Cliffs of Moher Close Up ©Tourism Ireland / Chris Hill
Caption: Cliffs of Moher Close Up ©Tourism Ireland / Chris Hill
Caption: Poulnabrone Dolmen ©Tourism Ireland / Chris Hill
Caption: St Cronan's Church, Tuamgraney, Co. Clare ©Fáilte Ireland, Photographer: Maria Ryan Donnelly
Caption: Adare Village Cottages, Co Clare © Tourism Ireland, Brian Morrison
Caption: Abbey Hill, The Burren, Co Clare ©Failte Ireland, Sean Tomkins
Caption: Thatched Cottage, Adare Village © Fa´ilte Ireland/Tourism Ireland, Chris Hill Photographic
Caption: Music in a traditional bar in Ennis ©Tourism Ireland, Brian Morrison
Caption: The Burren Co Clare © Fáilte Ireland, Gareth McCormack
Caption: Craggaunowen Pre-Historic Park ©Tourism Ireland, Stephen Power
Caption: Cliffs of Moher ©Tourism Ireland / Chris Hill

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Journey Snapshot

Activity level: Level 2 Requires moderate physical activity. You need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing steps and be comfortable with some periods of standing. Not suitable if you have limited mobility or require a wheelchair/mobility scooter.
Destination: Wonderful Western Ireland
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Flight information: Arrive at Shannon Airport [SNN] on Day 1 and depart Day 7
Pickup location: Shannon Airport [SNN]

Overview

Choose your departure date for your group.

Historic castles, ancient churches, stunning scenery and live Irish music - what more could you want from a week in Ireland! Join us as we discover some of Western Ireland's best kept secrets and most famous sites!

Discover some of the gems of Western Ireland on this tour this tour to the Emerald Isle's Atlantic coast. Based in rolling countryside of historic County Clare, we will discover the wonderful scenery, historic towns and villages and get to experience true Irish hospitality.

We will discover castles, churches that date back over 1,000 years, learn of the island's past and how life used to be in a rural community as well as get chances to shop for local wares and stop for a pint of Guinness. We see one of Ireland's most famous sites - the towering Cliffs of Moher, and discover the unique landscape of The Burren. 

And what's more, a private Irish music concert in the haunting setting of the ancient local church will get the hairs on the back of your neck tingling, and a farewell dinner with a live Irish band playing some of your favourite tunes will get your toes tapping! 

Itinerary

Itinerary summary: DAY 1 - Welcome to Ireland
DAY 2 - Irish Heritage - Churches & Music
DAY 3 - The Mighty Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
DAY 4 - Medieval Ireland - Bunratty Castle & Knappogue Castle Medieval Banquet
DAY 5 - Ennis & Craggaunowen
DAY 6 - Adare & River Shannon Cruise
DAY 7 - Goodbye Ireland
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Full Itinerary

DAY 1 - Welcome to Ireland

As the Irish say, Ceád Mile Fáilte! One Hundred Thousand Welcomes to Ireland. You will be met at Shannon Airport and transferred to the East Clare Golf Village, our base for the next 6 nights. 

After your long flight, the rest of the day is at leisure to relax and discover your surroundings.

Included meals: none 
Accommodation: East Clare Golf Village, Bodyke, Co. Clare 

DAY 2 - Irish Heritage - Churches & Music

The morning starts with a Welcome Meeting. Here you can meet your fellow group members and your tour leader, who will give you an overview of the week ahead.

After a leisureley morning, early afternoon we head to the nearby, traditional Irish village of Tuamgraney. With time for a quick explore, we head for lunch before attending a unique experience. We walk down to the beautiful 1,000 year old St. Cronan's Church and Heritage Centre. Here, in the historic church, we will enjoy a private concert of haunting Irish music by Kate Purcell and Friends. Discovering traditional Irish music in such a special location is one of the highlihgts of the tour. 

We return to the resort for an evening at leisure.

Included meals: Lunch 
Accommodation: East Clare Golf Village, Bodyke, Co. Clare 

DAY 3 - The Mighty Cliffs of Moher & The Burren

The mighty Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most outstanding features and most visited sites. Rising sheer above the Atlantic below to nearly 700 feet and extending along the coast for nearly five miles, on a clear day you can see across to the Aran Islands. After an overview and introduction at the visitor centre, you can choose to walk along the cliffs and experience firsthand the magnitude and beauty of these mighty cliffs

This afternoon, we head to the nearby Aillwee Caves, where we will enjoy a guided tour of the cave system, whose history dates back some 330 million years! Afterwards, there is a bird of prey exhibition, showcasing some of the areas local birdlife.

We return back to East Clare for an evening at leisure.

