If it's fit for a future King and Queen it's surely fit for you! Plan a fairytale summer escape retracing the footsteps of Prince Charles and Camilla who will make a historic whistle-stop tour of the west of Ireland this week. The royal couple will dip into part of the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way visiting Galway, the Burren and Sligo. Here is our suggested itinerary for a break fit for royalty - but follow lots more regal suggestions at www.discoverireland.ie or find Discover Ireland on Facebook #thisisLIVING
Crown a visit to Galway
Crown your Wild Atlantic adventure with a visit to Galway, a city rich in arts, culture, superb food and a buzzing night life. Take a stroll around the grounds of NUI Galway, where the royal pair plan to stop by and step back in time in the university quadrangle with its protected stone building dating back to 1845.
Follow the lead from the Duchess of Cornwall and continue your journey to Claddagh, a former ancient fishing village where the mighty Corrib River meets Galway Bay. Claddagh is just across the river from the famous Spanish Arch and is renowned worldwide for the Claddagh ring depicting two clasped hands holding a crowned heart which symbolises love, friendship and loyalty.
If you share Prince Charles' passion for the environment and conservation pop out to the Marine Institute near Oranmore, a small village nestling in Galway Bay and dominated by a splendid 12th century castle.
After a day's sightseeing kick back in the evening with a performance by the world renowned Druid Theatre company which is hosting the magnificent Druid Shakespeare until the end of May. Charles and Camilla will attend a brief performance and reception at the Druid to mark its 40th anniversary.
Galway is regarded as the festival capital of Ireland so you can plan a visit around one of dozens lively events! Movie buffs can take a front row seat at the Galway Film Fleadh (July 7th - 12th), voted one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World in 2014, while culture vultures will love the Galway International Arts Festival, (July 13th - 26th). One of the highlights of the summer calendar is The Galway Races (July 27th - August 2nd), where thousands enjoy the thrills of the spills of the turf, and lots of family fun and craic too.
Try some royal bonding in the Burren
Prince Charles will travel from Oranmore to The Burren to explore the fascinating wild and rocky limestone world, rich in rare plant life. Go underground at Aillwee Cave near Ballyvaughan - or if you are more adventurous crawl in water through Pol an Ionain cave near Ballynalackan to reach a large chamber with a 6.7 metres long stalactite thought to be the largest in the world.
You can learn about the Burrens plant life at the Burren Perfumery and Floral Centre, a sweet-smelling treasure trove of wildflowers and inspiration. Or if you are feeling peckish drop into The Burren Smokehouse for some delicious organic smoked salmon.
The Burren boasts stunning views, the most famous being from the magnificent 8 km long Cliffs of Moher. You can explore the region on foot along all or part of The Burren Way, a 123km linear walking trail which stretches from Lahinch on the Western side of the Burren ending in the beautiful village of Corrofin on the east.
The Burren Tolkien Festival (June 26th - July 3rd), celebrates the eerie beauty of the region and its influence on the great novelist JRR Tolkien's epic novel The Lord of the Rings.
Steal a royal march to Sligo
The royal road show will visit stunning Sligo with dramatic mountains, glimmering beaches, rolling green hills, and magical woodlands. Here you can make waves with an abundance of water sports, try a round of golf and some horse riding - or slow it down with a seaweed bath, gentle walks and leisurely fishing.
Sligo's cultural and literary heritage is world famous and Charles and Camilla will have a viewing of the Niland Art Collection at the contemporary arts centre, the Model with a significant collection of Jack B Yeats's work.
This is the 150th anniversary of the birth of WB Yeats and it is fitting the royal visitors will see his grave in the grounds of Drumcliffe Church set against the striking backdrop of the Benbulben Mountains. The grave is marked with a simple headstone inscribed with his self-penned epitaph "cast a cold eye on life, on death, horseman, pass by". The graveyard also contains a high cross and nearby is the site of a 6th Century Columbian monastery. It's also worth dropping into St. Columba's Church where the royal visitors will attend a service of Peace and Reconciliation.
Then onto the nearby small seaside village of Mullaghmore, where Charles' great uncle Lord Mountbatten died in 1979. The area is soaked in history and with sandy beach vistas stretching as far as the eye can see. Mullaghmore is also a top surfing destination, famous for its 'Prowlers' - a wave like no other with swells of up to 100ft.
Walkers can take a nice leisurely stroll along the seacliffs, taking in panoramic views of Sliabh Liag Cliffs in Co. Donegal and crashing waves under Classiebawn Castle with famous Benbulben in the background.
The royal visit to Sligo will get over the finish line with an evening at the famous Sligo Racecourse. A great time to visit the area is August is when Sligo hosts Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the biggest traditional Irish music festival on the planet and a week-long jamboree of music, song and dance, not to mention late nights and family fun!
