Six Days Of Sheer Magic In The Deep West Of Ireland
Day 1 - The Lake
A
three-and-half hour ride to Lickeen lake where you will enjoy a leisurely picnic. This is
a 500 acre lake well stocked with rainbow trout. Meet and talk to local
fishermen, small farmers and their wives. You can visit the reputedly haunted
Gortown School House. Having enjoyed a pleasant day on horseback you will return
to the farm and approved accommodation, where you can refresh and prepare
yourself for an evening of fun and pleasure.
You will dine in one of the local restaurants which offer a choice of Irish and
international cuisine.
Later step jinto the Matchmaker's Shack, a delightful old pub with
a genuine 18th century character. Willie Daly, Ireland's only traditional
MATCHMAKER and his daughters (fourth generation matchmakers) will be your
hosts for an evening of music, song and dance. It's a magic and romantic night,
you are sure to enjoy, whether or not you are looking for love.
Day 2 - The Beach
This is a fantastic ride on the golden sands of Lahinch beach. Here you will
enjoy to your heart's content, the romantic Atlantic splendour, with its lapping
waves caressing your sensibilities. Liscannor bay is a feast of beauty to the
eyes and here you can observe local fishermen and their boats as they go about
their daily work. You can also take in a spot of golf watching if you are so
inclined.
You will return to the farm on the famous high road which boasts the best scenic
views of the local panoramic countryside. Then its back to
base; another superb meal at a famous seafood restaurant and prepare again for the night's fun
of singing and dancing.
Day 3 - The Cliffs
The Cliffs of Moher, where the rugged land meets the wild Atlantic Ocean, are
Ireland's premier tourist attraction. The famous cliffs are striking in
stature, rising approximately 700 ft vertically from the sea and the
breath-taking views will leave you with unforgettable memories!
The Cliffs of Moher ride is one of the highlights of the Love Trail. You will enjoy a six to
seven hour trail which will lead you to some of the country's most prestigious
relics of Ireland's rich past. Castles and monuments are plentiful in the Burren
area. One such place you will visit is sixteenth century Newtown which rises
from its pyramid defensive base to a splendid cylindrical tower house.
It is steeped in Brehon and Bardic history. You will visit Goat Island which is
at the bottom of the 213m high cliffs. Legend tells us that the landlords of
previous centuries had their tenant farmers take goat herds down the cliffs, to
graze on the island. The reward was free rent of land for that year, should the
poor farmer survive this dangerous feet.
You will visit St. Bridgid Well which is famous for its healing properties and
cures. The route home takes you through the magical Ballycotton bogs.
Day 4 - The Mountain
The Carraig Trail takes you high up in the mountains above lakes and
valleys. You will travel through interesting, winding and intricate bog roads.
You will be afforded some of the most beautiful sights you have ever seen. The
mountain air mingles with the flora, surrounding you with scents so beautiful
that your senses will tingle. The ride takes you on the Barahura mountains
overlooking the broad Atlantic.
From here you will continue on the rocky road to Doolin, where Gussie Connors'
famous music pub is located. There you can enjoy a pint of Guinness and listen
to young hopefuls playing local reels such as "The cow ate the blanket," or the
well known honeymoon tune, "Mary cut your toe nails or you will tear the
sheets." You might decide to spend the evening unaccompanied in Doolin (many
often do) - who knows how it might end up. As Willie Daly the matchmaker says,
"there are twenty nine and a half fellows to each girl in this area and in such
a romantic landscape with a matchmaker close by to help you, sure you might
never go back.
Day 5 - The Burren
You will enjoy a trek through the romantic lunar landscape of the Burren.
You will feast on the scenic beauty of limestone pavements, terraced hills and
closed valleys, wetlands, grasslands, woodland, scrubland and a multifaceted
coastline. You will see Burren orchids and mountain thyme in beautiful arrays of
colour among the sixty three different types of flora that inhabit this 325
million year old limestone expanse.
The trail over looks Galway Bay, The Twelve Pins of Connemara and the Aran
Islands. You will visit the 15th century Ballinalacken castle, former home of a
renowned high court judge who was nick named Peter The Picker. Apparently he
himself picked the jury to give the desired verdict. Relax and enjoy the views
of an old and beautifully restored castle.
Day 6 - Old Market Town of Ennistymon
The last day will be a day of relaxation. You will enjoy a leisurely stroll
around the old market town of Ennistymon, in the company of your now well
acquainted friends. By now some of you may be basking in the first throws of
romance and you will no doubt be busy exchanging phone numbers and planning
future rendezvous.
Whatever your predicaments are on this last day you will be
enchanted by the beauty of the town, its river and cascades and its craft and
souvenir shops. In the afternoon you will collectively choose a horse trek
of your choice from the lake or mountain trails. Then it's farewell to
the horses. But there's one last night to party before your departure. Who knows
what might happen here.
We've provided a special booking information
page that should help you consider what to do next. Why not take a look
now or, if you prefer, you can Contact us
straightaway by telephone, fax, letter or
e-mail to book or for more information!
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