Accommodation: East Clare Golf Village, Bodyke, Co. Clare 

DAY 4 - Medieval Ireland - Bunratty Castle & Knappogue Castle Medieval Banquet

Today we head west towards Bunratty for a day of history! 

Bunratty Castle is the most complete medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425 and restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour, the now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings and works of art, capturing the mood of those times.

Beside it lies the Folk Park where you will enjoy the sights and sounds of Ireland's history as you stroll from house to house and around the charming village streets complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers from the past. You may catch a glimpse of the farmer’s wife baking griddle bread or making some home-made butter.

You can stop at the famous Durty Nelly’s pub for lunch and McNamara’s is definitely worth a visit, as well as enjoy shopping at Blarney Woolen Mill, and tour the Castle & Folk Park’s medieval boutiques.

After returning to the resort to freshen up, this evening is a night to remember as we travel to Knappogue Castle for a traditional Medieval Banquet and Entertainment!

Included meals: Dinner 
Accommodation: East Clare Golf Village, Bodyke, Co. Clare 

DAY 5 - Ennis & Craggaunowen

Today's excursion takes us to Ennis, the largest city of County Clare. We will enjoy a historic walking tour and there will be some time for the opportunity to go shopping and sample the local wares. 

From here, we will proceed on to Craggaunowen, Ireland's original award-winning pre-historic park. The park features a stunning re-creation of some of the homesteads, animals and artefacts which existed in Ireland during those time periods. What's more, the castle here at Craggaunowen was built by a descendant of Sioda MacNamara, who built Knappogue Castle!

We head back to the resort late afternoon so you have time to freshen up for our Farewell Evening gala meal. We head out to enjoy some traditional Irish food, and of course a week in Ireland would not be complete without some live entertainment to wrap up our week! 

Included meals: Farewell Dinner 
Accommodation: East Clare Golf Village, Bodyke, Co. Clare 

DAY 6 - Adare & River Shannon Cruise

This morning we travel to the nearby, beautiful village of Adare. The town's name means 'ford of [the] oak" and was founded in the 13th century. It has been desginated a Heritage Town of Ireland for obvious reasons.  Discover life in a traditional Irish village and perhaps call into one of the local bars for a real pint of Guinness or snap the pretty, colourful thatched cottages. 

You'll have time to enjoy lunch at leisure in Adare before we travel back north to Killaloe. It lies on the shores of the River Shannon and Lough Derg. Here we will board a boat for a cruise on the River Shannon.

This evening, enjoy an evening at leisure, maybe head out into the local town where you can enjoy true Irish hospitality.

Included meals: none 
Accommodation: East Clare Golf Village, Bodyke, Co. Clare 

DAY 7 - Goodbye Ireland

Time to say goodbye to Ireland. After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Shannon Airport for your onward flight home.

Alternatively, why not join us on our extension to Dublin to continue the 'craic'? We will depart after breakfast for the Emerald Isle's lively capital, stopping en route at the famous Rock of Cashel before staying in Dublin and seeing the sights. For more information, click here.

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More information

What's includedWhat's not includedImportant information

What's included

  • ATOL Protection
  • For UK guests, return economy flights to/from LHR are included in the cost of the journey. For US/International guests, international flights are not included - please arrange your own international flights. Regional UK airport departures may be available - please ask at the time of booking. Supplements may apply.
  • Meet & Greet on arrival at Shannon Airport
  • Transport as detailed in the itinerary
  • Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
  • Meals as detailed in the itinerary
  • All activities, visits and excursions as detailed in the itinerary
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Tour Director from The Big Journey Company as well as the local tour guide (subject to minimum group size being reached)

What's not included

  • Airport transfers outside the tour dates
  • Visas, travel or medical insurance
  • Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in price above
  • Any food and beverage not detailed in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to non-stipulated attractions
  • Any optional activities offered
  • Gratuities
  • Any COVID tests or related entry & exit requirements

Important information

  • Please let The Big Journey Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant tour.
  • Check in is after 2:00 - 3:00 pm and check out is before 10:00am unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
  • Cancellation 90 – 0 days prior to departure cancellation fee is 100%. It is your responsibility to ensure the correct travel insurance in place to protect you against the need to cancel your holiday. Deposits are non-refundable. Final payments are due 14 weeks prior to departure.
  • Further terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon request or at the time of booking. The Big Journey Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation request. This does not affect your statutory rights. This offer is subject to availability and space is limited.

The big journey promise

The big journey company was set up with one goal in mind, to share our passion for inspirational cultures, destinations and experiences. Over the last 10 years we have had the privilege to escort thousands of travellers on awe inspiring and sometimes life changing journeys. Our promise to every guest who joins us is that we will do everything possible to make sure your journey not only exceeds expectations but delivers at least one moment of true amazement.

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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