Leisurely Loughs & Traditions in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

Departing our hotel we journey the short distance to the ferry port at Holyhead for our crossing to Dublin. Arriving in Dublin we enjoy a scenic drive to our hotel in Killaloe.

We spend today at leisure, relaxing in our hotel and exploring our scenic base of Killaloe. A short stroll from our hotel takes us to Ballina Quay and Killaloe River Cruises, where we embark on a 1 hour circular river cruise to Lough Derg. Enjoy a complimentary Irish or Baileys Coffee/Hot Chocolate on board commentary & spectacular scenery as we take in the views, gently cruising along the calm, sheltered waters of Ireland’s finest waterway.

Today we enjoy a scenic drive around Lough Derg, one of the most beautiful lakes on the River Shannon, it is also the largest and most southerly, touching the counties of Clare, Galway and Tipperary. We pause in the county town of Nenagh, County Tipperary, with its 13th century castle and striking cylindrical keep, before continuing to the quaint Garrykennedy and its lovely country pub, ‘Larkins’ , located on the banks of the lough, where we enjoy a traditional taste of Ireland, tucking into a tasty lunch of beef and Guinness casserole served with mashed potatoes and tea/coffee. After our lunch, we continue our scenic circular Lough Derg drive, stopping to admire the beautiful villages of Portroe & T erryglass. T o complete our day, we visit the small artisan chocolate factory of Wilde Irish Chocolates, where we have included a guided tour & tasting, located on the banks of Lough Derg.

After breakfast we journey to Athlone, as we step back 1,200 years and join the Vikings in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. We board our replica Viking ship for a cruise along Ireland’s longest river – River Shannon, departing from the quayside at Athlone Castle. We enjoy live commentary on the local history, the religious settlements on the islands and tales of Viking treasure whilst indulging in a complimentary Irish or Baileys Coffee. After our cruise, we have free time in Athlone “the small town with a big heart” to enjoy a spot of lunch in the array of restaurants or meander around the quirky shops set amongst the ancient streets and alleys. Walking around the town, it feels like every building has a story, from the 12th century castle, to the 17th century barracks, to the 19th century workhouse, a remnant from famine-era Ireland.

Sadly we bid farewell to Ireland and travel to the port of Dublin for our ferry crossing to Holyhead. On disembarking at Holyhead, we make the short journey to our overnight hotel.

Departing the hotel after breakfast, we make our return journey with suitable comfort breaks en route, to arrive home approximately late afternoon.