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.
Itinerary
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 one of Irelands best walking tours, but this time, enhanced with 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 from a 5th generation Westport baker, Achill Island sea salt fudge and finish off our incredible tasting experience, 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 and one of Ireland’s best loved attractions, set amongst the splendour of the Connemara landscape. The nuns have restored the abbey, gothic church and beautiful 6-acre Victorian walled garden, which is divided in two by a mountain stream. 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 stylish 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.
HOW ABOUT?
As an alternative to Glen Keen Farm, we can arrange a Killary Fjord cruise.
Day 4 Clare Island & Achill Island
We head to Roonagh quay this morning, from where 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 long but for such a small island 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 early afternoon ferry to Achill Island, where we meet our coach. We spend free time in Keel, which boasts a beautiful 3km white sandy beach, before we travel back to the mainland via the bridge, enjoying the stunning scenery as we go. 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 2022 Oscar-winning film. Although JJ Devine’s pub near Keem Beach was only built for the film, there are many spectacular and recognisable scenes.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
NB: Westport House is undergoing a restoration throughout 2026 and dates for reopening in 2027 are to be confirmed.
Hotel
The Lodge Hotel
Coleraine, Londonderry
Recently acquired by the Mckeever Hotel Group, the hotel is located on the edge of Coleraine, offering a personal touch and an excellent base from which to tour the Causeway. Each of the 56 spacious bedrooms are comfortable and traditional in style. Please note, the majority of the bedrooms are located in a building that is slightly separate from the main building, but there is covered access. Depending on numbers, groups will dine in the Bistro’s conservatory or a private room which serve excellent food. There is also a traditional bar and lounge and the hotel also offers the services of a beauty salon and hairdressers.
BarGround Floor RoomsLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Inclusions
• Return ferry crossings UK – Ireland
• Westport Sweet Treat Walking Tasting Tour
• Entrance to Kylemore Abbey
• 90-minute guided tour at Glen Keen Farm including sheep demo, tea/coffee/scones & Irish music
• Boat trip to Clare Island & Achill Island including ferries, heritage talk, Granuaile’s Castle & soup/sandwich lunch
For Hotel inclusions, please see quote
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £512pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £132
