Three Days in The West Clare and Kerry

Day 1

We leave Galway and travel to Kinvara, here we stop at Dunguaire Castle which is probably the most famous land mark that is associated with Kinvara. The castle was built in 1520 by the O’Hynes clan on the picturesque shores of Galway Bay. This restored 16th century tower house sits on a rocky outcrop on the shores of Galway Bay. We then go to the Burren, this is an area of limestone rock covering imposing majestic mountains, and tranquil valleys with gently meandering streams. With its innate sense of spiritual peace, extraordinary array of flora and wildlife, and megalithic tombs and monuments older than Egypt’s pyramids, the Burren creates a tapestry of colour and a seductively magical aura which few people leave without wanting to experience again. In the heart of the Burren is the Ailwee Cave, carved out of limestone, it cuts into the heart of the mountain. The story of the Aillwee Cave began millions of years ago when streams sinking underground on Aillwee Mountain started dissolving channels through the lines of weakness in the limestone. Our final stop of the day is spectacular cliffs of Moher. This imposing wall of limestone reaches almost 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. We leave the Burren and take the ferry across the Shannon estuary to Kerry. Overnight in Listowel.

Day 2

Once cited as ‘the most beautiful place on earth’ by the National Geographic and voted among the top 100 destinations in the world by Trip Advisor; CNN recently recommended it as a very favourable winter destination; it is listed as one of the top 10 places to be on New Year’s Eve – all of these accolades refer to the stunningly beautiful Dingle Peninsula. The Peninsula, which stretches out into the Atlantic ocean, is the most northerly of the mountainous promontories which forms the indented coast of South-west Ireland. It is particularly notable in its scenery of the mountain and coast and is of interest on account of its antiquities. The peninsula is the location of numerous prehistoric and early medieval remains – for example, the Gallarus Oratory in the very west of the peninsula. In the course of our tour we stop for a stroll on Inch Strand and have a few pints of Guinness in the Pub once owned by the famous Antarctic explorer Tom Crean. Overnight in Tralee

Day 3

The Iveragh Peninsula which contains Ireland’s most spectacular mountain road – the Ring of Kerry – is situated in the south west corner of Ireland. Over the centuries it has been the inspiration of poets and writers because of its magnificent coastal scenery and rugged countryside. The Ring of Kerry is usually done in an anti-clockwise direction along the banks of the River Laune to Killorglin, via Glenbeigh, Kells, Caherciveen and the southern shores of Dingle Bay. The tour continues to Waterville and along the coast via Coomakista Pass and Derrynane and on to Sneem. From Sneem you will travel up the mountain road to Molls Gap, then via Ladies’ View and back to Killarney stopping at Muckross House and gardens. Overnight in Killarney.