Ireland – Shannon & The Burren
Sat 22nd – Fri 28th May
7 days - £549
This is a spectacular part of the Emerald Isle. It is an area that contains the most amazing contrasts with alpine flowers and Mediterranean species growing along side each other. The scenery is no less dramatic with the stark beauty of the Burren limestone hills.
Day 1 We leave Chelmsford early morning depending on your local pick up point we travel to Pembroke in time to catch the Irish Ferries ship to Rosslare. Leaving the ferry we drive to Waterford and Dooley’s Hotel our accommodation for the next 2 nights. Ferry crossing time is 31⁄2 hours.
Day 2 After breakfast we have free time to wander around the quayside then we can join the coach for a visit to the Waterford Crystal Factory then drive up to Kilkenny the ‘Medieval Capital of Ireland’ a beautiful old town with a lovely castle and gardens, the lovely old town has very quaint Irish shops and every turn brings something new for the visitor, before a lovely country ride back into Waterford.
Day 3 We leave Waterford and journey northwards through Tipperary and Limerick stopping for lunch on the way before we drive to our base at Ennistymon in County Clare and our lovely hotel for the next 3 nights. Time to relax before dinner.
Day 4 Full Day We travel across the dramatic scenery to the Burren Visitors Centre at Kilfenora where we can gain some insight into this unique area. The limestone plateau stretches for miles and is home to rare alpine and Mediterranean plants. Dotted along the landscape are more than 60 wedge tombs, notably the Poulnaborne. We continue along the coastal road through Ballyvaghan and Doolin to the Southern most tip of the promontory where we stand in awe at the sheer might of the Atlantic Ocean, which has carved the mighty Cliffs of Moher.
Day 5 Today we visit the City of Galway where we have free time. The city is compact making it easy to explore on foot, walk along the Old Quay to visit the Spanish Arch and the Claddagh, which pays testament to Galway’s maritime history or visit the Cathedral of St Nicholas with its ornate marble floor. Spend time in Eyres Square or relax in the maze of streets offering a variety of stores pubs and restaurants.
Day 6 We leave today and head towards the Shannon Estuary where we make a stop at Bunratty here you may visit the castle or the woollen mills or even enjoy a pint of ‘the black stuff’ in probably the most famous pub in the country ‘Dirty Nellie’s’ we continue across Ireland to Wexford and our overnight hotel The Crosbie Cedars Rosslare. Time to relax before dinner.
Day 7 We leave on the 0845 Irish Ferry from Rosslare to Pembroke, which takes 3 1⁄2 hrs, we have suitable stops for refreshments on the way, and arrive back to Chelmsford about 9pm.
Holiday Includes
6 nights dinner, bed & breakfast
Return ferry crossing
Excursions as described
Porterage in main hotel
Executive coach travel
Passports Required or
Identification required
Currency Euro
Dooley’s Hotel Waterford ***
Tel: 00353 51873531
The hotel overlooks the waterfront of this bustling maritime historic city. All rooms en-suite. There is a lift and only a short walk to the shops.
Falls Hotel Ennistymon ***
Tel: 00353 657071004
This former Manor House was once the home of Caitlin, wife of Dylan Thomas, the hotel overlooks the cascade waterfalls and is set in its own extensive estate. The hotel is beautifully appointed and has luxurious public rooms. The Dylan Thomas Bar and conservatory also have panoramic views of the falls. All rooms have private facilities with colour TV, tea/coffee trays. Lift to all floors.
Crosbie Cedars Hotel Rosslare
Tel: 00353 539132124
All bedrooms have en-suite accommodation.
Price Per Person £549.00
Single Supplement £115.00
Travel Insurance £23.00
IGI Nil
