Irish Walking Tour, 2007

Hosted By Fiddlehead Antiques & Walking Tours

May 20, Sunday: Depart the U.S. for Ireland.

May 21, Monday: Failte! Welcome to Ireland

Arrive at Shannon Airport and meet your Irish driver guide and walking guide for the tour, John O’Halloran. Transfer north to Connemara and get acquainted with John along the way before you arrive in Letterfrack where you will check into Rosleague Manor for a 2-night stay. A delightfully situated Georgian House overlooking Ballinakill Bay, which has been discreetly converted into a first-class hotel with a Victorian style conservatory and delightful drawing rooms with open log fires. This afternoon take a stroll through the Connemara National Park. Trek in the heart of the Twelve Bens Mountain Range on Ben Baun and Ben Breac; crossing salmon rivers and descending through a magnificent mountain valley in the Connemara National Park and viewing Kylemore Abbey. You will see circling ravens, red deer, and a 5,000-year old tomb. This evening enjoy a gourmet dinner at Rosleague Manor.

Overnight: Rosleague Manor, Letterfrack, Connemara, Co. Galway
Breakfast: Rosleague Manor
Lunch: On your own
Dinner: Rosleague Manor

May 22, Tuesday: Inishbofin Island

Rosleague Co.Galway

Today, enjoy walking on Inishbofin Island. A magical space of low heather-covered hills, craggy cliffs, exquisite turquoise beaches and a magnificent natural harbor. Inishbofin is located six miles west of Cleggan Village (40 minutes ferry), is five miles long by two miles wide with a population of 180. Inishbofin has a turbulent history, ringed with Celtic Cliff Forts, Medieval Harbour and a superb 17th Century Fort. It has strong associations with Saxon England, 17th Century France, and 18th Century America Enjoy seeing seals, choughs, falcons in their natural habitats. Fin whales are occasionally seen offshore in the Autumn. Later return to Rosleague Manor and this evening enjoy a gourmet dinner in the hotel.

Overnight: Rosleague Manor, Letterfrack, Connemara, Co. Galway
Breakfast: Rosleague Manor
Lunch: On your own
Dinner: Rosleague Manor

May 23, Wednesday: Fully Mountain & Omey Island

Today you will walk up Tully Mountain and Omey Island. One of the few tidal islands in Ireland named after St. Feichin, Omey Island is located six miles NW of Clifden, approx. one mile square, pop 20. Its many archaeological sites are evidence of a once thriving community which was devastated by The Famine. See a 600 year old church buried in sand, a Celtic well, the 'Hill of the Women' and ancient kitchen middens. Experience the wild Atlantic surf on it's west side and the contrasting east side with it's stunning, gentle white sandy beaches. No boots required, in fact, you can go barefoot and also enjoy a bracing swim.Clifden, and check into Foyles Hotel for a 2-night stay. Connemara's longest established hotel, situated in the picturesque town of Clifden, has been owned and managed by the Foyle family for nearly a century. This evening enjoy a gourmet dinner in the Marconi restaurant at Foyles Hotel.

Overnight: Foyles Hotel, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway
Breakfast: Foyles Hotel
Lunch: On your own
Dinner: Foyles Hotel, Marconi Restaurant

May 24, Thursday: Croagh Patrick

Today, travel north into County Mayo and hike Croagh Patrick. Croagh Patrick is 5 miles from the picturesque town of Westport and its conical shape soars majestically above the surrounding countryside. Magnificent views of Clew Bay and the surrounding south Mayo countryside are spectacular from all stages of the ascent of the mountain. Later return to Clifden and enjoy dinner in one of Clifden’s many restaurants and later tonight perhaps enjoy some traditional Irish music in one of Clifden’s many lively pubs.

Overnight: Foyles Hotel, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway
Breakfast: Foyles Hotel
Lunch: On your own
Dinner: On your own in Clifden Restaurant

May 25, Friday: The Cliffs Of Moher

Cliff of Moher

Today drive to incredibly scenic Country Clare to the Burren region, famous for its unique lunar-like landscape. Walk the Burren Way and to the Cliffs of Moher. The West of Ireland’s most visited natural wonder, these dramatic cliffs stand 700 feet over the Atlantic, offering views of the Aran Islands (on a clear day!). Meet your driver again at the Cliffs of Moher and drive north through the Burren to Ballyvaughan and check into Gregans Castle for a 2-night stay. This lovely country house is situated in the heart of the Burren offering outstanding views, as well as individually decorated rooms and exquisite cuisine. This evening enjoy a gourmet dinner at Gregans Castle.

Overnight: Gregans Castle Hotel, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
Breakfast: Gregans Castle
Lunch: On your own
Dinner: Gregans Castle

May 26, Saturday: The Burren Way

Gregans Castle Ballyvaughan

This morning your driver will drop you off in Ballinlacken to continue the Burren Way. From Ballinlacken, the route follows the Green Road through the high Burren, offering views of the Aran Islands, Connemara and the Burren mountains. Ruins and ancient cooking places dot the landscape and rivers disappear underground into the porous limestone. In late spring, the Burren flowers are in full bloom, many of them rare and protected. Butterflies and moths flourish here also. The Way ends in Ballyvaughan, the picturesque tourist centre of the area. Say goodbye to John O’Halloran this evening and also to your driver. This evening enjoy a farewell gourmet dinner at Gregans Castle.

Overnight: Gregans Castle Hotel, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
Breakfast: Gregans Castle
Lunch: On your own
Dinner: Gregans Castle

May 27, Sunday: Slan Abhalie!

Transfer by private driver to Shannon Airport and depart Ireland for the U.S. Slan Abhaile!

Warren Tours
Quotation for
Irish Walking Tour
2007

This package includes:

• 6 days services of a professional driver guide including rental of a 22 passenger Mercedes Mini Coach, fuel, tolls, insurance and drivers expenses (excludes gratuity)
• Transfer by private driver from Gregans Castle to Shannon Airport
• 6 days services of expert guide John O’Halloran (excludes gratuity)
• 4 nights standard room accommodation in 4-star country house hotels
• 2 nights standard room accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Clifden
• Full Irish breakfast each morning
• 5 gourmet dinners (excluding alcohol)
• Customized itinerary designed by an Irish expert
• Deluxe travel documents including reference material, and an attraction discount book delivered by overnight courier
• All taxes and hotel service charges
• Options for pre-booked activities including golf, riding, fishing, and hiking
• 5-star service from Warren Tours travel planners

Land only Chauffeur drive cost based on double occupancy:

$2,995.00 per person sharing a double room

For more detailed Information:

Fiddlehead Antiques

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Please note:
A non-refundable deposit of $500 plus total airfare per person is due immediately if you wish to reserve any or all of the above arrangements. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. All changes and cancellations are subject to penalty.

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