North-NorthWest
- 7 Nights
- On Request
- Northwest and West
Karst landscapes, Boglands, lakes, ocean and island – spending time in nature
An Example Tour programme for a private tour group of up to 8 people – please contact me to talk about your bespoke trip
Karst landscapes, boglands, lakes, ocean and island, visiting interesting places away from cities – from Sligo southwards to the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher
Small Group Tour / Date on request / 7 nights
Tour Highlights
- Knocknarea in County Sligo
- Eagles Flying – Bird of Prey sanctuary
- Croagh Patrick and Achill in County Mayo
- Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park
- Aran Island Inis Oirr and Cliffs of Moher
- Mullaghmore in the Burren National Park
- Beach walks
Summary
This tour with a small group is designed to get closer to Ireland’s wild nature and landscapes in the North and Midwest of the island. We deliberately did not include cities. Avoiding the well frequented routes followed by mass tourism, we will venture into County Sligo, into County Mayo with its holy mountain Croagh Patrick, through the moorlands and wild mountain regions of Connemara, explore the extraordinary limestone landscape of the Burren, and take the boat out to one of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, viewing the Cliffs of Moher from the sea.
Itinerary
Day 1: Dublin – Shannon Blueway – Sligo
Today I will personally meet and greet you at Dublin Airport.
We then head towards the Northwest, crossing the river Shannon – the largest river in Ireland – and will enjoy a ‘walk across the water’ at the Shannon Blueway. Our final destination is Sligo, the gateway to the Northwest, situated at the foot of famous Ben Bulben Mountain.
Overnight stay and breakfast at the 4* Sligo Park Hotel or similar accommodation
Day 2: Knocknarea – Strandhill – Glencar Waterfall
We drive out onto the Coolera peninsula and walk up to the grave cairn of the legendary Queen Maeve on Knocknarea (327m/1072ft). The walkway was established in 2018 as a circular walk, offering spectacular views across the Atlantic as well as leading through woodlands at the foot of the hill. We can take a break for some refreshments, taking a rest in Strandhill looking out over a long sandy beach, well-known as a surfers’ paradise.
In the afternoon we travel to Glencar Waterfall, North of Sligo, a place described as very mystical by the Irish writer W.B.Yeats.
Overnight stay and breakfast at the 4* Sligo Park Hotel or similar accommodation
Day 3: Lough Gill – Eagles flying – Croagh Patrick – Westport
After a short drive this morning, we will arrive at Lough Gill and take a walk in the woods surrounding the lake. Or we continue our journey further south and visit a research station for birds of prey (est. 1999). We can admire the birds close up and learn about eagles, owls and falcons in Ireland. From here we travel to Westport, a beautiful town, planned and built in the 18th century. It is located at Clew Bay with its many small islands, an area where the amazing pirate Queen Grace O’Malley had been active during the 16th century. You will have the opportunity to climb (ca 4hrs) the holy mountain Croagh Patrick (765 m) or take the easier route for a long walk along the beach, to view the ruins of an abbey or hire a bicycle for an excursion on the Western Greenway.
Overnight stay and breakfast at the 4* Brooklodge B&B in Westport or similar accommodation
Day 4: Achill Island – Deserted Village – Beach
You can look forward to a drive out to Achill Island, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Achill has large moorlands, long stretches of beach and is, of course, surrounded by the Atlantic. As part of a walk, we will visit the deserted village at Slievemore, described so impressively by the German writer Heinrich Böll: a magical place! During the day you can sample delicious local foods: smoked mackerel or mussels, followed by the best desserts or cakes.
A walk along the beach will also be part of our outing, before returning to Westport.
Overnight stay and breakfast at the 4* Brooklodge B&B in Westport or similar accommodation
Day 5: North Connemara – Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park
Leaving Westport, we are now driving through lonely boglands along the only
fjord in Ireland, Killary Harbour, into the Northern part of Connemara. We will walk up Diamond Hill (442 m). The walkway is constructed using stones and wooden planks for dry passage. From the top we can enjoy spectacular views over the Atlantic, Kylemore Abbey, and the mountains and lakes.
We then continue our journey through the middle of Connemara as far as the Southern coast along Galway Bay to our accommodation on the east side of Galway city. Galway is not far away, a taxi could take you into town to watch a famous Irish Dance Show ‘Trad on the Prom’ if you feel like a night out.
