Three Days In The West – Mayo, Roscommon and Galway

Day 1

We travel to the Hennigan Heritage Farm and get a glimpse of what life was like for small tenant farmers in Ireland between the 1870’s and 1950’s , the story of generations of Hennigans is skilfully interwoven with the History of Ireland touching on the famine and the land wars. In the afternoon we go to Strokestown house and see how the other half lived, this is one of Ireland’s many aristocratic Landlord mansions which sustained itself on the rental incomes from tenant farmers such as the Hennigans. On route to Strokestown we visit Cruachan, this is one of the most important and best preserved Celtic Royal Sites in Europe, and the medieval village of Tulsk, Co. Roscommon is the setting for the new centre. An amazing array of archaeological remains are located within a four mile radius of the centre, dating from the Stone Age. Overnight  in Wesport

Day 2

We leave Westport and travel through the spectacular countryside that is Connemara, stopping off at Killlary Harbour for a 90 minute boat trip. Killary Harbour is Ireland’s only true fjord and extends 10 miles in from the Atlantic Ocean and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the west of Ireland. We then drive on to Kylemore Abbey, the abbey  is regarded as one of Ireland’s most romantic buildings. Originally built in 1867 as a romantic gift, Kylemore Abbey and the surrounding mountains and lakes are steeped in history including engineering initiatives, model farms, tragedy, royal visits, gambling debts, a hideaway during Ireland’s troubled history as well as excellence in education. We continue our journey through Connemara and spend an overnight in GalwayCity. Traditional Irish Music is available in various City centre Pubs as well as other cultural events such as theatre and concerts. Overnight in Galway City

Day 3

We leave Galway and travel to Kinvara, here we stop at DunguaireCastle 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 GalwayBay. This restored 16th century tower house sits on a rocky outcrop on the shores of GalwayBay. 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 AilweeCave, carved out of limestone, it cuts into the heart of the mountain. The story of the AillweeCave began millions of years ago when streams sinking underground on AillweeMountain 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.  Overnight in Galway City