Compare Ireland's Rugged Beauty Along the Wild Atlantic Way by Road Scholar

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive Shannon, To Sneem, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Kenmare L,D Parknasilla Resort and Spa
Morning: Relax before lunch.

Lunch: In the hotel, we’ll have a light lunch, plated and served, with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Check in to the hotel by 3:00pm. 5:00 p.m. We’ll gather for a welcome reception followed by our Orientation session. Orientation: Our knowledgeable Group Leader — who will also serve as Study Leader — will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: In the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course, plated and served dinner with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 3
Ring of Kerry
Kenmare B,L,D Parknasilla Resort and Spa
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach for photo stops approx. 4/5 stops. All even terrain, up to 1 mile walking max. Short beach walk.

Breakfast: In the hotel, the full Irish breakfast buffet offers choices such as a variety of eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, tomatoes, baked beans, cereals, toast, pastries, juices, hot drinks.

Morning: We’ll depart via motorcoach for a full-day field trip around the famous Ring of Kerry, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The circuit by coach takes in the towns of Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel, and Sneem. In Glenbeigh, we will stop at the beach overlooking Dingle Bay. With our Group Leader, we will learn about the special geography and climate as we travel around.

Lunch: Taken in the village of Waterville overlooking the Atlantic Ocean where we will enjoy a special local seafood taster.

Afternoon: Continuing our exploration, our local expert a marine biologist, will take us on a coastal discovery further along the Ring of Kerry. We will learn about what lies beneath the Wild Atlantic Way, discovering Ireland’s marine life and the importance of the sea in our daily lives. We’ll then return by motor coach to the hotel.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal.

Evening: At leisure. An evening to relax and discuss the day's adventures.

Day 4
About Kenmare, Parknasilla Estate Hike, Kenmare Town
Kenmare B,L Parknasilla Resort and Spa
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles, some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll be joined by a local expert for a lecture on Kenmare as a place apart and learn about the heritage and traditions of southwest County Kerry. We’ll then take an expert-led, gentle hike through part of the spectacular and varied 500 acre coastal estate of Parknasilla with flora warmed by the Gulf Stream.

Lunch: Hotel plated meal.

Afternoon: We’ll depart via motorcoach mid-afternoon for Kenmare Town, County Kerry’s first officially designated Heritage Town. The name in Gaelic means “Little Nest.” This peaceful place — known as the jewel in the Ring of Kerry — town is nestled between two spectacular peninsulas. You may choose to walk along the Heritage Trail that loops around the town center or just enjoy Kenmare’s picturesque atmosphere.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like in Kenmare Town. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At 8:00 p.m., the motorcoach will return to Parknasilla.

Day 5
West Cork, Glengarriff, Island of Garnish, Free Time
Kenmare B,L,D Parknasilla Resort and Spa
Activity note: Getting on and off motor coach. Some uneven terrain on Garnish Island. Walking up to 2 miles. Getting on and off ferry via ramp

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll take the motorcoach for a field trip to the pretty West Cork village of Glengarriff on the Beara Peninsula. Traveling through the Healy Pass, we’ll see a desolate, otherworldly landscape as we pass between two of the highest summits in the Caha mountain range, rising nearly 2,000 feet (334 meters) above sea level. Along the way we’ll encounter more than seven miles (12 km) of hairpin turns winding through borderlands between the counties of Cork and Kerry. The landscape is littered with rocks and serves as grazing land for flocks of sheep. We expect to arrive at Glengarriff mid-morning and have some time for independent exploration. We’ll then take the local ferry service on the 15 minute journey to the island of Garnish. On route to the island you will enjoy magnificent views of the Bay. Upon arrival, we’ll have a welcome talk by a local expert. Upon arrival, we’ll have a welcome talk by a local expert.

