The West of Ireland 3 Day Tour
Discover the heart of the West of Ireland...
From the drama and theatre of The Cliffs of Moher to the haunting beauty and isolation of the sea-sloping hills of Connemara. This magnificent journey highlights the courage and strength our ancestors had to survive in one of the most unforgiving landscapes of Europe.
Absorb the poetic lull which echoes throughout the National Parks, retreat to one of the many beachy enclaves that have been carved out by the epic atlantic ocean and embrace the charming ambience of the hillside villages of Mayo. This really is a must-do journey to understand the evolution of rural Ireland.
Including...
Professional Driver Guide - Luxury Private Tour Transport - 2 Nights Boutique & Luxury Style Accommodation with full breakfasts - A selection of activities and sightseeing each day - Off the beaten path & away from the crowds.
Clare, Galway & Mayo - The Heart of The West
Distance Travelled:
Approx 700km
Highlights:
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The Wild Atlantic Way
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The Cliffs of Moher
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Ireland's Ancient East
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The Burren GeoPark
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County Mayo
Meet the Locals:
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Local Sheep Farmer
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Local Farmer / Historian
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Local Blacksmith
Tour Pace: Fast Pace
Choose Your Style...
Remember you can always change this tour to suit your own pace, interests and requirements. Just contact us and tell us what you would like.
West of Ireland
3 Day Private Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way
via The Cliffs of Moher & The Burren GEOPARK
We will begin our adventure with a drive to the midlands of Ireland with our first stop at the stunning off the beaten path gem - Clonmacnoise. Here you can explore the ancient ruins and enjoy the exquisite Celtic crosses. After this stop we will continue our journey west with a visit to the Burren region. This moonlike landscape offers a host of great activities for you to fill the day including Cliffs of Moher Boat Trips, Nature Walks, Caves and local perfumeries and chocolatiers. After enjoying the best of the Burren we will make our way to the highlight of the day, the majestic Cliffs of Moher. Standing over 220 meters high this stunning coastal attraction offers some great cliff walks along the atlantic edge. After taking in the best of the cliffs we will make our way south along the Wild Atlantic Way for your first overnight in the heart of the west.
Activity Options - Doolin Visit, Cliffs of Moher Boat Trip, Burren Walk, Burren Chocolatier, Corcomroe Abbey Visit, The Burren Perfumery, Galway City, Clonmacnoise, Dunguaire Castle
Tour Timings - 9:30am to 6:00pm
Overnight - Galway City or Ashford Castle
Day 2
Galway to Rural Mayo
via The Connemara Region
This day takes us deep into the western frontiers of Ireland and into another National Park - Connemara. This remote and desolate environment showcases some of the most dramatic scenery on the island with its rolling hills, stone walls, rivers & lakes. Our drive will take us to the floating village of Cong where you can enjoy the tranquil surrounds, lakes and rivers before continuing our journey across the beautiful Joyce Country Drive. Here you can take in a fascinating Sheepdog demonstration with local farmer Joe Joyce. After enjoying the best of Connemara we will continue our drive to the Killary Fjord where we will leave Galway and pass into Mayo. We will then arrive in the evening at your homely boutique family farm cottage stay in the remote village of Carracastle in rural Mayo for a stay off the beaten path and away from the crowds.
Activity Options - Private Hawk Walk, Sheep Dog Demonstration, Heritage Farm Visit, Kylemore Abbey Tour, Cong Visit, Quiet Man Cottage
Tour Length - 9:30 to 5:30pm
Overnight - Ireland West Farm Stay - Rural Mayo - www.irelandwestfarmstay.com
Day 3
Rural Mayo to Dublin City
via an Irish Heritage Experience
Today you will rise early on the farm to meet some of the local villagers. Farmer and heritage expert - Eddie Joe will take you on a short walk through his farm to the blanket bogs of Mayo. Along the way, you will learn of the old and new Irish farming traditions including working the bogs, cutting the peat and you will hear Irish folklore and rural history along the way. Our next stop is at the cosy Barroe Rock Forge where Pat, the local blacksmith will recreate for you the old Irish amulet of the Nine Irons, used by our ancestors for good health and good harvest. This is a day away from the tourists and off the beaten track in real rural Ireland. After a day in Carracastle we will continue our journey back to Dublin City across the River Shannon and through the midlands stopping at the ancient capital of Connaught - Rathcroghan along the way to learn of Queen Maebh and ancient Ireland’s mythology. You will finally arrive back in Dublin City in time to enjoy the bars and live music of the modern capital of Ireland - Dublin City.
Activity Options - Choice from:
Blacksmith Workshop with Pat / Artisan Cheese Factory with Helen & Danilo / Music by the Fireside / Sheepdog Demo
Tour Timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm
Overnight - Return to Dublin City
Accommodation Options
on the 3 Day Ireland Private Tour
Where would you like to stay?
We offer a varied portfolio of boutique and luxury options of accommodation from the exclusive to the less expensive. We believe variety is the spice of life and we encourage a mix style of accommodations to enhance your private tour experience. All of our partner accommodations are of the highest standard and offer a special, memorable, local experience.
Below you will find some examples of our partner accommodations.
5 Star - Castles, luxury hotels & city hotels
4 Star - Manor houses, deluxe hotels and city hotels
3 Star - Country houses, gourmet hotels & retreats
Speciality Lodgings - B&B's, guesthouses & farmhouses
Others - Hostels, Private Rentals, Camping, Glamping & Quirky
We will tailor the tour using your accommodation option.
Why not add a
Full Package Upgrade?
Why not let Little Gem handle your entire vacation in Ireland!
Just add an airport to airport upgrade...
We will greet you at the arrivals of whichever airport you arrive into in Ireland and take you to your hotel. We will cover all accommodations during your time in Ireland and we will drop you back at the airport to wave goodbye at the end of your travels :)
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