Compare Hiking Ireland’s Coastal Northwest by Road Scholar vs Irish Elegance - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 2,999 | $ 3,195 |
| Price Per Day | $ 333 | $ 355 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
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N/A |
| Description | Strap on your walking shoes for an inspiring adventure along Ireland’s northwest coast, a region known for its timeless castles, medieval towns and pristine beauty. | Experience the Wild Atlantic Way and journey from Galway to Killarney on this once in a lifetime tour of Ireland. In Dublin explore the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College, before cutting the queue with fast track access to the 9th century Book of Kells. After an exploration of County Mayo and sojourn through picturesque Cong, indulge in a taste bud tantalizing Ashford Castle Dinner. The exquisite dining and locally sourced produce are matched only by the luxurious facilities of this vast estate, which include a falconry school, spa and an Irish Piper to signal your arrival. Look out at Galway Bay from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and contemplate the beauty of County Clare on this weeklong, Irish experience. |
Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight
Day 2 Arrive Belfast, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Letterkenny
Getting on/off motorcoach. Approximate transfer time is 3 hours. Hotel check-in at 2:00 p.m.
On the way to the hotel, we will enjoy an overview of Ireland and its history from our Group Leader. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Unless otherwise noted, dinners on this program are typically a 3-course set menu. Breakfasts will offer a typical European-style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea, and water. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals. Each morning we will purchase lunch at our own cost for our day’s hike, and carry it in our individual daypacks. The Group Leader and a local expert will lead the hikes and walks. Transfers will be by private motorcoach. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
At leisure.
We will enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 National Parks of Glenveagh Letterkenny
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving 1 hour, 32 miles. Up to 9 miles of walking split between the morning and afternoon for about 3.5 hours on mixed terrain and natural trails. The morning walk will be 5 miles with time for an extra castle loop (1 mile) on your own.
We will set out to explore the National Parks of Glenveagh, arriving by motorcoach. Between fuchsias and rhododendrons, our way leads over a small hill down to Lough Beagh. The 9-mile walk will be split between the morning and the afternoon.
Surrounded by forest, Glenveagh Castle also features interesting botanical gardens. During the walk, we will explore the castle and botanical garden and learn about local flora and fauna during a field lecture.
After returning to the hotel, the rest of the evening is at leisure.
Hotel buffet.
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
At a local restaurant.
Day 4 Horn Head Donegal
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving up to 3.5 hours throughout the day with multiple stops; approx. 110 miles. Up to 3.5 miles of walking up to 3 hours on mixed terrain and natural trails, including bogland, high heather, and cliff trails.
We will check out of the hotel. Leaving Letterkenny, we will have a beautiful drive northwest to reach the small town of Dunfanaghy. From there, we will continue to the northwest tip of this region to reach Horn Head. With glorious views across Sheephaven Bay and Tory Island, we will enjoy a lovely coastal walk around Horn Head.
We will then drive to Donegal town, stopping on the way to discover ancient dolmens. On an expert-led, hike, we will discover ancient dolmens and see a small exhibition on the history and geology of the area in Kilclooney. We will then transfer to the hotel.
At leisure.
Hotel buffet.
On your own.
Hotel meal.
Day 5 Slieve League Cliffs Donegal
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 2 hours, 100 miles. Up to 4.5 miles of walking for 4.5 hours on mixed terrain and natural trails.
We will transfer from Donegal to Slieve League to visit some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, Slieve League. The roaring Atlantic waves, up to 2000-foot high cliffs, and the ever-changing cloud formations are a dramatic spectacle. One could gaze out over the rugged coastline for hours, watching the flight of birds.
We’ll travel back to the hotel in Donegal.
At leisure.
Hotel buffet.
On your own.
Explore local fare on your own in Donegal.
Day 6 Benbulben, Sligo Galway
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 4.5 hours with multiple stops, around 147 miles. Up to 2.5 miles of walking for 1.5 hours on mixed terrain and natural trails.
We will check out of the hotel and transfer from Donegal towards Sligo, the largest city in the northwest of the island. Along the way, we will learn about the majestic table mountain Benbulben. In Drumcliff, north of Sligo, we will stop for a short visit the final resting place of W.B. Yeats. Southwest of Sligo, we will begin our hike climbing Knocknarea, where we enjoy a magnificent view over the Bay of Donegal. Along the way we will learn about geology.
We will continue our transfer to Galway. Upon arrival, we will check in to the hotel.
