Day 1

Arrive into Shannon Airport where you will pick up your car at the Hertz desk. Take the coastal route via the Burren, which is a vast, bare, eerie limestone plateau that covers much of County Clare. The limestone is deeply fissured and most of the rivers have gone underground creating an extensive cave system. The Burren is noted for the "opposite" contrasts of its flower population with Mediterranean and Alpine species flourishing side by side. The coast road south of Black Head provides a fine view of the huge boulders, deposited at the end of the Ice Age that rest on the bare limestone pavement. In fine weather the Aran Islands are visible offshore. Drive northwards via Gort to Galway the focal point of Co. Galway and the west of Ireland.
Accommodation: Manor House

Day 2

After a leisurely breakfast this morning you can tour the beautiful Connemara Coast and countryside, made famous by a number of well known movies - such as the John Wayne movie - "The Quiet Man", and more recently "The Field". Connemara is a wild and beautiful region of mountains, lakes, tumbling streams undulating bog, unspoilt beaches and panoramic views. On your tour of Connemara you should not miss the opportunity to visit Kylemore Abbey. Kylemore Abbey is the only home of the Benedictine nuns in Ireland. It is now a school run by the nuns whose order fled to Ireland after the First World War. Set in the heart of Connemara, this unique Abbey offers the warmth and hospitality of its peaceful environs. Visit also the beautiful coastal towns of Roundwood and Cashel, which overlook the expanse The North Atlantic Ocean.
Accommodation: Manor House

Day 3

Take an early start to the day today and travel northwards from Connemara to visit Westport and Achill Island. You will pass Irelands only Fjord, Killary Harbour where you can enjoy spectacular views of the mountains as they cascade to the deep ocean. Continue to Westport, one of Ireland's most enchanting towns. You will enjoy Westport's 18th-century charms and nearby Clew Bay & Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holiest mountain. Then head west for the tropical ambience and wild flowers of Achill Island. Once over the causeway bridge you arrive on Achill Island where you can follow the Atlantic Drive signs taking you clockwise round the island. Return to Westport in the evening to enjoy the cultural ambience of its colourful streets.
Accommodation: Manor House

Day 4

Today visit the beautiful town of Sligo, W.B. Yeats' "Land of Heart's Desire", where the poet and his artist brother Jack, found inspiration. You may wish to spend the day taking a tour of Yeats Sligo. Start at The Yeats Memorial Building, centrally located on Hyde Bridge, in the town Centre. This beautiful building lends itself well to the host of cultural and informative services provided by the Yeats Society, Sligo Art Gallery and the Tourist Information Centre. Continue to the county of Donegal that is Irelands most northerly place. It is a rugged and wild place full of glorious rugged scenery and small charming towns and villages.
Accommodation: Manor House

Day 5

Continue to Belfast via Derry, the best example of a walled city in Ireland. Although they were the focus of sieges in 1641 1649 and 1689, the walls withstood the many tests of time and are unbroken. Continue along the North Coast to the famous Giant's Causeway, which is regarded by many as the 8th Wonder of the World. The audiovisual presentation in the excellent visitor centre will recall all the legends surrounding the causeway and you will be able to explore the amazing stone structure. After you have taken a brisk walk along the causeway to examine the 'evidence' for yourself, you can continue to the town of Bushmills, where you will be free to explore before driving to Belfast.
Accommodation: Manor House

Day 6

Departing Belfast you will travel south via Downpatrick where you will learn all about the life of St. Patrick, Irelands patron saint and visit Down Cathedral where he is reputed to be buried. The hugely varied natural environment of the Kingdoms of Down stretches fifty miles from the Mournes to the shores of the Irish Sea. Visit Newcastle with its famous Royal County Down Links course, one of the greatest golf courses in the world. Travel southwards to Dublin for your final night in Ireland. As a stylish European Capital Dublin offers an array of theatres, museums, shopping, concerts and sites of historical interest with the added bonus of a coastal location.
Accommodation: Manor House

Day 7

After a hearty breakfast this morning you will return to the airport in time for your return flight to the home. We wish you a safe and pleasant flight with many fine memories of Ireland to cherish.
Accommodation: Speciality Accomadation