‘An Irish Adventure’
The Charms of Westport & the Atlantic Coast
£4997 Days • 7-13 October
The untamed natural beauty of the West of Ireland will leave any visitor captivated. Relatively untouched the dramatic scenery is made up of a patchwork of bogs, lonely valleys, mountains, lakes and coastlines. Our base is Westport a delightful town sitting on the banks of the Carrowbeg River, with graceful tree lined streets and sweeping views across to the holy mountain of Crough Patrick. This tour offers the perfect combination of excellent accommodation with the rugged natural beauty of Irelands West Coast. Our inbound ferry crossing takes us in to Dublin and returns via Belfast making this a true ‘Irish Adventure’.
Sunday, 7 October
We journey to Holyhead to board the early afternoon conventional Stena Line ferry to Dublin. We disembark and make the short journey to Enfield for our overnight half board accommodation at the superb 4 star Johnstown House Hotel.
Monday, 8 October
After breakfast we travel west via Athlone to Galway on the Atlantic Coast for an extended lunch break at this famous old city. We continue north west via Lough Carra en route to Westport for 4 nights half board accommodation at the Castlecourt Hotel.
Tuesday, 9 October
A scenic Coastal and Mountains Tour today as we travel via Leenane on the northern edge of the Connemara National Park, we enjoy views of Killary Harbour (Ireland’s only ‘fjord’) before continuing via Kylemore Abbey for a photo stop. Onwards to Clifden the capital of Connemara, a beautiful traditional Irish town located on the Owenglen River, here we have some free time for refreshment. Our return to Westport offers lovely views of the Partry, Maumturk Mountains and Crough Patrick a mountain where each year as many as one million pilgrims and visitors make the trek to the top to pray at the mountaintop church. This area is featured in ITVs drama series ‘Single handed’.
Wednesday, 10 October
A free day to explore the delights of Westport. The town has been named ‘Ireland’s Tidiest Town’ for a number of years further proving its excellence as a base for a tour of Western Ireland. It has become one of Ireland’s established tourism centres, with many outstanding features, most notably the beautiful tree lined boulevard known as The Mall, running parallel to the Carrowbeg River. The town contains many fine restaurants, specialising particularly in seafood and many fine traditional pubs, all providing a friendly ambience.
Thursday, 11 October
A coastal tour of the famous Achill Island, our route takes us through ancient forests and prehistoric bogland before crossing the road bridge onto Achill Island. Achill’s rugged landscape features dramatic cliffs, soaring mountains, remote lakes and secluded beaches. Whilst on the island we will visit a series of tiny villages that offer breathtaking views out across the Atlantic Ocean.
Friday, 12 October
We depart our hotel and travel via Sligo an area famed for its magnificent natural landscapes, then onwards via Bundoran and Beleek Pottery where we enjoy an extended refreshment break. Continue to Stormont on the outskirts of Belfast for overnight half board accommodation at the excellent Hastings Stormont Hotel.
Saturday, 13 October
After breakfast we transfer to Belfast for the lunchtime Stena Line ferry to Stranraer. Arrive home early-mid evening.
YOUR HOTELS
The 4 star JOHNSTOWN HOUSE HOTEL is set on 120 acres of stunning parkland landscape. The luxury four-star hotel is developed around magnificent 1750’s Georgian Rural Residence. The Hotel combines luxurious accommodation with a variety of culinary delights, a traditional atmosphere and an extensive health spa. All the bedrooms are en suite with colour tv, telephone, hairdryer, and tea making facilities. There is a lift.
The 3 star CASTLECOURT HOTEL is perfectly located in the heart of Westport. It is a superb hotel that has been extensively remodelled and a warm welcome is always assured. All the tastefully designed bedrooms are en suite with colour satellite TV, telephone, hairdryer, iron and tea making facilities. The Orchard restaurant offers excellent food, which is tastefully presented. There is a superb leisure centre with swimming pool, sauna, steam room and treatment room. Each evening the hotel stages entertainment in the ‘Petie Joe’s Bar’, together with a range of activities including bingo, table quizzes and other themed events. There is a lift.
The 4 star STORMONT is situated in the leafy suburbs of Belfast four miles from the city centre. Enjoy contemporary dining and relax in the stylish lounge and reception area. All the very comfortable bedrooms are en suite with colour TV, telephone, hairdryer and tea making facilities. There is a lift.
PRICE INCLUDES – 6 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Luxury coach travel; Ferry travel; Services of experienced tour driver
EXCURSIONS – excluding any admission fees
DEPOSIT – £80.00 per person
EXTRAS – Single supplement – £102.00
Currency required for this tour will be the Euro, PASSPORT NOT REQUIRED