IRELAND
®
5 DAYS from £439
Galway City © Failte Ireland Courtesy Failte Ireland
Galway & Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Discover the scenic natural beauty of Ireland’s Heartlands area and visit the historic city of Galway on this magical tour. Experience the beautiful lakes and rivers, ancient castles and monasteries. Staying in the well-preserved Georgian town of Birr, our tour highlights include a relaxing Shannon waterway cruise, a visit to the award-winning Birr Castle & Gardens and tour of Kilbeggan, the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland. MY TIME
River Shannon Cruise
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Birr Castle & Gardens (Driver’s Day Off Possible) This morning, we enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful Birr Castle & Gardens , just a few minutes’ drive away from our hotel. Over 400 years old and family-owned, it is home to the 7th Earl of Rosse. Learn about the rich heritage and phenomenal achievements of generations of the Parsons family. Explore the award-winning gardens and parkland which feature more than 4000 species of trees and plants. We return to our hotel for a soup and sandwich lunch before having free time to enjoy the hotel’s facilities or explore the surrounding town. Day 3 Galway Today we have free time to explore the charming city of Galway. Set on Ireland’s stunning West Coast immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, history and music. Centrally located the 18th century Eyre Square is surrounded by shops and traditional pubs playing live Irish music. Nearby are the cobbled streets and original medieval city walls of the Latin Quarter. Home to cafes, boutiques and art galleries, it’s a perfect spot for lunch. Or enjoy a visit to Galway Cathedral, Galway City Museum or the Spanish Arch.
Day 4 River Shannon Cruise & Kilbeggan Distillery
This morning, enjoy a scenic and relaxing 1-hour river cruise from Shannonbridge to Clonmacnoise, taking in the stunning natural beauty of the Shannon waterway. Upon arrival, we have time for lunch, before heading to Kilbeggan Distillery for a 1-hour guided tour in one of the oldest licensed distilleries of its kind. Kilbeggan Distillery was established in 1757 and has beaten the odds to survive. We learn about its past as well as how this famous whiskey is made today. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home. HOW ABOUT ADDING A LUNCH IN GALWAY? Why not savour a hearty lunch (soup, sandwich & tea/coffee) at MacNeill’s Irish pub, at the Hardiman Hotel in the heart of Galway INCLUSIONS • Entrance to Birr Castle Gardens • One way cruise Shannonbridge-Clonmacnoise • Kilbeggan Distillery guided tour
County Arms Hotel Birr, County Offaly
This former 19th century home is located in the heart of the beautiful, historic town of Birr and is within easy walking distance of the many pubs, shops and restaurants. The County Arms has 70 comfortable bedrooms, all of which are accessible by lift. There is a spacious, elegant lounge adjacent to the main reception, a restaurant that overlooks the garden and a comfortable and cosy bar. • Lift • Soup & Sandwich lunch • Irish coffee making demonstration on Day 2 • Irish themed dinner & Irish dancing 1 night • Live musical entertainment 1 night • Bingo or quiz 1 night • Extensive leisure & spa facilities • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge 4 Nights Half Board Twin from £439pp No Double for Sole Use Supplement (max 7 incl driver) Based on Monday arrivals
Strong repeat group business every year to the County Arms Hotel
Birr Castle
Kilbeggan Distillery
Clonmacnoise, Monastic Site
Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded
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