Ireland’s Timeless Charms of Westport

After a leisurely breakfast we have free time in Trim before making a scenic drive across the centre of Ireland prior to arriving at the Castlecourt Hotel for our four night stay. Each evening the hotel stages entertainment in the ‘Petie Joe’s Bar’, together with a range of activities including bingo, table quizzes and other themed events.

Today is a free day to explore Westport, there is an opportunity of visiting Westport House which was built in 1730 on the ruins of a 16th century castle, if you wish at an extra cost.

Today we depart for our excursion to the Achill Island, the largest of the Irish Islands, where we take our spectacular drive crossing Achill Sound by the new bridge. This Atlantic drive has been voted one of the finest in Ireland, passing by Ashleam Bay to Dooega, Keel, Keem and Moyteogue Head. The landscape changes from mountains, dramatic cliffs, seascapes and sandy beaches, we see views of the deserted village on this island before returning to the hotel.

Departing the hotel, our scenic drive takes us through Murrisk and Partry Mountains before arriving in the delightful resort of Leenane at the head of the famous Killary Fjord, the only one in Ireland, where we include a 90 minute cruise on the Catamaran with commentary, before free time in Leenane. After lunch we depart Leenane, for our scenic drive via Aasleagh Bridge and Falls, Finn Lough, through the Doolough valley up to Clew Bay with a view of Clare Island on a clear day. Continuing along Clew Bay we take views of Croagh Patrick Mountain (considered to be the holiest mountain in Ireland) and the National Famine Memorial where we make a break, prior to returning to the hotel.

Departing the hotel after breakfast, we journey to Galway where free time is available, before our journey takes us across the centre of Ireland to our overnight hotel for our stay.

Sadly, we bid farewell to Ireland and travel to the port of Dublin for an early sailing to Holyhead. Due to the early start, we have included a late breakfast/brunch as you cruise over the Irish Sea. On disembarking at Holyhead, we continue our journey with an adequate comfort break en route, to arrive home early evening