Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way
From our base in Westport, our superb itinerary takes us to the stunning Kylemore Abbey and gives us a taste of tradition at Glen Keen Farm with a sheep herding demo and Irish music session! We also take a day trip to the beautiful islands of Clare and Achill, rich in history, breathtaking scenery and sweeping beaches.
Overview
Supplement for sole occupancy of a Twin/Double: from £80.00
A passport and travel insurance are required for this holiday.
Highlights
- ✦Return Ferry Crossings
- ✦Executive Coach Travel
- ✦1 night dinner, bed and breakfast at overnight hotel
- ✦4 nights dinner, bed and breakfast
- ✦Westport Sweet Treat Walking Tasting Tour
- ✦Entrance to Kylemore Abbey
- ✦90 minute guided tour at Glen Keen Farm
- ✦Boat trip to Clare Island & Achill Island including ferries, heritage talk, Granuaile’s Castle & soup/ sandwich lunch
Day by day
- Day 1
Sunday
We depart from local pick-up points and travel to our overnight hotel in Wales, making comfort stops along the way.
- Day 2
Monday
After breakfast we continue to Holyhead for our ferry crossing to Dublin. From here we continue our journey to our hotel near Westport.
- Day 3
Tuesday
Today we’re in for a real treat. Not only do we have time this morning in this Georgian town with its stone bridges and tree-lined promenade on the Carrowbeg River, we also enjoy some wonderful Irish sweet treats on our Westport Sweet Treat Tour. On this fun filled casual walk, we enjoy tastings of handmade Westport chocolates infused with local honey, a famous “yellow top” apple and custard filled bun, Achill Island sea salt fudge and finish off with delicious handmade Irish ice cream. The rest of the day is free.
- Day 4
Wednesday
We spend this morning at stunning Kylemore Abbey, the home of Benedictine nuns since 1920. The nuns have restored the abbey, gothic church and beautiful 6-acre Victorian walled garden. There is also a visitor experience that tells the story of the abbey through the generations. We have free time to explore and enjoy lunch in the café before we make our way to Glen Keen Farm, one of Ireland’s largest sheep farms, with a rich history of tradition and heritage that spans six generations. On our 90-minute visit, we enjoy a guided walk that takes in a live sheep herding demonstration along with tea/coffee, home baked scones and a traditional Irish music session.
- Day 5
Thursday
This morning we take a 15-minute boat trip across to Clare Island. Famous as the ancestral home of the legendary Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley (Granuaile), the island is just 5 miles by 3 miles but is rich in history and culture. On arrival, we are met by our guide who will give us an Island Heritage Talk before we visit Granuaile’s Castle. We can enjoy a stroll around the picturesque harbour and beach before enjoying a soup and sandwich lunch at the Sailor’s Bar. After lunch, we catch the ferry to Achill Island, where we meet our coach. We spend free time in Keel, which boasts a 3km white sandy beach, before we travel back to the mainland via the bridge. If you watched ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’, starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson you may recognise Achill Island as the backdrop to much of the film.
- Day 6
Friday
After breakfast we will make our way back home via Dublin and Holyhead.
Where you'll stay
Westport Woods Hotel
Nestled in a 300-year-old wood, just outside the town of Westport with its shops, cafés and restaurants, the 4-star Westport Woods Hotel & Spa is a welcoming hotel with a large reception and lobby area. The bedrooms feature earthy colours to create a peaceful, relaxing environment and are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The modern, recently refurbished restaurant has lovely views of the surrounding woodland and there’s a stylish bar with plenty of comfortable seating.
The Royal Victoria Hotel
Few places can boast such magnificent views as the grand Royal Victoria Hotel. Perfectly positioned at the edge of Snowdonia National Park, the hotel overlooks the charming village of Llanberis and is just a 10-minute stroll from its shops, attractions and scenic walks. Step inside to a warm and genuine welcome. Unwind in the bright, stylish restaurant, sink into a cosy armchair in the traditional pub-style bar, or enjoy the peace of the elegant lounge. All 104 well decorated bedrooms are comfortable, homely and equipped with a TV, hair-dryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Outside, the hotel’s gardens provide a tranquil spot to relax and soak up the breathtaking mountain scenery. The hotel also has a lift for your convenience.
Travelling alone? A single-room supplement of £80.00 applies for the whole holiday.
Pickup points
Choose your preferred pickup at checkout. Specific times are confirmed after booking.
| Pickup point | Pickup time |
|---|---|
| Norwich, Harford P&R | After booking |
| Long Stratton, The Plain Bus Stop | After booking |
| Harleston, Broad Street Bus Shelter | After booking |
| Diss Depot, Simonds Depot, Oak Drive | After booking |
| Diss, Park Road, Bus Station | After booking |
| Botesdale, Simonds Court Bus Stop | After booking |
| Stanton, Shepherds Grove Park Main Gate | After booking |
| Stanton, The Memorial | After booking |
| Ixworth, Greyhound bus stop | After booking |
| Ixworth, Pykkerell | After booking |
| Bury St Edmunds, Bus Station Bay 9 | After booking |
| Newmarket, A14/A142 Fordham Road Tesco Bus Stop | After booking |
| Dereham - Boots, The Market Place | After booking |
| Watton - The Crown, High Street | After booking |
| Thetford - The Chase | After booking |
Alternative pick-ups may be available on request. Please call 01379 647 300.