Lunch: At a restaurant on the island, we'll have a plated and served lunch with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Located in the shelter of Glengarrif Harbour and warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream, Garnish Island enjoys a climate which is almost sub tropical, creating a gardening gem, renowned for its diverse range of shrubs and flowers. At 5:00 p.m., we'll take the ferry the short journey back to the mainland and return to the hotel.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 6
Ross Castle, Killarney, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Ennis B,D Old Ground Hotel
Activity note: Getting on and off motorcoach. Some uneven terrain around Ross Castle. All even terrain and pathways at Bunratty Castle. 19 steps leading up to Bunratty Castle.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll set out for Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park. This 15th century stronghold was built originally by the O’Donoghue clan chieftains. Moving on, we’ll arrive in Killarney, steeped in Irish history dating back to the 7th Century when its monastery became a haven for the learned. Today, Killarney is a popular town and is home to many great restaurants and pubs. We’ll have time for personal independent exploration.

Lunch: On your own in Killarney to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: For our next field trip, we’ll take a step back in time as we experience Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, now a designated National Monument and the most complete and authentically restored castle in Ireland. The medieval castle dates back to 1425 C.E. and contains centuries old furnishings. We’ll have a self-directed exploration to see what interests you most. We’ll also look through the window to the past in Bunratty Folk Park, a “living” village situated on 26 acres. Its re-created buildings and streets represent what we would have seen in the 19th century. We’ll meet costumed “villagers” who will be happy to answer questions and discuss their ways of life. Late afternoon, we’ll depart for Ennis and check in to our hotel.

Dinner: In the hotel, we’ll have a plated and served 3-course dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Cliffs of Moher & the Burren
Ennis B,L Old Ground Hotel
Activity note: Gentle walking on this day to get to the viewing platform to see the Cliffs. There is a good even flat surface and safety railings. Gentle incline for those who wish to walk further. Walking and standing on the Burren, some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: In the hotel, the full Irish breakfast buffet offers choices such as a variety of eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, tomatoes, baked beans, cereals, toast, pastries, juices, hot drinks.

Morning: We’ll set out for a full day field trip to explore two of Ireland's most iconic locations: The Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Together, they comprise the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. The world-famous Cliffs of Moher are a spectacular sight to behold. Rising boldly at more than 700 feet (214 meters) from the sea, these Namurian shale cliffs stretch for 5 miles. On a clear day, we can view the Aran Islands and the Dingle Peninsula. Human activity here dates back at least 2,000 years. At the Visitor Center, the exploration is self-directed.

Lunch: At a local restaurant en route.

Afternoon: The Burren —meaning “rocky place” — is what remains of a tropical sea from 350 million years ago. The starkly beautiful karst limestone surface is almost moonlike in appearance. Geologists, botanists and zoologists flock to this region to learn about its rare flora and fauna. We’ll take a gentle hike with local experts along the coastal area to see and learn about its stones and stories.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions from the variety of pubs and restaurants in Ennis.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Farm and Father Ted's House
Ennis B,L,D Old Ground Hotel
Activity note: Getting on and off motor coach. Farm walk over some uneven terrain. Walking and standing for period of up to one hour.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll take a field trip to Glanquin Farm, a working family organic farm and one of several in the area attempting to sustain biodiversity. The land is also a door to the region’s historical and archaeological past with evidence of cairns, fulacht fiadhs (burnt mounds), and a holy well. We’ll also explore Glanquin House that served as the setting for the popular “Father Ted” television series (1995-98). The comedy revolved around the lives of three Irish priests sent to a fictional island. The critically acclaimed series was one of the most popular in Ireland and has been seen around the world.

Lunch: At the farm.

Afternoon: Returning to Ennis, the remainder of the afternoon is free.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal.

Evening: We’ll enjoy an evening of traditional music with a local family of musicians. Then prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 9
Galway City
Westport. B,D Hotel Westport
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles. Some uneven terrain including cobblestones.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll check out of the hotel and depart for Galway, the fourth largest city in the Republic of Ireland. It is known as “City of the Tribes” from the medieval era when it was governed by fourteen chieftains. Remnants of Galway’s historic past can be found round every corner. Today Galway is highly popular with bohemians and students alike. A local historian will lead us on a walking field trip to learn more of the city's fascinating history and heritage.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: We’ll have some time for independent exploration in Galway. The Group Leader will announce a time and place to re-group. Then, mid-afternoon, we’ll take the motorcoach to Westport in County Mayo and check into our hotel with time to freshen up before dinner. Situated in the picturesque Atlantic inlet of Clew Bay, the heritage town of Westport is a vibrant, historic part of the west of Ireland. The “Irish Times” named it the Best Place to Live in Ireland. The mix of galleries, hotels, pubs, restaurants, and shops presents a charming, multi-coloured vista.

