Bouchard Finlayson
Hermanus, Western Cape
A vineyard between heaven & earth
Cradled amid the hills of the Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) valley,
Bouchard Finlayson is widely acclaimed as one of South Africa’s leading boutique wine cellars.
With a terroir defined by both ancient soils and a cool maritime climate, the vineyards of Bouchard Finlayson are famous for producing award-winning
Pinot Noir, elegant Chardonnay and terroir-driven Sauvignon Blanc, while inspired blends showcase the depth of skill and innovation in our winemaking team.
The Bouchard Finlayson cellar is conveniently located a scenic 90 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, close to the world-famous whale-watching centre of Hermanus.
Cong Abbey
Also known as the Royal Abbey of Cong, is a historic site located at Cong Co. Mayo. The ruins of the former Augustinian abbey mostly date to the 13th century and have been described as featuring some of finest examples of medieval ecclesiastical architecture in Ireland.
The grounds of the abbey also contain a monks' fishing house, probably built in the 15th/16th century on an island in the River Cong leading towards nearby Lough Corrib. The house is built on a platform of stones over a small arch which allows the river to flow underneath the floor. There is a trapdoor in the floor in which the fish may have been kept fresh.
Lough Measc Distillery
The distillery is located on the shores of Lough Mask. The main products are Loch Measc Single Malt Whiskey, Loch Measc Gin and Loch Measc Vodka. Tours of the Distillery are available and must be booked in advance.
Turlough House & Country museum
The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life is located in Turlough village, 8 km (5.0 mi) northeast of Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland. The museum exhibits the way of life of rural Irish people between 1850 and 1950 and is in the grounds of Turlough Park House.
Galway City
The city’s hub is 18th-century Eyre Square, surrounded by shops and traditional pubs that offer live Irish folk music. Nearby, stone-clad cafes, boutiques and art galleries line the winding lanes of the Latin Quarter.
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Connemara National Park
Situated in the West of Ireland in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers some 2,000 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Some of the Park’s mountains, namely Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght, are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range. Connemara National Park was established and opened to the public in 1980.
Much of the present Park lands formed part of the Kylemore Abbey Estate and the Letterfrack Industrial School, the remainder having been owned by private individuals. The southern part of the Park was at one time owned by Richard (Humanity Dick) Martin who helped to form the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals during the early 19th century. The Park lands are now wholly owned by the State and managed solely for National Park purpose
Diamond Hill
Diamond Hill is a two-hour loop walk in Connemara, this route follows gravel paths, wooden boardwalk and steps up the slopes of Diamond Hill itself. Strenuous but satisfying, the trail through Connemara National Park climbs up to Diamond Hill’s summit (400m) and showcases the breadth of Connemara’s coastline - including the idyllic islands of Inishturk, Inishbofin and Inishark and pretty Ballynakill Harbour. The sweeping views from the summit also stretch to the majestic Twelve Bens, Mweelrea and Tully Mountains.
Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are 3 rocky isles guarding the mouth of Galway Bay, in western Ireland. They are known for their ancient sites. You can get to the Aran Islands by passenger ferry from Rossaveal which is about an hour west of Galway City. You cannot bring a car across on the ferry. Weather permitting; the ferries from Rossaveal go year-round.
Killary Harbour & boat tours
Killary Harbour is a fjord located in the west of Ireland, in northern Connemara, and the border between counties Galway and Mayo runs down its centre. Killary Fjord Boat Tours Sail an 9-mile inlet and enjoy uninterrupted views of some of the finest scenery in the west of Ireland
