Our Ireland west coast adventure holiday takes you from the vibrant and dynamic city of Galway with its bars and live music to the rugged coast of county Mayo. During this journey your local guide will introduce you to the Irish way of life and show you what it’s like to live like a local.
You will be taken to places steeped in history like abbeys and monasteries, and have the chance to pull your own first pint of Guinness in a traditional Irish pub and taste the local food. There’s the opportunity for a walk in the Connemara hills, and afterwards you can relax in Connemara seaweed!
The journey continues to the county Mayo, where you stay on the beautiful Clare island and eventually return to the mainland again where you will be staying with an Irish family in the small town of Ballina – the perfect base to explore Sligo and Mayo’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Your journey starts in Galway City, where you’ll be staying tonight.
The colourful and friendly city centre is the setting for your first tour with your local guide, who will be accompanying you this week. You’ll walk the city streets and explore the Spanish Arches, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Claddagh Village and of course there’s a chance for free time in the cafes and shops of Galway.
Your accommodation is just outside the centre of town so it’ll be a short walk into the centre later for dinner (included).
Day 2
Breakfasts are a feature this week, all home-cooked by your hosts.
This morning’s a road journey through the hills of Connemara to the west coast and Clifden, with plenty of options to stop off for walks or to take pictures.
There’s time to explore the vibrant country town of Clifden before moving on to the historic Kylemore Abbey with its Victorian Walled Garden. Here, there’s an option to take a hike in the hills of Connemara with views towards the lakes and Maumturk mountain range.
Lastly today you’ll visit the iconic Aasleagh Falls before arriving at your accommodation, overlooking Ireland’s only fjord.
If you like the sound of a sauna followed by a seaweed bath, there’s time to treat yourself before dinner (included).
Day 3
Today you’ll hop across the waters to beautiful Clare Island on the inter-island ferry.
Clare Island has a population of just 160 people and is an outdoor lovers paradise. You’ll stay on the island tonight, in a small guest house overlooking the beach and harbour, and you’ll spend your day walking the coast and exploring the beaches of Clare Island. Clare is the largest of the 365 islands – yes, 365! – of Clew Bay and has some of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal trails.
Dinner tonight (included) will be served in the bar next to your accommodation – if you like seafood you’re in for a treat as their speciality is the fresh catch of the day.
Day 4
After enjoying another Irish breakfast, you’ll depart from Clare Island for the mainland.
Your first stop today is the mountain clearly seen from last night’s guesthouse – the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick. There’s a chapel right on top of the 764m peak, visited by many thousands of pilgrims every year. From the top there are spectacular views over the 365 islands of Clew bay.
Next stop is colourful Westport where there’s a chance to refresh and refuel after your walk. The towns of the west of Ireland are as yet untouched by the commercialism that has taken over much of the UK in the past three decades and the majority of the shops are still owned and run by local families.
From here you’ll travel to Ballina where you will be for the next 3 nights. Dinner (included) is home cooked in your accommodation and later on there’s the chance to pull your own pint of Guinness in the local pub.
Day 5
Today’s a two-parter. You’ll have a long morning exploring the north coast of County Mayo, and after lunch you’ll be back in Ballina for a visit to Beleek Castle, a cooking lesson and then a whiskey tasting to finish off.
Your morning will take you along Mayo’s Wild Atlantic Way -the Monasteries of the Moy, the historic town of Kilalla, Downpatrick head, the spectacular sea stack Dun Briste and the oldest Neolithic field site in the world-the Ceide Fields. There’s a chance for lunch at Mary’s cottage before heading back to Ballina.
The tour of Beleek Castle is fascinating and lively. Beleek Castle was built between 1825 and 1831 on the site of a medieval abbey bought. Owned by the same family until the 1940s, it was left to decay until its purchase in the 1960s by Marshall Doran. The restoration is quirky but tasteful – many rooms have been restored with a nautical theme, with entire sections of a recovered Spanish Armada ship being used as both structure and decoration. Marshall Doran was an avid collector of medieval armoury and the basement holds a very impressive private collection.
Next you’ll return to your accommodation for a fun and interactive baking experience, the fruits of which you’ll get to eat with tea and local jams, before finally there’s an Irish Whiskey tasting session.
Dinner (included) will be served in the local pub just 2 minutes walk from your accommodation.
Day 6
After enjoying your home cooked breakfast, it’s off to neighbouring County Sligo for a hillwalk up proud little Knocknarea (327m). The summit cairn hides one of Europe’s largest unexcavated passage tombs. From here you’ll take in the spectacular views overlooking the Atlantic ocean and onto Donegal.
After a cafe lunch you’ll then return via the stunning rugged coastal route
back. There’s an opportunity to stop off at beaches and viewpoints along the way, including the unmissable Beach Bar for perhaps an Irish coffee.
Ireland’s local spa tradition is to immerse oneself in a bath filled with treated seaweed and hot water. You’ve a chance to enjoy this experience at Kilcullins seaweed bath house before returning to Ballina.
Dinner (included) is at a restaurant in town favoured by locals and visitors alike.
Day 7
If it fits your dietary requirements then a particular breakfast recommendation is the scrambled egg and smoked salmon – try to have this at least once in your stay!
It’s departure day and depending on the timing of your onward journey you may be able to explore the town of Ballina before it’s time to say farewell.
The perfect way to explore Ireland's unspoilt scenery from gentle strolls on isolated golden sand beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way to the more challenging ascents of Achill island's two 650m peaks, there are walks to suit everyone.
Cycling
County Mayo's back roads are wonderfully quiet and picturesque - your only hazard might be a few sheep! You'll be able to cycle the Great Western Greenway (a disused railway line), cross beautiful Ballycroy National Park and explore Achill Island. Daily routes are 40-50km so there's always plenty of time for stopping to admire the scenery.
Baking
You'll get to spend time in your guide's 'Mam's' friendly kitchen where she'll have you baking scones, traditional Guinness soda bread and Irish potato cakes. Don't worry because you'll get to eat them all afterwards washed down with a nice cuppa.
Whiskey tasting
Take part in our guide's very special Whiskey appreciation session and you'll soon work out which Whiskeys you like and why.
Discover the relaxed and friendly Irish way of life through the eyes of a local
Dine well on home cooked Irish breakfasts, lunches in friendly cafes and dinners in restaurants selected by locals
Explore Ireland’s stunning West coast and Wild Atlantic Way
Spend the night on the largest island in a bay containing 364 other islands!
Summit Ireland’s holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, with it’s views over County Mayo, back to Galway and out across the Atlantic Ocean
Our Ireland west coast adventure holiday takes you from the vibrant and dynamic city of Galway with its bars and live music to the rugged coast of county Mayo. During this journey your local guide will introduce you to the Irish way of life and show you what it’s like to live like a local.
You will be taken to places steeped in history like abbeys and monasteries, and have the chance to pull your own first pint of Guinness in a traditional Irish pub and taste the local food. There’s the opportunity for a walk in the Connemara hills, and afterwards you can relax in Connemara seaweed!
The journey continues to the county Mayo, where you stay on the beautiful Clare island and eventually return to the mainland again where you will be staying with an Irish family in the small town of Ballina – the perfect base to explore Sligo and Mayo’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Your journey starts in Galway City, where you’ll be staying tonight.
The colourful and friendly city centre is the setting for your first tour with your local guide, who will be accompanying you this week. You’ll walk the city streets and explore the Spanish Arches, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Claddagh Village and of course there’s a chance for free time in the cafes and shops of Galway.
Your accommodation is just outside the centre of town so it’ll be a short walk into the centre later for dinner (included).
Day 2
Breakfasts are a feature this week, all home-cooked by your hosts.
This morning’s a road journey through the hills of Connemara to the west coast and Clifden, with plenty of options to stop off for walks or to take pictures.
There’s time to explore the vibrant country town of Clifden before moving on to the historic Kylemore Abbey with its Victorian Walled Garden. Here, there’s an option to take a hike in the hills of Connemara with views towards the lakes and Maumturk mountain range.
Lastly today you’ll visit the iconic Aasleagh Falls before arriving at your accommodation, overlooking Ireland’s only fjord.
If you like the sound of a sauna followed by a seaweed bath, there’s time to treat yourself before dinner (included).
Day 3
Today you’ll hop across the waters to beautiful Clare Island on the inter-island ferry.
