WILD ATLANTIC WAY 12 Day EPIC

Transcription

1 . WILD ATLANTIC WAY 12 Day EPIC FREE Day Tour with this tour Type : Mixed Adventure Duration : 12 Days The Cliffs Of Moher Co. Clare Tour Type : Mixed Adventure Accommodation : Guesthouses Group Size : 16 Max Grade : Easy Departure Dates 2018 : 21 st May 18 th June 16 th July 6 th Aug 3 rd Sept Tour Highlights Visit the 12 th Century Rock Of Cashel Cycle through Bare Island on the secret Beara Peninsula Visit Skellig Michael, a UNESCO world heritage site. Hike along the world famous Cliffs Of Moher Visit a real working sheep farm Experience Stand Up Paddling along the Irish Amazon! Tour Essentials Accommodation : 11 nights in quality guesthouses Included Meals : 11 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 0 dinners Start Point : Dublin End Point : Dublin Transport : Minibus 16 Max Inclusions : Listed in notes Exclusions: Listed in notes

2 Details This tour will take you along Irelands west coast from west Cork in the south to Donegal in the north. The Wild Atlantic Way Tour is a soft adventure tour which will bring you on wonderful walking trails to some of the country's most spectacular vistas and dramatic coastlines. Not only this but you will also have the opportunity to experience some of the best outdoor adventure pursuits such as Stand Up Paddling, surfing, kayaking and much more. Each day will not only be filled with adventure activities, but also lots of cultural and historical visits to castles and abbeys along the Wild Atlantic Way. Route Map What's Included? 12 full days of pure adventure The best and friendliest guides in the business. All you tour transport for 12 days 11 hearty Irish breakfasts Bike hire & ride around Slea Head Terbert Ferry Poulnabrone Dolmen 12 th Century Corcomroe Abbey Guided tour of Dingle Whiskey Distillery Clifden Castle Killary Sheep Farm Bike hire and ferry on Bare Island Bike hire along the Great Western Greenway Deserted Village of Achill Island Ballycroy National Park Céide Fields Stand Up Paddling Sea Trails Coastal Walk WB Yeats Grave Slieve League Cliffs What s Not Included? Lunches & evening meals Travel insurance The 12 th Century Rock Of Cashel - Optional 5 Boat to Skellig Michael UNESCO site Optional 55 Donegal Castle Optional 3 Kayak with Fungi the dolphin in Dingle Optional 45 Kayak & Coasteering in Kilkea Optional 35 Surfing in Lahinch Optional 35 Seaweed Bath in Enniscrone Optional 35 Slea Head - Dingle Cycle The Great Western Greenway - Mayo Rock Of Cashel - Tipperary

3 1 Tour departs from Dublin Our Adventure Begins! Jump aboard and meet your fellow adventurers for the next 12 days! Once your guide introduces himself and gets everyone settled, we will make our way out of the city and head south west to the wonderful town of Kenmare in the county of Kerry. We will pass through spectacular countryside throughout the midlands, then to break up the journey we will take you back in time to the 12th century when we visit the world famous 'Rock Of Cashel' once the home of the King of Munster. Once we reach Kenmare you'll have time to stretch and relax in one of the best loved towns in Ireland. The many great restaurants and brilliant traditional music in brilliant pubs will keep you entertained! Highlight of the day: Visit the 12 th century Rock Of Cashel Overnight : Kenmare Village Restaurant Suggestion: Mulcahy s Wild Garlic Restaurant 2 The Beara Peninsula & Bare Island Cycle After breakfast we will take a scenic drive to Castletownbare, a fishing village which looks like it's caught in time on Ireland's secret Peninsula of Beara. This was the home of the last great Irish Chieftain, O'Sullivan Beara. From there, we will take a ferry to Bare island, a small inhabited island about 20mins boat ride from the mainland. This place is a magical little island where time stands still and stress just doesn't exist. You will take a spectacular bike ride through the island, taking another ferry back to the mainland. After a stop in the capital of the Beara peninsula, Glengarriff we return to the lovely Kenmare for more 'fun and frollicks'! Highlight of the day: Cycle across Bare Island Overnight: Kenmare Restaurant Suggestion: The Mews 3 Ring Of Kerry & Skellig Michael In the morning, we will travel along the world famous Ring of Kerry and stop at the port in Portmagee. From there we will take a ferry to Skellig Michael, one of Irelands most holy places and one of only two UNESCO World heritage sites in Ireland. Here, you will find a most unusual monastery built in stone beehive huts. Centuries ago, Monks were cut off from the mainland and spent their time here creating manuscripts and praying. If the weather doesn't permit us to take the ferry we will head into Killarney National Park and hike through one of the most beautiful valleys in the country at the Gap of Dunloe and take a boat ride through the lakes of Killarney. Tonight, we will stay in the vibrant town of Dingle Highlight of the day: Visit Skellig Michael,a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight : Dingle Town Restaurant Suggestion : Walkers Bar & Restaurant 4 Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head This morning, you get to do what everyone on the planet has on their bucket list, you'll swim or Kayak with Fungi the dolphin who came to Dingle harbour years ago with a school of dolphins but never left. In the afternoon we will cycle around the famous Slea Head and stop off at the many ancient sites along the way. After that, you'll need to be warmed up a little and no better place than the Dingle Whiskey Distillery where you'll be shown the secrets of whiskey making and you'll have the chance to sample a few tipples before you leave. Tonight we stay another night in this wonderful town. Make sure to check out Dick Macs Pub before you leave, it's a real experience! Highlight of the day: Bike ride around Slea Head Overnight: Dingle Town Restaurant Suggestion: The Chart House Restaurant

