Country Travel Discoveries

Country Travel Discoveries 2021-2022

Country Travel Discoveries 2022

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the tour of the home, stroll through the magnificent gardens. Then, stop at the Salmon Smokery in Kenmare, where you will learn the traditional fish smoking method and enjoy a tasting. Following lunch, you'll be mesmerized by breathtaking scenery along the famous Ring of Kerry, including Ladies View, Molls Gap, and the magnificent Kerry Mountains. Conclude the day at Kate Kearney's Cottage for a folkloric evening of food, song, and dance. B, D DAY 5–BURREN NATIONAL PARK/CLIFFS OF MOHER/RATHBAUN FARM This morning, explore Burren National Park, which features magnificent rocky scenery and amazing flora and fauna in its diverse ecosystem. Of Ireland's 900 native plant species, the Burren is home to 70% of them. The highlight of our day is a stop at the majestic Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most spectacular sights! Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren region, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Standing 750 feet above the ocean at their highest point and 5 miles long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. The cliffs reach their highest point just north of O' Brien's Tower built by Cornelius O' Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, to entertain his lady friends. The sweeping view across the Atlantic has recently been ranked the best 'cliff-view' on the planet by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Next, visit Rathbaun Farm, situated in a rural area of Southwest County Galway near Ardrahan. The Burke and Connolly family have been farming the 80 acres of land for more than 200 years and Fintan Connolly continues this tradition today. The main livestock are sheep along with some cows and horses. Visitors to Rathbaun Farm will become enchanted by its thatched cottage home, turf fire, stone walls, and an array of animals. The land is limestone, free-draining soil currently in permanent pasture and in organic conversion. Time spent here gives a glimpse into the daily workings of a sheep-farm with plenty of time to see the animals, feed the lambs in season, talk to the family and explore the farmyard. Tonight, call Galway "home." B, D DAY 6–KYLEMORE ABBEY/QUIET MAN MUSEUM In the morning, visit Kylemore Abbey, a monastery of Irish Benedictine nuns, founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. It is famous for its miniature cathedral and Victorian walled gardens. Visit the village of Cong, where the Quiet Man Museum is located. Enjoy a walking tour, seeing the film locations, including an exact replica of the White O'Morn cottage from the movie. Painstaking effort has ensured that all the furnishings, artifacts and costumes are authentic reproductions. The four poster bed, the tables and chairs which Mary Kate cherished, the thatched roof, emerald green half door and white washed front combine to charm all those who visit it. This afternoon, continue north to Sligo through gorgeous pastoral Irish scenery including rolling hills, crystal-clear streams, and lake-lapped valleys. B, D DAY 7–ATLANTIC SHEEPDOG FARM/BELEEK POTTERY FACTORY This morning, visit the Atlantic Sheepdog Farm overlooking Streedagh Beach and the Benbulben Mountains. Experience life on an Irish sheep farm and watch a sheep-herding demonstration. Travel to the Beleek Pottery Factory to discover how world-renowned Parian China is molded, fired, and decorated by artists. You might take home a souvenir from the excellent retail shop. Then, it's time for a pub lunch before heading to Belfast, Northern Ireland later this afternoon. B, L Tourism Ireland/Chris Hill Tourism Ireland/Andrew Bradley Tourism Ireland/Brian Morrison Tourism Ireland/David Norton View Master Engravers in action at Waterford Crystal Take in the spectacular scenery at the Cliffs of Moher Kiss the Blarney Stone for luck at Blarney Castle Giant's Causeway 26 AUTHENTIC TRAVEL EXPERIENCES | www.CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/IRC

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