The Wild Atlantic Way

DAY 1

Meet your coach at your selected pick-up point. Sit back and relax as we make our way to Westport with a stop en-route in the county town of Carrick–on–Shannon before continuing the journey arriving late afternoon at the Westport Woods Hotel for check-in, with time to relax and freshen up before dinner.

DAY 2

This morning we depart after breakfast, make the short journey to visit Westport house a 400-year-old historic house within 400- acres of unspoilt beauty.   Afterward spend the rest of the day at leisure in the Heritage town of Westport one of Irelands major tourist destinations, located at the southeast corner of Clew Bay, near the sea with the famous Mayo Mountains in the backdrop. Take time to explore the elegant tree-lined streets along the river known as The Mall. Bustling Bridge Street is the main shopping street with cheerful shop fronts and the central square.

DAY 3

This morning after breakfast, join your coach to travel to visit the charming little village of Cong.  Tucked between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, the village of Cong is a wonderfully olde-worlde kind of place.  Steeped in history, with close ties to the Quiet Man movie, and boasting a unique character and lots of things to see and do, it’s well worth exploring. Visit the Quiet Man Museum and delve deeper into the history of the area and learn about the village’s rich heritage and its connection to the ‘Quiet Man’.  Also take a walking tour of The Quiet Man film locations.  The tour lasts one hour and consists of a short, easy stroll around Cong village and features all of the original movie locations filmed in the village including Innisfree, the Pat Cohan’s Bar, the Dying Man’s house, the Reverend Playfair’s House, the courting scenes, the fight scenes, the patty fingers in the Holy water scenes and The Quiet Man commemorative statute. Next, we will travel to visit the village of Knock famous throughout the world and thousands of Pilgrims flock to each year.  Afterwards re-join your coach and return to your hotel in Westport.

DAY 4

After breakfast, join your coach as we travel to spend the morning at the Connemara Heritage and history centre.  The centre is located in the heart of the scenic Connemara region and offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse history of this area situated on a working hill farm, where you can see traditional farming practices and animals, such as sheep, cows, horses, donkeys, and chickens.  The centre also features a restored cottage that dates back to the 19th century, where you can learn about the daily life of the people who lived there. You can see how they cooked, slept, worked, and entertained themselves, and even try some of their activities yourself. You can also explore the history of the Irish Famine, the Land War, and the Gaelic Revival through exhibits and displays.  One of the highlights of the centre is the Dan O’Hara Homestead, which is a replica of the original home of Dan O’Hara, a famous local figure who was forced to emigrate to America after being evicted from his land. You can hear his story and see how he lived in his humble dwelling.  Afterwards spend some time in town known as the ‘Capital of Connemara’ Clifden boasts a thriving tourism industry as its unique and picturesque setting between the foothills of the Twelve Bens and the Atlantic Ocean attracts thousands of visitors annually.

DAY 5

This morning after a leisurely breakfast and checking out, join your coach for the return journey home making stops in Castlebar and Boyle, Co. Roscommon before returning you to your original joining point.