Bunratty, Limerick and the Cliffs of Moher

Day 1

We travel to South Wales making suitable stops along the way. We board the ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare (approx. 4 hours) and then travel a short distance to our hotel, the Talbot in Wexford. Time to freshen up before our evening meal.

Day 2

After breakfast we travel to Tipperary, the beating heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. Tipperary is draped with vibrant rolling hills and crumbling mediaeval ruins. Many notable people have lived in Tipperary from Olympic Champions to politicians to famous singers. There are plenty of shops to browse and Irish pubs to try a Guinness. We have a short stop here before continuing to nearby Limerick, where the late and honourable Sir Terry Wogan was born. Limerick is the third largest city and one of the oldest in Ireland. The city lies on the River Shannon and home to many historic landmarks such as King John’s Castle and St Mary’s Cathedral. Whether to indulge in some retail therapy or simply window shop, we will be spoilt for choice. The are plenty of restaurants and cafes to obtain lunch. Afterwards we continue a short distance to our hotel, The fabulous Woodlands Hotel Adare where we will be spending the next 4 nights. Enjoy a cup of tea/coffee whilst our luggage is taken to our bedroom.

Day 3

Begin the day at the twin towns of Bailina and Killaloe, which straddle Lough Derg. We enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lough Derg with stunning views and journey through heritage and history. We then travel to the 15th century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, one of Ireland’s most historic castles on the west coast of Ireland, set in 26 acres of unspoilt Clare countryside with over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting. The charming ‘Living Village’ gives a fascinating insight into life in Ireland during the 19th century. We return to our hotel with time to relax before our evening meal.

Day 4

Today, we enjoy a tour of the breathtaking scenery of the Dingle Peninsula which stretches 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean on the south-west coast of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. The whole area is rich in ruined fortresses and ancient burial grounds, traditional currach building and handicraft centres. We return to our hotel and after dinner tonight we enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Day 5

A full day starting with a visit to the world’s largest flying boat museum at Foynes, which recalls the era from 1939 to 1945 when Foynes was the centre of the aviation world for air traffic between the US and Europe. Experience walking in the footsteps of pioneering aviators and Hollywood icons. Continue with a ferry crossing over the Shannon and follow the coastline to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, winner of ‘Ireland’s Best Visitor Attraction’ in 2023. The centre provides superb facilities and panoramic views of the cliffs and Liscannor Bay. We return to our hotel via a circular route.

Day 6

This morning we depart our hotel and make our way to Stoneyford in County Kilkenny where we will be greeted by Fred and welcomed into his traditional Irish pub, Malzard’s, which dates back to 1789 and has been in his family for five generations and where we will have a unique Irish Experience. We enjoy a home-made pie before continuing to our overnight hotel, The Talbot in Wexford. There will be free time to look around the town before our evening meal.

Day 7

Today we depart our hotel to catch our return ferry to Pembroke departing at 8.15am. We will have a breakfast voucher to obtain breakfast on board the ferry. We travel through Wales, into England and home.

B=Breakfast Included, L=Lunch Included, D=Dinner Included