4 5 Co. Clare & Lahinch We really do hate to say goodbye to Dingle, but it's upwards and onwards literally as we head north along the Wild Atlantic Way. We will take a short but interesting ferry ride from Tarbert crossing the mouth of Ireland's longest river, the river Shannon. Further along the coast, we will make a stop at Kilkea where you will have the opportunity to try the new land/sea adventure activity called 'coasteering'. You will be taken along the base of the sea cliffs, where you can climb along the edge and jump into the sea & lagoons dotted along the way - fantastic fun and a real Wild Atlantic Way experience! Tonight we will stay in the village of Lahinch, Ireland's surf capital! Highlight of the day: Coasteering in Kilkea Overnight : Lahinch Village Restaurant Suggestion: Vaughan Lodge Seafood Restaurant 6 The Cliffs Of Moher & Surfing Atlantic Waves After a hearty breakfast we hit the waves and get some surf lessons on Irelands most famous surf beach at Lahinch. Once we ve dried ourselves off, we will travel a short distance north to Ireland s most iconic landmark, The Cliffs Of Moher. Thousands of visitors flock to these high cliffs every year. We will take a hike along the cliffs before we get back to our accommodation to freshen up. To finish this jam packed day of adventure we will take you to Doolin village to a traditional night of Irish music and 'craic (means fun). Highlight of the day: Surfing on Lahinch Beach Overnight: Lahinch Restaurant Suggestion: The Cornerstone 7 The Burren National Park This morning we will take you to one of Ireland's iconic tombs, the dolmen at Poulnabrone which sits in the heart of the Burren, one of Ireland's National Parks. This dolmen is a burial site and most likely the last resting place of a local Chieftain. Your guide will then take you on a hike through the Burren and explain about the flora and fauna exclusive to this area of Ireland. We will take a hike along the top of the cliffs which is just as amazing. we then head for the city of Galway where you will say goodbye to some friends who have completed the Wild Atlantic Way South and meet up with some new travelling companions joining us for the northern adventure. Tonight we stay in Clifden Highlight of the day: Hike along The Cliffs Of Moher Overnight: Clifden Restaurant Suggestion: Ardagh Restaurant 8 Connemara & Killary Fjord Connemara is the heartland of Ireland for many. It holds the dreamy image of Ireland many picture in their minds before they set foot on its soil. This truly is a place of outstanding beauty. We will visit Connemara National Park and make some photo stops along the way including Kylemore Abbey, a romantic castle set among the mountains and lakes. After visiting the castle grounds, we will now show you the working man's view of Connemara when you visit a mountain sheep farm where you will be given a sheep dog demonstration, and maybe the chance to sheer some sheep! Afterwards, you will do the famous 'Famine Walk' along Killary Harbour where Irish families were ordered to build paths during the famine years. Highlight of the day: Hike the famous famine walk Overnight: Clifden Restaurant Suggestion: Guy s Bar & Snug Restaurant

