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Your partner for bespoke group travel throughout the UK and Europe.
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WILD ATLANTIC WAY - IRELAND
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Bantry House, Co. Cork (Irish Tourism) |
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Jaunting Cars on the Ring of Kerry (Hu O'Reilly, Failte Ireland) |
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This spectacular route travels 1600 miles along the West Coast of Ireland, from the rugged Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to the colourful town of Kinsale in County Cork.
The Wild Atlantic Way offers visitors the opportunity to experience a diverse landscape from immense cliffs to bog lands, and coastal villages to vibrant towns and cities. Along the way, the route takes in some of Ireland’s most iconic regions such as the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, The Burren, Connemara and Glenveagh National Park.
Throughout the whole journey there are possibilities to have traditional Irish Music experiences, visit local farms, take in the natural beauty of the regions and enjoy hearty local food. A visit to at least one traditional Irish Pub is highly recommended. There is a good standard of accommodation along the route, where a warm Irish welcome is guaranteed.
The itinerary can be tailormade as a tour in itself, or sections can be added in to trips to Ireland featuring other regions of the country. To follow are the regions and the highlights in each to consider.
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Travelling from County Cork to County Limerick, this journey includes Bantry House and Gardens with its spectacular setting on Bantry Bay, the Gallarus Oratory and The Blasket Centre, both on the Dingle Peninsula, which honours the heritage of the community which lived on the Blasket Islands.
This region is also home to the Iveragh Peninsular, better known as The Ring of Kerry, with its circular route from the vibrant town of Killarney. This popular region often features in itineraries with visits to Muckross House and Gardens.
The traditional towns and villages not to be missed on this section of the route include Kinsale, Kenmare, Sneem, Dingle, and Tralee.
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Between Country Clare and County Sligo is perhaps the most traditional region of Ireland, where the Irish language is still spoken, and a strong heritage and culture thrives. Visits here include the famous Cliffs of Moher, the Benedictine Monastery of Kylemore Abbey, Dunguaire Castle on the shores of Galway Bay, The Burren known for its unique natural beauty, and Westport House with its tales of royalty and pirates.
From this region it is possible to visit a number of islands. Take a ferry across to the unspoilt Aran Islands which are a walker’s paradise. Stay a night or two in a traditional hotel to fully relax and enjoy the area. Also highly recommended, is a visit to Achill Island, reached by the causeway near Westport.
There are many towns and villages to include in an itinerary, such as Galway, Westport, Sligo, and the ‘Capital of Connemara’, Clifden.
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This region of Ireland covers the journey from County Leitrim to County Donegal and is perhaps the lesser visited area of the route, but one which offers a variety of attractions to consider. This unspoilt area is home to The Slieve League, some of the highest cliffs in Europe, Donegal Castle, which was home to one of the most powerful Gaelic clans and Glenveagh Castle & Gardens situated in the stunning National Park. All are not to be missed.
Skirting along the border with Northern Ireland, this region is largely Irish speaking and offers a more natural Ireland than other areas, and is for those looking for a trip that is off the beaten track.
The main towns and villages to consider in this region are Ballyshannon, Killybegs, Letterkenny and Donegal.
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View of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's Holy Mountain, Co Mayo
(Failte Ireland, Pawel Spdowski)
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Kylemore Abbey, Connemara (Connemara.net)
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With over 50 years’ experience in tailor-making group tours, our dedicated and experienced team are here to book all ground services for your trips. Through long standing and trusted supplier relationships, and a wealth of first-hand knowledge, we work with you to create your bespoke tour. The services we arrange include accommodation, executive coaches with professional drivers, informative local tour guides, admission to attractions, ferry and train travel, meals as needed, and experienced tour managers, amongst many others.
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Visit our web-site to view our inspirational destination ideas and special theme tours covering the UK, Europe and beyond
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We look forward to hearing from you.
With kind regards,
Claire
Claire Thompson
Commercial Manager
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