A new and exciting program is on for Ireland this year! Always popular, our Irish destination this year will entice past clients to return and captivate newcomers.

We begin with four nights in Connemara, County Galway, where the Irish landscape is at some of its most dramatic. With soaring mountains, scattered loughs (or lakes) and an intricate coastline, this remote part of the country is a world away from the trappings of urban life. All that is conjured up when one imagines Ireland is here; the forty shades of green, spectacular unspoiled coastlines, meandering stonewalls, ancient history still alive in the landscape, picturesque villages and the lilting charm of the Irish people both on the trail and in the pubs.

County Clare our base for the last three nights, with its rolling hills, small farms and unspoilt beauty where we have a delightful and unique insight into a small piece of Gaelic Ireland.

Our accommodation for the start is at Foyle's Hotel in the very heart of Clifden town, County Galway. Foyle's has been trading since 1836 and its old world charm and friendly Irish 'Cead Mile Failte' (one hundred thousand welcomes) will be appreciated by all. We will enjoy the small shops, art galleries, and many pubs with Irish music that make Clifden unique among Irish towns.

Our stay here will include the tracks and trails of the Connemara National Park, a 1300ft hike on the spectacular Diamond Hill, a walk along Killary Harbour (Ireland's only fjord) and a visit to the famous Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden. A ferry will take us across Clew Bay to the island of Inishbofin where we will walk its open bog and mountain trails. This small island has a long and turbulent past and is home to a unique 17th century star-shaped fort. On our final day in Connemara we follow an historic pilgrim route on "Maimean Mountain" visiting a 5th century well and oratory associated with St. Patrick. On our drive South to County Clare we will also have ample time to visit Galway the medieval 'city of the tribes'.

Accommodation for the last three nights is based in Doolin, Co. Clare, a small village renowned for it's traditional Irish music. We stay at the Aran View House Hotel on the Coast road. This Georgian house was built in 1736 and claims panoramic views of the Aran Islands

From here we explore the Burren, a unique karst limestone area whose geology, flora and fauna is unrivaled in Europe. We visit a 12th century Cistercian Abbey, walk on the trails of the Burren National Park and on a 'green road' right in the heart of this special lunar like landscape, awesome in its own stark beauty and particularly memorable for its visual contrast.

A visit to the 'Cliffs of Moher' towering 700ft above the Atlantic Ocean, where everyone, but especially the keen ornithologist in the group, will delight in the many species of bird that frequent the cliff face, completes our week of hiking in the western seaboard of Ireland.

• Classic coastal walks
• Connemara National Park
• The Cliffs of Moher
• The Burren
• Irish music and pubs

Please contact us today for more information