Seemingly unaffected by the passage of time, this remote and undiscovered corner of Ireland has been the inspiration for many Irish artists and writers. Literature reflects a region that encompasses enchanting glens, placid lakes and dramatic mountains, bordered by spectacular coastline carved by the Atlantic Ocean. Donegal owes its history to the O’Donnell clan. The town has its own Castle on the banks of the River Eske and the remains of a Franciscan Abbey dating back to the 15th Century. The town also has some good walking routes, a popular route is in the Bluestack Mountains which links with Donegal Town and Ballyshannon. We will be staying at good quality 3 star hotels throughout the holiday.
Itinerary
Sun We depart Cornwall early in the morning and travel to Abergele in North Wales for our overnight at the Kinmel Manor Hotel arriving in ample time for evening dinner.
Mon Following an early breakfast, we travel to Holyhead for the morning HSS sailing to Dun Laoghaire port. We travel North via Navan and Cavan to admire the great lakes which dominate the County Fermanagh landscape, scattered with islands and adorned with breathtaking forest parks, along the shores of Lough Erne to Ballyshannon. Complete the journey to Donegal our base for the next 4 nights, staying at the Abbey Hotel.
Tue Today will be at leisure in Donegal, during the morning you will have time to visit the Castle, Abbey or Magees home of the Donegal hand-woven tweeds with demonstrations taking place during the summer season. During the afternoon we will include a cruise around Donegal Bay.
Wed A full day excursion through the jewel of county Donegal, the Glenveagh National Park with over 10,000 hectares of unspoilt countryside. We travel to Glenties and pass through the Blue Stack Mountains, across the Gweebarra Bridge to Dungloe famous for the Mary of Dungloe Festival. We also visit Kincasslagh a small Gaeltacht village in the heart of the Rosses and the birthplace of Daniel O’Donnell.
Thu Today we travel South exploring the beautiful countryside of Co Sligo, the inspiration of WB Yeats which is often reflected in his poetry. Visiting Drumcliffe the final resting place of Ireland’s most famous poet before travelling along the Glencar Valley, in the shadow of Benbulben to the waterfall. We continue around the lake emerging onto the high road towards Sligo. We continue our tour round the Lough Gill Loop passing Parkes Castle. Near the lovely village of Dromahair is the remarkable ruin of the 16th century Creevelea Friary, continuing out to Strand Hill we will visit a seaside resort with a distinct Irish village and the final resting place of the famous Queen Maeve.
Fri After a good breakfast we depart our hotel for the return journey to Dublin calling at Carrick-n- Shannon and Mullingar arriving Dublin early afternoon. The rest of your day will be free for you to enjoy the friendly atmosphere of Dublin maybe visit the Guiness Storehouse or the Old Jameson Distillery. Our final night will be at the 3 star Ashling Hotel in the Centre of Dublin.
Sat Following breakfast we travel on the morning ferry from Dublin to Holyhead and the return journey to Cornwall arriving home mid to late evening.
Terms
Single Room Supplement £100.00 per person.
A £100.00 non-refundable and non-transferable deposit per person is required at time of booking to secure your seat, the balance payable 6 weeks prior to departure.
Tour is subject to loading.
Passports are not required for this tour, but we do recommend that you take some form of Photographic Identity.
Total Price Includes:
* All Coach Travel * Holiday Insurance * All excursions to include Donegal Boat Cruise * 6 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast * Return Ferry Crossings * Free Parking at Depot * Central pick-up points in most towns & villages * Holiday Payment Scheme available upon request.