Galway, Connemara & Ireland's Stunning West
Galway, Connemara & Ireland's Stunning West
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Galway, Connemara & Ireland's Stunning West
6 Days Starting and ending in UK
Visiting: Claremorris, Cliffs of Moher tour, Burren, The Glen Keen Estate, Killary Fjord, Galway, Connemara National Park, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15476
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 49
Age range:
21-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover one of the most beautiful and unspoilt corners of Ireland, renowned for its ancient Gaelic heritage and traditional Irish hospitality.
From your delightful base in the four-star McWilliam Park Hotel, enjoy a full and varied itinerary and make the very most of your time in this lovely part of the Emerald Isle. Highlights include an exploration of historic Galway city, a visit to a sheep farm, a scenic tour of Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way, a Fjord cruise, exploration of the famed Cliffs of Moher, and an opportunity to learn about the unique landscape of the Burren.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly To Ireland
Location: Claremorris
Following your flight to Ireland, you will be met by your tour manager for the coach transfer to your hotel. After check-in, you'll have rest the day free. Depending on your arrival time, you may like to explore Claremorris (which is about a 10-minute walk away) and its interesting range of shops and bars. At the far end of the town you'll find McMahon Park, where you can enjoy a delightful five-kilometre circular walk around Clare Lake. Alternatively, why not make the most of the hotel’s leisure centre and beauty studio?
If you decide to arrange your own travel and book our Tour Only package, you'll need to meet your Tour Manager at Knock airport in time for the coach transfer to your hotel, or at the hotel itself. (Exact times will be confirmed closer to departure.)
Day Two – Included Burren And Cliffs Of Moher Tour
Location: Cliffs of Moher tour, Burren
Today we'll head into the lunar-like landscape of the Burren, the largest expanse of limestone pavement in the world and home to an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna, as well as to megalithic tombs and monuments older than Egypt’s pyramids. The visitor centre in Kilfenora is fascinating. A short film traces the history and unique environment of the Burren, while the exhibition takes you on a Walk Through Time as the story of the region unfolds. You’ll learn about the remarkable landscape, and how man and animals have co-existed through history in this apparently inhospitable landscape.
The other highlight of the day is your visit to the awesome Cliffs of Moher. Standing 702ft at their highest point, the Cliffs stretch for five miles along the Atlantic coast. On a clear day, pathways and viewing platforms along the cliff edge offer simply stunning views out to the Aran Islands, to the Kerry Mountains and across to Galway Bay. An award-winning visitor centre, built into the hillside, will really help you get the most from your visit.
Day Three – Included Visit To Glen Keen Farm And Killary Fjord Cruise
Location: The Glen Keen Estate, Killary Fjord
This morning, we'll head to Glen Keen Farm, one of the largest sheep farms on the Wild Atlantic Way and famous for its sheepdogs. Hear how life and farming have changed over the seven generations that the current owners have lived here, learn about the verbal and whistle commands used to herd sheep, and watch the farm's dogs in action. Tea or coffee and homemade scones are included during what promises to be a fascinating visit.
In the afternoon, you can immerse yourself in the beautiful, natural surroundings of the Killary Fjord on a leisurely cruise. This spectacular glacial fjord forms a border between Galway and Mayo. Our cruise starts at Nancy's Point, just west of Leenane Village, the setting for the film adaptation of John B. Keane’s famous play, The Field.
We’ll also make a stop at Westport, which sits on the southeast corner of Clew Bay beneath the slopes of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's 'holy mountain'. Wander around the harbour to the Quay area, just a few minutes from the town centre, where the old coastguard station and warehouses now house bars, cafes and restaurants, or stroll along the tree-lined mall.
Day Four – Included Galway City Tour
Location: Galway
Galway City beckons today. The old centre surrounds ancient Lynch’s Castle and a pedestrianised thoroughfare leads down to the thriving waterfront. Join our tour manager for a guided tour before exploring at leisure. Enjoy lunch in one of Galway’s countless eateries, take a harbour cruise, explore the city's cobblestone streets, visit its imposing (and unexpectedly modern) cathedral, or perhaps make the most of the varied shopping.
Day Five – Included Connemara Day Trip
Location: Connemara National Park
Possibly saving the best until last, this long, but wonderfully scenic day will reveal Connemara. This stunning landscape of pale grey mountains, golden beaches, sparkling loughs, rugged bogs and shimmering waterfalls is a place of remote beauty that's also home to the hardy, agile - but also gentle - Connemara Pony.
The route takes you on a lovely drive past Lough Mask and Lough Corrib and on to the Maam Cross. We continue along the Inagh Valley to stunning Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery founded in 1920. Learn about its history and its tales of romance and tragedy, explore the six-acre Victorian Walled Gardens and visit the Gothic Chapel and the restored rooms of the Abbey before returning to the hotel.
