On arrival at Knock airport meet your guide and transfer to the
lively town of Westport, one of the most picturesque on the Wild
Atlantic Way. Home to brightly coloured houses, craft shops and
traditional pubs, it is a great place to begin your family adventure.
Take a walk to stretch your legs and explore the town before enjoying a
welcome dinner with your guide. (D)
Accommodation in Westport: The Westport Plaza (or similar)
Family Adventure: Ireland's West Coast - Biking, Hiking and Kayaking
7 days from £2850 per person
On this private family adventure explore the western coast of Ireland, a landscape rich in history, myth and legend. This itinerary incorporates fun family activities, wildlife viewing and local Irish experiences all in the company of a knowledgeable local guide. From the colourful town of Westport your adventure will take you biking along the Great Western Greenway, hiking Ireland’s most holy mountain Croagh Patrick and kayaking off the stunning coast of Connemara. You will also visit the island home of the 16th century Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley and take on an exhilarating high rope challenge. In the company of your own family guide learn about the geology, wildlife, history, and peoples of this delightful southwest corner of Ireland. This itinerary is designed to suit children aged 6-15 years old, however as this guided trip is private we can tailor any activities to the needs, abilities and ages of your family.
Knock – Westport – The Great Western Greenway – Croagh Patrick – Claire Island – Connemara – Knock
Itinerary Highlights
Enjoy breathtaking mountainous and coastal views as you enjoy a family bike ride along the Great Western Greenway – Ireland’s longest off-road biking trail.
Take a boat trip to infamous Clare Island, once home to formidable Gaelic pirate queen Grace O’Malley. Enjoy a scavenger hunt to discover the flora, fauna and history of the island.
Paddle off the beautiful Connemara coast by kayak or stand-up paddle board and keep your eyes peeled for seabirds and marine life including seals.
Itinerary: Family Adventure Ireland's West Coast - Biking, Hiking and Kayaking
Today explore the Wild Atlantic Coast by bike as you ride along the
Great Western Greenway – the longest off-road biking trail in Ireland.
It follows the route of an old railway line to the beautiful island of
Achill with spectacular coastal and mountain views along the way. On the
ride your guide will point out interesting sights and reveal tales of
the landscape that you are biking through. The day’s biking distance can
be tailored to suit your family, with longer options possible as well
as the option of riding an electric bike (at a small additional cost).
(B/L)
Accommodation in Westport: The Westport Plaza (or similar)
Today a enjoy a day of hiking to explore Ireland’s holy mountain,
Croagh Patrick. The tradition of pilgrimage up this mountain stretches
back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day. Each July,
some devout pilgrims even make the hike barefoot! Your guide will tailor
a hike to suit the family from a short but beautiful heather-clad loop
of the mountain’s base to summiting via the pilgrim’s path - or of
course alternatively, spend the day at your own personal leisure. (B/L)
Accommodation in Leenaun: Delphi Resort (or similar)
From Westport take a boat to Clare Island from where, in the 16th
century, a formidable Gaelic pirate queen, Grace O’Malley ruled the
north west coast. From a young age Grace built a career in seafaring and
piracy and became a courageous heroine in defending her land against
the English, who controlled Ireland at that time. Explore the island on
foot visiting her castle and tomb, as well as an abbey noted for its
medieval roof and wall paintings. End the day with a fun scavenger hunt
to discover the flora, fauna, and history of the island. (B/L)
Accommodation in Leenaun: Delphi Resort (or similar)
After breakfast travel south to Connemara. A truly romantic region
with its rugged landscape and strong cultural traditions, Connemara is
the essence of Ireland. The first stop today is at a high rope centre
where you will embark on a tree-high obstacle course where the family
can try their hand at swinging through the tree canopy. In the afternoon
visit a local sheep farmer to see his skilful sheepdogs and learn how
they herd the sheep. If we are lucky, we may be able to help with
feeding the hungry lambs too. (B/L)
Accommodation in Connemara: Rosleague Manor Hotel (or similar)
The Connemara coast is renowned for its white sand beaches set with a
backdrop of the famous Twelve Ben Mountains on one side and the mighty
Atlantic on the other side. After a leisurely morning enjoy a paddle by
kayak or stand-up paddle board along the shore where hopefully there
will be an opportunity to spot some marine wildlife including seabirds
and seals. You may also get the chance to taste Ireland’s seafood –
seaweed! (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Connemara: Rosleague Manor Hotel (or similar)
**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
What's included
- Private car with English speaking driver-guide
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- Bike hire on the Great Western Greenway
- Entrance to the high rope centre
- Kayak or stand-up paddle board hire
What's not included
- Any International flights
- Any Domestic flights
- Cost of visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
Guide to Price
The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.
Please note that this itinerary is based on a family of four (two adults and two children aged between 6 and 15 years of age) sharing one hotel room.
For flexibility, international or domestic flights are not included in the price of this itinerary. However, we will be delighted to talk through the different options available to you and, should you wish, also make the neccessary flight bookings.
On this itinerary you will have your own private vehicle and driver throughout. Your driver will also be your guide. Masks are required to be worn when in the vehicle and to maintain social distancing the vehicle. The vehicle will be cleaned every day.
It is also possible, should you wish, to undertake this journey on a self-drive basis using your own vehicle or a hire car. Please contact us for further details.
