This is a once in a lifetime easygoing experience of Ireland that will truly take you beyond the guidebooks. On this small-group tour of Ireland, we will ensure you delve into our rich cultural tapestry that will be brought to life by our ​​Irish local tour guides, who are not only master storytellers but purveyors of the absolute craic!

 

Visit the Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way; tour the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland; discover remote Donegal; get lost in medieval Kilkenny; delve into our heritage in Viking Waterford. Enjoy two days in Connemara, two nights in Dingle and two nights on the fringes of Killarney National Park. Sit back and relax in comfort, and let our team take you on this culturally immersive tour of Ireland. If you’d like something similar, with some adventure activities included, check out our 11 Day Full Irish Adventure.

 

13 DAY TOUR

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Experience the Gaelic speaking island of Inis Mor by bus or pony & trap
  • Visit the impressive Cliffs of Moher, the fortress of Cahir Castle & walk the legendary Giants Causeway
  • Explore the ancient woodlands of Killarney National Park by pony & trap 
  • Dare to cross the Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge
  • Discover the ancient fort of  Griannan of Aileach
  • 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
  • Travel along the Antrim Coast taking in many stunning Game of Thrones locations
  • Learn the tragic history of Derry City on an award-winning historical walking tour
  • Visit the ancient settlement of Glendalough
  • Walk in the footsteps of witches on the medieval mile in Kilkenny City or Viking Triangle in Waterford.
  • Catch fantastic live Irish music performances and meet friendly locals.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • 13 Full days on an easygoing experience of Ireland
  • Overnights: Clifden x 2, Killarney x 2, Dingle x 2, Westport x 2, Ballycastle x 1, Ardara x 1, Kilkenny x 1, Doolin x 1
  • Services of a highly-trained and professional Irish Experience tour guide
  • 12 delicious and hot filling Irish breakfasts
  • 13 Full days in a luxury touring vehicle
  • Monasterboice near the banks of the River Boyne
  • Discover the ancient Donegal Ringfort
  • Historical walking tour of Derry and the city walls.
  • Guided tour of Killarney National Park
  • Experience traditional Irish music sessions in local cosy pubs
  • Sheep Dog demonstration in a locally run family farm
  • Ferry cruise to Aran Islands and island bus tour
  • Entrance fee to Giants Causeway, Glendalough, Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle and Cliffs of Moher
  • Ferry journey across the River Shannon
  • Leisure time to pursue independent interests
  • Easygoing walks or activities for all levels of fitness (optional)
  • All relevant taxes

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

Lunch and dinner

Food and Drinks

Gratuities (optional)

Flights

Travel Insurance (Can be booked via Nomads HERE)

Dublin Accommodation pre or post tour

Any flexible and optional activities named below 

ITINERARY:

DAY 1: BOYNE VALLEY , BELFAST & ANTRIM COAST

Begin your easygoing experience of Ireland from Dublin and travel to Antrim’s Causeway Coast via Belfast.

  • First stop is Monasterboice High Cross and Round Tower -On the site, visitors can discover an old graveyard, two churches and a sundial but Monasterboice is most famous for its spectacular high crosses.
  • On this easygoing experience of Ireland, we cross into Northern Ireland (remember, UK £ sterling required).
  • Explore Belfast with a guided Black Cab Tour (Tour Option – £15 per person), and enjoy a visit to the fantastic Titanic Centre (Tour Option – £18.50 per person) or follow the Glass of Thrones trail.
  • Discover one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, the Causeway Coastal Route.
  • Overnight at Ballycastle.

The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.

DAY 2: CAUSEWAY COAST TO DONEGAL

This morning we will take in Game of Thrones locations and the stunning Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, where you can sway Indiana Jones’ style over the choppy Atlantic Ocean below.
  • The Giant’s Causeway, renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, is the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland.
  • Take a guided walking tour of Derry/Londonderry, Ireland’s only walled city
  • Visit an ancient stone ringfort at Grianán of Aileach.
  • Visit Eddie Doherty’s weaving studio. One of Ireland’s few remaining handweavers
  • Traditional Irish music and crafts in the quaint town of Ardara.
Overnight in Adara, Donegal

The average driving time today is 3 hours.

DAY 3: DONEGAL TO WESTPORT

Explore Donegal, and enjoy the scenic drive to of Ireland’s most beautiful regions.
  • From the Hills of Donegal to a magnificent drive over the Glengesh Pass, and the Assaranca Waterfall.
  • Wander the wild stone path along the Slieve League Cliffs – these dramatic 600m/2000ft cliffs
  • Honour Irish poet and Nobel Laureate, WB Yeats, in Sligo.
  • Stroll around one of Ireland’s most atmospheric towns, Westport
Overnight in Westport
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.

