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- Galway, Connemara and Ireland's Stunning West
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Galway, Connemara & Ireland's Stunning West
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Price
from £1255 /pp
was £1338
Flights included -
Dates Available
June 2026 - September 2027
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Duration
6 days
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Depart From
6 airports
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Excursions & Visits
6 included
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Meals
10 included
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Ways to pay
Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan and pay from £124.93 per month.
Galway, Connemara & Ireland's Stunning West
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.
Top Highlights
See the towering Cliffs of Moher and the lunar-like landscape of the Burren
Visit vibrant, colourful Galway City
Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Killary Fjord
Partake in a sheep-dog experience at Glen Keen Farm
Itinerary
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the price includes
- Five nights' dinner, bed and Irish breakfast accommodation at the four-star McWilliam Hotel, Claremorris
- Burren and Cliffs of Moher tour
- Killary Fjord cruise
- Admission to Kylemore Abbey and Glen Keen Farm
- Guided tour of Galway
- Return flights to Knock
- Coach travel and transfers throughout
- Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
Dates & Prices
Solo price
Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan.
| Departure point | Departure date | Price (per person) | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh |
April 2027 - September 2027 |
from £1586.00 pp |
6 dates available |
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| Edinburgh |
26 Apr 2026
Sunday
6 days
02 May 2026
Saturday
|
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| Edinburgh |
10 May 2026
Sunday
6 days
16 May 2026
Saturday
|
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| Edinburgh |
25 Apr 2027
Sunday
6 days
01 May 2027
Saturday
|
from £1715.00 was £1805.00 |
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| Edinburgh |
09 May 2027
Sunday
6 days
15 May 2027
Saturday
|
from £1658.00 was £1745.00 |
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| Edinburgh |
06 Jun 2027
Sunday
6 days
12 Jun 2027
Saturday
|
from £1696.00 was £1785.00 |
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| Edinburgh |
20 Jun 2027
Sunday
6 days
26 Jun 2027
Saturday
|
from £1710.00 was £1799.00 |
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| Edinburgh |
12 Sep 2027
Sunday
6 days
18 Sep 2027
Saturday
|
from £1586.00 was £1669.00 |
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| Edinburgh |
19 Sep 2027
Sunday
6 days
25 Sep 2027
Saturday
|
from £1586.00 was £1669.00 |
|
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| Glasgow |
April 2027 - September 2027 |
from £1539.00 pp |
6 dates available |
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| Glasgow |
25 Apr 2027
Sunday
6 days
01 May 2027
Saturday
|
from £1668.00 was £1755.00 |
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| Glasgow |
09 May 2027
Sunday
6 days
15 May 2027
Saturday
|
from £1539.00 was £1619.00 |
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| Glasgow |
06 Jun 2027
Sunday
6 days
12 Jun 2027
Saturday
|
from £1577.00 was £1659.00 |
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||
| Glasgow |
20 Jun 2027
Sunday
6 days
26 Jun 2027
Saturday
|
from £1592.00 was £1675.00 |
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| Glasgow |
12 Sep 2027
Sunday
6 days
18 Sep 2027
Saturday
|
from £1539.00 was £1619.00 |
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| Glasgow |
19 Sep 2027
Sunday
6 days
25 Sep 2027
Saturday
|
from £1539.00 was £1619.00 |
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| Liverpool John Lennon |
April 2027 - September 2027 |
from £1282.00 pp |
6 dates available |
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| Liverpool John Lennon |
26 Apr 2026
Sunday
6 days
02 May 2026
Saturday
|
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| Liverpool John Lennon |
10 May 2026
Sunday
6 days
16 May 2026
Saturday
|
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| Liverpool John Lennon |
25 Apr 2027
Sunday
6 days
01 May 2027
Saturday
|
from £1345.00 was £1415.00 |
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| Liverpool John Lennon |
09 May 2027
Sunday
6 days
15 May 2027
Saturday
|
from £1377.00 was £1449.00 |
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| Liverpool John Lennon |
06 Jun 2027
Sunday
6 days
12 Jun 2027
Saturday
|
from £1307.00 was £1375.00 |
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| Liverpool John Lennon |
20 Jun 2027
Sunday
6 days
26 Jun 2027
Saturday
|
from £1307.00 was £1375.00 |
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| Liverpool John Lennon |
12 Sep 2027
Sunday
6 days
18 Sep 2027
Saturday
|
from £1282.00 was £1349.00 |
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||
| Liverpool John Lennon |
19 Sep 2027
Sunday
6 days
25 Sep 2027
Saturday
|
from £1282.00 was £1349.00 |
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| London Heathrow |
June 2026 - September 2027 |
from £1156.00 pp |
10 dates available |
||
| London Heathrow |
07 Jun 2026
Sunday
6 days
13 Jun 2026
Saturday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1156.00 was £1359.00 |
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| London Heathrow |
21 Jun 2026
Sunday
6 days
27 Jun 2026
Saturday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1271.00 was £1495.00 |
|
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| London Heathrow |
13 Sep 2026
Sunday
6 days
19 Sep 2026
Saturday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1186.00 was £1395.00 |
|
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| London Heathrow |
20 Sep 2026
Sunday
6 days
26 Sep 2026
Saturday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1186.00 was £1395.00 |
|
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| London Heathrow |
25 Apr 2027
Sunday
6 days
01 May 2027
Saturday
|
from £1278.00 was £1345.00 |
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| London Heathrow |
09 May 2027
Sunday
6 days
15 May 2027
Saturday
|
from £1373.00 was £1445.00 |
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||
| London Heathrow |
06 Jun 2027
Sunday
6 days
12 Jun 2027
Saturday
|
from £1444.00 was £1519.00 |
|
