Galway, Connemara & Ireland's Stunning West

Galway, Connemara & Ireland's Stunning West

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tourhub | Newmarket Holidays | Galway, Connemara & Ireland's Stunning West | 15476
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6 Days
From

$1249

$1125

Galway, Connemara & Ireland's Stunning West

6 Days Starting and ending in UK

Visiting: Claremorris, Burren, Cliffs of Moher tour, The Glen Keen Estate, Killary Fjord, Galway, Connemara National Park, United Kingdom

Tour operator:

Newmarket Holidays

Tour code:

15476

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 49

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

21-99

Tour operated in:
English
From:
$1249
$1125 (USD) including Flights from the UK Operator discount: -$124

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover one of the most beautiful and unspoilt corners of Ireland, renowned for its ancient Gaelic heritage and traditional Irish hospitality.



From your delightful base in the four-star McWilliam Park Hotel, enjoy a full and varied itinerary and make the very most of your time in this lovely part of the Emerald Isle. Highlights include an exploration of historic Galway city, a visit to a sheep farm, a scenic tour of Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way, a Fjord cruise, exploration of the famed Cliffs of Moher, and an opportunity to learn about the unique landscape of the Burren.

Highlights

  • Visit vibrant, colourful Galway City

  • Drive along part of the Wild Atlantic Way, one of Ireland’s most scenic roads, and tour Connemara

  • See the towering Cliffs of Moher and the lunar-like landscape of the Burren

  • Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Killary Fjord

  • Partake in a sheep-dog experience at Glen Keen Farm

  • Soak up a scenic tour of glorious Connemara

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Fly To Ireland
Location: Claremorris
Meals Included: No Meals

Following your flight to Ireland, you will be met by your tour manager for the coach transfer to your hotel. After check-in, you'll have rest the day free. Depending on your arrival time, you may like to explore Claremorris (which is about a 10-minute walk away) and its interesting range of shops and bars. At the far end of the town you'll find McMahon Park, where you can enjoy a delightful five-kilometre circular walk around Clare Lake. Alternatively, why not make the most of the hotel’s leisure centre and beauty studio?



If you decide to arrange your own travel and book our Tour Only package, you'll need to meet your Tour Manager at Knock airport in time for the coach transfer to your hotel, or at the hotel itself. (Exact times will be confirmed closer to departure.)

Day 2 : Included Burren And Cliffs Of Moher Tour
Location: Burren, Cliffs of Moher tour
Meals Included: No Meals

Today we'll head into the lunar-like landscape of the Burren, the largest expanse of limestone pavement in the world and home to an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna, as well as to megalithic tombs and monuments older than Egypt’s pyramids. The visitor centre in Kilfenora is fascinating. A short film traces the history and unique environment of the Burren, while the exhibition takes you on a Walk Through Time as the story of the region unfolds. You’ll learn about the remarkable landscape, and how man and animals have co-existed through history in this apparently inhospitable landscape.



The other highlight of the day is your visit to the awesome Cliffs of Moher. Standing 702ft at their highest point, the Cliffs stretch for five miles along the Atlantic coast. On a clear day, pathways and viewing platforms along the cliff edge offer simply stunning views out to the Aran Islands, to the Kerry Mountains and across to Galway Bay. An award-winning visitor centre, built into the hillside, will really help you get the most from your visit.

Day 3 : Included Visit To Glen Keen Farm And Killary Fjord Cruise
Location: The Glen Keen Estate, Killary Fjord
Meals Included: No Meals

This morning, we'll head to Glen Keen Farm, one of the largest sheep farms on the Wild Atlantic Way and famous for its sheepdogs. Hear how life and farming have changed over the seven generations that the current owners have lived here, learn about the verbal and whistle commands used to herd sheep, and watch the farm's dogs in action. Tea or coffee and homemade scones are included during what promises to be a fascinating visit.



In the afternoon, you can immerse yourself in the beautiful, natural surroundings of the Killary Fjord on a leisurely cruise. This spectacular glacial fjord forms a border between Galway and Mayo. Our cruise starts at Nancy's Point, just west of Leenane Village, the setting for the film adaptation of John B. Keane’s famous play, The Field.



We’ll also make a stop at Westport, which sits on the southeast corner of Clew Bay beneath the slopes of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's 'holy mountain'. Wander around the harbour to the Quay area, just a few minutes from the town centre, where the old coastguard station and warehouses now house bars, cafes and restaurants, or stroll along the tree-lined mall.

Day 4 : Included Galway City Tour
Location: Galway
Meals Included: No Meals

Galway City beckons today. The old centre surrounds ancient Lynch’s Castle and a pedestrianised thoroughfare leads down to the thriving waterfront. Join our tour manager for a guided tour before exploring at leisure. Enjoy lunch in one of Galway’s countless eateries, take a harbour cruise, explore the city's cobblestone streets, visit its imposing (and unexpectedly modern) cathedral, or perhaps make the most of the varied shopping.

