Galway is Ireland’s cultural, language, traditional music and artistic capital.
The city centre is famous for its lively ambience, street entertainment, shopping, cafes and pubs.
With your private Driver Guide you can experience the five-star luxury of Ashford Castle in Connemara and visit the city for the day to enjoy its charms, food highlights, music and shopping.
Back at the castle, relish in warm hospitality with open fireplaces and quiet nooks inviting you to curl up and relax in opulent surroundings. Stay in the castle itself or there is the option to upgrade to the exclusive Hideaway, a converted boathouse on the property favoured by visiting celebrities.
On the doorstep of Ashford Castle is the beauty of Connemara. There are lots of wonderful villages from Clifden, the alpine-like capital, to Leenane on the banks of Killary Fjord as well as Roundstone with its beautiful beaches on the western coast. The jewel of this rugged mountainous region is Kylemore Abbey.
Travelling south, you will get the opportunity to explore West Clare. This is Ireland’s most rugged landscapes with shifting and sculpting stone creating unforgettable scenery such as the Cliffs of Moher, Burren and the Aran Islands.
Stay in Adare Manor, named best hotel in the world 2018, which borrows its name from the nearby village of Adare, beloved for its delightful thatched roof cottages, lively pubs and antique shops.
Alternatively, keep with the castle theme and stay in the five-star Dromoland Castle. All three properties offer unrivalled estate activities – falconry, horse riding, fishing and boat trips and, of course, golf (Adare is set to host the 2026 Ryder Cup).
This is a trip that combines the best of Ireland’s hotels and castles with the wilds of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Map
Galway
Connemara
The Burren
Cliffs of Moher
Dromoland Castle
ACCOMMODATION
Ashford Castle
5 Star Hotels Ireland
Adare Manor, Limerick
5 Star Hotels Ireland
Dromoland Castle, Clare
5 Star Hotels Ireland
5-Star Galway
Connemara & Cliffs
Transport
The luxury Mercedes minivan is a superb, all-round, multi-purpose chauffeur vehicle. Our models are all extra long wheel base for additional leg room, comfort and luggage requirements. The windows are slightly tinted with privacy glass to enjoy the beautiful acenery without any glare. Individual leather captain seats have armrests, drinks tray and reclining options. All vehicles are equiped with air conditioning and mini frisges and WiFi can be arranged on request.
Experiences
Why not enhance your tour with some of these recommended Experiences along the way! These can be arranged with your Travel Advisor when customizing your itinerary (please note Experiences are not included unless requested)
Galway City Walking Tour
Galway is Ireland’s cultural, language, traditional music and artistic capital. The city centre is famous for its lively ambience, street entertainment, shopping, cafes and pubs. As the centre of the city is all walking streets, this is best explored on foot starting at Eyre Square and ending at the Claddagh Quay or vice versa. The Latin Quarter is veritably buzzing from the eclectic legacy of a European influenced maritime past which starts at the Spanish Arch. Dining and pubs are numerous, and the Quays Bar, Naughton’s Pub and McDonagh’s seafood restaurant are all favourites.
Music Lovers’ Night
Join in local trad session to hear tales and learn tunes deeply ingrained in Ireland’s lore. You’ll meet local musicians and storytellers and maybe enjoy a pint along the way.
Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden has been home to the Benedictine nuns since 1920. Visit the restored rooms of the Abbey and learn about its history of tragedy, romance, education, innovation and spirituality before exploring the walled gardens. The beautiful Gothic Church is a short walk from the Abbey and nestled nearby is the Mausoleum.
Cliffs of Moher
Stretching for five miles along Ireland’s western coast, the Cliffs of Moher are a sight more than 300 million years in the making. At their highest, the cliffs soar an impressive 702 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, offering inconceivable views, according to Conde Nast. You might know them better as the Cliffs of Insanity from The Princess Bride and, along with the Burren, this is now a UNESCO site. We can bring you to this epic landscape by car, boat or air.
The Burren
The Burren (Irish for “great rock”) is not only a highlight of County Clare but of all of Ireland. Not only is it unearthly and ethereal, it’s also a geological rarity. The 150-square-mile area consists of thick layers of limestone dotted with a unique variety of flowers: Arctic, Mediterranean, and alpine plants grow together in the cracks between the rock slabs. The word "Burren" comes from an Irish word "Boíreann" meaning a rocky place - a name you will see to be appropriate. Here the rock has also been referred to as "fertile rock". We’ll arrange a private guided walk to ensure you will learn about The Burren's fascinating geological history.
Local Producers
Visit local producers in the area with your Driver Guide. Start with Linnalla Irish Ice Cream creamery - a dairy-lover’s dream. The creamery sits in the middle of a cow field, and Linnalla’s light scoops are flavored with hazelnuts, rose hips, and blackberries foraged in the Burren. We told you the limestone crevices were bountiful..
Take to the Water
Whatever watersport you favour, we can arrange it. From kayaking and surfing to stand-up paddle boarding (with a dog!) and seaside foraging, there’s something for all the family.
Two-Wheel Adventure
If you enjoy exploring on two wheels, let us arrange a cycling tour for a few hours south of Galway or in the wilds of Connemara. We highly recommend the electric bikes to make those hills easy!
Farm Your Oysters
Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way are renowned for delicious seafood delights and DK Connemara Oysters live up to this reputation. Ballinakill Bay is a perfect location to grow rich tasty oysters. Visit this glorious setting and smell the fresh Wild Atlantic air. See the farm crew working hard in the water to grow the most perfect meaty oysters. Shuck your own oyster or take a punt at the weight of one. And of course finish your tour with a taste of a beautiful fresh oyster.
The Quiet Man
Do you remember ‘The Quiet Man’? Let us arrange a private tour from the Ashford Estate and the nearby village of Cong. Cong village also has a beautiful abbey worth visiting as well as The Quiet Man Cottage and Heritage Center. The Squire Danaher's House from the movie is on the grounds of the castle.
