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Jagged rocks jut out of the wild Atlantic Ocean; winding roads weave by beaches, pubs, and prehistoric remains; and a dolphin is the most famous resident of a quaint little village.
This is the south-western edge of Ireland, where every horizon hides something curiously beautiful.
On this tour, you discover the best of this famous area.
But that’s not all.
On the way to and from this region, you get to experience two of Ireland’s most spiritual locations. You visit the monastic site of Glendalough concealed within a peaceful valley. And you survey the views from the Rock of Cashel, a ruined cathedral-fortress steeped in stories of St. Patrick.
Join this journey and discover the wild landscapes and sensational legends of South West Ireland.
Starts: 08:30 - Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin
Finishes (approx.): 19:00
Luggage
You’re restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This may consist of a small bag for onboard personal items and a larger suitcase or rucksack.
What is included in the tour
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Accommodation
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Guide
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Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
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Meals
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Optional
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Additional Services
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Ancient spiritual structures in Glendalough.
- The Wicklow Mountains.
- Beehive Huts
Day 1
Admire the mountains, lakes, and ancient spiritual structures in Glendalough
Amble through ‘Ireland’s Prettiest Village’, Adare
Heading south of Dublin, we travel through the Wicklow Mountains to our first stop at the famous Glendalough. Here you have time to take a pilgrimage to the lovely lakes, praise the history at a visitor centre, and bask in the serenity of the monastic city ruins.
Continuing our quest to the West, we journey to the traditional market town of Kilcullen for a lunch break.
You travel to the Rock of Dunamase and the ruins of Dunamase Castle that sit in a defensive location surveying the ancient plains of County Laois.
Later, we cross the peat bogs and go to ‘Ireland’s Prettiest Village’, Adare. This quaint spot has a superb collection of thatched cottages and old structures, including the ruins of a 15th-century Franciscan Monastery.
We then head for County Kerry and the windswept Dingle Peninsula, one of the nation’s strongholds of Irish language and culture. We stay in the town of Dingle for the next two nights.
Day 2
Find out why the Wild Atlantic Way is known as one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world in the Dingle Peninsula
Delve into the past as you look at the strange traditional ‘Beehive Huts’
Today, we’re right in the heartland of the Gaeltacht, the areas within Ireland where the Irish language is the principal tongue of the local people. The culture, history, and heritage of the Dingle Peninsula is fiercely protected and warmly shared with visitors.
Your driver-guide will use their local knowledge to show you the best of the peninsula including highlights such as Conor Pass, Tóchar Maothaithe, the Beehive Huts, Slea Head, and Gallarus Oratory.
After a day full of natural splendour, you spend the night in Dingle.
Day 3
See the land of Ireland’s tallest peaks in the Killarney National Park
Learn about St. Patrick’s encounter with the devil at the Rock of Cashel
Before leaving the Dingle Peninsula, we make a stop at Inch Beach. This is a wide stretch of sand that faces a beautiful view of our next destination, the Kerry mountains and the Killarney National Park.
We head via a few lakes and take a short walk to the Torc Waterfall, a 20m high cascade of water that originates high in the mountains.
There are plenty of choices for lunch in the lively town of Killarney. This thriving town welcomes visitors all year round and should not be missed on any visit to County Kerry.
This afternoon, we slowly make our way across country to Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of Medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone. You have time to explore its Round Tower, High Cross and Gothic Cathedral.
From here, it’s a relaxing drive with time to reflect on the past three days as you make your way back to Dublin for the early evening.
