Keeping the iconic River Shannon and Lough Derg largely in our sights throughout, this stunning, leisurely tour features a picturesque river cruise and a scenic circular lough drive to appreciate the best of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. We also indulge in some traditional tastes along the way, including Irish coffee, a beef and Guinness lunch and delicious Irish chocolates, and visit the famous Foynes Flying Museum.
Lakeside Hotel with Spirit of Killaloe
Adare
Holy Island on Lough Derg
Wilde Irish Chocolate
Foynes Flying Boat Museum
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Killaloe & River Cruise Driver’s Day Off
We spend today at leisure, relaxing in our hotel and exploring our scenic base of Killaloe. A short stroll from our hotel takes us to Killaloe River Cruises, where we embark on a 1-hour circular river cruise along the picturesque River Shannon to Lough Derg. With on-board commentary, spectacular scenery and a comfortable boat, we take in the views as we gently cruise along the calm, sheltered waters of Ireland’s finest waterway. Enjoying an Irish coffee as we sail, we can appreciate the magnificent scenery from the open deck or get comfy on the enclosed lower deck.
Day 3 Scenic Lough Derg Drive, Traditional Irish Lunch & Wilde Irish Chocolates
Today we enjoy a scenic drive around Lough Derg. One of the most beautiful lakes on the River Shannon, it is also the largest and most southerly, touching the counties of Clare, Galway and Tipperary. We hug the picturesque shoreline on our enchanting journey, driving along country roads and through pretty villages as we take in the lovely scenery and panoramic lake views. We pause in the county town of Nenagh, County Tipperary, with its 13th century castle and striking cylindrical keep, before continuing to the quaint Garrykennedy and its lovely country pub, Larkins, located on the banks of the lough. Here, we enjoy a traditional taste of Ireland, tucking into a tasty lunch of beef and Guinness casserole served with mash and tea/coffee. We then continue our scenic circular Lough Derg drive, stopping to admire the beautiful villages of Portroe and Terryglass, and finish our day with a visit to the small artisan chocolate factory of Wilde Irish Chocolates. Located on the banks of Lough Derg, we are treated to a guided tour and tasting.
Day 4 Foynes Flying Boat Museum & Adare
We begin our day with a visit to the famous Foynes Flying Boat Museum, home to the world’s only replica of a B314 legendary flying boat, where we enjoy a guided tour and Irish coffee experience. We then spend the afternoon at leisure in picturesque Adare with time to explore and see for ourselves why it is renowned as one of Ireland’s prettiest villages. We return to our hotel early afternoon to make the most of the fantastic leisure facilities before we depart.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Hotel
Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre
Ballina, Killaloe, County Clare
The 4-star Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre occupies a scenic spot on the banks of the River Shannon, with views of Ballina, County Tipperary, and Killaloe, County Clare. Relaxation is high on the agenda, with the 57 bedrooms designed to maximise the views of the lake and carefully chosen colour schemes intended to help guests unwind. All rooms are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The elegant restaurant comes with views of the lake and makes use of local ingredients, meats, fish and fresh vegetables in its dishes and there is also a popular bar, O’Hara’s, named after Hollywood legend Maureen O’Hara.
BarGround Floor RoomsLeisure FacilitiesParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Inclusions
- Return ferry crossing UK – Ireland
- 1 hour River Shannon cruise with Irish coffee
- Beef & Guinness casserole with mash & tea/coffee at Larkins Bar & Restaurant
- Guided factory tour & tasting at Wilde Irish Chocolates
- Guided tour of Foynes Flying Boat Museum & Irish coffee experience
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £482pp
No Double for Sole Use Supplement (max 3 incl driver)
Based on Monday arrivals
