LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Into the West
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ONE WEEK / MAYO TO WEST CORK
A coastal loop to be savoured, giving you a real feel for Ireland’s savage and spectacular coastline, as well as the heart of its long history. Four days will see you complete the full circle but little else; best done in a couple of weeks or more.
Begin at the excavated Céide Fields in Mayo. Wind your way round the coast, stopping at some of Ireland’s wildest beaches, to the pretty village of Pollatomish. Head to the heritage town of Westport, with its pubs and restaurants, before heading past Croagh Patrick and through Leenane– situated on Ireland’s only fjord – then down to Connemara National Park. Take the beautiful coastal route, passing Kylemore Abbey and Clifden’s scenic Sky Road through pretty Roundstone, or the stunning wilderness of the inland route, passing the Twelve Bens through Maam Cross to Galway.
Relax in Galway before moving to the fishing villages of Kinvara and Ballyvaughan in the heart of the unique Burren and visiting the ancient Aillwee Caves. Enjoy a medieval banquet at Bunratty Folk Park before visiting Limerick’s Hunt Museum. Explore the Dingle Peninsula before following the Ring of Kerry, ending with a trek in Killarney National Park. Continue down the Beara Peninsula to the Italianate Garinish Island, with its rare and exotic flowers. Follow the coast to Cork through Castletownsend and the fishing village of Union Hall.
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