IRELAND
Inis Cealtra (Holy Island), Lough Derg, Co Clare ©Clare County Council Fáilte Ireland
Loughs, Cruises & Castles in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Keeping the iconic River Shannon and Lough Derg largely in our sights throughout, this stunning tour features a picturesque river cruise and a scenic circular lough drive to appreciate the best of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. We also indulge in some traditional tastes along the way, including Irish coffee, a beef and Guinness lunch and delicious Irish chocolates, and visit the brilliant Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Killaloe & River Cruise Driver’s Day Off We spend today at leisure, relaxing in our hotel and exploring our scenic base of Killaloe. A short stroll from our hotel takes us to Killaloe River Cruises, where we embark on a 1 hour circular river cruise along the picturesque River Shannon to Lough Derg. With on-board commentary, spectacular scenery and a comfortable boat, we take in the views as we gently cruise along the calm, sheltered waters of Ireland’s finest waterway. Enjoying an Irish coffee as we sail, we can appreciate the magnificent scenery from the open deck or get comfy on the enclosed lower deck. Day 3 Scenic Lough Derg Drive, Traditional Irish Lunch & Wilde Irish Chocolates Today we enjoy a scenic drive around Lough Derg. One of the most beautiful lakes on the River Shannon, it is also the largest and most southerly, touching the counties of Clare, Galway and Tipperary. We hug the picturesque shoreline on our enchanting journey, driving along country roads and through pretty villages as we take in the lovely scenery and panoramic lake views. We pause in the county town of Nenagh, County Tipperary, with its 13th century castle and striking cylindrical keep, before continuing to the quaint Garrykennedy and its lovely country pub, Larkins , located on the banks of the lough. Here, we enjoy a traditional taste of Ireland, tucking into a tasty lunch of beef and Guinness casserole served with mash and tea/coffee. We then continue our scenic circular Lough Derg drive, stopping to admire the beautiful villages of Portroe and Terryglass, and finish our day with a visit to the small artisan chocolate factory of Wilde Irish Chocolates . Located on the banks of Lough Derg, we are treated to a guided tour and tasting . Day 4 Ennis, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park We spend time this morning in historic Ennis, the capital of County Clare and one of Clare’s most characterful and picturesque town centres, with narrow winding streets and a busy market town atmosphere. This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the 15th century Bunratty Castle , the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland. Elegantly restored in the 1960s, the castle is furnished with a magnificent collection of medieval furniture and furnishings. We then experience the impressive, 19th century Folk Park at leisure. Set over 26 acres, it features more than 30 buildings in a “living” village and rural setting. Please note, it’s also possible to incorporate a visit to the beautiful Cliffs of Moher today. Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, standing 702ft at their highest point and having a range of over 5 miles, the sheer scale and dramatic impact of the cliffs is spectacular to see! Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.
Wilde Irish Chocolates
Bunratty Folk Park © Tourism Ireland
Killaloe River Cruises
Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre Ballina, Killaloe, County Clare
The 4 star Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre occupies a scenic spot on the banks of the River Shannon, with views of Ballina, County Tipperary and Killaloe, County Clare. Relaxation is high on the agenda, with the 57 bedrooms designed to maximise the views of the lake and carefully chosen colour schemes intended to help guests unwind. All rooms are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/ coffee making facilities. The elegant restaurant comes with views of the lake and makes use of local ingredients in its dishes and there is also a popular bar, O’Hara’s, named after Hollywood legend Maureen O’Hara. Extensive leisure facilities include a swimming pool, steam room, sauna, cold water plunge pool, Jacuzzi and gym. • Ground floor rooms • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge
Inclusions • Return ferry crossing UK - Ireland • Porterage & welcome tea/coffee • Choice of menu & tea/coffee after dinner • Bread baking class • Live music on 1 night • Irish themed dinner & traditional entertainment on 1 night • 1 hour river cruise with Irish coffee • Beef & Guinness casserole with mash & tea/coffee at Larkins Bar & Restaurant • Guided factory tour & tasting at Wilde Irish Chocolates • Entrance to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park with guided tour of castle 29
4 Nights Half Board Based on Monday arrivals
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