COACH TOURS 2021 WITH HHIRWAUNIRWAUN TTRAVELRAVEL Simply the Best Value Guided Tours of Ireland Welcome To All - Please Read

I would like to thank, most sincerely, all our customers who booked with Hirwaun Travel during 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic all of our tours to the Emerald Isle were cancelled and I thank you for your patience and understanding during this dreadful time. Our 2021 brochure to Ireland contains virtually the same tours as 2020 with the exception of Belfast which has been turned from 5 days to 7 days with overnight stops in Waterford. I have received goodwill messages from the management and staff at Treacys Hotel Waterford. Marion Long, the customer relations officer in particular, sends her best wishes to all her friends and can’t wait to see all her friends from Wales soon. I have decided to revert to my old system of keeping your money safe by placing all deposits and payments into our client trust fund account with Lloyds Bank Aberdare. Our transport next year will again be provided by WATKINS COACHES of Glynneath and our regular driver Nathan, cannot wait to be touring with us once more. If this will be your first tour to Ireland with Hirwaun Travel I can assure you of a warm welcome aboard our excellent coach and you will receive a Cead Mille Faillte (Hundred thousand welcomes) from all the staff in the excellent hotels we provide. All our chosen hotels are Irish Tourist Board approved and have at least 3 star rating. All hotels provide a lift to each floor and all bedrooms are en suite. Some have leisure facilities including a swimming pool. We will continue to use Irish Ferries to sail across the Irish sea from Pembroke Dock to Rosslare. Our pick up points are limited to ensure we do not use feeder coaches, however if you are not on our pick up route please contact our office and we will do our best to help. The difference between travelling to Ireland with Hirwaun Travel and that of our competitors are i) you are accompanied by a competent tour guide throughout the journey. ii) Due to travelling for over 34 years we are able to negotiate excellent prices with our hotel partners and iii) Our faithful customers are increasing year in , year out and you are assured of a warm welcome aboard. Don’t forget “There are no strangers on our tours just friends you are about to meet”. Finally we are hoping to organise a few tours in the UK for 2021 so please keep in touch and STAY SAFE.

HOLIDAY INSURANCE. As we do not hold the necessary authorisation, we are unable to offer or advise on travel insurance matters. However we can supply a leaflet from our preferred insurance brokers which will give you information on how to purchase travel insurance from them. We do advise that you take out adequate insurance cover

Payment for our tours can be made in cash at our office or by cheque through the post. We DO NOT accept cards, however you can pay by internet banking or into your own bank account and transfer it into ours at Lloyds Bank Aberdare. Sort code 30 90 01 Account number 01411649. Slainte (Good Health) HIRWAUN TRAVEL Michael Williams Specialists in Proprietor Guided Tours of Ireland

39 High Street, Hirwaun, Glamorgan, CF44 9SW Cover picture: Tel / Fax: 01685 811261 Mob: 07483 120426 on E-mail: [email protected] see pages 18/19 2021 Holidays at a glance

Destination Days Price S.R.S. March £ £ 16 Waterford (St Patrick's Day) 4 225 55 April 26 Waterford including Dublin 5 285 72

May 09 Belfast 7 485 120 30 7 460 130 June 13 Westport (Friends Tour) 7 455 145 27 Belfast 7 495 120

July 12 Waterford (Including Dublin) 5 299 72 18 (Ring of Kerry & Dingle) 7 499 145 August 08 Donegal 7 470 115 September 05 (Ring of Kerry & Dingle) 7 510 165 12 Peninsula North Donegal 7 450 150 26 Bantry West Cork 7 470 130 October 08 Waterford Weekend 4 225 55 December 30 Waterford (New Year) 5 315 75

3 7 Days BANTRY AND THE BEARA PENINSULA, from £460 WEST CORK

The most southerly of Ireland's west coast Peninsulas is the Beara. Not as well-known as it's famous next door neighbour 'The Ring of Kerry', but just as beautiful and spectacular.

