Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

Enjoy a captivating escape through Ireland’s Shannon region, where serene river landscapes, fascinating heritage and charming villages unfold at every turn. Cruise along the peaceful River Shannon to Lough Derg, explore the lively city of Limerick and its striking King John’s Castle and delve into aviation history at the renowned Foynes Flying Boat Museum with its full-scale Boeing B314 replica. The journey continues with time to soak up the old-world charm of Adare’s thatched cottages before stepping into the atmospheric 19th-century setting of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, an experience that beautifully brings Ireland’s history to life.

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THE LAKESIDE HOTEL

Nestled on the banks of the River Shannon, the Lakeside Hotel in Ballina offers stunning lake views and a relaxing retreat. Facilities include a welcoming lounge, lively bar and the Cois Locha Restaurant, plus an 18-metre swimming pool with water slide, jacuzzi, sauna and a fully equipped gym. All bedrooms feature a television, Wi-Fi, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities. Please note there is no lift at the hotel. Some ground floor rooms are available on request only.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL PACKAGE

Accommodation with dinner and breakfast
Traditional Irish Lunch at the Larkins Bar & Restaurant
Irish Coffee demonstration at hotel
River Shannon Cruise
Admisssion to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Admission to Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum
Excursions as described in the tour itinerary
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 the Lakeside Hotel in Ballina where we stay for the next four nights.

Day Two

Just a short walk from our hotel brings us to Killaloe River Cruises, where we board for a circular journey along the scenic River Shannon to Lough Derg. As we glide along the calm, sheltered waters of Ireland's most beautiful waterway, we enjoy on-board commentary and breathtaking views. After the cruise, we continue by coach to the charming village of Garrykennedy, home to the delightful country pub, Larkins. Here, we enjoy a traditional Irish lunch featuring a hearty beef and Guinness casserole. After lunch, we return to the hotel where there will be free time to relax before our Irish Coffee Making class.

B, L, D

Day Three

This morning we explore Limerick, a vibrant city on the banks of the River Shannon, known for its rich history, lively streets and striking Georgian architecture. At its heart lies King John's Castle, an impressive 800-year-old fortress on King's Island, offering a glimpse into the city's medieval past. After soaking in Limerick's charm, we journey to the famous Foynes Flying Boat Museum, home to the world's only replica of a Boeing B314 flying boat. At the museum, discover Foynes' pivotal role as a major aviation hub, explore fascinating World War II exhibits and step aboard the life-size flying boat replica.

B, D

Day Four

Today we visit the picture-postcard village of Adare, one of Shannon's best kept secrets. With its quaint thatched roof cottages and ivy-clad medieval churches it is a beautiful place to explore. Our journey then continues to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, where a remarkable collection of restored 19th-century houses and cottages offers an immersive glimpse into a bygone era where time seems to have stood still.

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, L=Lunch 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, Bus Stop Opposite Co-op
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