Day 5 : Included Connemara Day Trip
Location: Connemara National Park
Meals Included: No Meals

Possibly saving the best until last, this long, but wonderfully scenic day will reveal Connemara. This stunning landscape of pale grey mountains, golden beaches, sparkling loughs, rugged bogs and shimmering waterfalls is a place of remote beauty that's also home to the hardy, agile - but also gentle - Connemara Pony.



The route takes you on a lovely drive past Lough Mask and Lough Corrib and on to the Maam Cross. We continue along the Inagh Valley to stunning Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery founded in 1920. Learn about its history and its tales of romance and tragedy, explore the six-acre Victorian Walled Gardens and visit the Gothic Chapel and the restored rooms of the Abbey before returning to the hotel.

Day 6 : Fly Back To The Uk
Location: Claremorris, United Kingdom
Meals Included: No Meals

Depending upon the time of your flight, you may be able to spend a final few hours relaxing at your hotel, or perhaps exploring the local area, before returning to the airport at the end of a wonderful few days.

What's Included

  • Return flights to Knock

  • Five nights' dinner, bed and Irish breakfast accommodation at the four-star McWilliam Hotel, Claremorris

  • Admissions to Kylemore Abbey, Westport House and Glen Keen Farm

  • Coach travel and transfers throughout

  • Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

  • Killary Fjord cruise

  • Admissions to Kylemore Abbey and Glen Keen Farm

  • Burren and Cliffs of Moher tour

  • Admission to Kylemore Abbey and Glen Keen Farm

  • Guided tour of Galway

What's Not Included

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 40 minutes from Knock Airport.

Hotel spa facilities

To avoid disappointment, please pre-book any beauty treatments direct with the hotel prior to your holiday.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Airport development fees

An Airport Development Fee (of €10 per person in 2019) is payable when departing from Knock airport. You will be required to pay this at the airport prior to checking in for your flight home. Please visit the airport's website for further information.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Tipping

We are often asked about gratuities on our Irish holidays. At the end of a tour it is customary to give a coach driver around £2-3 per person per day and a Tour Manager around £3-5 per person per day; a gratuity of £1 per person per day for dining/waiting staff in your hotel will also be greatly appreciated. In a restaurant leave about 10% of a bill (no need to tip in a bar) and around £2 for services such as hairdressing.

Travelling to Europe after Brexit

New rules apply when travelling to European Union countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. Note that these new rules do NOT apply when travelling within the United Kingdom or to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. You do require government issued ID when travelling by air though.
Passport - British passport holders need to have at least six months validity left on their passport and it needs to be less than ten years old; passports which have a longer validity than ten years are not valid for travel once the tenth anniversary of issue has passed. These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland where you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
Visa - If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not change and stays there will not count towards the 90-day total.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Towards the end of 2022, it is likely that non EU citizens will be required to apply online for an authorisation to visit most European countries. The current details suggest there will be a charge of €7 per person and the authorisation will be valid for all trips made to the EU in a three year period from issue. We will advise you of confirmed details prior to your tour’s departure.
Border Control - At border control, you may need to show proof of your return journey - your travel documentation issued by us will be sufficient for this. You will also need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens if manual checks are required.
Healthcare Cover - You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad which covers pre-existing conditions. You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption. Newmarket sell a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Ask our travel consultants for more information. You should also apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note GHIC is only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Mobile Roaming - Roaming charges have been re-introduced by some UK providers when visiting the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Prior to travel, please do check with your phone operator for the most up to date information.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 40 minutes from Knock Airport.

Hotel spa facilities

To avoid disappointment, please pre-book any beauty treatments direct with the hotel prior to your holiday.

Airport development fees

An Airport Development Fee (of €10 per person in 2019) is payable when departing from Knock airport. You will be required to pay this at the airport prior to checking in for your flight home. Please visit the airport's website for further information.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Tipping

We are often asked about gratuities on our Irish holidays. At the end of a tour it is customary to give a coach driver around £2-3 per person per day and a Tour Manager around £3-5 per person per day; a gratuity of £1 per person per day for dining/waiting staff in your hotel will also be greatly appreciated. In a restaurant leave about 10% of a bill (no need to tip in a bar) and around £2 for services such as hairdressing.

Travelling to Europe after Brexit

New rules apply when travelling to European Union countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. Note that these new rules do NOT apply when travelling within the United Kingdom or to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. You do require government issued ID when travelling by air though.

Passport - British passport holders need to have at least six months validity left on their passport and it needs to be less than ten years old; passports which have a longer validity than ten years are not valid for travel once the tenth anniversary of issue has passed. These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland where you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.

