Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way
~ Your Itinerary ~
Day 1
Wednesday, October 5
Transfer to Galway
Excursion to Cliffs of Moher
Upon landing at Shannon airport. Our party will be met on the ground and board a bus for the trip to Galway. The trip will start off with the first of the stunning Irish landscapes you’re going to see, riding through County Clare to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. We’ll have lunch along the way at Gus O'Connor's Pub (12:15 pm). Afterwards we will continue to the Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate where we will spend our first two nights. You’re going to be tired, of course but try not to nod off without seeing at least some of the surreal landscape of The Burren, something really worth appreciating along the way.
Upon arrival at Glenlo Abbey we’ll get checked in to a Classic Room and then regroup for a welcome dinner in the historic Orient Express carriages that make up the Pullman Restaurant at 6:45 pm
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IMPORTANT NOTE: During the trip we will be moving with our luggage multiple times and it will be handled by porters regularly. It is Imperative that ALL of your bags have clear, legible and firmly attached identifying tags at all times to avoid delays.
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Day 0
Tuesday, October 4
Depart US
For most of you, the journey starts at Charleston International Airport where you'll catch your connection to Newark Airport for an overnight flight to Shannon Airport in Ireland. The outbound, non-stop EWR-SNN route (UA 976) departs at 10:50pm and lands at 10:05 AM local time on Oct. 5
Day 2
Thursday, October 6
Day in Galway
Arrival was a long day so sleep in; the morning is on your own. Keep in mind there is an included breakfast available every day from 7:30 to 10:00 am each day in the River Room.
We’ll have a staff ready to assist in getting settled or getting started on ideas for your free time. In the afternoon (1:30 pm start) we’ll head to Galway for a walking tour, after which you can spend a few hours on your own. It’s a delightful town with a plethora of restaurants, pubs and live music venues. A return transfer will be provided, time tbd, but taxis and rideshares are readily available.
Day 3
Friday, October 7
Transfer to Killarney
Rock of Cashel Excursion
Time to head to Killarney. But we’re going to take the long route and include an excursion a bit deeper into Ireland to the Rock of Cashel, a cluster of mediaeval buildings in County Tipperary set upon a dramatic outcrop of limestone. We'll board at 8:30 am. Breakfast will be Available in the River Room starting at 7:30 am.
We’ll have lunch in town at TJ Ryan Traditional Irish Pub around 1:45pm, and if time allows, we’ll make an interesting stop or two along the way in County Cork before getting to The Muckross Park Hotel and Spa (with Private Check-In). The Welcome Reception will begin at 7:00 pm in the Medieval Atrium.
Day 4
Saturday, October 8
Gap of Dunloe Excursion
Breakfast will be served in the Yew Tree Restaurant from 7:30 to 10:00 am, but be sure to have it early enough to join the excursion by 9:15 the latest.
It’s hard to overstate the beauty of today’s trip through the Gap of Dunloe. Starting at Kate Kearney’s Cottage the horse-drawn jaunting car ride takes you through this 11 km pass, located between MacGillycuddy Reeks and the Purple Mountains. Situated within are five panoramic lakes and the old arch Wishing Bridge. We'll leave the hotel around 9:15 am.
After an informal picnic lunch at Lord Brandon’s Cottage guests will return via boat, through the lakes and to Ross Castle.
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We’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon, probably around 5:00 or 6:00 pm. You have the evening free, so head down to nearby Killarney town. Like Galway, but in its own unique way, Killarney is a truly iconic Irish town. Food, drink and music abound.
Breakfast will be served in the Yew Tree Restaurant from 7:30 to 10:00 am. Again, be sure to eat in time to join us for today's trip.
At 9:30 am we begin our final excursion – the Dingle Peninsula. Dingle is a Gaeltacht district, where the Irish language remains predominant. Rolling hills and mountains are ringed by an amazing coast of long sandy beaches and craggy cliffs. Breathtaking scenery, prehistoric and medieval ruins,
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we'll enjoy a late lunch at the Dingle Skellig Hotel at 2:00 pm and a stroll through the charming fishing village of Dingle will make the day unforgettable.
Day 5
Sunday, October 9
Dingle Peninsula Excursion
Day 6
Monday, October 10
Day in Killarney
Breakfast will be served in the Yew Tree Restaurant from 7:30 to 10:00 am.
It’s the last full day in Killarney so get ahead of things and make some plans. There are lots of great options. Head to Killarney town, play golf, hike to the historic Muckross House, Muckross Abbey and the Torc waterfall, all steps away in Killarney National Park.
Feeling more adventurous? book a trip on the Ring of Kerry (if the spectacle of the Dingle coastline wasn’t enough for you). Take a train to Cork and visit the English market, Spike Island or the Gaol. Or, just stay back and relax in this stunning property and enjoy the spa or gardens. The hotel concierge will be available and we’ll have a hospitality desk open as well. Just be back in time for our 7:00 pm farewell dinner at the fabulous Yew Tree Restaurant on property..
Day 7
Tuesday, October 11
Bonus day in Dublin
Due to an unexpected United Airlines route change, we will now be flying out of Dublin instead of Shannon Airport. To ensure a comfortable and convenient ride to the airport your hosts have graciously expanded your trip!
After breakfast in the Yew Tree Restaurant at 7:30 am. we will head out at 9:00 am and take a leisurely ride across this small island country. Once there we will enjoy a short walking tour of historic Downtown Dublin. We will be staying in the Grafton Hotel near St Stephens green, allowing you to get out and enjoy a taste of the Dublin nightlife at your doorstep before we head home.
Day 8
Wednesday, October 12
Departure Day
Time to go, unfortunately. WE will have breakfast at 7:15 am in the hotel's Bartley's restaurant) then be heading to Dublin airport for the inbound flight back to the us, leaving at 8:30 am. Some guests Will be flying on UA 127 departing at 12:15pm to Washington Dulles and others on UA 316 departing 1:05 pm to Newark, with connections to Charleston and other originations that evening.
One nice note - you will be clearing United States customs in Dublin, meaning your bags will be checked all the way through to your destination and saving you significant time and hassle upon reentering the states.