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Donegal, Connemara & Galway Bay
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Highlights:
If you like rugged mountains, pristine beaches and superb food you may want to consider this leisurely exploration of Donegal and Connemara.
Donegal is the county that borders Northern Island and this area along with the sights of Connemara offer an alluring, scenic experience. With a private guide and highly-rated hotels throughout, this could be the Ireland you’ve always dreamed of.
If you like rugged mountains, pristine beaches and superb food you may want to consider this leisurely exploration of Donegal and Connemara.
Donegal is the county that borders Northern Island and this area along with the sights of Connemara offer an alluring, scenic experience. With a private guide and highly-rated hotels throughout, this could be the Ireland you’ve always dreamed of.
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Explore: DONEGAL, CONNEMARA & GALWAY BAY
Customizable Itinerary - 10 Days (from $7,358 / person)
Day 1: Depart USA
This evening you head to the airport for an overnight flight to Ireland.
Day 2: Arrive in Ireland
You will arrive in Ireland in the morning. Since your first stay will be in Donegal you can fly into Belfast, Shannon or Dublin and we will meet you and deliver you to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Dinner
Day 3: Slieve League and the Famine Trail
After breakfast your guide will take you on a scenic walk on the Donegal coast. You will follow the Famine trail which was constructed to provide work during the potato famine of the 1840’s. One of the day’s highlights will be Slieve League, a marine cliff with a 1,800 foot drop to the sea. Return to the castle for some free time before dinner. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Glenveagh castle, gardens and trails
Today will be another exploration of the rugged beauty of Donegal. Your first stop will be Glenveagh Castle which was built in the 1850’s and sits on the shores of Lough Veagh. You will tour the castle and take a walk along the side of the lake. After lunch you can try several trails located within the large acreage of the park and offering spectacular views throughout the walk.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Connemara and the lure of the rod
Today you will be taken south into Connemara, one of the most scenic regions in Ireland. Its craggy mountain peaks, expansive sandy beaches and connected network of lakes exemplify the peaceful solitude and rugged beauty of the west of Ireland. Connemara is not a town or county and you won’t find it by name on a map. The name is given to the western portion of County Galway which lies between Lough Corrib and the Atlantic. Your destination is a former fishing lodge of the Marquis of Sligo and a mecca for Salmon fishers worldwide. If you like you can try your hand before sitting down to a six course candlelight dinner right out of Downton Abbey.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: The Loop of Connemara
After a superb breakfast you will be ready to explore various areas of Connemara. Start with Leenane Village on the Killary Fjord where you learn about sheep farming. Then on to Kylemore Abbey which is a convent for Benedictine nuns created when nuns from Belgium came to escape the First World War. The Victorian walled garden is certainly worth visiting. You then drive to Connemara National park where a hike up Diamond Hill is rewarded with views of the 12 Bens Mountain range and, in the distance, Galway Bay. You then arrive in Clifden, the “capital” of Connemara known for its craft shops and art galleries. You have time for lunch and we recommend Mitchell’s. You then make your way to Roundstone and the golden sands of Dogs Bay. After a chance to walk the beach you drive through the Inagh Valley back to your lodge. Time to relax before canapes and another delicious dinner.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: Clew Bay and Westport Loop
Your day begins as you head north from your hotel and travel through the Delphi Valley to the southern shore of Clew Bay and the unspoilt beach of Old Head. Take some time for a quiet walk and the salt air. Continue to County Mayo and the town of Westport said to be the best place to live in Ireland (although some might dispute that). Regardless, the town offers excellent shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. You have time to enjoy lunch and then board a boat for a cruise around the islands of Clew Bay many with large seal populations. After your cruise, your guide will be waiting to take you through the River Erriff Valley and back to your lodge.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: From the Lodge to the Abbey
After breakfast your guide will taking you to Galway to a converted Abbey which will be your home for the next two nights. Upon arrival at your hotel you can relax and enjoy the facilities at the property including fishing on Lough Corrib, golf or cycling around the estate. Galway City is known for its nightlife and it is less than five miles away so this evening is left open.