Day Six – Fly Back To The Uk
Location: United Kingdom, Claremorris
Depending upon the time of your flight, you may be able to spend a final few hours relaxing at your hotel, or perhaps exploring the local area, before returning to the airport at the end of a wonderful few days.
What's Included
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Five nights' dinner, bed and Irish breakfast accommodation at the four-star McWilliam Hotel, Claremorris
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Burren and Cliffs of Moher tour
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Killary Fjord cruise
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Admission to Kylemore Abbey and Glen Keen Farm
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Guided tour of Galway
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Return flights to Knock
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Coach travel and transfers throughout
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Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
What's Not Included
Tipping and Gratuities
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 40 minutes from Knock Airport.
Hotel spa facilities
To avoid disappointment, please pre-book any beauty treatments direct with the hotel prior to your holiday.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
Airport development fees
An Airport Development Fee (of €10 per person in 2019) is payable when departing from Knock airport. You will be required to pay this at the airport prior to checking in for your flight home. Please visit the airport's website for further information.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Tipping
We are often asked about gratuities on our Irish holidays. At the end of a tour it is customary to give a coach driver around £2-3 per person per day and a Tour Manager around £3-5 per person per day; a gratuity of £1 per person per day for dining/waiting staff in your hotel will also be greatly appreciated. In a restaurant leave about 10% of a bill (no need to tip in a bar) and around £2 for services such as hairdressing.
Travelling to Europe after Brexit
New rules apply when travelling to European Union countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. Note that these new rules do NOT apply when travelling within the United Kingdom or to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. You do require government issued ID when travelling by air though.
Passport - British passport holders need to have at least six months validity left on their passport and it needs to be less than ten years old; passports which have a longer validity than ten years are not valid for travel once the tenth anniversary of issue has passed. These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland where you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
Visa - If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not change and stays there will not count towards the 90-day total.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Towards the end of 2022, it is likely that non EU citizens will be required to apply online for an authorisation to visit most European countries. The current details suggest there will be a charge of €7 per person and the authorisation will be valid for all trips made to the EU in a three year period from issue. We will advise you of confirmed details prior to your tour’s departure.
Border Control - At border control, you may need to show proof of your return journey - your travel documentation issued by us will be sufficient for this. You will also need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens if manual checks are required.
Healthcare Cover - You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad which covers pre-existing conditions. You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption. Newmarket sell a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Ask our travel consultants for more information. You should also apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note GHIC is only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Mobile Roaming - Roaming charges have been re-introduced by some UK providers when visiting the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Prior to travel, please do check with your phone operator for the most up to date information.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 40 minutes from Knock Airport.
Hotel spa facilities
To avoid disappointment, please pre-book any beauty treatments direct with the hotel prior to your holiday.
Airport development fees
An Airport Development Fee has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You will be required to pay this charge at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Blackpool, Newquay and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but it is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport's website for further information.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Tipping
We are often asked about gratuities on our Irish holidays. At the end of a tour it is customary to give a coach driver around £2-3 per person per day and a Tour Manager around £3-5 per person per day; a gratuity of £1 per person per day for dining/waiting staff in your hotel will also be greatly appreciated. In a restaurant leave about 10% of a bill (no need to tip in a bar) and around £2 for services such as hairdressing.
Travelling to Europe after Brexit
New rules apply when travelling to European Union countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. Note that these new rules do NOT apply when travelling within the United Kingdom or to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. You do require government issued ID when travelling by air though.
Passport - British passport holders need to have at least six months validity left on their passport and it needs to be less than ten years old; passports which have a longer validity than ten years are not valid for travel once the tenth anniversary of issue has passed. These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland where you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
Visa - If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not change and stays there will not count towards the 90-day total.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Towards the end of 2022, it is likely that non EU citizens will be required to apply online for an authorisation to visit most European countries. The current details suggest there will be a charge of €7 per person and the authorisation will be valid for all trips made to the EU in a three year period from issue. We will advise you of confirmed details prior to your tour’s departure.
Border Control - At border control, you may need to show proof of your return journey - your travel documentation issued by us will be sufficient for this. You will also need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens if manual checks are required.
Healthcare Cover - You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad which covers pre-existing conditions. You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption. Newmarket sell a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Ask our travel consultants for more information. You should also apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note GHIC is only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Mobile Roaming - Roaming charges have been re-introduced by some UK providers when visiting the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Prior to travel, please do check with your phone operator for the most up to date information.
Travelling to Europe
Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the tipping policy?
We are often asked about gratuities on our Irish holidays. At the end of a tour it is customary to give a coach driver around £2-3 per person per day and a Tour Manager around £3-5 per person per day; a gratuity of £1 per person per day for dining/waiting staff in your hotel will also be greatly appreciated. In a restaurant leave about 10% of a bill (no need to tip in a bar) and around £2 for serv
-
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not ch
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
49
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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