Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 15th of June 2024 to receive a FREE UPGRADE from Economy to Compact AND 15% discount off your tour price!
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or special event packages.
It has been a difficult time for all of us. I booked a self driving tour through Irish Tourism that was cancelled due to Covid issues with travel. The booking process was excellent and thorough. It wa Read more »
Stephanie was an amazing source of help, assistance and knowledge for our first trip to Ireland. She kept us informed of the every changing covid rules as well as adapted to our many - at least three- Read more »
Staff was extremely attentive and very flexible when it came to organizing our trip. All questions were answered quickly and in great detail. When some aspects of our selected trip had to be altered d Read more »
Stephanie at Irish Tourism booked our trip- she was wonderful to work with. I am picky about my rooms - when we booked the trip I requested more spacious accommodations and paid accordingly. We had Read more »
Every thing was as promised. B&B's were awesome and the proprietors very gracious. Big van with lots of space for the 6 of us as well as our luggage with room to spare. We will definitely use Irish ... Read more »
The counties of Cork, Kerry & Clare lay claim to some of the most varied and spectacular scenery in the country. The south western coastline, sculpted by the ice-age and influenced by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, is steeped in ancient history and folklore. This rugged, mountainous terrain, dotted with crystal clear lakes and traversed by meandering rivers, is the perfect destination for a truly memorable vacation. With its rocky and moonlike landscape, County Clare, the Burren region and the spectacular Cliffs of Moher present an interesting contrast to the Cork/Kerry region.
You will truly enjoy the end of your tour in County Clare, the home to so much of our traditional music and dance.
However there is more to the South West region than just stunning scenery; it is the people that really make a lasting impression. Warm and friendly, always willing to help a visitor with directions and a smile, you will feel very welcome. In the evenings you can enjoy the ‘craic’ - the Irish for having a good time - in a local village pub, many of which host impromptu traditional music sessions. Ireland’s South West - once visited, never forgotten!
You meet up with the guide and the rest of the group at 6.30 pm in the Helm Bar in the harbour area of Westport (098 26398), which is about two miles from the train station. It would probably be best to get a taxi. This is just the meeting point and may not necessarily be where you are actually staying that night. There is an introductory talk from the guide followed by an evening meal. If you are unexpectedly delayed please call the Helm Bar and leave a message for the guide as to when you expect to arrive. After dinner you can check into your B&B before perhaps returning to a nearby pub for a drink and a music session.
Leaving the town on the Castlebar Road, after a mile we turn onto the Western Way walking route. The route takes us along quiet backroads passing by lakes and bog land to our lunch stop. After lunch there is some nice lakeside cycling around Lough Conn and then onto Lough Cullin, which brings us to our Hotel in Foxford.
We start the day by visiting the historic Woollen Mills in Foxford after which we head out on back roads to follow along the eastern shore of Lough Conn before stopping for lunch in a pub. In the afternoon we again follow quiet roads to Ballycastle.
Heading west on the coast road with wonderful views looking out over the Atlantic, we come to the Ceide Fields, site of an ancient 5000-year-old field system. It is the largest Stone Age site in Europe and there is an excellent interpretive centre here that outlines the history of the site. Continuing on from the centre there is a dramatic cycle across open bogland with more wonderful coastal views all the way to the town of Belmullet.
Today we is cycle around the Atlantic Coast through a wild barren landscape, past freshly cut fields of peat, to the village of Mulranney and from there cycle onto Achill Island and our night stop. There may be an option to cycle out on the isolated peninsula beyond Belmullet and take a fishing boat from Blacksod Point across the Bay to Doogort on Achill Island. From here it is a short cycle to the village of Keel where we spend the next two nights.
There are several dramatic cycling routes around Achill the most impressive being the Atlantic Drive, with its wonderful coastal views and beautiful landscape. You can also head to Keem bay for a swim on its white sandy beach. For those feeling energetic you could climb to the top of the nearby cliffs some of the highest in Europe, where you are rewarded with the most breathtaking views of the week.
Leaving the Island via the bridge at Achill sound, we continue along the Clew Bay coast road and visit a 16th Century Tower House, one of the chain of forts built by Granuaile, a female pirate who controlled this whole region. We then visit a small but beautifully situated early Christian monastic site, before heading to Newport for lunch. In the afternoon we return to Westport for a final night on the town together.
After breakfast you are free to head your separate ways.
Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 15th of June 2024 to receive a FREE UPGRADE from Economy to Compact AND 15% discount off your tour price!
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or special event packages.
Accommodation Type | Price |
---|---|
Per person sharing | €979 |
Single Supplement | €281 |
Notes
Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.
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See what people say about the vacations we plan
See what people say about the vacations we plan