Kylemore Abbey
Glen Keen Farm
Granuaile Castle
Keel Beach
Westport Town © Pawel Sadowski Tourism Ireland
Westport Sweet Treat Tour
UPDATED TOUR
From our base in Westport, our superb itinerary takes us to the stunning Kylemore Abbey and gives us a taste of tradition at Glen Keen Farm with a sheep herding demo and Irish music session! We also take a day trip to the beautiful islands of Clare and Achill, rich in history, breathtaking scenery and sweeping beaches.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Westport & Sweet Treat Walking & Tasting Tour
Today we’re in for a real treat. Not only do we have time this morning in this Georgian town with its stone bridges and tree-lined promenade on the Carrowbeg River, we also enjoy some wonderful Irish sweet treats on our Westport Sweet Treat Tour. On this fun filled casual walk, we enjoy tastings of handmade Westport chocolates infused with local honey, a famous “yellow top” apple and custard filled bun, Achill Island sea salt fudge and finish off with delicious handmade Irish ice cream. The rest of the day is free.
Day 3 Kylemore Abbey & Glen Keen Farm
We spend this morning at stunning Kylemore Abbey, the home of Benedictine nuns since 1920. The nuns have restored the abbey, gothic church and beautiful 6-acre Victorian walled garden. There is also a visitor experience that tells the story of the abbey through the generations. We have free time to explore and enjoy lunch in the café before we make our way to Glen Keen Farm, one of Ireland’s largest sheep farms, with a rich history of tradition and heritage that spans six generations. On our 90-minute visit, we enjoy a guided walk that takes in a live sheep herding demonstration along with tea/coffee, home baked scones and a traditional Irish music session.
Day 4 Clare Island & Achill Island
This morning we take a 15-minute boat trip across to Clare Island. Famous as the ancestral home of the legendary Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley (Granuaile), the island is just 5 miles by 3 miles but is rich in history and culture. On arrival, we are met by our guide who will give us an Island Heritage Talk before we visit Granuaile’s Castle. We can enjoy a stroll around the picturesque harbour and beach before enjoying a soup and sandwich lunch at the Sailor’s Bar. After lunch, we catch the ferry to Achill Island, where we meet our coach. We spend free time in Keel, which boasts a 3km white sandy beach, before we travel back to the mainland via the bridge. If you watched the ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’, starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson you may recognise Achill Island as the backdrop to much of the film.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
HOW ABOUT?
As an alternative to Glen Keen Farm, we can arrange a Killary Fjord cruise.
Located in the heart of glorious Westport town, this charming boutique hotel offers a very warm Irish welcome and excellent bar and lounge facilities. All 92 traditionally designed bedrooms are to a good size and standard and all are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel is popular with guests and locals alike and features an intimate style restaurant, a popular brasserie bar and a large traditional bar with plenty of seating where live entertainment takes place. There is also a lovely lounge area where drinks are served.
Nestled in a 300-year-old wood, just outside the town of Westport with its shops, cafés and restaurants, the 4-star Westport Woods Hotel & Spa is a welcoming hotel with a large reception and lobby area. The bedrooms feature earthy colours to create a peaceful, relaxing environment and are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The modern, recently refurbished restaurant has lovely views of the surrounding woodland and there’s a stylish bar with plenty of comfortable seating.
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £574pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £130
Inclusions
• Return ferry crossings UK – Ireland
• Westport Sweet Treat Walking Tasting Tour
• Entrance to Kylemore Abbey
• 90-minute guided tour at Glen Keen Farm with sheep demo, tea/coffee/scones & music
• Boat trip to Clare Island & Achill Island including ferries, heritage talk, Granuaile’s Castle & soup/sandwich lunch
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
4 Nights Half Board
Prices to Follow
Based on Monday arrivals
Inclusions
• Return ferry crossings UK – Ireland
• Westport Sweet Treat Walking Tasting Tour
• Entrance to Kylemore Abbey
• 90-minute guided tour at Glen Keen Farm with sheep demo, tea/coffee/scones & music
• Boat trip to Clare Island & Achill Island including ferries, heritage talk, Granuaile’s Castle & soup/sandwich lunch
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
