Leave Dublin's Paddy Palace at 08:00 and head straight through the spiritual beauty of the bogs of Allen in our midlands. We will make a short comfort stop on route to Cong

Tucked on the Galway-Mayo border, Cong is a picture-postcard village that feels like stepping into a storybook. Rolling into town, you're greeted by the stunning contrast of lush green woods against ancient grey stone. The village is famously the backdrop for The Quiet Man, and you can still spot the iconic thatched cottages and emerald storefronts. Nearby lie the atmospheric ruins of the 12th-century Cong Abbey, its history etched into carved stone archways. Surrounded by rushing rivers, Cong sits beside the magnificent Ashford Castle estate. Don't miss the unique Monk's Fishing House, perched right over the water—it's pure Irish charm.

The Deserted Valley We head back to Galway via the Maam Valley, an area of scenic and unsurpassed beauty with the lakes of Connemara which unfold in among the twelve Bens mountains. We then travel back along the coast and Galway Bay through Spiddal, and enjoy magnificent views of the Atlantic Coastline to Galway and Aran Islands. This beautiful scenic drive through Connemara National Park should take approximately 2 hours. We will have many opportunities to stop, take pictures, and breath in the fresh Connemara air!

We arrive in Galway City, known as the city of tribes and once home to Christopher Columbus. The city is Ireland's traditional capital and home to some of our finest traditional musicians. Our 2 hour stop allows you to explore the city at your leisure. Explore highlights like the Spanish Arch, St. Nicholas Cathedral, the colourful Shop Street or maybe even sample some world famous Galway Bay oysters. This is where you will spend the night. We'll see you again tomorrow morning for the second half of your western adventure!