The Rí Rá Annual Craic Tour of Ireland 2017
We want to take you on a journey, a journey to discover the real Ireland, the land of the Céad Míle Fáilte, a hundred thousand welcomes!
Experience the magical landscapes and rugged coastlines as we move through the West of Ireland, exploring hidden gems, small towns and villages along the way! Immerse yourself into our culture, meet the locals, drink some pints and have some fun.
Let us share with you our Ireland. We may be a small country but we have a big reputation, so be ready, the craic will be mighty, the banter will be flowing & the sessions will be legendary.
Your hosts for this magical mystery tour will be Rí Rá owners David Kelly and Ciaran Sheehan along with our Pub Ambassador, longest serving bartender and in-house Shanakee Cyril Kenny.
PRICE: $874.00 PER PERSON – LAND ONLY.
Trip cost includes: luxury coach transfers and five nights accommodation, including breakfast, admission fees to included attractions. Meals and entertainment costs are the responsibility of each traveler. Golf, bike hire etc. and other activities can be arranged, but may have an associated cost.
CONTACT: Call Evan at 207 221 0737 or email: evan@independentireland.com
Itinerary
Wednesday 20th September
Depart USA, Eastbound flights depart in the evening, arriving into Dublin early the next morning. Try and rest as day one will be a busy one!
Thursday 21st September
Departing Dublin Airport, we head straight into the heart of the Ancient East, through Co. Meath, passing Newgrange and the Hill of Tara. Our first stop is at Loughcrew Cairns, an extraordinary location with magical megalithic monuments older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids.
From there, we stop at Strokestown House and the Famine Museum, and learn about this difficult time in Irish history.
You’ll learn about the early settlers, the power struggles and the roots from which the Irish Story has grown. From there travelling on to Carrick On Shannon with lots of time to enjoy a few well-earned pints.
Not bad for a first day!
Accommodation: Landmark Hotel, Carrick On Shannon, Leitrim
Friday 22nd September
What better way to start the day than to get active around Lough Key, a beautiful part of the countryside and a region well worth exploring, on foot or by bike. Shortly after, we will pay a visit to Carrig Brewing Company to learn about the craft beer revival that has taken the country by storm. From there traveling North to Sligo, we will visit Mullagmore for a quick stop to fill our lungs with some Wild Atlantic air, before arriving into Donegal town to experience the vibrant pub scene come to life.
Accommodations: Abbey Hotel, Donegal
Saturday 23rd September
On Saturday, there are plenty options should you wish to break away. But the Slieve League Cliffs are something to experience, being twice the size of the Cliffs of Moher, they truly are unforgettable. We will have a little free time here to allow you to stretch your legs before we move onto Glencolmcille and the folk village, this gives a window into the world of rural Ireland. By now we’re sure you’ve built up a thirst, so it’s onto Ardara for a creamy pint in Nancy’s.
Words and images do not do this region justice. It’s a spectacular part of the country and you’ll quickly appreciate why National Geographic™ voted it Number One on its Cool Places list for 2017. We head back into Donegal for the evening to enjoy a bustling Saturday night.
Accommodation: Abbey Hotel, Donegal
Sunday 24th September
On Sunday morning we travel back down towards the West and make our way through some beautiful towns and villages, taking in the rolling hills and the stone walls that pepper the countryside, this vibrant multi-tone landscape promises to keep you wide-eyed.
The area around Westport has a lot to offer and you can choose from spending time in Westport, or exploring some of the highlights of this region including; the Doolough Pass, Leenane and Killary Harbour. We’d love to go into more detail, but some places must be kept a secret. All we know is by the end of the day, you’ll be looking into your pint wondering – Is this real life?
Accommodation: Castlecourt Hotel, Westport
Monday 25th September
Departing Westport, we travel East towards Dublin. Often under appreciated, this is not a part of the country to blaze by. A short way into our journey, we stop at one of the most fascinating sites in the country, the monastic site of Clonmacnoise.
Founded in 544 this dominating landmark at the banks of the Shannon tells a fascinating story of attack and invasion beginning in the times of the Vikings.
Before we arrive in the nation’s Capital, we will stop off at Tullamore Dew and be introduced to the wonder that is Irish Whiskey. From there, arriving into Dublin in the early evening with plenty of time to explore the city.
Accommodation: O’Callaghan Mont Clare Hotel, Dublin
Tuesday 26th September
Departure day, two shuttles will be provided for morning and afternoon departures.