Leslie Hsu Besner and Family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
LIMERICK
Start your Ireland adventure with a transfer to Limerick. You’ll check in to the Knappogue Castle – your 15th-century accommodation for the night!
The day in Limerick begins with a visit to King John’s Castle, on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of medieval Limerick City. The stunning new exhibition at King John’s Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history. This 13th-century castle reopened in June, 2013 following a multimillion-euro investment.
Then, take a guided walking tour of the Medieval Quarter in Limerick City. Highlights include the Richard Harris Statue, 1916 Memorial, The Treaty Stone, The Bishop’s Palace, The Bard of Thomond Statue, St Mary’s Cathedral, Anti-War Memorial, and the birthplace of Catherine Hayes.
After lunch, return to Knappogue Castle for downtime and a beautiful dinner this evening.
Overnight Kanppogue Castle
Day 2
THE BURREN
Today, a scenic journey takes you through The Burren, County Clare. The Burren is renowned for its geology, abundance of archaeology and unparalleled profusion of flora. This part of your journey along the Wild Atlantic Way will include stops at a variety of locations taking in The Burren’s magnificent land and seascapes, with a visit to the spectacular Doolin Cave to see the largest stalactite in the northern hemisphere.
Enjoy lunch at one of The Burren’s EDEN-award-winning eateries, then return to Knappogue for downtime. Feel free to pass through the Arched Gateway to take a walk amidst Knappogue’s beautiful old stone walls that enclose the Walled Garden.
Overnight Kanppogue Castle
Day 3
CRAGGAUNOWEN, BUNRATTY CASTLE & FOLK PARK
Travel to Craggaunowen to visit the re-creations of life in pre historic Ireland, where you can immerse yourself in Celtic Ireland. See the Crannog – an ancient ringfort. Take in live demonstrations of Celtic life – cooking and pottery making (seasonal). Stop by the Brendan Boat – a leather hulled boat built by Tim Severin who sailed across the mid-Atlantic. Finally, visit the 16th-century Craggaunowen Castle.
The second leg of the day brings you to Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1424 and restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor, it now contains 15th- and 16th-century furnishings and tapestries. If the mood strikes, wrap up the excursion with some retail therapy.
After lunch and a few more stops on the return to Knappogue Castle, the afternoon is at your leisure for downtime and dinner.
Overnight Kanppogue Castle
Day 4
INIS MÓR & ARAN ISLAND
Transfer to Doolin Ferry for a short trip to the Island of Inis Mór – the Island of Saints and Scholars. Meet your local guide for a tour around the island.
A true Irish experience awaits, where locals speak Irish as well as English in a setting of Celtic churches of historical significance, including World Heritage site Dun Aonghasa, set on dramatic 300-foot cliff edge.
Lunch today is followed by browsing the many local knitwear shops. Transfer by fast ferry to Rós A Mhil Connemara. You will be met on the quay by your guide and transferred to your accommodation at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel. This amazing property is set in a private 450-acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara in County Galway, with a backdrop of the beautiful Twelve Bens Mountains.
Overnight Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Day 5
CONNEMARA
Today’s excursion is to Connemara, which offers stunning coastline and scenic countryside. Travel through the Maam Valley with its wonderful views and spectacular scenery below the Twelve Bens and the Enigmatic Boglands.
Make a visit to Cleggan – a small fishing village known for its excellent seafood, which is also the location of the ferry to Inishbofin.
Lunch today is a taste of local fare in a homey atmosphere. Afterwards, visit Ros Muc’s most famous landmark: Pearse’s Cottage, beset with history. Your next stop is Derrigimlagh, 4km south of Clifden, for some surprising historical connections. Return to Ballynahinch for an evening of relaxation and fine dining.
Overnight Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Day 6
CONNEMARA, GALWAY, DOOLIN
Pick up after breakfast from Ballynahinch, and transfer from Connemara to Doolin with a stop in Galway for some exploring and shopping. Lunch will be en route to Doolin.
Drop off at Sea View House, built as a boutique accommodation in Doolin Village. Built on the family farm, it’s perched on the side of a hill right in the middle of the village and designed to take advantage of the fabulous views of Doolin, the Aille River, and the Atlantic Ocean.
After a restful afternoon, head to a special dinner at Fitz’s Eatery, known for its wholesome food and popular with both residents and locals alike. Offering a calm and relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy your meal by the crackling open fire whilst listening to some of the finest singers and musicians in the nightly traditional Irish music sessions.
Overnight Sea View House
Day 7
SHANNON AIRPORT
Catch the shuttle to Shannon Airport for your return journey.
