Wild West Tour of Ireland

Shannon-Westport.
Morning arrival at Shannon Airport where after clearing customs you are met by your professional Irish Driver/Guide. We travel north via Ennis and Gort to Galway where we stop for a traditional Irish Breakfast (on own). We head towards Westport where we check into our property for a brief rest. This afternoon we enjoy a tour of Achill Island, the largest of Ireland’s Islands connected to the mainland by a bridge. Noted for its dramatic cliffs and pristine seascapes. Also is one of the places most noted for big game fishing in Ireland where many boats and guides are for hire. Westport is noted for its marvelous Georgian Houses and traditional storefronts. This evening enjoy one of the many fine restaurants that Westport is known for. Overnight Westport.

Westport-Donegal.
After breakfast we can visit Ballintubber Abbey, south of the town. This abbey has been in continuous use since it was built in the 12th century, even though it was partially destroyed by the English armies throughout those turbulent times. Afterwards, weather permitting, there is an opportunity to climb Croagh Patrick, a mountain that is named after St. Patrick where it is said he spent forty days and nights in penance and from where he cast the snakes out of Ireland. The mountain climbed by thousands of people of all ages each year and takes three to five hours to get up and down comfortably. Our journey today ends in Donegal Town. Located at the mouth of Donegal Bay in the North-West of Ireland and surrounded by the vista of the Blue Stack mountains, the area offers a rugged beauty and mystique that you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the world! From Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs in Europe to the miles of golden sandy beaches, the region provides activities ranging from high octane water sports to unforgettable country strolls. Overnight Donegal.

Donegal-Sligo-Galway.
After breakfast we depart Donegal and travel south first stopping at Sligo, home of William Butler Yeats. Sligo is noted for good shopping, thriving art galleries and theatre. All of which is set amongst the backdrop of Benbulbin, a distinctive flat-topped mountain. We then continue to Knock. The Story of Knock began on the 21st of August 1879 when Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. The apparition was witnessed by fifteen people, young and old. From this miraculous occurrence Knock has grown to the status of an internationally recognized Marian Shrine. Traveling south we head into Galway City. This youthful bustling town has uniqueness unto itself. City center is based at Eyre Square. Adjacent to this hub you will find many pedestrian walkways. It’s a great feeling to be able to shop, cross streets and realize that the stones under your feet were originally used at stabilizers for many of the ships coming into Galway’s Port. If you are in the market for a Claddagh Ring, it generally is accepted that Galway where it is originated, and you will see it here in all different designs. Overnight Galway.

Aran Islands.
Optional trip to the Aran Islands can be arranged at your hotel. This daytrip takes the whole day, so do not go for it unless you are up to it. On the Island, the way of life is as it would have been in days gone by, except for the mini vans that take tourists on sightseeing trip, it has remained as it was in the 19th century. The most impressive of all the ancient fortresses in Ireland, is here, Dun Aengus Fortress. Built to maximize defense, it is surrounded by high walls on three sides, the other is a sheer drop of 500 feet to the ocean. Overnight Galway.

Morning departure takes us through the rugged Burren where native Gaelic is still spoken. We stop at the majestic Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs rise 700 feet and stretch along The Atlantic Coastline for five miles. Next is via Lisdoonvarna where every September the famous Matchmaking Festival is still held. As your Ireland tour continues, enjoy a panoramic tour of Limerick, Ireland’s 3rd largest city and home to author Frank McCourt who wrote Angela’s Ashes. Our driver/guide drops us at our Shannon accommodation for overnight. Perhaps enjoy a Traditional Medieval Banquet this evening at Bunratty. Overnight in Shannon Region.

Shannon-USA.
After breakfast make your way via taxi to Shannon Airport. Plenty of time for last minute duty-free shopping before boarding our flight home.  Arrive home the same day.