DAY 4: FULL DAY WESTPORT REGION

Today you have a chance to discover Westport and beyond.
  • 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.
  • Choose to climb Croagh Patrick – Ireland’s Holy Mountain
  • Or hire a bike and discover the amazing Great Western Greenway from Achill Island to Westport
  • Or just spend the day wandering the towns colourful streets, visiting friendly pubs and cafes and craft shops.
  • You will have the evening free to experience this most exciting market town, full of fantastic pubs and restaurants, many with traditional Irish music. Listen out for the Irish language – Gaeilge – being spoken by some locals and take in the many and varied cultural experiences awaiting you.
  • The next morning, after a full Irish breakfast, you will be brought on a wonderful tour of one of Ireland’s most scenic regions – Connemara.

Overnight in Westport

DAY 5: WESTPORT TO CLIFDEN

After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to meet your guide and head out for a tour of the Connemara Region
  • Visit the ruins of 16th-century Murrisk Abbey and the National Famine Memorial.
  • Drive through the breathtaking Doolough Valley and of its tragic and haunting past
  • Discover the picture-postcard beauty of Killary Fjord & mystic fairy trees.
  • Listen to toe-tapping Irish music in local pubs
Overnight in Clifden
The average driving time today is 2 hours.

DAY 6: FULL DAY CONNEMARA

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

  • After breakfast is yours to design. Relax with downtime in Clifden.
  • Meet your guide and head out for a tour of the Connemara Region
    • Admire Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland’s most beautiful buildings
    • Wander Kylemore’s wonderful landscaped gardens.
    • Discover the picture-postcard beauty of the Inagh Valley & Sky Road.
    • Drop by Clifden, a quaint town at the heart of Connemara.
    • Accommodation tonight is once again in Connemara

    The average driving time today is 2 hours.

DAY 7: ARAN ISLANDS & DOOLIN

Travel back in time as we spend a whole day on the Gaelic speaking island of Inis Mor. Miles of stone walls awaits

  • Enjoy a 40 min boat trip to the island & choose to explore the island by bus with a local guide or on pony & trap
  • Discover the most impressive stone fort in Ireland at Dun Aengus.
  • Drop by local market shops for the famous Aran sweaters.
  • Pass by the remaining two Aran Islands en route back to Doolin in County Clare
  • Visit a nice cosy Pub for food and a traditional Irish music experience.

The average driving time today is 2 hours.

DAY 8: THE MIGHTY CLIFFS OF MOHER & KERRY FARM TOUR

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.
  • 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 spectacular sheepdog demonstration on a locally run farm.
  • 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 driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.

DAY 9: DISCOVER DINGLE & STUNNING SLEA HEAD

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.

The average driving time today is 1 hour 30 minutes.

DAY 10: RING OF KERRY & COASTAL ISLANDS

Today we’re touring the scenic Ring of Kerry route, circuiting the Iveragh peninsula from Dingle to Killarney

  • Explore 1400 years of history on a boat trip around the Skellig Islands (Tour Option – €40 per person). Seasonal departures: May to September.
  • Get a taste of local Irish culture, history, and ice cream on Valentia Island.
  • Discover Derrynane, historic home (Tour Option – €5 per person) and golden sand beach.
  • Your accommodation is the ​centrally-located at the edge of Killarney National Park

The average driving time today is 3 hours.

DAY 11: KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK

Explore Killarney 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 the ​centrally-located at the edge of Killarney National Park

The average driving time today is 1 hour.

DAY 12: CAHIR CASTLE, ROCK OF CASHEL & MEDIEVAL KILKENNY

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 tSuir, 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, 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.
  • Take a self-guided cathedral tour at St. Canice’s (Tour Option – €7 per person).
  • Sample Ireland’s famous nightlife and musical culture in Kilkenny.

Overnight in Kilkenny

Drive time today is 3 hours approx

DAY 13: VIKING WATERFORD & ANCIENT GLENDALOUGH

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 Waterford back to Dublin.

  • Discover the delights of Waterford – Ireland’s oldest city, established by Vikings in the 10th century.
  • Admire the pinnacle of Irish crafting excellence with a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal (Tour Option – €14 per person).
  • Meet the Norsemen at the Viking Museum, housed in an 800-year-old tower (Tour Option – €5 per person, €4 seniors). There’s so much more to Ireland’s history than you might think!
  • 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.

13 Day Full Irish Experience 2022/2023 Departures

DEPARTINGFROM EUR 
2022/2023€2349
Any Questions?ENQUIRE HERE

FLEXIBLE AND OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES ON TOUR

  • Black Cab Tour

£15.00
Guided tour of historic Belfast. Highly Recommended.

  • Canoe journey on River Boyne

€20.00
Guided open boat tour along the ancient river Boyne.

  • Titanic Experience

£18.50
Self-guided tour of the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience.

  • Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

£9.00
Cross this scenic rope bridge, suspended over the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Bushmills Distillery Tour

£9.00
Guided walking tour of the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.

  • Dunluce Castle

£5.50
Self-guided tour of clifftop Dunluce Castle.

  • Walking Tour of Derry/Londonderry

£4.00
Guided walking tour of Ireland’s only walled city.

  • Walking Tour of Kilkenny City

€10.00
Guided walking tour of Ireland’s medieval capital.

  • Dingle Distillery Tour

€15.00
Guided tour of the distillery with craft whiskey, vodka and gin tasting.

