Ireland - Loughs, Cruises & Castles

Day 1

Depart the local area and travel to Holyhead for our ferry crossing to Dublin. We continue our journey to the Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar for our overnight stay (Overnight Bag recommended).

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel we continue our journey to The Lakeside Hotel, Ballina our base for the next 4 night’s.

Day 3

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.

Day 4

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 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 scenic circular Lough Derg drive, stopping to admire the beautiful 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 tastings

Day 5

We spend time this morning in historic Ennis, the capital of County Clare and one of Clare’s most characterful and picturesque town centres, with narrow winding streets and a busy market town atmosphere. This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the 15th century Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland. Elegantly restored in the 1960s, the castle is furnished with a magnificent collection of medieval furniture and furnishings. We then experience the impressive, 19th century Folk Park at leisure. Set over 26 acres, it features more than 30 buildings in a living village and rural setting.

Day 6

After breakfast at the hotel this morning we begin the return journey home. (Overnight hotel TBC).

Day 7

An early morning departure from the hotel. We enjoy breakfast this morning on the ferry (Breakfast Voucher includes “swift grill” any 5 items + tea/coffee).

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner