Day 1: Arrive into Dublin Airport. From the Airport drive ontowards Kingscourt, Co Cavan for your first night at the Cabra Castle Hotel. Some attractions along the way would be to the town of Kells which is probably best known for The Book of Kells which was completed in the 9th century and remained there until 1541 to finally be moved to Trinity College in Dublin in 1661. Also about eight Kilometres east of the Village of Slane is the passage grave of Newgrange. This is regarded by some as one of the greatest wonders of the ancient world.
Day 2: From Cavan drive across the midlands for your next night in Roscommon Town. The town is home to several historical sites which include Roscommon Castle, The Dominican Friary and the Roscommon Jail. Also in the area is Strokestown Park House which is also home to the Famine Museum which commemorates the great Famine of the 1840's as well as explaining the history and social significance of the famine nationally.
Day 3 & 4: From Roscommon drive onwards to Ballina, Co Mayo. Mayo is a county with an astonishing variety of scenery, an unspoilt natural environment and innunerable places of interest. Here, people have lived in harmony with their surroundings for over 5,000 years. The county has charming picturesque towns and tiny atlantic fishing villages, bustling market towns and the Marian Shrine at Knock . Westport town is beautiful town with some extradoringary of Clew Bay and its many islands. Another famous attraction worth visiting in North Mayo in Ballycastle is the Ceide Fields. The Ceide Fields are the most extensive Stone Age site in the world which were discovered in the early 1980's and are believed to be about 5000 years old.
Day 5 & 6: From Mayo drive along the coast from Westport to Clifden for your next 2 nights. The road from Clifden to Louisburgh give some of the most beautiful views of Clew Bay and the islands as well as Croagh Patrick Mountain. Your base in Connemara will allow you to visit nearby Galway City, a place rich with music, art and culture. If you prefer the country life then you can tour around Connemara countryside and the beautiful rugged Western Coastline. Other scenic areas would be the Aran Islands which you can take a ferry across to visit and the picturesque town of Clifden.
Day 7: On leaving Connemara take in some of Ireland's best known visitor attractions. The Burren in Clare is a place of rugged beauty, is a unique phenomenon of nature where tropical flora grow far from where they are naturally found. The reasons why they are able to thrive here are still not completely understood, but the interpretive centre does a great job in informing the visitor. The Cliffs of Moher are also a symbol of Ireland and are some of the most impressive sea cliffs in the world. The little towns of Lisdoonvaran, Ballyvaughan and Doolin are also worth visiting on your way to Ennis for your last nights stay.
Day 8: Depart from Shannon aiport for your return flight home
Lodging:
Cabra Castle, Cavan (1 night)
Abbey Hotel, Roscommon (1 night)
Beleek Castle, Mayo (2 nights)
Abbeyglen Castle, Galway (2 nights)
Old Ground Hotel, Clare (1 night)
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