5 9 Achill Island & Wonderful Westport Today we will take you to two fascinating sites, firstly a megalithic tomb that still stands 5000 years on and the deserted village of Slievemore. A whole community was forced to leave their homes during the 1840's because of crippling high rents imposed by their landlords. Then, on to one of Ireland's most hidden treasures at Keem Bay. You can either swim in the bay or walk along the high sea cliffs with amazing Atlantic views. Afterwards, we will leave Achill by bike and you will get to experience the Western Greenway, an old railway line used by the English gentry. Today it s a bike trail which we will cycle from Mulranny to Newport, where we will collect and transfer you to Westport town. Highlight of the day; Cycle along The Great Western Greenway Overnight: Westport Town Restaurant Suggestion: The Olde Bridge Restaurant 10 Sligo & Amazing Beach Walks This mornings first adventure you will try SUPing, or 'Stand Up Paddling', along what is known as Ireland's Amazon River. From there, we will visit the Victorian seaweed baths at Enniscrone before we meet Auriel Robinson, a marine historian who is passionate about the area. She will bring you on a fascinating guided walk explaining the history of the area and the fate of the Spanish armada. Then we head for Mullaghmore where you are free to explore the beach and have a swim. You will be staying here for the next two nights. Highlight of the day: Stand Up Paddling along Ireland s Amazon Overnight: Mullagmore Restaurant Suggestion: Eithna s by the Sea 11 Donegal & The Mighty Slieve League Cliffs Today we head along the coast to the long beach at Rossnowlagh. The beach spans 3km, so we'll walk to the end and back to get some fresh sea air in our lungs. If anyone feels like a quick dip in the ocean, we're always happy to join you. We then move further North to Donegal town where you will visit Donegal Castle. This was once home to a local 'Chieftain' called ''Red" McDonnell built in Then your guide will then take you to one of the signature stops of the whole tour. Your Wild Atlantic Way tour will end on a high when you are taken to see highest sea cliffs in Europe at Slieve League! Marvel at this amazing views from the top of these giant cliffs. Highlight of the day; Slieve League Cliffs Overnight; Mullagmore Restaurant Suggestion; The Quay Bar 12 Strokestown House & Back to Dublin Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and today we are heading back to Dublin. We have one last treat for you as we make a final stop at Strokestown house where you will be given a guided tour of this stately home. From here it is only another hour and a half until we say our final farewell and land back in Dublin. What an experience! Highlight of the day: Strokestown House End of Services: Thank You!

6 Tour Information Price : 2199 Duration: 12 Days Departure Time: 08:00 Departure Location: Suffolk Street ( outside the old stone church) Single Supplement: 440 Accommodation & Meals Accommodation: Your accommodation is included in the price of the tour each night. The standard is a high quality lodge or guesthouse with each room having its own en suite. We see the tour accommodation as a very important part of the overall tour experience and each year we travel around Ireland handpicking the very best quality accommodations that are relevant to our tours. The hosts are welcoming and very friendly and give our customers a homely feeling when they arrival. Meals: Each morning you will get a full cooked breakfast with continental options to set you up for the day ahead. Lunches and evening meals are not included however your guide will direct you to where you can get a packed lunch. Normally this would include a sandwich, water and maybe a chocolate bar or something sweet. Do make sure to bring sufficient water for the day ahead. Evening meals are another important part of the tour experience and we always encourage our customers to try local and traditional food on tour. Each night we make a suggestion of where to eat however the night is yours to own. Sometimes the group eats together and if some wish, they can eat elsewhere. Our Guides At Extreme Ireland Adventures we put so much energy into handpicking and training our guides. In our view, you can be brought on the most amazing tour, but if the guide is bad then the tour fails. All our guides are born to do what they do. They have a deep love and knowledge of this little island and they want to share it with everyone. Their only aim is to make sure that our customers have an unforgettable in Ireland. Each guide has their own particular style which we always encourage but all will give a professional and fun tour experience.

