Ireland's Wild West Coast: Week-Long Road Trip
Inhabit the otherworldly landscapes of Ireland's dramatic West Coast on this week-long nature and culture road trip through Dublin, Connemara, and County Clare.
Ireland
7 days / 6 nights
$3,250 /person
$3,250 /person
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Walking in the footsteps of James Joyce and Oscar Wilde on a historian-led Dublin tour
Paddling down the River Liffey on a sightseeing adventure by kayak
Meeting local sheepdogs, sheep, and farmers in the countryside of Connemara
Boating to the island of Inishlacken for a scenic picnic and day of wildlife
Baking Irish scones with a local farmer en route to the Cliffs of Moher
The River Shannon, Viking Legends, and Connemara Sheepdogs
Overview
After a leisurely Irish breakfast, it’s time to say your goodbyes to Dublin and head to your next destination. To start your road trip, pick up your rental car from the predetermined location and begin your journey west. Today’s drive takes about four hours, though you’ll break up the route with scenic stops along the way. If you wish, you may take the time to walk along the banks of the River Shannon, a waterway that divides the east from the west and eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Hear about the drowned goddess who gave the river its name, visit a monastic monument, and learn about Viking raids. You’ll next park your car at a working sheep farm, where you’ll meet a crew of smart sheepdogs and their equally skilled farmer. While you watch the brilliant sheepdogs work the flock, you’ll connect with the local farmer, learning about the lifestyles and routines of the rugged west coast. From the farm, you’ll finish your day deep in the countryside, as you arrive at your Connemara hotel. Once you check in, you’ll have free time, so you can enjoy a delicious dinner inspired by the seasons, absorbing both the landscapes and their most flavorful products. (Breakfast)
Highlights
River Shannon Stroll
Ireland’s longest river, the River Shannon connects 17 counties and extends for more than 350 kilometers — or over 200 miles. During today’s drive, you’ll have the chance to walk alongside this famous waterway, reflecting on its impressive magnitude and serene essence.
Sheepdog Farm Visit
An unofficial symbol of the Irish countryside, sheep abound in and around Connemara, and there's no better way to keep those sheep in line than with a pack of trained sheepdogs. During today’s drive, you’ll stop at a local sheepdog farm, meeting the adorable animals and their humble farmer. On this traditional farm, you’ll watch the animals roam among the hillsides as they usher you inside a living, breathing, Irish postcard.
Connemara
Irish culture meets countryside charm in Connemara, a picturesque and unspoiled region of west Ireland. Nestled against the Atlantic Ocean, Connemara stretches endlessly against the shoreline, with quaint villages, hidden bays, and dramatic mountains. Within these landscapes, varying forms of wildlife, from flocks of sheep to Connemara ponies, have found a home, while castles and historic monuments are just as likely to make an appearance.
Accommodations
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel (or similar)
Welcome to Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, one of Ireland's finest luxury stays and a member of Relais and Chateaux. Set in a private, 700-acre estate of woodlands and rivers, this authentic and unpretentious property proudly overlooks a sprawling salmon fishery, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Twelve Bens mountain range. During your stay, you'll awaken to the sound of the meandering river before enjoying breakfast in the elegant on-site restaurant, which uses local ingredients to share the bounty of the countryside. If you've ever fantasized about sleeping in a castle, Ballynahinch promises the royal treatment.
Location:
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Ballinafad, Recess, Bencorr, County Galway H91, Ireland
Phone:
+3539531006
Transportation
Pick up your rental car in Dublin and drive west to Connemara, about four hours away. Rather than drive directly to your destination, you'll break up today's journey with scenic stops en route.
Dublin
Connemara, Ballynahinch Castle Hotel (or similar)
How it works
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Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.
Book your trip
Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to pay the deposit to secure your trip.
Take-off
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What's included
Included in the final price
- Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- On-trip concierge service
- Personalized trip crafting
- Entry and exit information and assistance
- Accommodations for six nights, with daily breakfast included
- Private airport transfer on arrival day
- Boat travel mentioned in the itinerary
- All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
- All site entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Private walking tour of Dublin
- Private kayaking experience on the River Liffey
- Private sheepdog demo and farm tour
- Private island landing tour with lunch
- Private traditional baking experience
- Rental car fees
Not included in the final price
- International arrival and departure flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything else not mentioned or listed as optional in the itinerary