Dinner: In the hotel, we’ll have a plated and served 3-course dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10
Clare Island
Westport. B,L Hotel Westport
Breakfast: In the hotel, the full Irish breakfast buffet offers choices such as a variety of eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, tomatoes, baked beans, cereals, toast, pastries, juices, hot drinks.

Morning: We’ll transfer to Roonagh Quay and take a ferry to Clare Island for a field trip with our Group Leader. Situated in Clew Bay in County Mayo, the island is home to some 145 inhabitants as well as some of the most mountainous and dramatic cliff landscape in all of Ireland. It is also notable as the home of famous pirate queen Gráinne O’Malley, whose family ruled it for centuries. Many ancient archaeological remnants from the time of the O’Malleys can still be found, including a castle, several fulacht fiadh, and a Cistercian abbey.

Lunch: Buffet lunch at Clare Island Community Centre.

Afternoon: We’ll take a walking field trip with a local expert to learn more about the island and its history, then return as we came.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11
Connemara, Croagh Patrick Museum, Kylemore Abbey, Villages
Ennis B,L,D Hotel Westport
Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We’ll set out on a full-day field trip in Connemara. This cultural region in the west of Ireland boasts some of the most rugged and unspoiled scenery in the country. It has long been a land of poets, artists and other creative souls. Connemara is also the largest Gaeltacht — Irish-speaking — region in the country. Our first stop will be the Croagh Patrick Museum and National Famine Monument. Croagh Patrick is a place of ancient history and rich archaeological heritage. The mountain dominates the surrounding landscape and provides magnificent views. The mountain is also highly significant in religion as an annual pilgrimage is carried out to honour our patron saint, St. Patrick. At the museum we will learn about the history, folklore and ongoing cultural significance of Croagh Patrick at the foot of this majestic mountain. At the National Famine Monument we will reflect on the events of the Irish Famine and emigration and its consequences for our shared histories. We’ll then travel to Kylemore Abbey.

Lunch: Plated lunch, tea, coffee, water at the Kylemore Abbey café.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll explore Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden. Situated in the heart of Connemara, this beautifully designed estate was built in 1867 as a private home and became a Benedictine abbey in 1920. We’ll learn about the rich history and experience the oasis that is the walled garden, one of the last created in Ireland during the Victorian era. Although it fell into disrepair over time, the Benedictines began an authentic restoration in the late 1990s and only a few years later won a prestigious European award for their work. We’ll move on through t picturesque coastal villages. We’ll have a photo stop in Ballyconneely. In the fishing village of Roundstone, a local expert will welcome us with Irish coffee and provide insights into the traditional occupation that is central to the area.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 12
Lissadell House, Sligo
Gweedore B,L,D An Chúirt Gweedore Court Hotel
Activity note: On and off motor coach. Some steps during Lissadell House tour. Even terrain around the House and Gardens

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll drive to Drumcliff in the wild beauty of County Sligo. Here, under the shadow of Ben Bulben Mountain, is the burial place of world-renowned Irish poet W. B. Yeats, where a local literary expert will give us a presentation on Yeats’ life and work. We’ll then move on through the lush landscape to Lissadell House and Gardens, beautifully restored by the family who owns it. This acclaimed Irish country house was the childhood home of one of Ireland’s best known politicians and activists of the early 20th century, Constance Markievicz. She was a leader in the 1916 rising and went on as the first woman to be elected to the British House of Commons at Westminster.

Lunch: Plated main course, tea, coffee, water at the tea room at Lissadell House.

Afternoon: Moving on, we expect to reach our hotel in Gweedore, County Donegal, in the late afternoon and check in. The Gaeltacht (Irish language speaking) district of Gweedore (Gaoth Dobhair) is a loose agglomeration of small townlands in the heartland of traditional Irish music and culture.

