Go West Tour

Welcome to Ireland! Upon arrival in Dublin, you’ll make your way to your centrally located hotel and settle in. Today is yours to enjoy. There are no scheduled activities or commitments. Take some time to relax, stroll through Dublin’s streets, or discover some of the city’s landmarks on your own.

At the end of the day, head to bed to enjoy a restful night’s sleep in preparation for your adventure ahead. Tomorrow marks the beginning of what we hope will be an unforgettable journey filled withbeautiful scenery, interesting history, and authentic local experiences.

Your Dublin hotel is included as part of your tour package. It has an excellent city-center location, so you’ll be within walking distance of many of Dublin’s attractions, restaurants, shops, and cultural sites.

Meet your guide and fellow travelers this morning and begin your Irish adventure. First up, you’ll head west out of Dublin to Boyne Valley, one of Ireland’s most important cultural and archaeological regions. Your first stop is the medieval town of Kells, a monastic settlement that produced highly ornate manuscripts like the famous Book of Kells, which is now housed in Dublin’s Trinity College. You’ll explore the old churchyard of St. Columcille, and discover an amazing collection of medieval treasures, including an impressive Round Tower and the incredible Celtic High Crosses carved from huge slabs of stone.

After Kells, you’ll delve further into the Boyne Valley to unearth one of Ireland’s finest treasures: the Loughcrew Cairns. These prehistoric tombs, containing passageways and inner chambers, served as important spiritual centers for Ireland’s first farmers long before Egypt’s great pyramids were built. Erected by Ireland’s mysterious Neolithic people, the main tomb contains intricate carvings that are aligned with the rising sun during the spring and autumn equinoxes. This ancient star-chart may be the oldest celestial calendar on earth!

The journey west continues through Ireland’s pastoral midlands to the mysterious Corlea Trackway. Constructed from massive oak plants over 2,000 years ago, this Iron Age roadway once crossed a dangerous bog and dense woodland before disappearing beneath the earth for centuries. Today, a preserved section allows visitors to view the engineering skill of its builders. Though its purpose remains unclear, its discovery provokes tantalizing parallels with old myths passed on for generations.

You will end your day in the town of Roscommon, situated in the center of Ireland and part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Settle into your accommodation overlooking the town’s market square and enjoy a relaxing evening exploring local shops, restaurants, and Irish hospitality.

Today’s adventure takes you further west towards the beautiful Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second-largest freshwater lake. Lough Corrib is reputed to have over 350 small islands and forms a natural gateway from Connemara to the rest of Ireland. As you drive along the lake, you will see ancient ruins, grazing sheep and stunning views.

Your next stop is the charming, old-world town of Cong. Made famous by the movie The Quiet Man, Cong is so much more than a pretty bridge. There, you will have time to enjoy a delicious lunch at a cozy cafe, browse local shops, and discover historic sites such as the ruins of an Augustinian abbey.

After Cong, travel through Connemara, a region renowned for its mountains, boglands, lakes, and natural beauty. Keep a watchful eye for wild Connemara ponies, Ireland’s only native horse breed known for its strength and gentle nature. This remote area also played an important role in aviation, being the place where the first transatlantic flight by Alcock & Brown landed in 1919 and where Marconi sent wireless radio transmissions across the Atlantic.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at the fishing town of Cleggan, where you’ll hop aboard a ferry and cruise through calm waters to the magical isle of Inishbofin, also known as the Island of the White Cow. This remote Irish island is like a step back in time to a slower and simpler pace. You get to relax and do as little or as much as you want. In the 16th Century, it was used as a base for the adventures of Grace O’Malley, Pirate Queen of Connaught. Today, it is also considered an important outpost for traditional Irish music. You’ll spend the next two nights here, giving you plenty of time to relax and experience the island’s unique sights and folklore.

Step back in time and explore one of the best places to visit in Ireland. This remote island offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and experience a side of Ireland that not everyone gets to see. Dominated by the historic Cromwellian Fort overlooking the harbor, Inishbofin is known for its ocean scenery, green pastures, sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife. Spend the day wandering along easy walking trails, taking in incredible views of dramatic sea cliffs and impressive blowholes. The day is yours and the friendly locals will make you feel right at home.

Choose to walk on deserted beaches or even take a dip in the ocean. You could also rent a bike, go horseback riding, or visit the small Heritage Museum. If the tide permits, you can also cross the beach to explore Cromwell’s Fort. Perhaps you’ll be in luck, as Inishbofin is frequently visited by some of Ireland’s best traditional musicians.