  • Boat Trip Dingle

€15.00-€20.00
Boat trip across Dingle Bay to meet Fungie the Dolphin.

  • Skellig Islands Cruise
€40.00
Cruise around Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. 2hr 30 mins
  • Horse-Drawn Jaunting Tour

€15.00
A horse-drawn carriage ride around Killarney National Park.

  • St Canice’s Cathedral

€7.00
Self-guided tour of historic cathedral and round tower.

  • Smithwicks Brewery Tour

€15.00
Guided tour of Smithwicks brewery in Kilkenny. Estd. 1710.

  • Medieval Museum

€7.00
Historic exhibition including a 13th century chamber.

  • Viking Museum

€5.00
Waterford’s Viking history in Ireland’s oldest civic building.

  • House of Waterford Crystal

€14.00
Guided tour of glass-making factory and craft workshop.

  • King of the Vikings 3D

€7.00
Virtual reality experience depicting Waterford’s Viking history.

  • Bishop’s Palace Musum

€7.00
Museum of 18th century Georgian Waterford.

  • Ros Tapestry

€8.00/€7.00 Seniors
Exhibition of a large-scale embroidered tapestry depicting Norman history

  • Kilkenny Castle

€8.00
Self-guided tour of 12th century Kilkenny Castle.

OPTION 1:

B&B (Bed and Breakfast or Guest House)

The real Irish B&B experience is the opportunity to stay in a local family-run business. You will be greeted with the warmest of Irish welcomes.  They are great value for money, with a real small hotel experience.

  • Private rooms – single, twin, double and family rooms available
  • 3* and above rating
  • Small, locally run and independently owned accommodation
  • Low-cost, quality private accommodation
  • En-suite guaranteed
  • Breakfast provided

OPTION 2:

Original Irish Hotels

Formerly Manor House Hotels & Irish Country Hotels, we are a collection of unique owner-run hotels located in Ireland’s most outstanding destinations. Open the door to the magic of unmissable moments with Ireland’s leading collection of independent hotels.

  • Private rooms – single, twin, double and family rooms available
  • 3* and 4* rating
  • On-site amenities
  • Breakfast provided
  • En-suite guaranteed

Please note:

B&B Single Supplement – is mandatory for solo travellers – Solo travellers must pay extra to have their private room.

B&B –  Twin/Double Room Share – is automatically included when 2 travellers book together

  • What do twin/double and single mean?

A twin room is a room with 2 single beds, whilst a double room has 1 large bed suited for two people. Both rooms are designed for double occupancy. A single room is a single bed, designed for single occupancy.

  • Are family rooms available?

We always try to accommodate your needs. For any special requests, please contact us at info@irishexperiencetours.com or call us on +353 (0)86 160 6604

Gather your favourite people to share an Irish adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip – featuring all the legendary Irish Experience hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities.

Choose from the selection of dates for your group; All dates are available for 8+ guests. If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or your preferred date is not available, we’ll create a departure just for you. Call or email us to reserve your date.

8 BALLINASARE, BALLYROE
+353861606604
info@irishexperiencetours.com

A laugh a minute! The tour was wonderful. The guide was extremely attentive to everyone’s needs and wishes and provided excellent advice and commentary throughout. The sires visited were great and varied making for a most enjoyable experience.

johnfrench 10/07/2021

5 star rating BEST TRIP EVER! Most amazing trip EVER!! our driver/guide, was FIRST RATE! He made the trip so interesting and fun. His knowledge was excellent. He accommodated extra requests. Though sometimes on a tight schedule (because of something booked/timed), he never made us feel rushed. He made sure that we had a full “ Irish Experience “ including great pub ideas, Irish music experiences, great restaurant suggestions, etc. We had plenty of time on our own and sleep in time as well! We really can’t recommend this trip/company any higher. They are FANTASTIC!!!

joansergi 10/06/2021

5 star rating Wonderful trip Had an amazing adventure with this tour, perfect for young people trying to see everything Ireland has to offer. Tour guide was super informative and made the trip feel very personal. Every town and B&B we stayed in was perfect, clean and well taken care of. My favorite part was visiting the sheep farm, which was an unexpected surprise. It was a great trip and would use this company again.

maureencK3963BN 10/05/2021
Ancient stone fort at Grianán of Aileach, County Donegal
sunset view at the Giants causeway
small group at Torc Waterfall Killarney National Park
friends enjoying biking on the country roads of Inismore , Aran islands
group tour of peace wall Belfast
small group tour enjoying their Cliffs of Moher tour from Dublin
a group of people enjoying their meal at local gourmet food restaurant in Ireland
murals on side of house at the Bogside Derry city Northern Ireland
historical walking tour of Derry
Game of Thrones experience tour Ireland
ancient stone fort at Donegal
Stand up paddle boarding on Dingle harbour and Fungie the Dolphin
couple smiling for a photo at Ladies View , Killarney National Park
small group doing Star Wars pose on the Dingle Peninsula
A couple on walking tour of Derry , taking a photo of The Guildhall
Torr Head hiking Causeway coast Northern Ireland
stairway to Dunluce castle on the causeway coast - Irish Experience Tours