Galway, Connemara & Ireland's Stunning West

Fly to Knock airport, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is left free so you can relax and perhaps make the most of the hotel's leisure centre. Alternatively, explore nearby Claremorris, about a 10-minute walk away.

Discover the unique, rugged beauty of Ireland's unspoilt west on today's excursion. The vast expanse of the Burren, one of the largest limestone karst areas in Europe, is our first stop.

Learn about the region's natural and archaeological treasures at the Kilfenora visitor centre, before we continue to the majestic Cliffs of Moher - towering some 200 metres above sea level. On a clear day, the pathways and viewing platforms along the cliff edge offer simply stunning views, including the famous Aran Islands, the Kerry Mountains and Galway Bay.

This morning you’ll visit Westport House, considered 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 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 your visit.

For 2018, Day Three will include visits to the award-winning National Museum of Irish Country Life, the picturesque little town of Cong, and a cruise across beautiful Lough Corrib instead.

Lively, picturesque Galway City beckons today. Join our Tour Manager for a guided tour, then explore at leisure. The old centre surrounds ancient Lynch's Castle, and a pedestrianised thoroughfare leads down to the thriving waterfront. Browse the shops and perhaps enjoy lunch in one of Galway's countless restaurants, take a harbour cruise or visit the city's great, stone cathedral.

Our final day is spent exploring the remote beauty of Connemara. Heading west, our route takes us along part of the Wild Atlantic Way - one of the world's longest defined coastal routes - before turning north to Maam Cross.From here we continue to Leenane, dramatically situated on Ireland's only fjord, for a visit to nearby Kylemore Abbey. Enjoy the Abbey's beautiful setting, fascinating history, Victorian walled gardens and welcoming tea rooms. Afterwards admire the scenery of the Inagh Valley, the Quiet Man Bridge and Oughterard, before arriving back in Claremorris.

Spend a final few hours resting and relaxing at the hotel, or perhaps exploring the local area, before transferring to the airport to board your flight home.