Maureen O'Hara, the famous Hollywood actress lived in the small village of on until her death. The village is one of the many places we visit on this tour. Beara Peninsula possibly Ireland’ best kept secret?

OUR PRICE INCLUDES

Executive coach travel Return ferry Pembroke - Rosslare 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in Waterford 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in Bantry

Services of a tour guide Glengarriff Cottage throughout the holiday Former home of Lord Bantry Entertainment most nights Excursions as described in itinerary Entrance fees not included unless otherwise stated

Departure Dates: 30th May 7 Days £460 26th September 7 Days £470 Lauragh Single Room Supplement £130

4 The wonderful Westlodge Hotel is situated about half a WESTLODGE HOTEL mile outside Bantry Town and overlooking Bantry Bay. www.westlodgehotel.ie It is set in 23 acres of landscaped gardens with nature BANTRY, WEST CORK trails along with a pond which is home to the hotel's mighty ducks and wildlife species. The hotel provides live musical entertainment each night and there is a spacious lounge / seating area near the reception. The excellent restaurant is conveniently situated with panoramic views over Bantry Bay, whilst serving top class local produce. The hotel boasts 100 comfortable bedrooms. All rooms are en suite and are equipped with both bath and shower. Comfortable beds, hair dryer, multi channel tv. Tea / Coffee making facilities and direct dial telephones. The hotel has a leisure centre and a lift to all floors

ITINERARY

Day 1. We travel to Pembroke for the afternoon sailing to Rosslare, continuing to our overnight half board accommodation in Treacy's Hotel & leisure centre Waterford City. Day 2. After breakfast we travel to Bantry via Cobh with time to enjoy the last port of call for the Titanic continuing to the Westlodge Hotel in Bantry for 4 nights dinner, bed and breakfast. Day 3. Today's tour takes us around the Beara peninsula visiting the picturesque village of Glengarriff and the fishing port of From here we continue along the Wild . We will have a lunch stop in Atlantic Way to Baltimore, a lovely fishing the Village Inn Ardmore before climbing the port in South West Cork. magnificent Healy Pass in the afternoon with Day 6. We return to Waterford via the spectacular scenes of the Estuary Gougan Barra Forest Park. Probably the and Bantry Bay. most peaceful scenic spot in Ireland. We Day 4. Today we offer an optional tour to arrive in Waterford with time for you to Killarney surrounded by the highest enjoy the vibrant city of the Vikings before mountains in Ireland and the beautiful dinner, bed and breakfast at Treacy's Killarney Lakes nearby. Hotel. Day 5. We visit Mizen Head, the furthest Day 7. After an early breakfast we point in South West Ireland and the last land continue to Rosslare embarking on the the emigrants sailing to America would set morning sailing to Pembroke and complete their eyes on. the journey home.

5 7 Days THE FANTASTIC SCENERY OF DONEGAL from £470 Wild, rugged, dramatic and beautiful. County Donegal has always been a place apart - a well kept secret! A stronghold of Celtic civilisation, it's relative inaccessibility left it untouched by the Viking and Anglo Norman invasions.

Separated from the rest of by Partition in 1922, it's only connection with the rest of the republic is a narrow strip of land.

Surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean, County Donegal's coast is indented with inlets, loughs, headlands, peninsulas and beaches that are legendary. Donegal Town

OUR PRICE INCLUDES

Executive coach travel Return ferry Pembroke - Rosslare 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in Waterford 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast

Fanad Lighthouse, Donegal in Donegal Services of a tour guide throughout the holiday Entertainment each night Excursions as described in itinerary Entrance fees not included unless otherwise stated Leisure centre and swimming pools available at both hotels Departure Date: 8th August 7 Days £470 Donegal Wild Atlantic Way Marathon Single Room Supplement £115