Dinner: In the hotel, we’ll have a plated and served 3-course dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 13
Glenveagh National Park
Gweedore B,L,D An Chúirt Gweedore Court Hotel
Activity note: All flat gravelled paths, no major inclines and very few steps. Participants’ preference about which trails they wish to take (more or less challenging) 2 short flights of stairs on Castle tour, 25 steps in total. Some uneven flooring. 30 minutes walking and standing in Castle with not many seating areas.. Plenty of seating in Castle reception.

Breakfast: In the hotel, the full Irish breakfast buffet offers choices such as a variety of eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, tomatoes, baked beans, cereals, toast, pastries, juices, hot drinks.

Morning: We’ll board a motorcoach and drive a short distance to Glenveagh National Park — the second-largest national park in Ireland — covering nearly 41,000 acres (16,500+ hectares) of mountains, lakes, and forest. At the visitor centre, we’ll have a presentation on the park and its castle, followed by an expert-led field trip around the castle. We’ll then have time for independent exploration to see the magnificent castle grounds. While it was designed to look much older, Glenveagh Castle was built from 1867-73. After our field trip, we’ll drive on to the village of Croithlí (Crolly).

Lunch: At a popular pub in Crolly, we’ll have a traditional pub lunch. This is one of Ireland's most famous pubs, home of world-renowned singer, songwriter, musician, and producer Enya and the Clannad band.

Afternoon: We’ll ride on through an area known as the Rosses on our way back to Gweedore. The landscape is so rocky that people could thrive primarily along the coast. We’ll make a few leisurely stops to take in some of the spectacular scenery of the North West coast.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 14
Slieve League Cliffs
Gweedore B,L,D An Chúirt Gweedore Court Hotel
Activity note: On and off the mortor coach. Standing and walking for up to one hour

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: For our next field trip, we’ll ride to a local GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) club and learn from local members about the cultural significance of Gaelic games in Ireland and County Donegal in particular. We’ll see a display of skills and try some out for ourselves! We’ll then ride through south west County Donegal's countryside.

Lunch: Plated main course at local restaurant, tea, coffee, water taken en route.

Afternoon: The towering Slieve League Cliffs are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, dropping nearly 2,000 feet (609 meters) to the sea. While less well known than the Cliffs of Moher, they are actually higher and something of a “Donegal secret.” These natural wonders are also significant in Irish cultural heritage as a place of Christian pilgrimage for more than a thousand years. The Group Leader will provide an overview of cultural history followed by time to take in the natural beauty we see. We’ll return to the hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 15
Ulster Folk Park & Bru na Boinne
Dublin. B,D CityNorth Hotel
Activity note: Walking and standing at Ulster American Folk Park for up to 2 hours. It is spread over a large area. At Bru na Boinne there is an 8 minute walk to the shuttle bus. Some uneven terrain and a slight incline at Newgrange. No seating at the site during 15 minute tour followed by 8 minute walk back to shuttle bus.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Following hotel check-out, we’ll board the motorcoach to our final hotel. En route, we’ll stop for a field trip to the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh. This open air museum tells the poignant story of emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries with costumed interpreters and more than 30 exhibit buildings we can explore on our self-directed exploration.

Lunch: On your own at the Folk Park café.

Afternoon: Our transfer continues with another stop en route at Bru na Boinne, where we’ll have an expert-led exploration of the Neolithic age burial chambers of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth. Their survival through more than 5,500 years reflects the sophistication of their design and ingenuity of the Stone Age people who constructed them. We expect to arrive at the Dublin airport hotel in the late afternoon for check-in.

Dinner: Plated and served dinner with tea, coffee and water in the hotel. Other beverages available for purchase.. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: We’ll enjoy an evening of traditional Irish music and dancing hosted by local musicians. Then prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 16
Program Concludes
Dublin. B
Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: In the hotel, the full Irish breakfast buffet offers choices such as a variety of eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, tomatoes, baked beans, cereals, toast, pastries, juices, hot drinks. Some transfers may depart before breakfast. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!