Ireland’s unique Wild Atlantic Way
If you need a break from the hustle and grind of everyday life, this rejuvenating seven-day tour is for you. Our wild Atlantic coastline is a true tonic, combing wilderness and luxury in equal measure.
You’ll stay in three of Ireland’s top hotels and experience magical coastal drives on the very edge of Europe. You’ll also encounter the artisans, chefs and food producers whose skills combine to create the unique atmosphere and lifestyle of Ireland’s west coast.
Our expert guides are skilled in helping you find that sweet spot between doing and simply being – how do we do it? That’s our secret!
Overview:
· Spend your first two nights nestled in the mountains at Killarney Park Hotel
· Navigate Dingle’s Slea Head Drive and stroll the beautiful streets of Dingle town
· Cross the River Shannon to get to Dromoland Castle, your base for two nights
· Sample Galway’s cultural delights with the help of a local guide
· Luxuriate in the magnificent Ashford Castle for the last two nights of the tour
· Explore the wilds of Connemara with its mountains, lakes and rugged coastlines
Experience:
· visit the Misunderstood Heron – their local fare is out of this world and served at the edge of it.
· chat to local craft workers in their artisan shops and galleries
· savour a seafood dish on the pier where your lunch has landed
Day One - arrive in Shannon, where your driver will meet you and take you to Killarney. Settle down in your beautiful surroundings, before heading out to explore the spectacular landscapes the surrounding area is renowned for. Lake cruises, visits to historic homes, garden walks or scenic drives are all options.
Day Two - time to explore the Dingle Peninsula, where you’ll experience the magic of the Slea Head Drive and see why it has become one of Ireland’s most popular routes. The historic sites you’ll find here date back thousands of years – and they’re just one example of possible stops and detours along the way. The Slea Head drive leads to Dingle town, one of Ireland’s finest. Let us guide you through its beautiful streets and artisan stores.
Day Three - as you leave Killarney behind, you’ll head north, crossing the River Shannon to Co. Clare, before heading to the wilds of the Loop Head. This up-and-coming corner of Ireland is renowned for its stunning beauty, lighthouse, incredible artists and local seafood cuisine. It’s also off the beaten track! You’ll then retire to Dromoland Castle to relax in an armchair and reminisce on a memorable day.
Day Four - refresh your senses in the Burren National Park, a wonderful karst landscape with a unique wildflower bloom. As you travel along the coastline, you’ll drop in at surfing villages with boutique bakeries and artisan producers. Why not have lunch at a seafood restaurant on the edge of the ocean? This is also your chance to drink in the magic of the Cliffs of Moher. A full day of exploring, with lots of stops, plenty of photo opportunities and relatively little driving.
Day Five - en route to Ashford you will explore Galway, Ireland’s cultural capital. Immerse yourself in its narrow streets and hear the Irish language ringing out as you take a walking tour with a local guide. After lunch in one of Galway’s many great restaurants or pubs you’ll take the short journey to Ashford Castle. A late afternoon will facilitate a relaxed evening in sumptuous surroundings.
Day Six - take a day trip to remember into the wilds of Connemara with its mountains, lakes and rugged coastlines. Visit the gothic marvel that is Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. Or head out to the rugged mountain town of Clifden or stroll the pristine sands of Dog’s Bay. If the fresh air has whetted your appetite, then Roundstone village is a popular stop for lunch – once you’ve sampled the fresh local produce in the local pub you’ll know why.
Day Seven - on your final day, you’ll transfer to Shannon or Dublin. Having experienced the best of Irish hospitality and soaked in some of its most stunning scenery, you’ll have the essence of Ireland in your bones.
This tour is testament to the Irish saying: ‘the west is the best’. This deep dive into the stunning beauty of Ireland will give you a real feeling for our country. And it’s the best feeling in the world!