10 Day Wild Irish Experience - Small Group Tour

After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to meet your guide and head out for a tour of the Connemara Region

• Enjoy a guided tour of Westport house. Explore historic Westport House one of County Mayo’s best-loved attractions with beautiful parklands, lakes, and a fascinating history of Westport House that goes back to the 1500s when the famous Pirate Queen of Connaught, Grace O’Malley, built one of her castles here.
• Visit the foot of the ‘Holy Mountain’ –  The epic pyramid-like figure of Croagh Patrick looms over Westport and boasts stunning views of Clew Bay.
• Stop by the National Famine Memorial to pay your respects to the many people who died in the “Coffin Ships” that set sail from Ireland in the desperate hope of escaping to a better life.
• Drive through the breathtaking Doolough Valley and learn of its tragic and haunting past
• Before lunch, we’ll drive through the scenic Delphi Valley to the shores of Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, and the village of Leenane.
• Speaking of lunch, how does a feast of mussels – plucked straight from the local fjord – sound…?
• Continue our journey to Clifden via Sky Road arguably the most beautiful corner of the Connemara region, with some of the most rugged and varied scenery in the county.
• Listen to toe-tapping Irish music in local iconic bars with Irish music playing seven nights a week in season

Overnight in Clifden

The average driving time today is 2 hours.

We spend another day and night in the wilderness of Connemara, so you don’t need to repack your suitcase. Just relax and enjoy.

• Meet your guide and head out for a tour of the Connemara Region
• Easygoing walk/hike at foot of Diamond Hill, in the National Park
• Visit Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland’s most beautiful buildings
• Wander Kylemore’s wonderful landscaped gardens.
• Discover the picture-postcard beauty of  Sky Road.
• Scenic drive via Killary Fjord and mountains

Accommodation tonight is once again in Clifden

The average driving time today is 2 hours.

Travel along the Wild Atlantic Way with your driver/guide via Galway Bay & The Burren Region

• From Clifden, we continue our journey through the lush rolling hills and patchwork farmland as we traverse the famous lake of the Connemara Region towards Galway City.
• For several hours you can soak up the famous colorful atmosphere around the tribal city of Galway – the busker music, the cobblestone lanes, the contemporary flair that blends well with its medieval past, and of course, the oysters..

After lunch it’s time to explore the lunar landscape of the Burren and travel along the Wild Atlantic Way.

• Your first photo stop is at the 16th Century Dunguaire Castle on the outskirts of Kinvara. One of the most photographed castles in the whole of Ireland.
• Then it’s on through the glacial-karst landscape of the Burren and past Corcomroe Abbey.
• You will follow the Coast Road with views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, making a short stop to walk on the lunar-like landscape of the Burren
• Arrive in Doolin village in the late afternoon with plenty of time to visit the local craft shops, colorful cafes, and lively pubs.

Overnight tonight in Doolin OR Lahinch

*At an extra expense, it’s also possible to spend a whole day on the Gaelic-speaking island of Inis Mor. You’ll be dropped off at Rossaveal in County Galway to catch a 40 min boat trip to the island (€40 return). On the island, you can choose to explore the island by bus with a local guide or by bike. (€20 to €25). You will return on a 60 min boat trip to Doolin in County Clare, where you’ll be met at the pier by your driver/guide.

From the mighty cliffs to the magical kingdom as we move from Clare to Kerry.

• Don’t look down, It’s the 700ft high Cliffs of Moher. Opt for the ultimate scenic hike along the Atlantic edge trail or head straight to the visitor centre where there are plenty of things to see and do at a relaxed pace. 
• Watch out for dolphins as we take a ferry across the mighty mouth of the Shannon – the longest river in Ireland or Britain!
• Enjoy a sheepdog demo with purebred border collies Sam and Jess herding sheep on a local run farm nestled between the Slieve Mish mountains and the picturesque Tralee Bay
• Drive over Ireland’s highest mountain road, The Conor Pass
• Roll into bustling Dingle just in time for a creamy pint of Guinness.

Overnight in Dingle

The average drive time today is 3 hours approx

This morning you will meet up with your professional driver/guide, where jaw-dropping scenery and knife-edge drops are guaranteed on a leisurely drive around Slea Head.

After lunch is yours to design. Relax with downtime in Dingle. Or partake of the following options:

• By boat discover the historic Dingle Bay (Tour Option – €15-20 per person).
• Take a guided craft tour of a working Irish crystal studio
• Sample craft Irish whiskey and gin at Dingle Distillery (Tour Option – €15 per person).
• Stroll Dingle’s streets for a quirky mix of craft studios, lively pubs, fantastic food, and traditional Irish music.

Overnight in Dingle

Early this morning we travel to Valentia Island around the Ring of Kerry,  a journey through County Kerry with amazing views at high altitudes with stops regularly for spectacular photos. 

• See Dingle bay where not only nature but also Dingle itself is incredibly beautiful. 
• From there we will arrive on Valentia Island. You can either opt to explore the trail to Valentia Island and Bray Head with your guide (included) or take an Eco boat trip around the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Skellig Islands ( €50 extra – very weather dependent ) 
• After a full day of discovery, we spend the night on the edge of Killarney National Park, which is an excellent place with lots of restaurants and lively pubs.

Overnight in Killarney

The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 mins approx

Explore Killarney National Park at your leisure

• Take a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride around Killarney National Park (Tour Option – €15 per person).
• See the magical 1,000-year-old yew tree growing at the heart of ruined Muckross Abbey.
• Catch traditional Irish music and outstanding local food in picturesque Killarney.
• Scenic, short hike to Torc Waterfall.
• Admire charming 19th century Muckross House Gardens.

Your accommodation is at the ​centrally located at the edge of Killarney National Park

The average driving time today is 1 hour.

This morning after a hearty breakfast we depart Killarney for Cahir Castle.

Our morning drive takes through the heart of North Cork. Passing through many colourful small towns and villages, and lush Irish countryside.

• Cahir Castle, on the River Suir, is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved medieval castles. It has featured in productions like Excalibur and The Tudors.
• Tour the epic Rock of Cashel with its stunning natural setting and historic architecture.
• Arriving in the medieval city of Kilkenny, Meet the witch Dame Alice Kyteler, rhymes, taverns, crime, punishments and much more.
• Enjoy some free time in Kilkenny to explore the medieval mile, craft studios, cafés and numerous quaint independent shops.
• Sample Ireland’s famous nightlife and musical culture in Kilkenny

Overnight in Kilkenny

The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.

Before we say goodbye, there’s still time for some of Ireland’s top highlights, your tour takes in some amazing sights on the journey from Kilkenny back to Dublin.

• Discover the delights of Kilkenny– One of Ireland’s oldest cities.
• This morning you will have the opportunity for a self-guided walking tour around the medieval mile. 
• Take a self-guided cathedral tour at St. Canice’s or Kilkenny Castle (Tour Option – €10 per person).
• Cross the wilderness of Wicklow Mountains National Park.
• Explore the 6th-century monastery of Glendalough.
• Disembark your tour vehicle back at the Ashling Hotel in Dublin between 5-6 pm

This is where your easygoing experience of Ireland comes to an end – we hope you had a blast!

The average driving time today is 3 hours and 30 minutes.