Day Six

On day six you have a choice of touring the rest of Connemara or taking a trip to the Aran Islands. Inis Mór is the largest and most developed of the Aran Islands and combines a vibrant history with excellent facilities and lively nightlife. Blanketed in fissured limestone and a patchwork of fields, you can walk, cycle, or ride the laneways here to discover the islands most celebrated monument, Dún Aonghasa. One of the most famous and important prehistoric sites in Europe, this semi-circular stone fort sits dramatically on top of a 100m drop into the sea.

Elsewhere circular forts, early Christian remains, 12th Century high crosses and medieval churches dot the island. The heritage centre, Ionad Arann, gives a good insight into the island’s history, charting the lives, times and traditions of the people of Aran. However, traditions are very much alive here and nightly music sessions and regular dances, impromptu story-telling and even curragh racing are part of everyday life. Whether you wander the flower-strewn laneways, watch the seals, relax on the beach, or take in a performance by Ragús, you’ll be smitten by the people, culture and heritage of this incredible island. We return to the mainland in late afternoon and drive through Spiddal and Barna on our way to Glaway city. The city is an experience to be savoured and remembered. The historic city of the tribes dances to a beat uniquely its own. There is certain chemistry and vibrancy to this friendly University City, which many delight in, and few forget. Music, festivals, horse racing, pubs, restaurants, shops, theatres and most of all Galway people, combine to create this atmospheric medieval city of culture. We stay overnight in Galway and you can conclude your tour with a cultural event of your choosing.