Galway, Connemara & Ireland's Stunning West

Following your flight to Ireland, you will be met by your tour manager for the coach transfer to your hotel. After check-in, you'll have rest the day free. Depending on your arrival time, you may like to explore Claremorris (which is about a 10-minute walk away) and its interesting range of shops and bars. At the far end of the town you'll find McMahon Park, where you can enjoy a delightful five-kilometre circular walk around Clare Lake. Alternatively, why not make the most of the hotel’s leisure centre and beauty studio?

If you decide to arrange your own travel and book our Tour Only package, you'll need to meet your Tour Manager at Knock airport in time for the coach transfer to your hotel, or at the hotel itself. (Exact times will be confirmed closer to departure.)

Today we'll head into the lunar-like landscape of the Burren, the largest expanse of limestone pavement in the world and home to an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna, as well as to megalithic tombs and monuments older than Egypt’s pyramids. The visitor centre in Kilfenora is fascinating. A short film traces the history and unique environment of the Burren, while the exhibition takes you on a Walk Through Time as the story of the region unfolds. You’ll learn about the remarkable landscape, and how man and animals have co-existed through history in this apparently inhospitable landscape.

The other highlight of the day is your visit to the awesome Cliffs of Moher. Standing 702ft at their highest point, the Cliffs stretch for five miles along the Atlantic coast. On a clear day, pathways and viewing platforms along the cliff edge offer simply stunning views out to the Aran Islands, to the Kerry Mountains and across to Galway Bay. An award-winning visitor centre, built into the hillside, will really help you get the most from your visit.

This morning you’ll visit Westport House, considered to be one of Ireland’s most beautiful historic homes. Immerse yourself in centuries of Irish history as your tour guide takes you through the rooms on show, and hear the story of Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen of Connacht, who ruled the land and seas around the estate in the 16th Century.

Your next stop will be Westport, which sits on the southeast corner of Clew Bay beneath the slopes of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's 'holy mountain'. Wander around the harbour to the Quay area, just a few minutes from the town centre, where the old coastguard station and warehouses now house bars, cafes and restaurants, or stroll along the tree-lined Mall.

In the afternoon we'll head to Glen Keen Farm, one of the largest sheep farms on the Wild Atlantic Way, and famous for its sheep dogs. Hear how life and farming has changed over the seven generations that the current owners have lived here, learn about the verbal and whistle commands used to herd sheep, and watch the farm's dogs in action. Tea or coffee and homemade scones are included during what promises to be a fascinating visit.

Galway City beckons today. The old centre surrounds ancient Lynch’s Castle and a pedestrianised thoroughfare leads down to the thriving waterfront. Join our tour manager for a guided tour before exploring at leisure. Enjoy lunch in one of Galway’s countless eateries, take a harbour cruise, explore the city's cobblestone streets, visit its imposing (and unexpectedly modern) cathedral, or perhaps make the most of the varied shopping.

Possibly saving the best until last, this long, but wonderfully scenic day will reveal Connemara. This stunning landscape of pale grey mountains, golden beaches, sparkling loughs, rugged bogs and shimmering waterfalls is a place of remote beauty that's also home to the hardy, agile - but also gentle - Connemara Pony.

The route takes you on a lovely drive past Lough Mask and Lough Corrib and on to the Maam Cross. We continue along the Inagh Valley to stunning Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery founded in 1920. Learn about its history and its tales of romance and tragedy, explore the six-acre Victorian Walled Gardens and visit the Gothic Chapel and the restored rooms of the Abbey.

We return to the hotel via Leenane, dramatically situated on Ireland’s only fjord, and setting for the film adaptation of John B. Keane’s famous play, The Field.

Depending upon the time of your flight, you may be able to spend a final few hours relaxing at your hotel, or perhaps exploring the local area, before returning to the airport at the end of a wonderful few days.