6 ABBEY HOTEL www.abbeyhotel.ie DONEGAL TOWN Located on the Diamond in the centre of Donegal Town. All bedrooms are en suite with tea / coffee making facilities, direct dial telephones, flat screen T.V.'s and ironing facilities. The large restaurant provides silver service dinners featuring local produce. A very large bar provides live music each night. There are two lifts Portsalon, Co. Donegal covering all floors. ITINERARY Day 1. We travel to Pembroke for the afternoon sailing to Rosslare, continuing to our overnight half board accommodation in Treacy's Hotel & leisure centre Waterford City. Day 2. We travel to Donegal via the outskirts of Dublin, making suitable comfort stops on our journey northwards. Day 3. Today we embark on a full day tour of Donegal's exciting North Atlantic coast, one of the most scenic day tours in Ireland. Day 4. A free day to explore the town of Donegal with an optional boat trip in the afternoon, on the river Eske to visit a native seal colony. During your delightful Day 6. We leave Donegal Town for the return cruise, your crew will give a lively journey for Waterford via Sligo, Carrick on commentary on sights of special interest, Shannon and Mullingar to name just a few interspersed with humorous anecdotes. places en route. Day 5. An optional tour along Donegal Bay to Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port Day 7. After an early breakfast we continue to plus a visit to Ardara, home of the Donegal Rosslare, embarking on the morning sailing to tweed industry. Pembroke and complete the journey home.

7 *NEW TOUR* 7 Days from NORTHERN IRELAND £485 INCLUDING ADMISSION TO THE TITANIC MUSEUM & GIANTS CAUSEWAY

Mountains of Mourne

The Thanksgiving Statue, Belfast

OUR PRICE INCLUDES

Executive coach travel Return ferry Pembroke - Rosslare 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in Carrickfergus (8 miles from Belfast) Services of a tour guide throughout the holiday Entry to The Titanic Museum Entry to Giants Causeway

Departure Dates: 9th May 7 Days £485 22nd June 7 Days £495 Titanic Museum Single Room Supplement £120

8 The LOUGHSHORE HOTEL boasts 68 large en LOUGHSHORE HOTEL suite bedrooms, spread over 4 floors with lift www.loughshorehotel.com access to all floors, comfortable bar / lounge with CARRICKFERGUS views out over the Irish sea and around the coast to Belfast. All bedrooms offer tea / coffee making facilities, television and everything you would expect from a 3 star hotel.

Downpatrick Cathedral Loughshore Hotel ITINERARY Day 1. Pick up at your chosen point and travel to Pembroke Dock for the Irish ferries sailing to Rosslare. After disembarkation we travel to Waterford arriving approx. 8-00pm Day 2 North from Waterford via Dublin to Carrickfergus, near Belfast. Day 3 A Guided tour of Belfast with a local guide (cost £5) followed by the afternoon at the Titanic Museum (Entry included) Day 4 Free time to explore Belfast or join our optional excursion to the site of St. Patrick's grave at Downpatrick Cathedral plus a visit to the coastal town of Newcastle at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne. Day 5 An exciting drive along the Antrim coast road to the Giants Causeway with stunning views.

Day 6 Depart Belfast for return journey to Waterford. Day 7 After an early breakfast we continue to Rosslare for the morning sailing to Pembroke and complete the journey home.

9 *NEW TOUR* 7 Days THE FANTASTIC SCENERY OF THE from £450 INISHOWEN PENINSULA CO. DONEGAL The Inishowen Peninsula is the start of the magnificent WILD ATLANTIC WAY in County Donegal. This is a little known part of Ireland with absolutely stunning scenery. I witnessed the scenery for myself when I visited in September and I was completely blown away. I have chosen the Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana which offers guests stunning views of lough Swilly leading out to the Atlantic ocean, with majestic mountains sitting imposingly in the background. Enjoy a cool pint of Guinness watching the world go by in the lough view bar. The friendly Donegal service makes everyone feel at ease and nothing is too much trouble. All bedrooms have bath / shower, multi channel TV, internet, hair dryer. Complimentary use of the leisure centre and lift access to all floors.