Breakfast
Day 9: Your Personal Galway
Today has been left open for you to enjoy Galway in your own way. While Golf, Fishing, Clay Pidgeon shooting and other activities are on offer at the Abbey we suggest heading into Galway City, particularly the old part of the city around JFK square and the revitalized docklands area for shopping, sightseeing and a variety of dining options for lunch. In the evening you will celebrate your Irish experience with dinner at the Pullman restaurant which is located on the grounds of the hotel. Originally built for the English portion of the Orient-Express, the two carriages have been converted into a unique dining venue. One of the carriages played an integral part in the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill and both carriages were used as the location for the movie “Murder on the Orient Express” and starring Albert Finney.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10: Return to USA
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for the flight back to the USA.
Breakfast
This evening you head to the airport for an overnight flight to Ireland.
Day 2: Arrive in Ireland
You will arrive in Ireland in the morning. Since your first stay will be in Donegal you can fly into Belfast, Shannon or Dublin and we will meet you and deliver you to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Dinner
Day 3: Slieve League and the Famine Trail
After breakfast your guide will take you on a scenic walk on the Donegal coast. You will follow the Famine trail which was constructed to provide work during the potato famine of the 1840’s. One of the day’s highlights will be Slieve League, a marine cliff with a 1,800 foot drop to the sea. Return to the castle for some free time before dinner. Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Glenveagh castle, gardens and trails
Today will be another exploration of the rugged beauty of Donegal. Your first stop will be Glenveagh Castle which was built in the 1850’s and sits on the shores of Lough Veagh. You will tour the castle and take a walk along the side of the lake. After lunch you can try several trails located within the large acreage of the park and offering spectacular views throughout the walk.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Connemara and the lure of the rod
Today you will be taken south into Connemara, one of the most scenic regions in Ireland. Its craggy mountain peaks, expansive sandy beaches and connected network of lakes exemplify the peaceful solitude and rugged beauty of the west of Ireland. Connemara is not a town or county and you won’t find it by name on a map. The name is given to the western portion of County Galway which lies between Lough Corrib and the Atlantic. Your destination is a former fishing lodge of the Marquis of Sligo and a mecca for Salmon fishers worldwide. If you like you can try your hand before sitting down to a six course candlelight dinner right out of Downton Abbey.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: The Loop of Connemara
After a superb breakfast you will be ready to explore various areas of Connemara. Start with Leenane Village on the Killary Fjord where you learn about sheep farming. Then on to Kylemore Abbey which is a convent for Benedictine nuns created when nuns from Belgium came to escape the First World War. The Victorian walled garden is certainly worth visiting. You then drive to Connemara National park where a hike up Diamond Hill is rewarded with views of the 12 Bens Mountain range and, in the distance, Galway Bay. You then arrive in Clifden, the “capital” of Connemara known for its craft shops and art galleries. You have time for lunch and we recommend Mitchell’s. You then make your way to Roundstone and the golden sands of Dogs Bay. After a chance to walk the beach you drive through the Inagh Valley back to your lodge. Time to relax before canapes and another delicious dinner.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: Clew Bay and Westport Loop
Your day begins as you head north from your hotel and travel through the Delphi Valley to the southern shore of Clew Bay and the unspoilt beach of Old Head. Take some time for a quiet walk and the salt air. Continue to County Mayo and the town of Westport said to be the best place to live in Ireland (although some might dispute that). Regardless, the town offers excellent shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. You have time to enjoy lunch and then board a boat for a cruise around the islands of Clew Bay many with large seal populations. After your cruise, your guide will be waiting to take you through the River Erriff Valley and back to your lodge.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: From the Lodge to the Abbey
After breakfast your guide will taking you to Galway to a converted Abbey which will be your home for the next two nights. Upon arrival at your hotel you can relax and enjoy the facilities at the property including fishing on Lough Corrib, golf or cycling around the estate. Galway City is known for its nightlife and it is less than five miles away so this evening is left open.
Breakfast
Day 9: Your Personal Galway
Today has been left open for you to enjoy Galway in your own way. While Golf, Fishing, Clay Pidgeon shooting and other activities are on offer at the Abbey we suggest heading into Galway City, particularly the old part of the city around JFK square and the revitalized docklands area for shopping, sightseeing and a variety of dining options for lunch. In the evening you will celebrate your Irish experience with dinner at the Pullman restaurant which is located on the grounds of the hotel. Originally built for the English portion of the Orient-Express, the two carriages have been converted into a unique dining venue. One of the carriages played an integral part in the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill and both carriages were used as the location for the movie “Murder on the Orient Express” and starring Albert Finney.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10: Return to USA
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for the flight back to the USA.
Breakfast