The Wild Atlantic Way new tour
Saturday 25 April 2026 to Friday 01 May 2026
£1,150pp Single supplement £238
- Destination
- Itinerary
- Full inclusions
- Hotel
- Booking request
Why tour the Wild Atlantic Way? This famous route is one of the longest coastal drives in the world at a staggering 1600 miles. This tour covers the mid-section of the Wild Atlantic Way from Achill Island round to Kylemore Abbey, covering the beautiful counties of Mayo and Galway. Coastlines feel like the edge of the world, mountains look like dramatic paintings, lakes reflect like mirrors and traditional cultures live on with an effortless charm.
Why visit with Shaws? In 2024 99% of our holiday customers said they would book again and 99% also said they would recommend us to a friend. In 2025 passengers rated our holidays 4.7/5 for value for money and we've earned the same 4.7/5 star rating on Google reviews. Shaws Coaches has a strong reputation for a dependable service, with a proven track record for punctuality and professionalism. Our friendly booking team and highly-rated tour drivers are ready to welcome you.
What do our customers say? "I really enjoyed this holiday, travelling alone I felt most welcome" • "Another great holiday well looked after by our driver" • "We both enjoyed all outings, well planned and very interesting"
Holiday Insurance. We always recommend taking out adequate holiday insurance, that's why we’ve partnered with David Oliver Associates who offer cover specifically designed for your coach holiday. Find out more and get your free quote. For this tour, holiday insurance is compulsory, you can use your own provider, or our recommended provider, but please inform us of your policy number before departure.
Tour code: C3508
Saturday
Leave Holyhead behind and cross the Irish Sea on the early afternoon ferry. Dock in Dublin and head to the Aspect Hotel for dinner and a restful nights' sleep.
Sunday
Journey across the 'Emerald Isle', pausing in Strokestown for free time over lunch. Perhaps visit The National Famine Museum (entry approx. €15) or simply find a cosy local cafe along the wide main street. Continue to Westport and check in at your home for the next four nights - Westport Woods Hotel & Spa, with a refreshing tea/coffee on arrival.
Monday
Time for some rest and relaxation in Westport. Make the most of the hotel’s calming leisure facilities or explore this vibrant waterside town. The hotel is a 10 minute walk from the harbour with lovely little shops and cafés along Harbour View. Within a 25 minute walk you’ll find The Point (great for wild swimming), a mix of independents and High Street shops in the town centre and one of Ireland’s National Treasures – Westport House.
Tuesday
Spend the morning at peace, at Kylemore Abbey, home to Benedictine nuns since 1920 who have carefully restored the abbey, neo-gothic church and Victorian walled garden. A special visitor experience (which opened in 2019) tells the story of this beautiful Victorian castle which sits, tranquilly, on the lough edge – picture guests drinking in The Gallery Saloon and ladies sewing in The Morning Room. From here, continue to Glen Keen Farm, pausing at the Sheep & Wool Centre in Leenaun en route. Glen Keen is one of Ireland’s largest sheep farms with a rich six generation history of traditions. Your guided walk includes a live sheep herding demonstration, traditional Irish music and home baked scones with tea/coffee.
Wednesday
Take the foot ferry from Roonagh Pier to Clare Island this morning, where you’ll be greeted by a friendly guide ready to share their local knowledge of this mountainous outcrop, famous for being the ancestral home of the legendary Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley. You may be lucky enough to spot Bottlenose Dolphins or Peregrine Falcons as you sail! Following an Island Heritage Talk there’s a five minute walk to the large stone remains of Granuaile’s Castle, with a commanding view of Clew Bay. From here, continue along the harbour and beautiful beach (approx. 10 minute walk) to Sailors Bar for a soup and sandwich lunch. Return to the pier and take the ferry to Achill Island where the coach will be waiting for you. We’ll pause, briefly, in Newport en route back to the hotel.
Thursday
Time to make our way back to the east coast, but not before pausing in Athlone over lunch. This charming town really is the beating heart of Ireland, lose yourself in modern art at the Luan Gallery (free entry with mesmerising river views) or shop along the charming streets packed with independents and stylish stores. Please note that Athlone Castle is currently closed for restoration. Continue to the Aspect Hotel Park West for an overnight stay but we couldn’t get this close to the capital without popping in. So, finish the day with a short hop over to Dublin and savor the unique atmosphere that this incredible city oozes.
Friday
An early departure on the 08:15 ferry from Dublin to Holyhead gets us home in good time, breakfast today will be taken on the ferry. 'Beannacht' - blessings and farewell to this unique island.
- 6 night stay with breakfast (2 overnights at Aspect Hotel Park West and 4 nights at Westport Woods)
- 3 course dinner with tea/coffee each night (min 3 choices)
- Entry to Kylemore Abbey
- Guided experience at Glen Keen Farm
- Fully guided tour of Clare Island with lunch
- Free time in Strokestown, Westport, Newport, Athlone & Dublin
- Welcome tea/coffee at Westport Woods Hotel
- One night of hotel entertainment
- Return crossing with Irish Ferries from Holyhead to Dubin
- Full breakfast with tea/coffee on the return ferry
- Porterage at Westport (not included at Aspect Hotel, small overnight bag recommended)
- All travel including home collection*
- International Passenger Protection
- Reserved coach seat
- 18kg suitcase pp
- Executive touring coach featuring a refreshment station, reclining seats, reading lights, curtains, foot and arm rests, toilet, safety belts, air suspension and individual air-flow control
- An experienced, friendly, highly-rated and professional tour driver
- Friendly booking team on hand to answer any questions you might have in the run up to your holiday
- HALF PRICE DEPOSITS! Just £25pp when you book by 28 Feb 2026 (balance due 8 weeks prior to departure)
- LOYALTY DISCOUNT! Book 3 holidays (in any calendar year) and save £15pp, book 4+ and save £20pp, just let us know in special requests that you'd like to redeem your discount
- SAVE £10pp by meeting the coach at Maxey, Stamford Bus Station or Peterborough Extra Services
- *Providing you live in Bourne, Stamford, Peterborough, Uppingham, The Deepings, Spalding, Whittlesey, Oakham and most of the villages between them and Maxey (we're happy to collect from outside of our free pick-up area with a small additional charge)
- We’re pleased to offer home collection from the Welwyn area following our successful partnership with Reg’s Coaches. Departures from Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City, Codicote, Woolmer Green, Knebworth, Hatfield, Stevenage and many of the nearby villages incur a small supplement of £30pp. We’re happy to pick up outside these areas, please enquire
Westport Woods Hotel & Spa 
- Nestled within ancient woodland, just outside the vibrant town of Westport in County Mayo
- Ensuite rooms with TV, hairdryer, ironing equipment, phone, safe & complimentary toiletries & tea/coffee tray
- Restaurant, bar, lounge and heated/covered terrace
- Pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gym
- Free WiFi
- Single rooms are double/twin for sole
- Lift to all floors
ACCESS: Ground floor bedrooms and walk-in showers on request, the hotel is split across multiple buildings but there is step free access throughout
Overnight stays will be at the Aspect Hotel Park West, Dublin. This is a fresh and contemporary hotel, just four miles west of Dublin centre. Ensuite rooms feature TV, hairdryer, ironing equipment, safe, free WiFi, phone & complimentary tea/coffee tray. There is a restaurant and bar. There is a lift to all floors, all rooms have walk-in showers with a small step into them