10 Day Wild Irish Experience Small Group Tour From Dublin

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Clonmacnoise & Wonderful Westport – Hidden Heartlands to Wild West
2 stops
1
Leave the capital and enjoy the scenic journey to Ireland’s most beautiful region of Westport, in the West of Ireland. This morning as we drive 3 .5 hours across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, your driver will keep you entertained by easing travelers into a gentle exploration of some of the country’s untouched terrain. Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands encompass a region full of rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. Travel back in time, on a tour of Clonmacnoise, one of Ireland’s largest monastic settlements – an ancient place where time stands still. Founded by Saint Ciaran in the mid-sixth century it became a great centre of religion and learning, visited by scholars from all over the world.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
2
Westport
After arriving in Westport, spend the rest of the day wandering the town’s colourful streets, visiting friendly pubs, cafes and craft shops. Or opt to do the following; Choose to climb Croagh Patrick – Ireland’s Holy Mountain – a 3.5-hour climb from 3 pm to 7 pm Or hire a bike and discover the amazing Great Western Greenway from Mulranny to Westport – 25km – 3 pm to 6 pm. 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. Opt to take a 90-minute cruise, and explore the World Famous Clew Bay; its 365 islands, seal colony, and Inishgort Lighthouse, the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick & John Lennon’s Island. There’s an endless number of pubs in Westport. Such as tourist favourites, like Matt Molloy’s
9 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Historical tour of Connemara Region
7 stops
3
Westport
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to meet your guide and head out for a tour of the Connemara Region This morning after a hearty breakfast, it’s time to meet the locals and laugh on the award-winning Westport walking tour. While hearing some of the local tales along the way, you’ll learn all about the history of our beautiful Georgian town, from local Saints to local Pirates and everything in between,
1 hour • Admission ticket free
4
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
5
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.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
Drive through the breathtaking Doolough Valley and learn of its tragic and haunting past
1 hour • Admission ticket free
7
Killary Fjord
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…?
2 hours • Admission ticket free
8
Sky Road
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
9
Clifden
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.
9 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Full Day in Connemara – Wild Beauty
4 stops
10
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
5 hours • Admission ticket free
11
Connemara National Park
Drop by Connemara National Park for an optional gentle hike around Diamond Hill for phenomenal views of Connemara.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
12
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
Visit Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland’s most beautiful buildings, and wander Kylemore’s wonderful landscaped gardens.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
13
Discover the picture-postcard beauty of the Inagh Valley & Sky Road. Arrive back in Clifden by the late afternoon to soak up this quaint town’s colorful atmosphere in the heart of Connemara. Accommodation tonight is once again in Connemara
9 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Galway, The Burren & Lahinch – A Journey Along the Wild Atlantic Way
5 stops
14
Galway
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..
3 hours • Admission ticket free
15
Dunguaire Castle's
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
16
The Burren
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
2 hours • Admission ticket free
17
Arrive in Lahinch seaside town in the late afternoon with plenty of time to visit the local craft shops, colorful cafes, and lively pubs.
9 hours • Admission ticket free
18
Aran Islands
*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.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Cliffs of Moher & Kerry Farm Experience – Iconic Views and Local Life
4 stops
19
Cliffs of Moher
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 – a must-stop on this small group tour of Ireland.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
20
River Shannon
Watch out for dolphins as we take a ferry across the mighty mouth of the Shannon – the longest river in Ireland or Britain!
