Ireland’S Coast To Coast

Day 1 Early morning departure for the journey to South Wales and to Fishguard for the 13.10 hours Stena Line ferry to Rosslare. Continue to Waterford and the Dooley’s Hotel for a three night stay.

Days 2 and 3 Enjoy a free day to explore Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland, founded by the Vikings and home to the world-famous Crystal Factory and the Museum of Treasures which offers seven attractions in the rejuvenated historic city centre. We have included the following excursion:

• Head to the well-preserved medieval town of Kilkenny, overlooking the River Nore. The included Kilkenny City Tours Road Train is the best way to explore, so sit back and relax as it makes its way through the narrow streets to reveal the abbey, cathedral and other highlights. After the train ride you are free to explore some of the lovely museums, riverside walks or try to walk the medieval mile.

Day 4 After breakfast, depart the hotel and travel to the West Coast of Ireland. On the way you will stop for a visit to the Foynes Flying Boat Museum, which recalls the nostalgic era when Foynes became the centre of the aviation world between 1937 and 1945 followed by an Irish coffee. You will then continue to the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon for a three night stay.

Days 5 and 6 Enjoy the hotel’s excellent leisure facilities or take a stroll through the grounds that include a delightful cascading waterfall. You will then board the coach for the journey to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre for breath-taking views above the Atlantic Ocean. We have included the following excursion:

• Excursion to Galway City, once a humble fishing village but now Western Ireland’s adopted capital. The city is easy to walk around and has plenty for you to visit. Enjoy the buzzing café culture in Eyre Square, the cathedral and museums or The Spanish Arch and the City Museum. You could take a walk over the River Corrib to get to the ‘Claddagh’ which was once a little fishing village outside the city walls.

Day 7 It’s time to leave Ennistymon and travel to Cashel. Visit the award- winning Heritage Centre located on the Main Street where you will find a large-scale model of the town in the 1640’s and highlights the lesser known treasures of the town. The centre also hosts a craft shop with local crafts, Rossa Pottery, a wide selection of Irish clothing and souvenirs. You will then continue your journey to Wexford for your overnight stop.

Day 8 After an early breakfast you will travel to the Port of Rosslare for the 08.45 hours sailing to Fishguard. On arrival you will commence the homeward journey.

This city centre hotel is on the historic Merchants Quayside overlooking the River Suir, with shopping and sightseeing a short distance away. All bedrooms are en-suite with TV, telephone, hairdryer, trouser press, WiFi and tea/coffee making facilities. Lift, bar, restaurant.