House of travel UK & Ireland Brochure 2017 | Page 44

Wild Atlantic Way Enjoy a week long scenic journey at a relaxed pace, allowing you to explore ancient sites, lakes and mountains, traditional villages and towns complete with thatched cottages and stone walls. Marvel at the dramatic Irish coastline of ‘dancing light and brooding sea’. Twelve Bens Mountain Range 8 days/7 nights Suggested Self-Drive Day 1: Dublin Visit St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church or the National Museum. Day 2: Dublin – Galway (208km) Galway City, the gateway to the scenic Connemara, is laid back, relaxed and ready to party. Buzzing with brightly painted pubs, traditional live music, cafés with street performers out front, delicious seafood and winding lanes. Day 3-4: Connemara Region Travel from Galway to the lake dotted centre at Maam Cross to explore Connemara. From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean, Connemara is a fascinating area to drive through. Today you’ll see small farms and stone walls, and isolated thatched cottages on the heather covered hills. Day 5: Galway – Kilrush – Killarney (195km) Travel through The Burren a geological paradise which boasts over 2000 plants. Continue along the coast of Clare to view the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Take the Killimer - Tarbert/Kilrush ferry. Day 6: Ring of Kerry (179km) The Iveragh Peninsula is full of mountains, peat bogs, lakes and ocean views. Travel through Killorglin famous for the Puck Fair, Glenbeigh to see panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula, through the peat bogs to Waterville and Sneem Village, returning to Killarney. Day 7: Dingle Peninsula – Limerick (150km) You will see many ring forts, high crosses and other ancient monuments on the Peninsula’s dramatic landscape. Day 8: Limerick – Dublin (194km) Visit Birr Castle Demesne and get in some last minute shopping in Dublin. Rental car: Hertz (Group B) from $39 per day Our favourite places to stay: • Jurys Inn Galway City Hotel • Sunrise Villa Farmhouse, Killarney • Limerick City Hotel Roundstone Bog 40 Clifden DUBLIN Galway Maam Cross Cliffs of Moher Birr Castle Demesne The Burren Limerick Kilrush IRELAND Dingle Peninsula Tralee Killarney Ring of Kerry Highlights worth seeing along the way Dublin sights – Walk through Trinity College to view the beautifully illuminated Book of Kells; or in the old market area of the city visit Old Jameson Distillery and learn about whiskey making and tasting. Discover the mountains and boglands – On your drive to Clifden you pass between Ben Mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and preserved boglands. As well as experiencing this spectacular scenery dotted with castle ruins and abbeys, Clifden has great boutique gift shopping and gourmet dining. Kilrush – The Heritage Centre is in the original Moyasta Junction Station House; the start of the restored 2 kilometre old narrow-gauge line and home of the restored train carriages. Sneem Village – In the ‘Ring of Kerry’ and nestled between mountains and rugged coast, Sneem has some great views and is famous for its brightly coloured houses. Movie set spotting – You will recognise many areas from films including the Dingle Peninsula from ‘Ryan’s Daughters’ and ‘Far and Away’, and the Connemara region from ‘Quiet Man’ and ‘The Purple Taxi’. Hear Gaelic being spoken – West of Dingle see the many ancient sites in Kerry, and you will also overhear the locals speaking Gaelic. Birr Castle Demesne – Walk around the gardens and along the peaceful river. See one of the world’s largest telescopes here, and some amazing feats of science and engineering. Sneem Village Ring of Kerry The price guide shown is per car hire based on 7+ day hire rate. Price shown does not include Earlybird or other discounted offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date