7 Budgeting for your Tour You will need some extra money for tour for the likes of lunches, meals, drinks, souvenirs etc. Here are some tips and information that will be helpful for you to budget your tour before you arrive. Lunches Depending on the day, you will either have a packed lunch for a hike or you will have lunch in a pub or restaurant. Each day tour guide will let you know what is the best option and you can choose. Here are some guideline prices for your lunch options. Sandwich - 5 Water - 2 Sweet - 2 Pub Lunch Coffee - 4 Tea - 3 Evening Meals Each night you have the choice of eating with the group or if you wish you can eat separately. We will give restaurant suggestions which we choose based on their local produce and quality. This area can vary greatly but this will give you some guideline on what to expect. Budget Main Meal Average 3 course High end 3 course Glass of Wine - 5 Pint of Beer - 5 Whiskey / Short - 5 Foreign Exchange ATM Availability: Widely available in main towns Cash Back : Most pubs, large shops and restaurants will offer a cash back service Credit Card Acceptance: Widely accepted Travellers Cheques: Can be changed in most banks and post offices Local Currency: Euro Where to Exchange: Your tour leader will advise where you can exchange.

8 Preparing for your Tour Climate Ireland has a temperate climate and can be changeable. Our wonderful green landscape doesn't come without the a sprinkling of rain once in a while! In general the summers are warm with the hottest months being July and August. Winters are cool and the lowest temperatures are recorded during January and February. Whatever the season it is advisable to prepare for rain. Gear & Equipment Here are some essentials that we would suggest to bring on tour ; Comfortable waterproof walking boots; Waterproof jacket & over trousers; At least 2 pairs of comfortable walking trousers and breathable tops ; Day pack 25L will do ; Gaiters and walking poles ( personal choice but recommended ) ; Thick socks, hat and gloves ; Water bottle & lunch box ; Sunscreen 7 insect repellent ;...and don t forget your camera!! Luggage on tour Most people will have two pieces of luggage on tour. Their main larger piece and a smaller day pack used for day hikes etc. The larger piece depending on the day will be secured in the bus or at the accommodation. This tour stops in some accommodations for more than one night to allow less packing and unpacking. Electric & plug supplies 3 Pin Flat Airport Transfers You can get to Dublin city from the airport by bus or taxi which run regularly from outside the airport arrivals. Visas Depending on what country you are travelling from there are different visa requirements needed. We would advise you to go to the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade to check whether you will need an visa for Ireland before your trip. Other General Information Population : 4,600,000 Size of Country: 70,273 sq km Major Language: English / some smaller parts in the west speak Irish as their first language Main Religion: Roman Catholic International hone Code: +353 International Phone Calls: We suggest you use Viber or Skype for free international calls Some Fun Facts about the Irish & Ireland Over 40% of all American Presidents can trace their ancestry back to Ireland Newgrange passage tomb in Co. Meath is 600 years older than the Pyramids and 1000 years older than Stonehenge St Brendan is said to have discovered America 1000 years before Columbus Dublin was originally called Dubh Linn meaning Black Pool The national symbol of Ireland is the Celtic harp, not the shamrock.

9 Free Day Tour On selected tours we offer a free day tour from Dublin as an extra bonus for booking your tour with Extreme Ireland Adventures. Apart from our adventure travel business we also operate one a day tour business from Dublin. A day tour will allow you to experience a part of Ireland that may not be on your tour and you can choose from one of seven different iconic destinations free of charge either before or after your tour date. Just get in contact with us and let us know when and where. You can view our day ours from; Travel Insurance Your tour with Extreme Ireland Adventures does not include travel insurance. In-light of this, we would suggest that you get covered before you embark on your Irish adventure. Choosing what insurance company to use is entirely up to you, however if you need a suggestion, we would direct you to World Nomads who specialise in adventure travel. Booking Your Tour 10% Deposit With any of our multi-day tours we can secure your place with a small deposit of 10%. The remainder of the balance can be paid up to two weeks before departure. Once we have a deposit, you name is added to the tour rooming list and the logistics for your tour is started. You can do this through our website just click the 10% deposit box in the booking form. Otherwise you can pay in full online or call us on / ; info@extremeireland.ie Your Tour Advisor Mike Murphy Adventure Travel Specialist Mike has been with Extreme Ireland Adventures since the beginning. Having travelled a large part of the globe solo, he still holds Ireland as among the most beautiful countries in the world. Mike will be delighted to answer any questions, queries or indeed assist you in booking any of our tours. You can contact him by phone or ; mike@extremeireland.ie Phone : Web :