Visa - If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not change and stays there will not count towards the 90-day total.

European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Towards the end of 2022, it is likely that non EU citizens will be required to apply online for an authorisation to visit most European countries. The current details suggest there will be a charge of €7 per person and the authorisation will be valid for all trips made to the EU in a three year period from issue. We will advise you of confirmed details prior to your tour’s departure.

Border Control - At border control, you may need to show proof of your return journey - your travel documentation issued by us will be sufficient for this. You will also need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens if manual checks are required.

Healthcare Cover - You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad which covers pre-existing conditions. You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption. Newmarket sell a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Ask our travel consultants for more information. You should also apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note GHIC is only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Mobile Roaming - Roaming charges have been re-introduced by some UK providers when visiting the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Prior to travel, please do check with your phone operator for the most up to date information.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not ch

  • What is the tipping policy?

    We are often asked about gratuities on our Irish holidays. At the end of a tour it is customary to give a coach driver around £2-3 per person per day and a Tour Manager around £3-5 per person per day; a gratuity of £1 per person per day for dining/waiting staff in your hotel will also be greatly appreciated. In a restaurant leave about 10% of a bill (no need to tip in a bar) and around £2 for serv

  • What is the maximum group size?

    49

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1983

  • Vaccination Requirements

    Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • Fitness to Travel

    We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.

Reviews of this Operator

Mr Albert Owen  

Help is at hand at Newmarket holidays

04-Jan-2023

I tried to book myself on line for an Andre Rieu concert in Vienna but I didn’t manage to complete the booking. I rang the next day & spoke to Sharon who was very helpful. I am a 76 year old pensioner & not totally au fa with the internet. However, Sharon went through it step by step & I felt more confident. She completed the booking for me & said she would also send a paper copy.

Iain Moir  

Newmarket Holidays…top dollar!

06-Jan-2023

Having booked late the service we received from Newmarket staff has been excellent - helpful, friendly, painstaking and above all going further than we could really expect to ensure our requests were all satisfied. We would like to particularly thank Naima for her attention to detail and perseverance in following up our queries. This is the first time we have tried NH but it wont be the last

Miss F J Murphy  

This is the third holiday I have taken…

05-Nov-2021

This is the third holiday I have taken with Newmarket Holidays. They made it easy to change from the Holiday I originally booked to one in the UK. The tour leader was excellent as was our driver, both of whom went the extra mile to ensure we had a lovely holiday. There were difficulties at the hotel due to COVID but we were made very welcome and the staff went out of their way to help us. So I have no complaint about Newmarket's choice of hotel. I am a single traveller and normally do not like to travel in groups but the laidback atmosphere of Newmarket Holidays is fine.

Trustpilot
Caroline N, GB  

Hurrah for Eddie and Simon, Newmarket's highlands duo!

26-Oct-2021

Very happy time on an action packed trip to the Scottish highlands. Eddie as tour manager and Simon as driver. Eddie shared his passion for Scottish history and between them they treated us to many unscheduled cultural stops that enhanced our holiday. They went above and beyond all the time. Train trips were amazing and views unforgettable. Hotel was welcoming and food was good. Hot water aplenty for bath. We wanted to escape to another world for a few days and we truly did. THANK YOU. Chris and Caroline

Trustpilot
Tony King, GB  

Canada October 2021

28-Oct-2021

We have returned from our long overdue trip to Canada Niagara Falls to the Rockies stating in Toronto and finishing in Vancouver. Well we happened to be the first trip back after the Coiid outbreak and it was so good to go. The company had made sure we were all safe and masks were worn where ever they had to be but this did not dampen the trip at all, the Tour directors ( guides ) were brilliant and we saw and did so much it was a fantastic trip which I would recommend to everyone, defiantly one for the bucket list.

Trustpilot

Dates & Availability

Sunday - Friday

May 19, 2024 - May 24, 2024
$1349 $1215 (USD)

Operator discount: -$134 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Jun 02, 2024 - Jun 07, 2024
$1386 $1318 (USD)

Operator discount: -$68 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Jun 16, 2024 - Jun 21, 2024
$1386 $1318 (USD)

Operator discount: -$68 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 06, 2024
$1361 $1299 (USD)

Operator discount: -$62 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024
$1341 $1217 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024
$1341 $1217 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
$1329 $1205 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024
$1267 $1142 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
$1254 $1130 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

May 04, 2025 - May 09, 2025
$1349 $1224 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

May 18, 2025 - May 23, 2025
$1349 $1224 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
$1361 $1237 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
$1374 $1249 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
$1349 $1224 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$1349 $1224 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
$1312 $1187 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Friday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$1249 $1125 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Vaccination Requirements

    Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.