UK & Ireland 2025

IRELAND

UPDATED TOUR

5 DAYS FROM £473

Inis Cealtra (Holy Island), Lough Derg, Co Clare © Clare County Council Fáilte Ireland

Leisurely Loughs & Traditions in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Keeping the iconic River Shannon and Lough Derg largely in our sights throughout, this stunning, leisurely 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 famous Foynes Flying Museum. 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 circular Lough Derg drive, stopping to admire the 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 Foynes Flying Boat Museum & Adare We begin our day with a visit to the famous Foynes Flying Boat Museum , home to the world’s only replica of a B314 legendary flying boat, where we enjoy a guided tour and Irish coffee experience . We then spend the afternoon at leisure in picturesque Adare with time to explore and see for ourselves why it is renowned as one of Ireland’s prettiest villages. We return to our hotel early afternoon to make the most of the fantastic leisure facilities before we depart. Please note, today it’s also possible to incorporate a visit to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland, OR the Cliffs of Moher. Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, standing 702ft at their highest point & having a range of over 5 miles, the sheer scale of the cliffs is spectacular to see! Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.

Thatched Cottage, Adare Village

Foynes Irish Coffee

Killaloe River Cruise

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. All rooms are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/ coffee making facilities. The restaurant comes with views of the lake and makes use of local ingredients and there is also a popular bar, O’Hara’s, named after Hollywood legend Maureen O’Hara. Extensive leisure facilities include a 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 4 Nights Half Board Twin from £473pp No Double/Twin for Sole Use Supplement (max 3 incl driver) Based on Monday arrivals

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 Shannon cruise with Irish coffee • Beef & Guinness casserole with mash & tea/coffee at Larkins Bar & Restaurant • Guided factory tour & tasting at Wilde Irish Chocolates • Guided tour of Foynes Flying Boat Museum & Irish coffee experience

Janine says… “I was lucky to stay here in November 2023. The

Lakeside Hotel is truly a fabulous hotel where Irish hospitality is at the very heart of everything they do here. A real gem of a hotel where everyone is treated as individual. Looking for that something different in Ireland, this hotel and region is a perfect choice.”

Fantastic client feedback on this hotel, with strong repeat business

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Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded

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