Western Gems of the Emerald Isle

Western Gems of the Emerald Isle

Come along on a grand adventure through western Ireland brimming with spectacular beauty, cherished traditions and warm hospitality! On this first-class journey, enjoy six nights in the charming market town of Ennis and two nights at a family-owned, country-house hotel on a 400-acre estate in Mallow. Take in the breathtaking coastal splendor of the Wild Atlantic Way as you see the majestic Cliffs of Moher, the Burren’s fossil-laden terrain and the stunning Loop Head Peninsula. Discover historic monuments while exploring the unspoiled Aran Island of Inishmore and the atmospheric Rock of Cashel. Plus, embrace Ireland’s creative spirit as you listen to traditional songs in a musician’s cozy home, visit the beautiful settings that inspired poet William Butler Yeats and learn about renowned literary legends. You’ll also savor delectably fresh Irish cuisine, including an exceptional, farm-to-fork dinner on the estate and an artisanal lunch at a stately manor. This small-group experience features educational insights from expert guides and lecturers, a Travel Director and wine with all dinners.

Trip Itinerary:

May 21 In Transit | Shannon, Ireland | Ennis

After touching down at Shannon Airport, meet your AHI Travel representative who will accompany you to the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis. Later, take a guided stroll through this lively market town. This evening, kick off your Irish experience with a Welcome Reception and Dinner featuring entertainment by local dancers and musicians.

May 22 In Transit | Shannon, Ireland | Ennis Continued

After touching down at Shannon Airport, meet your AHI Travel representative who will accompany you to the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis. Later, take a guided stroll through this lively market town. This evening, kick off your Irish experience with a Welcome Reception and Dinner featuring entertainment by local dancers and musicians.

May 23 The Burren | Cliffs of Moher

After learning about Ireland’s history from a local expert, head to the Burren. Stark and arresting, it’s one of Ireland’s most intriguing landscapes — a rocky plateau of karstic limestone formations. Follow expert Tony Kirby across this unusual terrain on a walk rich with geological, archaeological and botanical insights. After a pub lunch, delve into hurling, Ireland’s popular field game, at a museum. Then see Poulnabrone, an iconic portal tomb over 5,000 years old. Next, along the coast, marvel at dramatic cliffs, sea caves and inlets and the stirring sight of the Cliffs of Moher looming 700 feet above the ocean.

May 24 Coole Park | Thoor Ballylee

Join a local expert for an interesting talk about Ireland’s literary luminaries, which sets the stage for today’s explorations. William Butler Yeats, the acclaimed Nobel poet laureate, was profoundly moved by the serene settings and wildlife he encountered within the idyllic woods of Coole Park. Stroll with your guide to see the old copper beech where he and other literary notables carved their initials. Then, delve more into Yeats’ life and poetry while visiting Thoor Ballylee, the imposing, 14th-century tower house by a river that became his treasured summer writing retreat.

May 25 Loop Head Peninsula

Get tips on researching your family tree and hear the story of Irish immigration to the United States at the Clare Heritage and Genealogy Center. Then, gaze in awe at the spectacular cliffside scenery on either side of you as you travel along Loop Head Peninsula, a headland that juts out between the Atlantic Ocean and the Shannon estuary. At its tip stands the Loop Head Lighthouse which has long guided ships safely into the River Shannon. After lunch nearby, tour the historic beacon and admire the expansive ocean views.

May 26 Birr Castle Demesne | Killaloe

Birr Castle, Gardens & Science Center offers a fascinating look at technology that was once state-of-the-art. From 1845 to 1914, this 400-year-old castle was home to the world’s largest telescope, credited with significant discoveries and considered an important piece of astronomy history. Learn more about its creation and other scientific innovations made here, and stroll through the magnificent gardens. Later, enjoy lunch in Killaloe, followed by a pleasant cruise on Lough Derg and the River Shannon.

May 27 Doolin | Aran Island of Inishmore | Doolin

From Doolin, ferry across Galway Bay to rugged Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, where Gaelic is the language of choice and ancient stone walls crisscross the land. As you explore, meet a family that hand-harvests edible seaweed, an often-forgotten ancient food source, and try some samples. Inhabited since 3,000 B.C., the island has several prehistoric stone forts. See cliffside Dun Aengus, the most famous, and enjoy lunch. Return to Doolin and be welcomed into a musician’s home for a session of traditional songs and a glass of wine.

May 28 Adare | Mallow

Check out of the hotel and depart for Mallow. On your way, visit Adare, a pretty village founded in the 13th century and filled with thatched roof homes, lively pubs and independent shops. Enjoy a brief walking tour, some free time and a delectable lunch. Continue to Longueville House. Meet the owners of this family-run, country-estate hotel, who’ll describe how they revitalized the farm, gardens and orchard to achieve their field-to-fork vision. Savor a refreshing afternoon tea and an exceptional dinner prepared by the chef-owner with homegrown ingredients.

May 29 Rock of Cashel

The remarkable Rock of Cashel sits on an outcrop over the Tipperary countryside and boasts impressive medieval church ruins. Discover its intriguing past as the stronghold of the Kings of Munster and take in its grandeur on a guided tour. This afternoon, there will be time at leisure to enjoy the pastoral ambience and amenities of Longueville House. Conclude your marvelous Irish adventure tonight with a delicious Farewell Dinner on the estate.

May 30 Depart for your home city

After breakfast, bid farewell to Ireland and transfer to Shannon Airport for your return flights home.

Map:


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