Galway & The Aran Islands

Nestled on the enchanting western coast of Ireland, Galway is a city that effortlessly blends history and modernity. Its vibrant city centre is a delightful labyrinth of cobbled streets, adorned with colourful shop facades, charming cafes, and traditional Irish pubs. Venture beyond Galway's lively and cosmopolitan core, and you'll be greeted by pristine beaches and an expansive promenade, offering a tranquil escape by the seaside. But the magic of Galway doesn't end within its city limits. It serves as your gateway to Connemara, an untamed and breathtaking region often hailed as the true emerald of Ireland. Here, you'll witness dramatic landscapes and natural beauty, with the opportunity to visit the magnificent Kylemore Abbey. The journey of discovery continues as we set sail for the Aran Islands, a cluster of islands just off the mainland where time appears to stand still. This adventure through Galway and its neighbouring treasures offers an experience that weaves together rich culture, history, and the unparalleled beauty of the Irish west coast.

GALWAY BAY HOTEL

Majestically positioned along the Salthill promenade with breathtaking views of Galway Bay, the Galway Bay Hotel is a just a short distance from the vibrant heart of Galway city. All the inviting bedrooms are equipped with modern amenities including television, radio, telephone, Wi-Fi, iron / ironing board, hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. The Hotel also features a charming restaurant, café and lively bar area offering spectacular sea views. Other facilities include a leisure club with indoor swimming pool and fully equipped gym. Lift to all floors.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL PACKAGE

Accommodation with dinner and breakfast
Admission to Kylemore Abbey
Return Aran Islands ferry crossings
Guided tour of Inis Mór
Return Holyhead to Dublin ferry crossings
Return coach travel from your local pick up point

Day One

We travel to Holyhead for a morning Irish Sea crossing to Dublin Port. Upon arrival in Ireland, we disembark the ferry and continue our journey to Galway

Day Two

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to uncover the vibrant harbour city of Galway, an ancient Irish gem brimming with life and history. Wander through its inviting streets, where echoes of the past resonate in the form of historical relics like the Spanish Arch and medieval walls. Delve into shopping delights, savour a delectable lunch at one of the city's myriad restaurants. Finish your day with a stroll along the picturesque promenade, soaking in the captivating views of Galway Bay.

B, D

Day Three

Today we head into the wild and rugged scenery of Connemara. Firstly we see the village of Cong located on the shores of Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. From here we continue to Leenane, dramatically situated on Ireland's only fjord before we continue through to Kylemore Abbey, nestled in the heart of Connemara. Kylemore Abbey has been home to the Benedictine nuns who have restored the abbey, gothic church and beautiful 6 acre Victorian walled garden, which is divided in two by a mountain stream. Here we will get to enjoy the Abbey's beautiful setting, fascinating history and Victorian walled gardens.

B, D

Day Four

Today we board a ferry at Galway City Docks for a journey to Inis Mór of the three Aran Islands. On arrival, enjoy a guided tour around the island by local mini bus to learn about the island's history and see for yourself the sandy beaches, stone forts and serenity of island life. On the return journey the boat will make its way to the Cliffs of Moher. Formed 300 million years ago, the Cliffs rise to a magnificent height of over 200 meters which you can truly appreciate from the water.

B, D

Day Five

We travel back to Dublin and board our return ferry for the crossing back to Holyhead. From there, we continue the short, final leg of our journey home.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Distance
Abergele	Abergele, Bowling Green Bus Stop
Bangor, Beach Rd IRE	Bangor, Nelson Pub Beach Road
Bangor, Deiniol Rd IRE	Bangor, Old Post Office Bus Stop Deiniol Road
Bethel	Bethel, Primary School Bus Stop
Bontnewydd	Bontnewydd, Bus Stop Near Chip Shop
Bryngwran	Bryngwran, School Entrance
Caergeiliog	Caergeiliog, Outside Sportsmans Pub
Caernarfon, Campbell Road	Caernarfon, Bus Stop Bottom of Campbell Road
Caernarfon, Leisure Cent.	Caernarfon, Bus Stop opposite Leisure Centre
Caernarfon, Morrisons	Caernarfon, Morrisons Bus Stop
Caernarfon, Waterloo Port	Caernarfon, Waterloo Port Bus Stop
Caernarfon, Y Glyn	Caernarfon, Y Glyn Bethel Road
Colwyn Bay	Colwyn Bay, Railway Station Bus Stop
Criccieth, Medical Centre	Criccieth, Medical Centre Bus Stop
Gaerwen IRE	Gaerwen, Bus Stop Opposite Stermat
Gwalchmai	Gwalchmai, Opposite Clock
Holyhead	Holyhead, Bus Stop Outside Ferry Terminal Entrance
Llanberis, Maes Padarn	Llanberis, Bus Stop Opposite Maes Padarn
Llanberis, Spar	Llanberis, Outside Spar Shop
Llandudno	Llandudno, Mostyn Broadway Coach Park Bus Stop
Llandudno Jct. Station	Llandudno Junction, Station Hotel Bus Stop
Llandygai IRE	Llandygai, Bus Stop Opposite Castle Entrance
Llanfairfechan	Llanfairfechan, Castle Bridge Bus Stop
Llanfairpwll	Llanfairpwll, Pringles Car Park (Parking not permitted at Pringles car park)
Llangefni IRE	Llangefni, Tafarn Y Rhos
Llanrug	Llanrug, Arvonia Garage
Menai Bridge	Menai Bridge, Library Bus Stop
Penrhyn Bay	Penrhyn Bay, Post Office
Penygroes	Penygroes, Crossroads (Outside Victoria Hotel)
Porthmadog	Porthmadog, Tesco Bus Stop
Pwllheli	Pwllheli, Bus Station
Rhos on Sea Ire	Rhos on Sea, The Cayley Arms Bus Stop
Rhos on Sea, Hickorys	Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Hickorys Restaurant
St. Asaph	St. Asaph, Bus Stop Outside Petrol Station
Valley	Valley, Opposite Valley Hotel
Y Felinheli, St. Marys	Y Felinheli, St Mary's Church Bus Stop
Y Felinheli, Victoria	Y Felinheli, Victoria Hotel Bus Stop