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
21
Enjoy a spectacular sheepdog demonstration on a locally run farm.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
22
Dingle
Roll into bustling Dingle just in time for a creamy pint of Guinness. Overnight in Dingle. The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
9 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Discover Dingle & Slea Head Drive – Coastal Wonders
4 stops
23
This morning we drive the famous and curvy Slea Head drive. Once described by National Geographic as the most beautiful place on earth, we drive along the edge of the peninsula with the wild Atlantic ocean to our left and the patchwork green fields to our right. You’ll discover local secluded beaches, and ancient stone huts and have plenty of free time to take photos and experience the majestic surroundings.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
24
In Dunquin, the most westerly parish on the Dingle Peninsula, is a unique heritage centre and museum. The Blasket Centre tells the story of the Blasket Islands and the tiny Irish speaking community who lived there until the mid-20th century. The Centre is also a stunning piece of architecture in itself.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
25
Dingle
After lunch, you can stroll Dingle’s streets for a quirky mix of craft studios, lively pubs, fantastic food, and traditional Irish music. Or partake of the following options; (Book Experiences from 1pm onwards)
9 hours • Admission ticket free
26
Dingle Sea Safari – €65.00 The Rib Boat tour takes in the breath-taking majestic coastline of Dingle Bay. Dingle Sea Kayaking – €55.00 Kayaking excursion around Dingle harbor and sea caves. Visit Dick Macks Brewery Tours – €25.00 Tours begin and end in the Taproom with a generous sampling of our latest beer. Guided horse ride near Ventry – €55.00 Experience along Ventry beach or up a mountain Dingle Tasting Tours – €80.00 The Dingle Tasting Tour starts at 2:00pm and lasts approximately 3 hours. Private tours can be arranged Overnight in Dingle
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 7
Ring of Kerry & Skellig Island Views – A Photographer’s Dream
3 stops
27
Ring Of Kerry
Today we’re touring the scenic Ring of Kerry route, circuiting the Iveragh peninsula from Killorglin to Killarney. The Ring of Kerry: Situated in the South Westerly corner of Ireland, The Iveragh Peninsula is home to The Ring of Kerry – Ireland’s most spectacular mountain road. Your day tour starts from Dingle and covers 180km of rolling rugged countryside and truly stunning panoramic coastline views. Our experienced guides will be delighted to show you the unrivalled beauty County Kerry has to offer.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
28
Valentia Island
Skellig Islands Views & Hidden Gems: Whether you’re looking for an insight into Irish history, a sample of our famous local wit or simply a great photo opportunity, the Ring of Kerry Tour is exactly what you require. (Getting to the Skellig Viewing Poitns is very much weather-dependent)
2 hours • Admission ticket free
29
Killarney National Park
Highlights of Killarney National Park: Explore Muckross Abbey and its ancient yew tree & a wee walk to Torc Waterfall. Overnight in Killarney The average driving time today is 5 hours. (Plenty of photo stops)
9 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Killarney National Park – Nature & Nostalgia
1 stop
30
Killarney National Park
Rise early this morning (or sleep in!!!) and explore Killarney park and the town at your leisure Opt to experience any of the below; Horse-Drawn Jaunting Tour €20.00 to €30.00 A horse-drawn carriage ride around Killarney National Park. Bike Rental for National Park €20.00 to €55.00 Enjoy an exhilarating bike ride around the trails of Killarney National Park. (Choose Muckross Road Shop when renting your bike) Ross Castle Tour €5.00 Take a guided tour of the haunting Ross Castle. The gap of Dunloe & Lakes Tour €45.00 Catch an open boat up through the 3 lakes of Killarney and hike , bike or pony & trap down through the glaciated valley. Muckross House Tour €15.00 Set in Killarney National Park is a world-renowned Kerry attraction, offering scenic beauty & cultural heritage Celtic Steps  – The Show €35.00 Brings together the raw energy of popular Irish Dance with the timeless authenticity of traditional Irish Music. Overnight in Killarney
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Castles, History & Kilkenny – Timeless Treasures
4 stops
31
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
32
Cahir Castle
Cahir Castle, on the river tSuir, is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved medieval castles. It has featured in productions like Excalibur and The Tudors.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
33
Rock of Cashel
Tour the epic Rock of Cashel with its stunning natural setting and historic architecture.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
34
Kilkenny
Arriving in the medieval city of Kilkenny, you will have the opportunity for a self-guided walking tour around the medieval mile. 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 Drive time today is 3 hours approx
9 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Medieval Mile, Ancient Glendalough & Farewell
4 stops
35
Before we say goodbye to our small group tour of Ireland, there’s still time for some of Ireland’s top highlights, your tour takes in some amazing sights on the journey from Kilkenny to Dublin. Discover the delights of Kilkenny– One of Ireland’s oldest city. Enjoy some free time in Kilkenny to explore the medieval mile, craft studios, cafés and numerous quaint independent shops. Take a self-guided cathedral tour at St. Canice’s (Tour Option – €7 per person).
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
36
Wicklow Mountains National Park
Cross the wilderness of Wicklow Mountains National Park.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
37
Explore the 6th-century monastery of Glendalough.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
38
Dublin
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tags

Rating