At leisure.
Hotel buffet.
Explore local fare on your own.
At a local restaurant.
Day 7 Aran Islands Galway
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 2 hours, 50 miles. Getting on/off boat, sailing about 45 minutes, one way. Up to 7 miles of walking for 3.5 hours on stony paths and mixed terrain.
We will transfer to the port of Rossaveal, and then embark a boat to Inisheer, one of the Aran Islands towns. On these stony islands, where Gaelic is still spoken, we will explore the prehistoric forts and 3000 foot-long ornate walls. We’ll enjoy a walk through the primitive and magical landscape while taking in a field lecture about history and nature.
We will return to Rossaveal by boat, then transfer back to the hotel in Galway.
At leisure.
Hotel buffet.
On your own.
Explore local fare on your own in Galway.
Day 8 Galway City Shannon
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 1 hour, 50 miles. Up to 2 miles of walking on pavement, cobblestones, and uneven pavement.
Galway City is a joy to explore with its labyrinthine cobbled streets, colorful shop facades, and busy café and bar culture. We will set out to explore the old city during an expert-led walk.
We will transfer to Shannon and check in to the hotel.
At leisure.
Hotel buffet.
Explore local fare on your own in Galway City.
We will enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Day 9 Program Concludes In Flight
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.
Day 1: In Dublin’s Fair city
Welcome to Dublin. On arrival at Dublin airport, your airport transfer shuttle service leaves for your hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:00. Meet your Travel Director at 14:30 for an orientation tour that brings to life Dublin’s architectural treasures and history, stretching back more than 1,000 years. Travel along the River Liffey, see Custom House, Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. See the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College, accompanied by a Local Expert who will share their insights into modern life and the establishment’s impressive history. Back at your hotel, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.
Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Cashel and Blarney, heading for Killarney
Depart Dublin, and pass the famous Curragh Racecourse and green meadows where many of the finest Irish racehorses are bred. Explore Blarney with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the magical stone to ensure a lifetime of eloquence. Alternatively, meet a senior gardener for a tour of Blarney Gardens.Head to Killarney, where you may fancy a ‘pint of porter.' This town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs so in the evening why not join in the ‘craic’?
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
In the morning, marvel at spectacular mountain and sea views as you travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit his family-run seaweed farm to learn about sustainable farming practices that protect the wild Irish Atlantic coasts.
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Breakfast
Day 4: The Cliffs of Moher and on to Galway
Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry and enter County Clare. Stop at the Exhibition Centre and enjoy a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, raised approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves. Then travel north across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape, scarred with interesting limestone creases. Journey to Galway, the City of the Tribes, and visit the lovely cathedral. Take in the scenery from your hotel, which is spectacularly set on the shores of Galway Bay.
Connemara Coast Hotel, Galway.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: Captivating Connemara Relaxed Start
Embark on a superb exploration of the Connemara National Park and see a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills.Explore Connemara with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the magnificent, turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. Alternatively join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit one of Ireland’s oldest oyster farms for a tasting. Learn about their commitment to biodiversity and work promoting sustainable packaging.
Connemara Coast Hotel, Galway.
Breakfast
Day 6: Majestic Ashford Castle Relaxed Start
Sitting on the edge of Lough Corrib and nestled on the border of County Galway and County Mayo, is the delightful Cong. You may recognise much of the town as it was used as the location in the 1952 film, 'The Quiet Man.' With free time to explore this quintessential Irish village, see the statue of the lead characters played by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey. Then a short drive down the road leads you to Ashford Castle, the highlight of your travels. As you arrive a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge.Your exquisite hotel provides a romantic backdrop in superior surroundings, offering both relaxation and comfort. There are many opportunities to explore the vast estate, pamper yourself at the spa, or get to know the hawks and woodland surroundings at the hotel's falconry school. Dining at Ashford Castle ranks among the finest culinary experiences in the world. Creative cooking, locally sourced ingredients and an innovative menu await at your Celebration Dinner. Gentlemen, a jacket is required.
Ashford Castle, Cong.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Across the Emerald Isle to Dublin Relaxed Start
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning and perhaps a stroll on the estate? Then cross the midlands to Dublin where the rest of the day is free for independent activities and maybe some last minute shopping.
Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.
Breakfast
Day 8: Depart Dublin
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dublin airport at 07:00, 09:00 and 10:30.
Breakfast
