3 – 13 July 2018
Dates
11 Days
Duration
12-15
Groupsize

Magic Islands along the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland

Inishmore, Inishmaan, Inishbofin, Clare Island, Achill Island

On each of the five Islands, in very different landscapes, we will make an easy walk with local guides. Of them and of other islanders we will learn a lot about island life and the struggle for survival today and in earlier times. On the way to the islands we will drive through the he beautiful countryside of Connemara where we will also visit a sheep farm.

The tour will be led by Elizabeth Zollinger, founder of the project “Celtic Spirit” on Inis Mór

More detailed tour information is given in the Itinerary Section.

PROGRAMME DATE

3 – 13 July 2018

BOOKING

no later then 15 April 2018 (early booking recommanded: places limited and flights are cheaper if booked early)

TRAVEL / FLIGHTS

Dublin Airport (flight individually or with other participants), bus to Galway.

Meet in Galway at meeting point at 16.30

individually back from Westport by bus or train to Dublin

INCLUDED

10 nights B+B and hotelsharing

All transport (excluding flights)

7 evening meals and 2 lunches

Guided tours and other activities in accordance to program.

NOT INCLUDED

3 evening meals and 8 lunches

Beverages and tips, insurances

ACCOMMODATION

3 nights in Kilmurvey House, Inis Mór,

1 night in modest B+B’s on Inishmore

2 nights in Inishbofin House Hotel on Inishbofin

2 nights in luxurious B+B’s on Clare Island

2 nights in lovely B+B’s in Westport

COST

Approx. CHF 1640. – (Euro 1470.-, depending on rate of Euro) from Galway to Westport.

Additional nights in Galway, Dublin and on Inis Mór: starting from Euro 38.- (CHF 45.-), B+B sharing.

SUPPLEMENTS

Single rooms: CHF 250.- (Euro 225.- dep. on exchange rate)
(As the hotels/guesthouses are small there are not many single rooms available and we would appreciate if people are willing to share, may be even part time)

Small group supplement: 10/11 participants: CHF 90.- (Euro 80.-), 8/9 p.: CHF 160.- (Euro 135.-)

CANCELLATION

Up to 60 days before departure: 10% of the total price
59-31 days before departure: 40% of the total price
30-1 days before departure: 70% of the total price
On the day of departure or no show up: 90% of the total price

Elizabeth Zollinger, an artist from Zurich, lives part-time on Inis Mór since 1974 and is strongly connected with the island, its people and its culture. In cooperation with some Islanders she created the project “Celtic Spirit “in 1996, offering Cultural Weeks which aim to retain the culture and heritage of Inis Mór while developing and promoting a sustainable tourism on the island.

Download the full program here 

Additional information

DestinationInis Mór, Co. Galway, Kerry, Wicklow
1

Day 1

Meeting in Galway at 16:30, bus and boat to the Island of Inishmore, overnight stay: Kilmurveyhouse, (D)
2

Day 2

Info about the island and program with Elizabeth and Treasa Ní Mhiolláin, «Sean nós singer», visit Vincent, fisherman and basket maker and the seaweed factory, hike along the cliffs to the ancient site of Dun Aonghasa, overnight stay: Kilmurveyhouse, (B/D).
3

Day 3

Cliff walk to Dún Dubh Chathair free time in the village of Kilronan, have a pint of Guinness or a café, shopping or time to watch the “Man of Aran” film (Robert O Flaherty 1931), overnight stay: Kilmurveyhouse, (B).
4

Day 4

Morning at leisure, boat to Inishmaan, tea and scones, visiting the famous knitting factory, walk with Maureen, visiting Synge Cottage and reading from his book (“The Aran Islands”), music in the pub, overnight in 2 modest B+B’s (B/D).
5

Day 5

Boat to Rossaveal, bus to Cleggan and crossing to Inishbofin. in the afternoon you can join the Eco tourism walk with Tommy Burke or explore the island on your own (swim, walk or just relax), music session in the pub, overnight stay: Inishbofin House Hotel, (B/D).
6

Day 6

Morning at leisure, after lunch: conversation and private tour with Tommy, overnight: Inishbofin House Hotel, (B)
7

Day 7

Boat to Cleggan, bus tour through the mountains and moors of Connemara, visit the Glen Keen sheep farm, and learn about their life and the area, tea and scones, proceed to Roonagh Pier, crossing to Clare Island, time to explore or a swim, overnight stay in two luxurious B+B’s, (B/D)
8

Day 8

Walk and talk with a local. The history of the rebel and pirate queen Grainne O Maille who was born on this Island. Ceili evening (music and dance with children from the Island), overnight stay in the B+B’s, (B/D)
9

Day 9

morning at leisure, after lunch back to Roonagh and proceed to Westport, Molloy (member of the famous group “The Chieftains”), overnight in two nice B+B’s (B)2
10

Day 10

Scenic drive to Achill Island, where we encounter the stories of Heinrich Böll, walk with the archaeologist Geróid Mangan, back to Westport, overnight in the B+B’s (B)
11

Day 11

Return or onward journey (good connections to Dublin by bus+train) (B)

(Note: Walks can be shortened!)

Galway

Insishmore

Inishbofin

Clare Island

Westport