Clare Island has a population of just 160 people and is an outdoor lovers paradise. You’ll stay on the island tonight, in a small guest house overlooking the beach and harbour, and you’ll spend your day walking the coast and exploring the beaches of Clare Island. Clare is the largest of the 365 islands – yes, 365! – of Clew Bay and has some of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal trails.
Dinner tonight (included) will be served in the bar next to your accommodation – if you like seafood you’re in for a treat as their speciality is the fresh catch of the day.
Day 4
After enjoying another Irish breakfast, you’ll depart from Clare Island for the mainland.
Your first stop today is the mountain clearly seen from last night’s guesthouse – the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick. There’s a chapel right on top of the 764m peak, visited by many thousands of pilgrims every year. From the top there are spectacular views over the 365 islands of Clew bay.
Next stop is colourful Westport where there’s a chance to refresh and refuel after your walk. The towns of the west of Ireland are as yet untouched by the commercialism that has taken over much of the UK in the past three decades and the majority of the shops are still owned and run by local families.
From here you’ll travel to Ballina where you will be for the next 3 nights. Dinner (included) is home cooked in your accommodation and later on there’s the chance to pull your own pint of Guinness in the local pub.
Day 5
Today’s a two-parter. You’ll have a long morning exploring the north coast of County Mayo, and after lunch you’ll be back in Ballina for a visit to Beleek Castle, a cooking lesson and then a whiskey tasting to finish off.
Your morning will take you along Mayo’s Wild Atlantic Way -the Monasteries of the Moy, the historic town of Kilalla, Downpatrick head, the spectacular sea stack Dun Briste and the oldest Neolithic field site in the world-the Ceide Fields. There’s a chance for lunch at Mary’s cottage before heading back to Ballina.
The tour of Beleek Castle is fascinating and lively. Beleek Castle was built between 1825 and 1831 on the site of a medieval abbey bought. Owned by the same family until the 1940s, it was left to decay until its purchase in the 1960s by Marshall Doran. The restoration is quirky but tasteful – many rooms have been restored with a nautical theme, with entire sections of a recovered Spanish Armada ship being used as both structure and decoration. Marshall Doran was an avid collector of medieval armoury and the basement holds a very impressive private collection.
Next you’ll return to your accommodation for a fun and interactive baking experience, the fruits of which you’ll get to eat with tea and local jams, before finally there’s an Irish Whiskey tasting session.
Dinner (included) will be served in the local pub just 2 minutes walk from your accommodation.
Day 6
After enjoying your home cooked breakfast, it’s off to neighbouring County Sligo for a hillwalk up proud little Knocknarea (327m). The summit cairn hides one of Europe’s largest unexcavated passage tombs. From here you’ll take in the spectacular views overlooking the Atlantic ocean and onto Donegal.
After a cafe lunch you’ll then return via the stunning rugged coastal route
back. There’s an opportunity to stop off at beaches and viewpoints along the way, including the unmissable Beach Bar for perhaps an Irish coffee.
Ireland’s local spa tradition is to immerse oneself in a bath filled with treated seaweed and hot water. You’ve a chance to enjoy this experience at Kilcullins seaweed bath house before returning to Ballina.
Dinner (included) is at a restaurant in town favoured by locals and visitors alike.
Day 7
If it fits your dietary requirements then a particular breakfast recommendation is the scrambled egg and smoked salmon – try to have this at least once in your stay!
It’s departure day and depending on the timing of your onward journey you may be able to explore the town of Ballina before it’s time to say farewell.
Walking
The perfect way to explore Ireland's unspoilt scenery from gentle strolls on isolated golden sand beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way to the more challenging ascents of Achill island's two 650m peaks, there are walks to suit everyone.
Cycling
County Mayo's back roads are wonderfully quiet and picturesque - your only hazard might be a few sheep! You'll be able to cycle the Great Western Greenway (a disused railway line), cross beautiful Ballycroy National Park and explore Achill Island. Daily routes are 40-50km so there's always plenty of time for stopping to admire the scenery.
Baking
You'll get to spend time in your guide's 'Mam's' friendly kitchen where she'll have you baking scones, traditional Guinness soda bread and Irish potato cakes. Don't worry because you'll get to eat them all afterwards washed down with a nice cuppa.
Whiskey tasting
Take part in our guide's very special Whiskey appreciation session and you'll soon work out which Whiskeys you like and why.
