Chauffeur -Driven - Wild West of Ireland Private Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 USA - Ireland
  Depart USA for overnight flight to Ireland. Dinner is served shortly after take-off.
• Day 2 Shannon - Westport
  Morning arrival at Shannon Airport, where after clearing customs you are met by your professional Irish driver/guide and travel north via Ennis and Gort to Galway City, where you may choose to have a traditional Irish breakfast or some tea. Thereafter, we head to Westport, where we check into our hotel for a brief rest. This afternoon we enjoy a tour of Achill Island, the largest of Ireland’s islands, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Noted for its dramatic cliffs and pristine seascapes, this is one of the places most noted for fishing in Ireland. Westport is also known for its marvelous Georgian architecture and traditional storefronts. This evening enjoy one of Westport’s many fine restaurants. Ask your guide for recommendations. Overnight Westport.
• Day 3 Westport - Donegal
  After breakfast you may choose to visit Ballintubber Abbey, south of the town. This abbey has been in continuous use since it was built in the 12th-century—even after it was partially destroyed by the English armies during the turbulent times in this area. Afterward, weather permitting, you may choose to climb Croagh Patrick, a mountain that is named after St. Patrick. Legend has it that he spent forty days and nights on this mountain and that it is from here that he cast the snakes out of Ireland. This mountain is climbed by thousands of people of all ages each year and takes three to five hours to get up and down comfortably. Our journey today ends in Donegal Town. Located at the mouth of Donegal Bay in the North-West of Ireland and surrounded by the vista of the Blue Stack mountains, this area offers a rugged beauty and mystique that you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the world! From Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs in Europe to the miles of golden sandy beaches, the region provides activities ranging from high-octane water sports to unforgettable country strolls. Overnight Donegal.
• Day 4 Donegal - Sligo - Galway
  After breakfast we depart Donegal and travel south, stopping in Sligo, home of William Butler Yeats. Sligo is noted for its unique shops, thriving art galleries and theatre. We then continue to Knock. The story of Knock began on the 21st of August, 1879, when the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. This apparition was witnessed by fifteen people, young and old. As a result of this miraculous occurrence, Knock is now known as a pilgrimage site for Catholics around the world. We continue into Galway City, which is known for its winding cobblestone pedestrian walkways and traditional Irish music sessions. Perhaps you will enjoy some music and a pint with the local folk this evening after a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants. Ask your Drive/Guide for a good recommendation. Overnight Galway.
• Day 5 Aran Islands
  We can arrange for a full-day trip to the Aran Islands. Take the ferry to Inis Mor, the largest of the three islands, which lies across the mouth of Galway Bay. This Gaelic-speaking island remains as it was over a century ago. Hire a local guide for the day, who will take you to the most impressive of all the ancient fortresses in Ireland, Dun Aengus. Built to maximize defense, it is surrounded by high walls on three sides. The fourth side overlooks a stunning drop of 500 feet to the ocean. Perhaps you will choose to rent a bicycle in the main town of Kilronan and explore this area on your own. We recommend stopping for lunch or dinner at one of the local pubs or perhaps at the Aran Fisherman restaurant. Return to the mainland on the ferry. Overnight Galway.
• Day 6 Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Shannon
  Morning departure takes us through the rugged Burren, where native Gaelic is still spoken. We stop at the majestic Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and stretch along the coastline for five miles. We continue on through Lisdoonvarna, where every September the famous Matchmaking Festival is held. Next we enjoy a tour of Limerick, Ireland’s 3rd largest city and home to author Frank McCourt, who wrote Angela’s Ashes. Our driver/guide bids us farewell and drops us at our Shannon accommodation for overnight. You may choose to attend a traditional medieval banquet this evening at Bunratty. Overnight in Shannon.
• Day 7 Shannon - USA
  After breakfast you transfer on your own to nearby Shannon Airport. Plenty of time for last-minute dutyfree shopping before boarding our flight home. Arrive home the same day.

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