Our own Katie Daly just experienced our ‘Best of the West’ at the end of 2009. Read all about her trip below!

One of the many advantages of working in Irish Tourism is that I get to travel home on a regular basis to sample first hand new itineraries, routes and products in Ireland. Last October I traveled with my husband Liam to the West of Ireland to tour our “Best of the West” Self Drive program. The West of Ireland is filled with wonderful atmospheric towns and villages, stunning countryside and long stretches of amazing coastline. We stayed two nights in Mayo, two in Galway and two in Killarney. We hired a car but of course this tour is also available with a driver and guide. After a busy few months in New York it was simply the perfect escape………

Day 1: Shannon to Westport
There is something quite magical about arriving into Shannon Airport. (I usually fly in and out of Dublin Airport, being from the midlands). As the plane prepared to land, you could almost touch the green grass at your feet!! We picked up our bags, picked up the rental car, bundled up and headed north to Westport. The drive to Galway is very straight and direct, it took about 1 hour and 15 minutes and the traffic at that hour of the morning was okay. Another hour and a half brought us to Westport where we checked into the Wyatt Hotel. The location of this quaint Irish hotel is excellent, right in the heart of Westport, a truly unique and charming Irish town and a captivating blend of traditional and modern. We slept for a few hours and then strolled down the street that evening in search of a nice restaurant for dinner. We dined in a great new restaurant called “An Port Mor” and the food was second to none. After dinner we walked across the street to Matt Malloys pub and the trad session was in full swing. We came back to the Wyatt to get an early night only to discover another trad session at the Cobbler’s bar in the Wyatt. It was great to meet and chat with the locals……

 Westport Town

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Cnoc Suain in Connemara was recently the highly prestigious and highly coveted 2009 Guardian/Observer world travel award.

A place quite unlike any other, where Irish traditions are alive and kicking”.  This is how the Guardian Newspaper described Cnoc Suain, which was judged third in the world in the “Ethical Travel Award” section; Bulungula Lodge in South Africa, runner up, and Sandela Eco Retreat in Gambia, being awarded first place.

Cnoc Suain, a creative sanctuary in Connemara, has won both national and international   awards. It is a celebration of a unique place, its people and its heritage, and is flagging the future direction and potential of ethical and sustainable cultural tourism in Ireland. …
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Cork City has been named among the Top 10 Cities in the World to visit in 2010. As featured in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2010′ Travel Guide, it states, “Cork is at the top of its game right now: sophisticated, vibrant and diverse, while still retaining its friendliness, relaxed charm and quick-fire wit.” …
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Spectacular After Summer Savings

This Fall, discover the best that Ireland has to offer at savings of 30%! For $1299.00 per person, explore the enchanting Emerald Isle on this 8 Day/7 Night 5* Self Drive package.

For more details, click here: 5* Deluxe Ireland Self-Drive Package

July 2009 monthly Offer

Every month, enjoy a special limited time offer to get the best deal to Ireland!

Enjoy a 3 night stay at the 4* Burlington Hotel in the heart of Dublin City.

Offer includes:

• 3 Nights Accommodation at the 4* Burlington Hotel, Dublin City
• Full Irish Breakfast Daily
• Complimentary Airport Transfers (to & from Dublin Airport)
• All Taxes

From $199.00 USD per person sharing

A place that has inspired a thousand stories, the luxury Burlington Hotel has held a special place in the heart of Dublin since 1972. This 4 star Hotel …
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