Luxury Island Hopping

Westport and Oysters

Meet your guide in the charming heritage town of Westport. After a welcoming lunch, travel a short distance along the beautiful shoreline of Clew Bay to meet Pádraig, an oyster farmer who transformed his family’s cattle farm into a thriving oyster farm. Enjoy a hands-on tour, picking oysters from the trestles, shucking and cooking them as you learn more about the tradition of oyster farming on Ireland’s wild west coast. This afternoon, return to Westport with some free time to explore its colourful houses, riverside cafés and artisan shops. Later, gather together for dinner before relaxing at your luxury accommodation.

Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

The Lost Valley

Today, explore Mayo’s rich rural heritage and beautiful coastline. Begin with a cultural walking tour of the Lost Valley, a captivating and remote coastal farm that has been home to the Burke family for seven generations. Led by a member of the family, discover tales of famine, eviction and resilience in this secluded corner of Mayo, gaining an authentic insight into Ireland’s living agricultural heritage. This afternoon, enjoy a relaxed stroll along the beach in the company of a pair of Irish wolfhounds. Accompany the owners on their daily walk, learning about this distinctive Irish breed and its place in the country’s history.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles | Approx: 3 hrs

Achill Island’s Ancient Heritage

This morning, meet a local historian to explore one of their favourite heritage sites, Achill Island. The largest of Ireland’s islands, Achill is tethered to the mainland by a low bridge and is home to tiny hamlets and countless pirate legends. Discover the story of the isle and the lives of those who once called it home as you walk along mossy lanes through abandoned settlements and Neolithic forts. After exploring, discover a different side of the island’s rugged shores with a tour and tasting at Achill Distillery. Achill’s whiskey is wonderfully smooth, but don’t miss the chance to taste Keem Bay gin, a delicious drink infused with Achill’s own fuchsia plants. Return to your accommodation this evening and relax.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Killary Fjord By Boat

Depart Westport this morning and travel south towards Killary Fjord, where a boat trip offers the chance to explore one of Ireland’s three beautiful fjords. As the boat glides across its deep, still waters, learn about the area’s long tradition of mussel farming, enjoying the chance to see the farms up close. This afternoon, visit a working sheep farm, where a skilled shepherd and his dogs demonstrate the traditional methods still used to manage the flock. After the farm visit, continue to Ballynahinch Castle, an 18th-century, 700-acre country estate set among the mountains, rivers and woodland of Connemara. A truly stunning setting, take a walk around the gardens or simply unwind in front of the fire.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Exploring the Wild Aran Islands

Today, head to the island of Inis Mór for a relaxed and engaging day with a local islander. The largest of the three Aran Islands, Inis Mór is rich in history, heritage and culture – a place where Irish language and traditions thrive amidst windswept cliffs and ancient stone forts. After a short ferry crossing, explore hidden lighthouses, dramatic ruins and the cliff-edge fortress of Dún Aonghasa. While your guide shares stories of island life, keep an eye out for wildlife, from seabirds to seals. Round off the day with a visit to a local goat farm, where you’ll meet the herd, learn the art of cheese-making and enjoy a tasting of the farm’s own cheese.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The Tidal Island of Omey

After breakfast, cross a great expanse of shimmering sand to reach the tidal island of Omey. Although tiny, this beautiful isle is imbued with history and myth, home to many secret places to explore. Accompanied by your guide, discover holy wells, medieval church ruins and abandoned cottages. With no permanent residents, the island feels both wild and peaceful, offering a unique and memorable escape. Return to the mainland around midday for a relaxed afternoon, enjoying time at Ballynahinch Castle before sitting down for a lovely dinner with the group.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles

Historic Galway & Depart

This morning, depart Ballynahinch and travel east to explore the vibrant city of Galway. On a walking tour with a local historian, discover the city’s medieval origins, merchant heritage and energising creative spirit. Explore the stories that have shaped Galway over the centuries, from its historic streets to the cultural traditions that continue to define the city today. After the tour, your guide will accompany you to the train station, where the trip will conclude.

Meals Included: Breakfast