Find your own patch of Ireland away from the madding crowd on our Hidden Ireland tour. Do you want to avoid the touristy towns? Would you like to explore areas of Ireland that most other travelers (and many Irish!) don't visit? Well then our Hidden Ireland tour could be perfect for you. We have selected areas of Ireland that are beautiful and have much of interest to offer, but are generally ignored by first and even second time visitors because they are a little out of the way or are not well known. We invite you to take a chance. Come and see the real Ireland. A Hidden Ireland Tour will renew your curiosity and fuel your sense of adventure.
This tour kicks off on the shores of Galway Bay before heading northwest through Connemara and Mayo to the little treasure that is Westport. From there you will continue northwards to explore amazing Donegal before returning south to discover the Shannon river and its many lakes. Finish up in Ennis, the alternative traditional music capital.
All nights are reserved in advance. Base price includes Bed & Breakfast accommodation. However, you may upgrade any or all of these nights if you wish. Please see our Recommended Upgrades in the Accommodations section.
**Car rental includes CDW, insurance, 24-hour roadside assistance, unlimited mileage, all taxes.
Avout your accommodation
The Hidden Ireland tour includes accommodation at top-rated bed and breakfasts in Ireland. There is nothing as intimate, warm, quirky, and personal as a bed & breakfast. B&Bs dot the Irish countryside, and they differ in style and ambience. Each room is different than the next—there are no cookie-cutter rooms in a B & B. However if you prefer, you may upgrade any or all of your nights to hotel or luxury accommodation - let us know in the space provided on the Get Quote form. Below are some recommended upgrades for this tour. Special Places to Stay are just that. Select one for a truly memorable experience. As an added bonus the Special Places selected for our Hidden tour are all secluded hideaways. Get away from it all in style!
* Newport House is located 12km from Westport in the town of Newport. Wineport Lodge is 6km outside Athlone overlooking Lough Ree. ** Coxtown Manor won Georgina Campell's coveted Hideaway of the Year for 2008.
Add an Activity, Irish Experience or Excursion to your vacation!
Golf at Westport (Day 3) 4 hours
Situated on the shores of Clew Bay and set in 260 acres of parkland, Westport offers golfers a memorable challenge. The course commands a wonderful view of Clew Bay and is dominated by the Holy Mountain, Croagh Patrick. The course was designed by the noted golf architect Fred Hawtree, who also designed the St. Andrews New Course.
Slowly it dawns on the visitor that, although beside the sea, this is not a links course. It's almost pure parkland, on 250 mature acres, with a well-balanced combination of holes and a truly majestic backdrop of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay.
It's an accommodating course for the average player but provides a feisty challenge for the more accomplished golfer. In this course of two distinct halves, the opening nine is relatively straightforward but the long back nine calls for character. The best known hole on this course is the truly outstanding par 5 fifteenth which reaches 580 yards and demands a drive clear over an inlet of Clew Bay. Not for the faint hearted.
Westport Golf Club is recognised as a prestigious venue and has hosted both the Ladies Home Internationals in 1989 and the Irish Amateur Close Championship on three occasions, most recently in 1997. The attractive modern clubhouse boasts every amenity the discerning golfer requires, including a bright and spacious bar, overlooking the 19th green and full restaurant facilities offering everything from lunchtime snacks to an á la carte menu.
Golf at Donegal (Day 5) 4 hours
Donegal Golf Club (or Murvagh) is situated on the beautiful Murvagh Peninsula on Donegal Bay, just south of Donegal town. It is an outstanding links golf course. Designed by the legendary course architect, Eddie Hackett, it is one of the longest links in Ireland and Britain and always features in Golf World's Top 100 courses.
The course is screened from the outside world by a forest of evergreens with the BluestackMountains forming an imposing backdrop. Nick Faldo played here in preparation for his third victory in the Irish Open. Configured in two loops of nine holes, Donegal Golf Links is often described as the Muirfield of Ireland and the course can provide a fearsome challenge when the wind rises, as is reflected in its standard scratch of 75.
Described famously by an English golf journalist as 'hauntingly beautiful', it is everything you want it to be; tough, enjoyable, full of surprises and wonderfully inviting regardless of your skill level. There are great views of the BlueStackMountains and a wide variety of holes to enjoy during your round. Perhaps the finest of the lot is the short fifth, aptly called 'The Valley of Tears'.
Tour Prices
The prices listed below are per person based on 2 people traveling for 7 nights staying in bed and breakfasts. You can add or subtract days or upgrade your accommodations. Please complete the form below to receive a personal quote.
Simply complete the form below, and we will send you a personal tour quote within 24 hours. Don't want to wait that long? Call us now toll-free 1-888-771-8350 (US) or 0808-101-4366 (UK) and we will send you a personal price quote immediately!
Loading form. If the form does not appear, please click here.
We value your privacy!
Authentic Ireland Travel is committed to protecting your privacy. We do not sell, rent, trade, or otherwise share your personal information with any third party.
