Pre-Convention 5 Night Coach Tour

Day one – Tuesday June 21st Dublin Tour

Welcome to Dublin City and enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of the city including a tour of the Guinness Storehouse.   You have the option to join the coach at the following hotels.

10.30hrs                    First collection – Maldron Hotel, Dublin Airport

11.15hrs                    Collection – Hilton Garden Inn, Custom Quay, Dublin

13.30hrs                   Visit Guinness Storehouse

15.30hrs                   Depart Dublin

17.00hrs                   Arrive at the Shearton Hotel 4*, Athlone x 1 night

After registering for the Convention we take the short walk to Sean’s Bar for a Bar-be-Que and a night of music and song.

Ireland’s Oldest Pub. Situated in the Heart of Ireland, Sean’s Bar plays host to visitors from all around the world. Whether absorbing the history, listening to music, … When you walk into Sean’s Bar in Athlone, the oldest pub in Ireland, you join the uncountable number of visitors who have been stopping here for a drink, a chat …

Day two – Wednesday June 22nd Athlone to Westport

Full Irish breakfast is served in your hotel daily

09.30hrs        Check-out and depart the hotel

10.10hrs        Visit Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre – The monastery of Clonmacnoise Cluain Mhic Nóis in Irish, meaning “Meadow of the Sons of Nós”, is situated in County Offaly, Ireland on the River Shannon south of Athlone. Clonmacnoise was founded in 544 by St. Ciarán, a young man from Rathcroghan, County Roscommon.

11.45hrs        Depart Clonmacnoise

13.15hrs        Arrive Galway and a short break for lunch

On arrival in Galway and enjoy a historic walking tour of this vibrant city centre which commences on Eyre Square and takes you to many historic sites including, Lynches Castle, St Nicholas Church, Nora Barnacles House (James Joyces wife) and the Spanish Arch.

16.15hrs        Depart Galway

17.45hrs        Arrive Westport Woods, 4* x 2 nights

Day three – Thursday June 23rd Full Day Tour of North Mayo

09.00hrs        Depart hotel

10.00hrs        Arrive Ballina

We have an opportunity to visit the town and take in the sights.

11.30hrs        Depart Ballina

12.15hrs        Arrive the “Ceide Fields” – The Céide Fields are the oldest known field systems in the world, over five and a half millennia old. It is a unique Neolithic landscape of world importance, which has changed our perception of our Stone Age ancestors. The remains of stone field walls, houses and megalithic tombs are preserved beneath a blanket of peat over several square miles. They tell a story of the everyday lives of a farming people, their organized society, their highly developed spiritual beliefs, and their struggle against a changing environment beyond their control.

14.00hrs        Depart the Ceide Fields

15.00hrs        Arrive Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre – The Visitor Centre is the main Information Point for Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park. It opened in 2009 and has welcomed visitors from all over the world to Ballycroy and County Mayo. Relax and enjoy the hospitality of Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre which houses an interactive exhibition, experienced guides, Ginger & Wild Café and the accessible Tóchar Daithí Bán Nature Trail (2km).

16.30hrs        Depart Ballycroy

17.30hrs        Arrive Westport

Day four – Friday June 24th Tour of Connemara

“Connemara is a savage beauty”, Oscar Wilde

From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll know you’re in Connemara by the light that constantly changes the mood and tone of the landscape. This natural terrain and unspoilt environment offers the visitor a wonderland of sights, experiences, adventure and activities. The people are warm, friendly and extend a hospitality which is the essence of Ireland.

10.00hrs        Arrive Kylemore Abbey – Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden, there is so much for all the family to enjoy. Visit the restored rooms of the Abbey and learn about its history of tragedy, romance, education, innovation, and spirituality. Explore the 6 acre Victorian Walled Garden with its delightfully restored garden buildings. Discover woodland and lakeshore walks that will take you on a beautiful journey through our 1,000-acre estate. The beautiful Gothic Church is a short walk from the Abbey, nestled nearby is the Mausoleum where Mitchell and Margaret Henry are buried side by side. .

12.30hrs        Depart Kylemore Abbey

13.00hrs        Arrive Clifden

Lunch break in Clifden

14.30hrs        We continue our tour of Connemara via Maam Cross and onto Galway and from there to our hotel in Ennis

17.45hrs        Arrive Tracey’s West County Hotel, 3* x 2 nights

Dinner at your own arrangement tonight

Day five – Saturday June 25th

08.45hrs        Depart hotel

09.30hrs        Arrive Doolin

10.00hrs        Depart Doolin for a cruise under the Cliffs of Moher and to visit Inis Oirr (Aran Island) – There are many attractions on Inis Oirr – ancient castles, one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches, a modern playground and several pubs and cafes. Take a pony and trap, hire a bicycle or walk the uncrowded tiny roads.  The return cruise via the Cliffs of Moher is a spectacular journey below these world famous cliffs which tower over 700ft above the sea.

13.45hrs        Depart Inis Oirr

14.45hrs        Arrive Doolin,

15.45hrs        Arrive at your hotel

19.30hrs        Depart hotel

19.15hrs        Arrive Bunratty Castle – Enjoy the Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle

23.15hrs        Depart Bunratty

23.45hrs        Arrive Hotel

Day six – Sunday June 26th

10.00hrs        Check-out and depart our hotel

10.30hrs        Arrive Bunratty Castle – The Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland.  Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Today, the castle stands peacefully in delightful grounds. The houses and cottages of the folk park spread out at the foot of its massive walls, much in the way that the cottages and crofts of old would have clustered around its base. We invite you to wander through the castle and marvel at the finest collection of medieval furniture in the country which brings to life a vital part of our Medieval past.

12.00hrs        Depart Bunratty

12.30hrs        Arrive Limerick City – Time at leisure in Limerick.

15.00hrs        Depart Limerick

17.00hrs        Arrive at the INEC Convention Centre Killarney 

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change.