||
| London Heathrow |
20 Jun 2027
Sunday
6 days
26 Jun 2027
Saturday
|
from £1444.00 was £1519.00 |
|
||
| London Heathrow |
12 Sep 2027
Sunday
6 days
18 Sep 2027
Saturday
|
from £1406.00 was £1479.00 |
|
||
| London Heathrow |
19 Sep 2027
Sunday
6 days
25 Sep 2027
Saturday
|
from £1406.00 was £1479.00 |
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| London Luton |
June 2026 - September 2026 |
from £1067.00 pp |
4 dates available |
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| London Luton |
26 Apr 2026
Sunday
6 days
02 May 2026
Saturday
|
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| London Luton |
10 May 2026
Sunday
6 days
16 May 2026
Saturday
|
|
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| London Luton |
07 Jun 2026
Sunday
6 days
13 Jun 2026
Saturday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1067.00 was £1255.00 |
|
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| London Luton |
21 Jun 2026
Sunday
6 days
27 Jun 2026
Saturday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1076.00 was £1265.00 |
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| London Luton |
13 Sep 2026
Sunday
6 days
19 Sep 2026
Saturday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1071.00 was £1259.00 |
|
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| London Luton |
20 Sep 2026
Sunday
6 days
26 Sep 2026
Saturday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1071.00 was £1259.00 |
|
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| London Stansted |
June 2026 - September 2027 |
from £1067.00 pp |
10 dates available |
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| London Stansted |
26 Apr 2026
Sunday
6 days
02 May 2026
Saturday
|
|
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||
| London Stansted |
10 May 2026
Sunday
6 days
16 May 2026
Saturday
|
|
|
||
| London Stansted |
07 Jun 2026
Sunday
6 days
13 Jun 2026
Saturday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1067.00 was £1255.00 |
|
|
| London Stansted |
21 Jun 2026
Sunday
6 days
27 Jun 2026
Saturday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1101.00 was £1295.00 |
|
|
| London Stansted |
13 Sep 2026
Sunday
6 days
19 Sep 2026
Saturday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1079.00 was £1269.00 |
|
|
| London Stansted |
20 Sep 2026
Sunday
6 days
26 Sep 2026
Saturday
|
Late Escape
|
from £1076.00 was £1265.00 |
|
|
| London Stansted |
25 Apr 2027
Sunday
6 days
01 May 2027
Saturday
|
from £1263.00 was £1329.00 |
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| London Stansted |
09 May 2027
Sunday
6 days
15 May 2027
Saturday
|
from £1311.00 was £1379.00 |
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| London Stansted |
06 Jun 2027
Sunday
6 days
12 Jun 2027
Saturday
|
from £1292.00 was £1359.00 |
|
||
| London Stansted |
20 Jun 2027
Sunday
6 days
26 Jun 2027
Saturday
|
from £1335.00 was £1405.00 |
|
||
| London Stansted |
12 Sep 2027
Sunday
6 days
18 Sep 2027
Saturday
|
from £1212.00 was £1275.00 |
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| London Stansted |
19 Sep 2027
Sunday
6 days
25 Sep 2027
Saturday
|
from £1212.00 was £1275.00 |
|
Accommodation
Further information
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.
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.
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.
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.
To avoid disappointment, please pre-book any beauty treatments direct with the hotel prior to your holiday.
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
An Airport Development Fee has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You will be required to pay this charge at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Blackpool, Newquay and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but it is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport's website for further information.
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Travelling to Europe
Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you arrive (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
Visa - 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.
The EES scheme commenced on the 12th October 2025, and the phased implementation will last until 9 April 2026. From 10 April 2026, EES will be fully operational at all EU borders. - the latest information can be found at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr
EES is a new digital border management system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of most European countries. Once introduced, when you go through passport control on arrival, as well as producing your passport for checking, you will also have your photograph taken and fingerprints scanned. The system will register your entry on arrival and your exit when departing. You will only need to do this on your first entry into Europe after the scheme starts.
For those travelling via Eurostar, there is a dual British and French/Belgian border in operational at St Pancras International. Therefore the EES system will be in place at the station, you will not need to be checked again on arrival at the other side. For further information please visit the https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/planning-and-booking-a-holiday/upcoming-changes-travel-europe here.
Please note: Irish passport holders or British Passport holders with an EU residency are currently excluded.
Following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union, changes have been planned which affect the eligibility of citizens of the United Kingdom to have visa free travel to the EU. ETIAS travel authorisation is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of the European Union and Schengen counties.
The ETIAS system is not live yet - the latest information can be found at www.etias.com. We recommend keeping yourself updated on the planned commencement date and, once live (and if applicable to you), apply for your ETIAS in good time prior to travel.
Newmarket Holidays will not be able to undertake ETIAS applications on your behalf, so have instead instructed the services of the Travel Visa Company to provide help, should you need it. You can find more information about this service here.
Please note: ETIAS will not be required for UK citizens travelling on our UK and Ireland tours.
Unless stated otherwise, any suggested free‑time optional excursions, activities, attractions, meals or entertainment are not included in your holiday price and may be subject to local charges.
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