Description
The City, the Sea and the Best of the West in Ireland (Europe) for Three Nights at The Galmont Hotel and Spa in Galway, Two Nights at Mount Falcon Country House Hotel in County Mayo, and Two Nights at Lough Eske Castle in Donegal for Two, Including a Car Rental, a Private Culinary Galway Walking Tour, a Private Tour of Inis Mor in a Horse Drawn Buggy, a Private Evening Stargazing Safari Tour, a Private E-Bike Tour and a Sightseeing Cruise to Sliabh Liag Cliffs (Land Only)
From electric bikes to horse-drawn carriage rides, from the marvels in the night sky to the rugged wonders along the shore, Ireland has a little bit of everything for your next European adventure! Ireland's rugged west coast, splintered by the Atlantic's tireless persistence, is peppered with peninsulas, ports and tiny islands. Home to the famous Wild Atlantic Way route, this region is bejeweled by a wealth of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions for you to discover, including a Galway walking tour, a horse drawn carriage tour of Inis Mor, stargazing, an e-bike tour, and a sightseeing tour of Sliabh Liag Cliffs - and more!
Set in the center of Galway City, a few minutes from Eyre Square, the Galmont Hotel and Spa is your gateway to all that the west of Ireland has to offer. From the Wild Atlantic Way to the most beautiful beaches in Ireland and from Connemara to the vibrant life of Galway City, you will find all you need for the perfect getaway right at the Galmont. The hotel features an award-winning restaurant, a stunning outdoor terrace with views of Lough Atalia, Galwayand beyond, a relaxing spa, as well as a sauna, jacuzzi and outdoor hot tub for the ultimate escape.
With a mix of bohemian cool and traditional culture, the western city of Galway sits on the edge of the Atlantic and has a well-deserved reputation as one of Ireland's most enjoyable destinations! Galway's got one of the liveliest pub scenes on the island, so you must sample the pub culture! Then taste the local flavors of Galway on a two-hour culinary walking tour of the city! You'll get a great overview of Galway's passionate people and beautiful produce with a taste from artisan producers, cheese makers, chocolatiers, creative beer projects, traditional family run businesses and entrepreneurs, who all share a devotion and commitment to showcase the best of Irish produce!
Inis Mór means big island, and as its name suggests, it is the largest of the three Aran Islands. Lying across Galway Bay, Inis Mór is like an outdoor museum with over 50 different monuments of pre-Christian, Christian and Celtic heritage. There are also several major geological features on Inis Mór, including the Poll na bPéist Wormhole, puffing holes and some of the most spectacular cliffs in Europe! Since there are no car ferries operating on the island, take your tour in a private horse drawn buggy!
Make the 55 mile drive north toward County Mayo, where you'll seek refuge for a few days at the romantic Mount Falcon Country House Hotel. Situated in the heart of the Moy Valley on 100 acres of magical woodlands, the luxury four-star deluxe Victorian Gothic Mount Falcon Estate exudes understated elegance from a bygone era.
Once the sun sets, wonder at the celestial heavens on a stargazing safari tour at Mayo International Dark Sky Park, which is known for its night sky quality! This guided tour combines a laser pointer tour of the starry skies and constellations with an introduction to the local nocturnal wildlife in the park. The guides know the dark sky intimately, and will bring you to the darkest viewing places and bring the night sky and mythical constellations to life on this tour. The evening concludes with a visit to a traditional seanchaí (storyteller) for local tales and stories together with close up magic and a drop of hot chocolate to set the scene under the night sky.
A guided ride on e-bicycles is a great way to traverse the highly-recommended Westport to Croagh Patrick and Bertra Beach route along the coast, a regular cycle lane that offers stunning views out over Clew Bay, many points of interest and wonderful places to stop off for a photo or picnic!
Later that day you'll drive from County Mayo to Donegal, about 100 miles, until you reach Lough Eske Castle, the first and only five-star hotel and spa in Donegal. It offers charming country elegance in a spectacular 17th century castle. Set in a 43-acre forest estate by the shores of Lough Eske with the nearby Bluestack Mountains, the Castle offers you a secluded luxury getaway in stunning natural surroundings, with award-winning cuisine and a fabulous spa.
Explore one of Ireland's best kept secrets with a shared sightseeing cruise to the magnificent Sliabh Liag Cliffs, the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe standing just under 2,000 feet tall! It's no wonder this landmark's name means "mountain of stone pillars!" You'll get close to the shore to appreciate the majesty of this signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way. A visit to Sliabh Liag Cliffs is a great way to experience the local culture, heritage and people of Donegal against the backdrop of this spectacular and rugged coastline.
Your trip for two includes:
3 nights accommodation in Galway at The Galmont Hotel and Spa in an Executive Double Room
2 nights accommodation in Ballina at the Mount Falcon Country House Hotel in a Deluxe Double Room
2 nights accommodation in Donegal at the Lough Eske Castle Hotel in a Suite
Daily complimentary breakfast
7 Day midsize car rental with automatic transmission (pick up/drop off at Shannon Airport)
Private Culinary Galway walking tour, including English speaking guide and food tasting
Private tour of Inis Mor in a horse drawn buggy, including ferry from Rossavel to Inis Mor and a private Pony trap tour on Inis Mor
Private evening dark sky stargazing safari tour, including Ireland's only Dark Sky Park, Laser pointer tour of night sky constellations, darkest sites, Dark Sky ranger guides, Starlight Express transport and stargazing guides
Private E-bike ride from Westport to Croagh Patrick and Bearta beach, including private electric bikes and guide
Shared sightseeing Cruise to Sliabh Liag Cliffs, including boat tour
All room-related taxes (including VAT)
Item Special Note
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel outside the U.S. Hotel may be substituted with equal or similar accommodations. Local city taxes are the responsibility of the passenger and required to be paid directly to hotel check-out. Car rental includes collision damage and theft protection with deductible and excludes coverage for personal injuries to drivers or passengers. Gas or diesel, airport pick-up surcharge, local tolls, highway fees or travel stickers are the responsibility of the passenger and required to be paid locally. Tours and excursions run on specific days of the week and at specific times. A minimum 45 days advance reservation is required. Blackout dates: Dec 16-31. Please email us at auction@stmaryhs.org to find out deadline to travel.