Aran Islands Escape from £495pp for 6nts

Our new self-drive touring holiday allows you to discover the coastline, history and unique culture of the west of Ireland, and includes two nights stay on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, as well as time in County Clare and in Connemara.

Day One - Clare

Your first base is the coastal county of Clare, famous for colourful villages, folklore and festivals, and boasting the unique limestone cliffs and landscape of the Burren.

Your Hotel

Built in 1860 this country inn - now a destination for food lovers from all over Ireland - has a wealth of old world charm and character, with open log fires, a walled garden and 14 en-suite bedrooms all with views of the surrounding countryside. Recently transformed by a renowned chef and his wife this place offers all the intimacy, charm and service of a family-run establishment. Reasonably priced, good quality food, and comfortable rooms with stripped floors and rustic furniture, makes this award-winning inn the ideal base for touring the Burren.

Exploring County Clare

You are within a short drive of the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, stretching 5 miles along the coast, at a height of over 200 meters above sea level, with often breathtaking views, or head inland to explore the almost mystical landscape of The Burren, almost 100 square miles of limestone pavement, rich with ancient history, cave systems and unique flora. We can arrange local guide to help you decipher the wonders of this unique area.

Day Three - to the Aran Islands

From Lisdoonvarna you drive first to Galway then on to a tiny airport, dedicated for flights to the Aran Islands. From here a ten minute flight - with great views of the coast as you travel - and you'll arrive in this truly special place.

Your Hotel

This eighteenth century stone-built house is situated halfway along the island of Inís Mór between Kilronan and the western village of Bun Gowla, and ideal for exploring this truly unique island, no place being more than a comfortable one hour's walk distance. Indeed the remarkable ancient fort of Dun Aengus is just a few minutes' walk up the hill behind. Once the family home of the "Ferocious O'Flahertys" - and now to a much more welcoming local family - it has been recently renovated to the highest standards while keeping the old style charm of the house.

Day Four - exploring Inishmore

There are three Aran Islands, Inis Mór Island (Big Island), Inis Meáin Island (Middle island) and Inis Oírr Island (East island) set in the mouth of Galway Bay. They are famous for their geological formation, historical monuments and their linguistic and cultural heritage - with Irish(Gaelic) still widely spoken here. In fact all native born islanders are bilingual in both Irish and English.

The island of Inis Mór is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland, but with most visitors just coming on a day trip, staying overnight allows you to experience the island at a less hurried pace. It is steeped in history and resembles an outdoor museum with over 50 different monuments of Christian, pre Christian and Celtic mythological heritage. There isn’t far you can go before being somewhere where there’s something of historical interest and little reason to question its importance in modern Irish Culture. Of course you can also browse the locally made Aran jumpers - you will never see so much quality knitwear in one place - and end the day with some "craic" and live music in a traditional bar.

Day Five - Connemara

A morning flight will bring you back to the mainland and your final leg of your self-drive tour, the beautiful area of County Galway known as Connemara.

Your Hotel

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.

Day Six - Exploring Connemara

This is a broad peninsula 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, there is plenty to enjoy.

Day Seven - Return Home

Return to Galway then onwards, with Shannon the nearest main airport and Dublin around 3 hours' drive

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged from April to October 2012.

The price is £495 per person for April & October, £515 per person for May to September. Prices are based on two adults sharing a double or twin room ensuite for 6 nights on a bed & breakfast basis, and includes return flights to Inishmore.

Travel to Ireland

We would be delighted to book your travel to Ireland for this holiday.

The most convenient ferry routes are those from South Wales to Rosslare, or Holyhead to Dublin.

There are direct flight connections to Cork, Dublin, Shannon & Belfast from many UK airports.

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.

 

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