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Touring Ireland: Connemara fly drive from £455pp for 3nts

Connemara - one of the last true wild areas of Ireland  - is an ideal destination for a long weekend escape, now there are flights from several parts of Britain direct to Galway

This is a broad peninsula to the west of Galway city and is bounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean. Its name derives from "Conmhaicne Mara" (meaning: descendants of Con Mhac, of the sea). With dramatic coastlines, high mountains, sandy beaches, great walking and cycling, not to mention colourful villages such as Clifden and Roundstone, with lively bars, lots of live music and great food, you would not be short of diversions.

With a wide choice of flights to Shannon Airport, and seasonal services to Galway, this part of the West of Ireland is within easy reach. We offer a choice of famliy-run guesthouses, in and around the village of Clifden.

Hotel Option A

Gems don’t come much more hidden than this one. As you head through Clifden and out onto a single track road, the wild countryside and panoramic sea views open up in front of you. Arriving at your destination, the building looks quite simple, but on entering you will feel the cares of the world slip away. Wooden floors, natural fabrics, hand-made furniture and many sea-side trinkets give this guest house an exceptional atmosphere. Best of all are the breathtaking views out to the sea, islands and peninsulas from the many picture windows. Clodagh is an infectiously enthusiastic hostess, and will point you in the right direction for walks to empty, secret coves, as well as preparing excellent breakfasts and dinners from fresh, local produce. Whether it is sunny or stormy during your visit, you might find it hard to leave this little haven.

Hotel Option B

On entering this elegant waterfront building, prepare to be overwhelmed at every turn by antiques, original art and other artefacts: you will be forgiven for thinking you have stumbled into a carefully arranged stage-set. Words such as quirky and eclectic cannot do justice to the collection, which extends into the individual furnishing of the beautiful rooms. Breakfast is very special – linger as long as you can below the Virginia creeper in the airy conservatory, and enjoy fresh baking from the Aga, and a wide range of homemade treats. This guest house is situated right at the river’s edge, so it is a short walk (under ten minutes) up a gentle hill into the centre of Clifden. Here you will find delightful shops, traditional music bars and a choice of excellent restaurants.

Prices & Dates

This holiday is available from mid-March to end October 2012.

The price is £455 per person for March, £465 per person for April & October, £475 per person for May, June & September, £495 for July & August, for three nights on a bed & breakfast basis, including return flights from London, Manchester or Edinburgh and four days hire of a small manual car.

Add £35 per person for hotel option B. 

Travel to Ireland

Return flights from Britain from the selected airports are included in this holiday. 

We can also arrange the same holiday based on flights to Dublin, Shannon Airport, or on ferry travel - the most convenient ferry routes would be those arriving in Dublin or Dun Laoghaire, both around 4 hours' drive from Clifden.

All our holidays include a map of Ireland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.