Rathmullan

OUR PRICE INCLUDES

Executive coach travel Return ferry Pembroke to Rosslare 2 over night stops in Waterford 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast Departure Dates: in Buncrana, County Donegal 12th September 7 Days £450 Services of a tour guide throughout the holiday Single Room Supplement £150

10 INISHOWEN GATEWAY HOTEL www.inishowengateway.com BUNCRANA

Buncrana with the ferry crossing to Ramelton ITINERARY Day 4. We cross to the peninsula for an optional scenic drive to Port Salon Day 1. Travel to Pembroke for the Bay and the magnificent 7 mile Atlantic afternoon sailing to Rosslare then on to an drive. overnight stop in Waterford. Day 5. A visit to Malin Head, the most Day 2. Continue around Dublin and travel northerly point in Ireland followed by North to our hotel in Buncrana, County free time in Cardonna. Donegal with comfort stops en route. Day 6. We leave County Donegal and Day 3 Our first tour takes in the fantastic return to Waterford for our overnight drive over the Mamore gap and along the stay. stunning coastal scenery to the Doagh famine village. Day 7. Home on the morning ferry from Rosslare to Pembroke, arriving in the valleys in the afternoon

Inishowen Gateway Hotel Five Fingers Strand from Oagh Island, Inishowen

11 7 Days KILLARNEY, THE RING OF KERRY from £510 AND THE Killarney is the jewel in Ireland's crown called 'Heaven's Reflex' and 'beauty's home' by eminent poets.

The highest mountains in Ireland to the south west plus three lakes practically surrounding the town.

The town is a tourist attraction in itself with plenty of shops open late and lots of pubs with musical entertainment.

Killarney has been welcoming visitors since 1775, with Queen Victoria visiting in 1861.

Ross Castle at night

OUR PRICE INCLUDES

Executive coach travel Return ferry Pembroke Dock - Rosslare 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in Waterford

Gap of Dunloe 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in Killarney Services of a tour guide throughout the holiday Entertainment every night Excursions as described in itinerary Entrance fees not included unless otherwise stated Departure Date: 5th September 7 Days £510 Ring of Kerry Single Room Supplement £165

12 BRANDON HOTEL, TRELEE EVISTON HOUSE HOTEL www.evistonhouse.com KILLARNEY

Eviston House is a 3 star family owned hotel situated in New Street in the heart of Killarney Town. All bedrooms are equipped with en-suite facilities, complimentary tea and coffee, telephone, satellite TV and radio, hair dryer and FREE Wi Fi throughout the hotel. The restaurant serves local produce whenever possible and the hotel bar, known as Danny Manns, is famous in town for its nightly entertainment. A lift serves all bedrooms.

ITINERARY Day 4. A day of leisure in Killarney Town. Enjoy an optional cruise on Killarney's largest Day 1. We travel to Pembroke for the lake, or follow in Queen Victoria's footsteps afternoon sailing to Rosslare, continuing with a jaunting car ride through the national to our overnight half board park. accommodation in Treacy's Hotel & leisure centre Waterford City. Day 5. Another fascinating tour of THE DINGLE PENINSULA, see the ancient beehive Day 2. We travel to Killarney via huts and the not so ancient schoolhouse Blarney, where we take our lunch stop. from the film Ryan's Daughter. We travel the Blarney is famous for its stone which can winding road around Slea Head, the most be found at the top of Blarney Castle. westerly point in Europe. We return to Dingle Blarney Woolen Mills, where we stop for Town for some free time for lunch and to lunch, is now a huge department store explore. Then we head over the mountain to selling practically everything made in Tralee Bay and continue back to Killarney. Ireland. After our lunch stop we continue to Killarney arriving mid afternoon. Day 6. Unfortunately we leave 'Beauty's Home' this morning after breakfast and Day 3. A full day guided tour of the return via County Tipperary to Waterford scenic RING OF KERRY, with coastline and City. We will arrive early afternoon to allow mountain scenery at it's best. Passing you free time to explore the Viking City. through , Caherciveen, Waterville and before climbing Day 7. After an early breakfast we continue back through the mountains to Molls to Rosslare for the morning sailing to Gap. Pembroke and complete the journey home.

