Your Irish Experience begins here. Leaving from Dublin, our small group of thrill seekers will go in search of adventure from Kinsale to Galway, along the rugged coastline of The Wild Atlantic Way. We’ll chase down blue flag beaches and kayak win Dingle Bay. Thrills clocking up, it’s time for a visual feast at some of the sights of the Ring of Kerry, taking in Moll’s Gap, Ladies view and a cycle through the jaw dropping vistas on the hunt for glacier shaped lakes and red deer in Killarney’s National Park. It’s a hike to the edge of the world next and to the Cliffs of Moher and city (Galway) hopping and shopping before returning to the bright lights, big city of Dublin. Whatever you’re seeking, this 5 day, expertly guided, epic island adventure bursting with heritage and hiking, ceol agus craic (music and boldness), seafood and kayaking, promises a road trip, you’ll never forget.
What is included in the tour
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Accommodation
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Guide
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Additional Services
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Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
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Insurance
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Meals
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Optional
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Additional Services
- Starting from Cork and Kiss the Blarney Stone.
- Tour of Magical Kingdom of Kerry and Castles.
- Explore the Dingle Peninsula.
- Visit River Shannon and the Mighty Cliffs of Moher.
- Journey of dinky Doolin and off to bohemian Galway where we’ll feast like chieftains.
Day 1: Cork and Kiss the Blarney Stone
Is it a Chapel? Is it a Palace? Is it a Cathedral? The 1000 year old Rock of Cashel is all three and it’s an open-mouthed moment and an historic way to begin the tour. Then it’s off to Cork, known as the "Rebel county". The rebel spirit is still around today with Cork locals often claiming it to be the real capital, much to Dublin’s chagrin.
It’s off for a spot of kissing next and to the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that whoever kisses it, gets the gift of the gab; your bus buddies will be sure to tell you if it works! The evening belongs to historic Kinsale, where you can wander through picturesque streets full of maritime history, silversmiths, galleries and antique shops. Next, we’ll head to the many awardwinning fish restaurants. There’s also last orders to catch at The Spaniard or The Silent Banjo, which unlike the name suggests, is jumping with banjos and flutes and ‘jammers’ (packed) with locals.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes Excluding stops
Day 2: Magical Kingdom of Kerry and Castles
The full Irish (cooked breakfast) will set you up for a guided historical amble through the narrow streets of Kinsale before we take on parts of The Ring of Kerry. On the hunt for glacier shaped lakes, mystical waterfalls and red deer, we’ll gear up for a two hour cycle around Killarney National Park and ‘rubber neck’ as we stop to look at 18th century Muck Ross house and the Reeks in the distance. The evening belongs to Dingle. Why not try out the pub/brewery Dick Macs? It comes with a pub, a gang of lively locals and a very loquacious barman.
Total driving time: 2 hours, 40 minutes Excluding stops
Day 3: Explore the Dingle Peninsula
Spend the morning on the water with our local friends. Kayak and explore the nearby caves too. If you’d prefer to stand up and face the salty spray of the Atlantic, we’ll grab boards and chase the kingdom waves at Inch Strand, where Ryan’s daughter became smitten by Robert Mitchum.
Then it’s off to Slea Head Drive, on a journey through Irish-speaking villages, famous Hollywood film locations with close-up views of Skellig Michael and some Jedi spotting. Then it’s back for another night in Dingle.
Total Driving Time: 2 Hours Excluding stops
Day 4: River Shannon and the Mighty Cliffs of Moher
It’s bye, bye Dingle and north to cross the Shannon by ferry, but not before we take in the stunning views of Castlegregory. The Cliffs of Moher are next; 14 km of dramatic coastline standing 300 metres above the churning Atlantic.
We’ll take on a two and a half hour hike of the Cliffs, veering off the traditional tourist trails to find secret passages and fissures and unrivalled photo opportunities as the Atlantic roars from below. Voted a Unesco site, standing at the ledge, you’ll feel like you’re at the very edge of the world. As evening draws in, we’ll spend it in Doolin, The home of Irish music and between the music and the foot-tapping, you'll be having a grand time!
Total driving time: 3 hours 20 minutes Excluding stops
Day 5: More Castles and Bohemian Galway
It’s goodbye to dinky Doolin and off to bohemian Galway where we’ll feast like chieftains. To whet the appetite, we’ll go through The Burren, 125 square miles of limestone rock. As it’s your last day, (boo hoo),we’re going to make it a memorable one with a guided tour of Galway’s medieval streets before we hit the foodie trail. Duck in and out of brightly coloured shops, try on Claddagh Rings, Galway shawls and pass through The Spanish Arch to take in the famous Claddagh fishing village.
With the wild Atlantic giving her up her treasures daily, it’s time to dabble in treacle scones or Wild Atlantic salmon and fresh Clarinbridge Oysters, while the stout is settling. So not only will you leave with full bellies, you’ll be crammed full of stories about Galway’s colourful past. Your guides will direct you back to Dublin, via GoBus (price included in tour) and will arm you with tips and recommendations, if you plan to stay on in the Capital.
But if you’ve developed a grá (love) for Galway, you can always get a later bus. As some barstool philosopher put it, ‘sure there isn’t a pub in Galway you wouldn’t want to spend time in’. Estimated driving time 2 hours 30 minutes Excluding stops
