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