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    Sample Itinerary

    Exploring Ireland’s West Coast

    Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

    Price: P.O.A. Make an Enquiry

    Trip created by Patricia Doe
    View Patricia's Profile

    Region: West – Connemara, Burren & Aran Islands
    Accommodation: Luxury

    Grading: Your Own Pace

    Carbon Footprint: 144kg ? What does this mean?
    Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    Where the Atlantic Ocean breaks upon wild and rocky shores and mountain ranges rise against a rosy sunlit sky, the west coast of Ireland is a renowned destination for a reason.

    From the vibrant city of Dublin to the lonely beauty of Connemara National Park, immerse yourself in an ancient landscape full of hidden treasures. On a trip designed just for you, explore with your expert guide: meeting local characters, visiting remote islands and enjoying exclusive experiences along the way. Relax in luxury, while discovering the diverse beauty of Ireland’s west coast.

    The below is an example itinerary but activities can be changed, added and upgraded. All aspects of the trip will be tailored to you.

    Trip Highlights

    • Enjoy local experiences like visiting a sheep farm, whiskey tasting, and meeting local landowers to learn about the ancient landscape
    • Island hopping to the unique and traditional communities on the Aran Islands
    • Visit iconic sites like the Cliffs of Moher, Burren National Park, Rock of Cashel and Galway City
    • Relax in some of Ireland's most lavish castles, manors and luxury hotels

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 – Dublin

    On arrival in Ireland, you will be met by your Wilderness guide, who will whisk you directly to your luxury, city centre hotel. Take some time to settle in, before joining a local historian for an engaging walking tour of the lively capital city. Explore some of Dublin’s best-known attractions, while also enjoying the benefit of local knowledge by visiting spots hidden off the tourist trail. Later this afternoon, perhaps stretch off with a swim and a relaxing treatment in the hotel spa, before dining in the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant or in one of the many delightful eateries that pepper the streets of this vibrant, capital city.

    Overnight: The Merrion Hotel | Dublin | 5 star

    Day 2 – Connemara

    After a leisurely breakfast, begin your journey west. If you wish, take the time to walk along the banks of the River Shannon, a waterway that divides the east from the west and eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Hear about the drowned goddess who gave the river its name, visit a monastic monument, and learn about Viking raids. Later this afternoon, enjoy a private visit to a working sheep farm. While you watch the brilliant sheepdogs work the flock, chat to the local farmer about a life spent on the rugged west coast. Tonight, arrive in your luxury castle hotel, set amongst 700 acres of private estate in the Connemara region, offering the perfect blend of intimate and opulent.

    Overnight: Ballynahinch Castle | Connemara | 4 star

    Day 3 – The Aran Islands

    Renowned throughout the world, the three isolated rocky outcrops of the Aran Islands once held a position of great trading power in ancient Ireland. Today, they are a bastion of traditional Irish language, culture and music. Inis Mór is the largest of the Aran Islands and home to a prehistoric semi-circular stone fort that clings dramatically to the top of a 100-metre drop into the sea. Explore by bike or horse and carriage and visit, among other highlights, a goat farm where you will meet the goats and perhaps sample their delicious cheese.

    Overnight: Ballynahinch Castle | Connemara | 4 star

    Day 4 – Galway City

    Leave the brooding bogs and peaks of Connemara behind as you travel south, arriving in Galway City. A labyrinth of cobbled streets, colourful shops and street performers, this city has a bohemian atmosphere. With your knowledgeable guide, spend the morning exploring. Later, head out of the city and venture off the beaten path to a small pub which, behind its nondescript doors, holds a treasure trove of whiskey. Surely one of the most impressive collections in the country, chat with the owner as you indulge in an informal tasting. This evening, settle into an 18th-century mansion hotel, which has been managed by the same family since 1976.

    Overnight: Gregan’s Castle Hotel | The Burren | 4 star

    Day 5 – The Burren & The Cliffs of Moher

    On your doorstep, the fascinating Burren landscape unfurls in front of you. This morning, head out to explore the fissured plateaus of limestone and shale – vast in their captivating and barren beauty. Meet a local farmer who will guide you over the stark rocky terrain, past prehistoric tombs and the incredible displays of wildflowers peeking through the craggy terrain. Later, visit the striking Cliffs of Moher, absorbing their majesty in a quiet, secluded spot away from the crowds. Home to thousands of seabirds, including razorbills, fulmars and puffins, the cliffs come alive with activity above the crashing waves far below. This evening, return to your luxury hotel retreat for a drink or two by the roaring fire.

    Overnight: Gregan’s Castle | The Burren | 4 star

    Day 6 – The Rock of Cashel

    Heading east, take your time travelling through Ireland’s hidden heartlands. Stop and visit the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most iconic collections of medieval buildings. Perched on a precipice of limestone in the Golden Vale, it offers over 1,000 years of fascinating history and folklore. Enjoy a private tour and tasting of the famously delicious Cashel blue cheese. Created in the 1980s, it is still made on the same 200-acre farm, rich in the green grass of Tipperary. Tonight, as the sun sinks behind the hills, relax in the exquisite splendour of your manor hotel, enjoying an evening of decadence to bring your west coast adventure to the perfect close.

    Overnight: Cashel Palace Hotel | Cashel | 4 star

    Day 7 - Homeward Bound

    Depending on when you choose to depart, enjoy breakfast overlooking the silhouette of the Rock of Cashel. Once you’re ready to continue your onward journey, join your guide, who will transfer you to your chosen destination or begin your return home.

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    Sample Itineraries
    Exploring Ireland’s West Coast

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    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    The Merrion Hotel
    In the centre of Dublin city, the Merrion Hotel is the capital’s most luxurious destination and contains 142 rooms spread over four impressively-renovated Georgian townhouses.

    Ballynahinch Castle
    Nestled on the shores of the Owenmore River, Ballynahinch Castle is the pinnacle of rustic elegance. Built in 1754, this country house offers breathtaking views and warm, attentive hospitality.

    Gregan’s Castle Hotel
    An 18th-century manor located in the wilds of Burren, Gregan’s Castle Hotel is an incredibly charming, eco-retreat. With gorgeous gardens and stylish interiors, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day spent exploring.

    Cashel Palace Hotel
    Cashel Palace Hotel is a luxury hideaway, meticulously restored and exquisitely reimagined. Spectacularly located by the Rock of Cashel, the hotel is enveloped by nature and surrounded by ancient history.

    Trip Grading Read More

    At Your Own Pace

    On this adventure, you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Ireland guide who will be able to suggest and lead you on a range of activities such as gentle hikes, cycles, yoga or surfing, to immersive cultural and heritage experiences. As this is a luxury trip, your travel designer will work with you to customise the trip and activities to suit your interests and ability levels. During your trip, your guide will tailor any activities to your group, ensuring that you can explore at whatever pace you feel comfortable.

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    Arrive in Dublin where your private guide will pick you up at the airport or hotel, whichever is most convenient for you. Your guide will drop you back to Dublin Airport, or you might request drop off in another location where you can continue your onward journey.

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    Make an Enquiry

    Speak to an Expert

    Patricia Doe

    An avid cyclist and hiker, Patricia enjoys exploring Ireland’s wild landscapes every chance she gets u2013 she particularly loves the under-appreciated regions of Mayo, Connemara, Sligo and Donegal. Having spent nearly a decade in the hospitality industry, Patricia is an expert on Ireland’s luxury and unique accommodations. As Wilderness Ireland’s General Manager and head of the sales team, Patricia is ready to help make your Irish adventure spectacular.

    Ask Patricia a Question

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