13 7 Days TRALEE, THE RING OF KERRY from £499 AND THE DINGLE PENINSULA Tralee is the county town of , most famous for its annual Rose of Tralee festival when young ladies from all over the world with an Irish connection arrive in town with the hope of being crowned the ROSE.

It is a busy town with lots of small shops in the centre and larger stores on the outskirts. There is music and dance performed in the Siamsa Tire theatre close to our hotel.

The town also boasts an excellent greyhound racing stadium which is a great night out with a difference.

The town is connected to the Atlantic via a well maintained canal. The Ashe memorial hall found near the rose gardens is home to the Kerry national museum.

OUR PRICE INCLUDES

Executive coach travel Return ferry Pembroke Dock - Rosslare 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in Waterford 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in Tralee Services of a tour guide Kilorglin, home of Puck Fair Festival throughout the holiday Entertainment most nights Excursions as described in itinerary Entrance fees not included unless otherwise stated

Departure Date:

18th July 7 Days £499

Siamsa Tire Theatre Single Room Supplement £145

14 BRANDON HOTEL The Brandon House Hotel and leisure www.brandonhotel.com centre offers high quality TRALEE accommodation, excellent facilities and a central location in Tralee town centre.

All bedrooms are en suite and also offer flat screen TV, tea / coffee making facilities, hair-dryer and free WI FI. There are lifts covering all floors.

ITINERARY Day 1. We travel to Pembroke for the afternoon sailing to Rosslare, continuing to our overnight half board accommodation in Treacy's hotel and leisure centre, Waterford City. Day 2. We travel to Tralee via Blarney where we take our lunch stop. Blarney is famous for its stone which can be found at the top of Blarney Castle. A beehive hut on the Dingle Peninsula Blarney Woolen mills is now a huge Day 5. Another fascinating tour of the DINGLE department store selling all Irish PENINSULA, see the ancient beehive huts and goods. We continue from here to the schoolhouse from the film Ryan's Daughter. Tralee for 4 nights at the Brandon We travel the winding road around Slea Head the hotel. most Westerly point in Europe. We return to Day 3. A full day guided tour of the Dingle town with free time to have lunch and scenic Ring of Kerry with coastline and explore this lively fishing port. We continue over mountain scenery at its best. Passing the mountains to Tralee through Killorglin, Caherciveen, Day 6. We leave behind the beauty of County Waterville and Sneem before climbing Kerry and return to Waterford via County over the mountains to Killarney. Tipperary. We will arrive early afternoon to allow Day 4 An optional day to visit Killarney you free time to explore the city of the vikings. Town with a ride on Killarneys famous Day 7. After an early breakfast we continue to jaunting cars plus an hour cruising on Rosslare and the morning sailing to Pembroke Lough Leane, Killarney's largest lake. then complete the journey home.

15 4 / 5 Days WATERFORD CITY FOUNDED BY THE VIKINGS from £225 5 DAY TOURS INCLUDE A VISIT TO DUBLIN

Take a 4 or 5 day break with us to the Viking City of Waterford, there are no Vikings to be seen any more, except the ones that pop in for the Saint Patrick's Day Parade. Plenty of Viking heritage can be found in the Waterford museums, plus of course Waterford is famous the world over for it's crystal. Although the factory is now closed, you can visit the Waterford Crystal Heritage Centre in the city. There are plenty of large shops to explore and lots of nightlife. The Timbertoes Bar in our hotel is the place for the 'craic'.

Reginald’s Tower

OUR PRICE INCLUDES

Executive coach travel Return ferry Pembroke - Rosslare 3 or 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in Treacy's Hotel & Leisure Centre Services of a tour guide throughout the holiday Kilkenny High Street Live entertainment each night in the bar Excursions as described in itinerary Entrance fees not included unless otherwise stated Leisure centre free Departure Dates: Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin 16th March (St Patrick's) 4 Days £225 8th October 4 Days £225 26th April 5 Days £285 30th December 5 Days £315 12th July 5 Days £299 Single Room Supplements 4 days £55 5 days £72