Overnight stay and breakfast in Armorica Boutique Guest House in Oranmore or similar accommodation
Day 6: Mullaghmore in the Burren National Park …. and a treat
We drive right into the lunar looking landscapes of the Burren where we will walk up Mullaghmore mountain (180m), located in the centre of Burren National Park. The layers of limestone grew as an ocean floor over 300 million years ago. Throughout the Burren region these rocks are exposed, weathered and visible from the distance as grey and rough, but on closer inspection and contact we will find many varieties of alpine, arctic and mediterranean plants and flowers as well as ruins and monuments left behind by humans during the stone ages and medieval times. Today we can discover some of those secret treasures. And a sweet surprise is also waiting: pure chocolate, manufactured in Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory, where you find out things about chocolate you might not have known yet and can, of course, sample some…
Overnight stay and breakfast in Armorica Boutique Guest House in Oranmore or similar accommodation
Day 7: Boat trip to Inis Oírr and Cliffs of Moher
Our final highlight today is the trip to Inis Oírr: by boat leaving from Doolin Pier. With 8 km² and 280 inhabitants, it is small enough to be explored on foot or by bicycle. You can visit a small sunken church ruin, a towerhouse in the centre of an older ringfort, a lighthouse and a shipwreck from the 1960s. The island geology is a continuation of the neighbouring Burren landscapes and is partitioned into many small fields using these rocks. Naturally, you are never far from the Atlantic presence. On our journey back to the mainland we will pass along below the majestic Cliffs of Moher, towering to a height of over 200m on an 8 km coastline. If we are lucky, we may even spot a dolphin.
Overnight stay and breakfast in Armorica Boutique Guest House in Oranmore or similar accommodation
Day 8: Departure
Today after a drive from Kinvara to Galway bus station, your tour guide or a friendly taxi driver will bring you into Galway city. You can travel by Citylink coach from Galway straight to Dublin Airport.
If you wish to stay on in Galway or Dublin, we will be very happy to help you planning and preparing additional programmes. Please contact us.
Services included in the tour price:
- 2x Overnight stays and breakfast in 4* Sligo Park Hotel or similar accommodation
- 2x Overnight stays and breakfast in 4* Brooklodge B&B in Westport or similar accommodation
- 3x Overnight stays and breakfast in Armorica Boutique Guest House in Oranmore or similar accommodation
- Transfer to Galway bus station on your departure day
- Private chauffeur and guide throughout your stay
- Round trip according to your tour programme (Programme subject to change)
- All travels in a modern Minibus
- Information materials for your tour
- Entrance fees:
- Eagles Flying – Bird of Prey Sanctuary
- Boat trip to Inis Oirr and Cliffs of Moher
Services not included:
Flights, personal expenses, gratuities, food and drinks
Return journeys are organised individually. We are happy to support you with booking bus or train tickets (Booking fee per person € 10.)
Further Information:
Tour date: on request
Minimum number of participants: 2 participants
Maximum number of participants: 8 participants
Tour Prices:
per person sharing a double/twin room (flights not included) on request
Our Terms and Conditions are essential for this and all future business relationships. You can review our Terms and Conditions on this website or we will send them to you on request.
Tours with Andrea – why are they unique?
If you prefer to travel in a small group of likeminded people, friends or family, if you are looking for excellent personal service and an easy way to travel while you have the freedom to follow your own interests, I prepared these tours for you.
Together we will explore Ireland, the highlights and the hidden corners. I will introduce you to Ireland’s culture and history and also find you culinary treats and specialities. You will truly discover this beautiful country.
I will personally prepare your travel with you and by the time I meet you at the airport it will be as if we have met before.
Please choose from wonderful tours relating to different themes and a variety of regions. Or contact me about a bespoke individual tour programme.
Insider Tips
You will see hidden places away from mass tourism and you find stops and routes on our itinerary that you will not find on a standard coach tour. I have many contacts all across Ireland to use for any special requests.
I love Ireland
I will show you the genuine Ireland. I live in the country you are visiting. During the Winter time I go and find new ideas and contacts, excellent accommodation and interesting places.
Small Groups
We travel in small groups, meeting local people. We have an abundance of leisure to relax and unwind. We have the time for unplanned detours, should the opportunity arise.
Our Services
We are here
We are at home here, we have the local knowledge and contacts to give you a truly unique experience. If you are not used to driving on the left hand side you will enjoy being chauffeured free of worries. We book your accommodation, events and activities and I am there for you to support you if needed.
Transport
Our vehicle for chauffeured tours is a practically new Volkswagen Transporter for maximum 8 guests, for 2021 we are limiting our guest numbers to 6. Sitting a bit higher than in a limousine you will have a great view and see more of the landscape passing by. For extended tours we have plenty of room for your luggage.
Sustainability and climate change
Environmental awareness is an important part of our travel philosophy. We prioritise partners and businesses who engage themselves in climate protection. The preservation of Ireland's natural habitats and precious historic sites is important to us. To counter CO2 emissions caused by travel we will plant a native Irish tree for each guest on one of our extended tours. Only a small part of Ireland's extensive forests is still existing today, with your help we want to support the natural reforestation of this island. Talk to us to find out more.
Peace of Mind
Andaire is registered with the Irish Tourist board and you will see the white and green logo of the Covid-19-Safety charter on our website which shows you we have been educated in infection control and adhere to strict hygiene measures and are also subject to spot checks. You can find us on the Directory of Covid-19 Compliant Businesses. Our chauffeurs and vehicles are fully licensed and insured.
