surrounded by majestic mountains and lush landscapes that create a breathtaking backdrop. Enjoy the serene waters and remember to keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and a variety of seabirds that call this pristine environment home.

Today is yours to spend at leisure; enjoy time at the hotel or discover Westport, a colourful town with a welcoming atmosphere. Stroll to Westport Quay, a picturesque waterfront area with scenic views and plenty of cafés to relax in.

Alternatively, join us on an optional excursion to the historic Westport House & Estate, with time to explore its beautiful grounds and heritage. In the afternoon, we continue with a scenic drive to Achill Island, Ireland’s largest island. Take in coastal views as we follow the spectacular Atlantic Coast Drive, part of the world-renowned Wild Atlantic Way.

After checking out of our hotel, we travel to Dublin, where we spend the afternoon at leisure. There are plenty of historic sites, architectural splendours and iconic monuments to see, from the oldest, Dublin Castle, to one of the newest, the Spire of Dublin. Or you may like to experience one of Dublin’s traditional pubs – there are 1,000 lining the city’s cobbled streets! We also have the option to join a guided tour of the city before spending the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.

We transfer to Dublin airport for our return flight home.