After breakfast, you’ll say farewell to Inishbofin and take the morning ferry to the mainland. Your journey continues at Connemara National Park, a beautiful landscape of mountains, boglands, heath, woodlands, and grassland located within the famous Twelve Bens mountain range. Enjoy a walk through the park’s trails and explore the diverse trees and wildflowers.

Next, travel to the majestic fjord of Killary Harbor. This 16 km sea-filled gorge contains a plethora of salmon and mussels. The towering Mweerea, the highest mountain in the region, further enhances its incredible beauty.

Your next stop is at a remote mountain farm, where you’ll meet a local farmer who will be delighted to show off his cherished border collies. These spirited dogs will enchant you with their sheep dog demonstration, responding faithfully to a series of whistles and commands. This authentic experience offers a glimpse into rural Irish traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Venturing through the stunning scenery of Delphi and Doo Lough, the route then makes inroads into County Mayo. Along the way, you’ll catch sight of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain, said to be where Saint Patrick cast the snakes from Ireland’s shores.

Finally, you’ll arrive at your last stop for the day and your home for the next two nights: Westport. This laid back town is a fantastic place to unwind and meander through shops, pubs, and restaurants. Traditional Irish music sessions (or as the locals say ‘trad sessions’) are plentiful. If you would like, enjoy your evening at Matt Molloy’s Bar, started by The Chieftain’s flutist who has been known to stop by and join a session.

Sleep in, shop, or head out to explore the gorgeous town of Westport. Frequently ranked among Ireland’s most attractive towns, it boasts colorful streets, friendly locals, and beautiful natural surroundings. It is the perfect place to be for a laid-back day.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of things to do in Westport, Ireland. Consider hiking Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s sacred mountain, for some of the most incredible views in the world. Rent a bike or go for a walk along the “Great Western Greenway,” a scenic trail that winds through the region’s countryside. If you like history, Westport House is a short walk away. This is one of Ireland’s grand period homes, built upon the castle ruins that once housed the infamous pirate queen Grace O’Malley. More activities include golfing, fishing, and a cruise of Clew Bay.

This evening, enjoy another night in Westport. Its traditional Irish music and excellent dining will provide the perfect ending to your day.

Say goodbye to Westport as you head north to the rural town of Newport to take a peek inside its local church. This grand hilltop house of worship contains magnificent stained glass windows. Created by Harry Clarke, one of Ireland’s most accomplished artists, these beautiful windows were considered among his finest works.

From Newport, you’ll venture along narrow country lanes to stop and discover a 600 year-old Franciscan friary. Having stood the test of time, enjoy wandering through its cloisters, admiring fascinating stone carvings, and taking in glorious Gothic arches that have endured through centuries of Irish history.

Following lunch, your journey takes you to view a series of hilltop caves that are illuminated by the afternoon sun. These dramatic caves carved from the limestone mountain are the setting for many myths and legends, and have revealed evidence of human activity dating back to the Iron Age. Admire their mysterious caverns from below or climb up for a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside.

Later this afternoon, you’ll head off to Sligo City for the night. Your hotel is situated beside the Garavogue River, where lively pubs, restaurants, and traditional Irish music await.

After leaving Sligo City, you’ll travel briefly to Benbulben, one of Ireland’s most distinctive mountaintops. County Sligo is a region that will forever be associated with Ireland’s beloved poet, W.B. Yeats. It was here that he was laid to rest.

Continuing the adventure, you will visit the remains of an ancient tomb that has stood for thousands of years. The impressively balanced capstone will boggle your mind as to how the prehistoric Irish raised such massive stones.

Next, travel to the town of Carrick-on-Shannon, nestled on Ireland’s longest and mightiest waterway: the River Shannon. Take a peek at one of Ireland’s smallest churches or stroll the banks of the Shannon alongside house-barges and riverboats. Have fun meandering by the local shops and cafes to find a delicious lunch.

After a fun-filled week discovering Ireland’s wonderful west, you’ll make your way back to Dublin. Reflect on your amazing week-long Ireland tour and spend your final evening in Ireland’s capital, enjoying a delicious meal, exploring the city, and celebrating the fun you had on this Go West adventure.

Slan Beo! Irish for “Goodbye, live life!”