Wild Atlantic Way – 3 Day Tour

Day 1 – journey to the West Coast of Ireland.

Connemara Marble is our first port of call with its very enjoyable tour of the Marble Factory where you’ll see some of the rarest and most beautiful marble in the world.

Travelling onwards through through the Irish countryside with peat bogs and green fields with stunning scenery to the fishing village of Clifden in Co Galway which overlooks Owenglin River as it flows into Clifden Bay. Frequently considered the capital of Connemara there’s a good selection of restaurants making it the ideal stop for lunch.

Continuing on from Clifden the next stop this day is Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine Abbey founded for nuns fleeing from Belgium for peace from the conflict of World War I in 1920. Boasting a delightful walled garden (Ireland’s largest!), a neo-Gothic church and mausoleum alongside more recent additions such as a tea rooms and craft shop it makes for a fascinating visit in its delightful location right on the shores of Pollacapall Lough.

On this evening your overnight stay is Galway, a city with an abundance of attractions to keep you busy night and day – and yearning for a return trip too!

Day 2 – The Burren & Bunratty

This day starts from Galway and as you travel through The Burren you’re about to experience topography quite unlike anything you may have ever experienced before!

The Burren landscape is karst, bedrock incorporating vast glacial-era limestone with cliffs, caves, fossils, rock formations and archaeological sites – a photographer’s dream.

This journey is in part of a route known as The Wild Atlantic Way and when you see the sheer magnificence of the mighty Atlantic Ocean pounding the Irish shores you’ll understand why it’s become one of Ireland’s most popular journeys.

The Cliffs of Moher which span some 14km will leave you quite simply breathless such is their impressive presence over the Atlantic Ocean, the visitor centre is worth stopping by to learn a little more of the fascinating history of this landmark which is world-renowned.

The Ailwee Caves is another stop during this trip, Ireland’s oldest cave you can enjoy a guided tour of approx. 30 minutes to view and experience something very special and quite unique too.

Doolin is another stop on this day, a delightful village in The Burren as is nearby Lisdoonvarna, famous for its ‘Matchmaking Festival’ each year.

Your day will end at Bunratty, site of the famous medieval castle and folk park. The castle itself hosts medieval banquets where guests can enjoy the best of Irish traditional culture, music and foods and the folk park and regency walled gardens make for a fascinating experience too.

This night is spent in Bunratty.

Day 3 – Bunratty, Limerick, Kildare & Dublin

Our final day for this trip starts with some time at the delightful Bunratty Castle with a visit to the folk park with walled gardens boasting views as far south as the River Shannon, pet farm, craft shop and café.

Leaving Bunratty the next stop this day is in the city of Limerick taking in King John’s Castle, a 13th century castle overlooking Ireland’s largest river, The River Shannon.

Following your stop in Limerick it’s on to Kildare and a trop to the Japanese Gardens and National Stud.

More than simply a treat for the eye, the Japanese Gardens date back to 1906 and today 120k indulge in the tranquillity that embraces those who seek out a break in the seamless blending of Eastern and Western trees, plants, water formations and rocks in a wonderfully scenic location.

The Irish National Stud is world-famous for the quality of its stud horses and is used by international breeders, set in 1000 acres it’s a tour with a difference.

From Kildare we travel back to Dublin where your tour ends