IMAGES OF IRELAND: THE WEST

Day 1 – Dublin City
Welcome to Dublin. After you pick up your car at the Car Hire desk, transfer to your city centre hotel. Spend the remainder of the day soaking up the atmosphere of this exciting city or visit some of its many attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College or Old Jameson Distillery.  Overnight: Dublin area

Day 2 – Galway
Leave Dublin this morning and travel across the rich midland pastures. Why not visit Belvedere House, Gardens and Park? The magnificent early 18th century stately home of Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere, stands in 160 acres of parkland on the shores of Lough Ennell. Belvedere is one of the finest of Ireland's historic houses, and together with gardens and park has been exquisitely restored. Before you cross the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river you can visit Clonmacnoise, a 6th century Christian site. Arrive into Galway, which has long traded with Spain and the Spanish influences are many in the city. Of note is the Spanish Arch, a gateway in the old city walls and the Spanish Parade, where wealthy merchants and 
their families enjoyed a stroll along the promenade. Overnight: Galway area  

Day 3 – Connemara
Region Today travel out into the wild and rugged Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery. Why not visit the Connemara National Park, where Connemara ponies and Irish red deer roam freely through 5,000 acres of scenic mountains, bogs and grassland? You can also visit the magnificent Kylemore Abbey - a beautiful mansion in a lakeside setting against a mountainous backdrop.  Overnight: Galway area  

Day 4 – Connemara
Region Why not relax and enjoy the spectacular Connemara countryside or travel northwards through the magnificent Delphi Valley to Croagh Patrick and into Westport located on the shores of Clew Bay? Alternatively take a boat trip to one of the Aran Islands and experience a very different aspect of Irish culture.  Overnight: Galway      

Day 5 – Clare
Today travel through Galway and continue on to the Lough Derg region, one of Ireland’s largest lakes comprising of 50 square miles. Why not visit Rathbaun Farm and see the animals being tended, or enjoy a tea break.  Overnight: Clare area  

Day 6 – Tipperary & Kilkenny
Continuing to travel inland, we drive through some of the many small towns and villages Ireland is famous for. Stop in Cashel and visit the imposing Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most important ecclesiastical sites, which rise dramatically from the flat countryside. Continue on to the medieval city of Kilkenny which is ideal for a casual stroll through its narrow streets and alleyways. Overnight: Kilkenny area  

Day 7 – Dublin
We return to Dublin and you can complete your tour with a final visit to Dublin’s city centre. En-route you can visit the Irish National Stud where you can see the new born foals in the fields with their mothers. Overnight: Dublin area  

Day 8 – Dublin
Departure Travel to Dublin Airport for return flight home.