16 TREACY'S HOTEL & LEISURE CENTRE Our hotel for this tour is also used on all our www.treacyshotelwaterford.com overnight stops on other tours. It is now the WATERFORD largest hotel in Waterford City with 165 en suite bedrooms. All bedrooms have plasma screen TV, tea/coffe making facilities, direct dial telephones, in room safe and ironing facilities. There is lift access to all floors and free Wi-fi. Live musical entertainment every night in the Timbertoes Bar. Waterford Quay

ITINERARY Viking Sword, Waterford Day 1. We travel to Pembroke for the afternoon sailing to Rosslare, continuing to our hotel overlooking the river Suir. Treacy's Day 4. An optional tour along the Hotel will be our home for 3, or 4 night's Waterford coastline today, visiting dinner, bed and breakfast. Dunmore East, Tramore and down the 'Copper Coast' to Dungarvan. After a break Day 2. This morning we visit Kilkenny with in this popular town, we continue after plenty of shops to explore, or maybe visit lunch through the Comeragh Mountains Kilkenny Castle or one of the many museums. into County Tipperary.

This tour is not available on St. Patrick's Day Day 5. After an early breakfast we Tour due to the parade held in Waterford. continue to Rosslare for the morning sailing For Four day tours omit day 3. to Pembroke and complete the journey home. Day 3. An included journey to Dublin with up to 4 hours free time in the Capital City. New Year’s Eve tour does not include Dublin

17 7 Days WESTPORT, Co. MAYO for £455

This Year’s Friends Tour will return to our old favourite of Westport in County Mayo. One of the largest counties in Ireland, Mayo is north of Galway and south of Sligo with all its coastline situated on the Wild Atlantic Way. Westport is a pretty tourist town along the shore of Clew Bay and close to St. Patrick’s mountain.

Westport Town Centre

OUR PRICE INCLUDES

Executive coach travel Return ferry Pembroke Dock - Rosslare 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in Waterford 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in Westport

Services of a tour guide 30 foot Basking Sharks off Achill Island throughout the holiday Entertainment on some nights Excursions as described in itinerary Entrance fees not included unless otherwise stated Leisure centre and swimming pool available at both hotels

Departure Date: 13th June 7 Days £455 Single Room Supplement 7 days £145 Carrowbeg River, Westport

18 CLEW BAY HOTEL www.clewbayhotel.com Located in the town centre of Westport, this hotel has been a firm favourite with our clients for nearly twenty years. WESTPORT All bedrooms are en-suite with tea / coffee making facilities, direct dial telephones, Wi-Fi and TV. There is a lift covering all floors. Its restaurant serves local produce to a high standard and the bar supplies music on some of the nights.

Clew Bay Archeological Trail

ITINERARY On to Kylemore Abbey a beautiful spot found in the Kylemore valley. Day 1. We travel to Pembroke for the Return to Westport in time for dinner afternoon sailing to Rosslare, continuing to Day 4. An optional tour to the village of Waterford and overnight half board Knock with its fine basilica built in 1979 for accommodation in Treacys hotel and leisure the visit of Pope John Paul the second. centre. Day 5. We travel to Achill, the only island on Day 2. We travel northwards to Westport the Atlantic coastline where you can take a with suitable comfort stops en route and motor vehicle. Our tour takes in a fantastic arrive in Westport for 4 nights dinner bed coastal drive and across the island to the and breakfast at approx. 4 pm. seaside village of Keel. Day 3. Today we travel along Clew bay and Day 6. We return to Waterford via Galway beneath St. Patricks mountain continuing City with some free time to explore. through the Doo valley to Leenane at the Day 7. After an early breakfast we head for head of Killary Harbour. Weather permitting Rosslare and the morning sailing to we offer an optional cruise through Killary Pembroke arriving back in the valleys in the fjiord aboard a catamaran. afternoon.

19 Specialists in the Republic of Ireland

39 High Street, Hirwaun, Glamorgan, CF44 9SW Tel / Fax: 01685 811261 Mob: 07483 120426 E-mail: [email protected] www.hirwauntravel.co.uk

APC Printers & Signwriters 01685 819976 [email protected]