An awesome adventure that takes you through centuries of Irish history and to some of the most stunning natural highlights the south-west of Ireland has to offer. You also get the chance to experience the awesome Cliffs of Moher, the tranquil Killarney National Park, the colourful town of Kinsale and the imposing Rock of Cashel. The tourist trail of The Ring Of Kerry and old Gaelic Peninsula of Dingle. This trip will give you the chance to explore the true hidden gems of the Kingdom of Kerry, by bike, hikes and bus.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
All transport: You’ll travel in our comfortable mid-sized coaches around Ireland.
Experienced tour guide: Expect entertaining commentary, insight into local secrets and extra support from your tour guide.
Accommodation:
OPTION 1 – HOSTEL/LODGE: 5 nights’ Multi-share accommodation in a variety of quality backpacker hostels & wilderness lodges. Upgrades to private twin and single rooms are available info@irishexperiencetours.com to book.
OPTION 2 – B&B/HOTEL: 5 nights in twin-share accommodation in a variety of classic B&Bs and hotels.
Please note when booking your tour :
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
Meals: 5 breakfasts – Continental breakfast in Hostel/Lodge – Mix of cooked & continental in B&B’s/Hotel
Tour Inclusions:
- Explore the mighty Rock of Cashel & picturesque town of Kinsale
- Spectacular sheepdog demonstration
- Amazing drive around the Haven Coast of West Cork
- Free time around Killarney National Park
- Guided minibus tour of Ring of Kerry & Dingle Peninsula
- Enjoy a gentle walk along the Atlantic Edge track at The Cliffs of Moher
- A pleasant stroll along Bray Head on Valentia Island & Slea Head
- Experience traditional Irish music sessions in local cosy pubs
What’s not included?
Any additional activities not specified as included in the itinerary. These can be booked via your guide, often at an exclusive Irish Experience special price!
WHAT TO BRING
Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), swimming gear, hat and sunscreen, rain jacket/trousers, warm fleece, hat and gloves, towel, motion sickness tablets, water bottle, towel and toiletries, warm clothing and waterproof jacket, insect repellent, camera.
Reviewed on tourradar.com
Additional information
| Departure Point | 8.15am Jurys Inn, Moore St Plaza, Parnell St, Dublin, Dublin, Ireland |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Hostel – Mixed Dorm, B&B – Twin/Double, B&B – Single Private |
6 Day South West Experience – Small-Group Tour
1
Day 1: Dublin to Kinsale
Today we travel south to the beginning of the Irelands most famous driving route, the Wild Atlantic Way.
En route, we will take in the imposing Rock of Cashel, once the seat of the Kings of Munster. For more than 1,000 years the Rock was a symbol of royal and religious power; until rivalries saw Brian Boru, future High King of Ireland, take over in the 10th century.
Afterwards, we’ll head to Cork, a small city with a relaxed pace of life. You’ll have plenty of free time to wander the streets of Cork, with some fantastic sights and attractions to see and do. For example, the bustling and colourful English market, enjoy a great guided tour of the Franciscan Well Brewery, a half day trip to Blarney Castle & Stone or a visit to the ancient site of St Finbarr’s Cathedral.
From there we will make our way to the picturesque yachting harbour of Kinsale (Cionn tSáile), which is one of many colourful gems strung along the coastline of County Cork. Narrow, winding streets lined with galleries and gift shops, lively bars and superb restaurants, and a handsome natural harbour filled with yachts and guarded by a huge 17th-century fortress make it an engrossing place to spend a day or two.
Overnight in Kinsale
2
Day 2: Kinsale to Killarney National Park
Depart Kinsale for the beginning of the wild Atlantic way. This tour will take you where the locals go, travelling along an unforgettable coastal touring route to enjoy the breath-taking scenery and hidden little gems and experiences. And history, echoing all along this coast: ancient sites, coastal forts, Michael Collins’ home town and the wreck of the Lusitania.
In the afternoon we will arrive in Killarney, a great place to spend half a day, no matter what your past-time of choice is. Options include: kayaking on the Lakes of Killarney or hiking through glaciated valleys, biking through the National park, climb Torc Mountain for amazing views, or just enjoy the stunning scenery and do nothing. Optional activities are at your own expense.
Accommodation located close to the town and park.
3
Day 3: Full Day Ring of Kerry
Early this morning we travel to Valentia Island around the Ring of Kerry, a journey through County Kerry with amazing views at high altitude with stops regularly for spectacular photos. See Dingle bay where not only nature but also Dingle itself is incredibly beautiful. We stop at Sheep dog demonstration for an excellent exhibition of sheep herding.
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), take a Eco boat trip around the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Skellig Islands ( €50 extra – very weather dependent ) or opt to hire a bike and discover the island at your own pace (€15 extra).
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.
4
Day 4: Full Day Dingle Peninsula
Isolated from the rest of Ireland by the impressive landscape, the Dingle Peninsula tour will follow a coastal trail on windswept cliffs, perched above beautiful coastlines. This amazing guided tour takes you along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way as you experience the most dramatic scenery that Ireland has to offer.
Arriving in back in Dingle town, you can opt to visit a local Whiskey distillery, go sea kayaking around Dingle harbour, horse riding on the foothills and beaches or SUP boarding in the sea.
We spend the night in Dingle, where one will be able to sample the fresh seafood or and local craft beers in a nice cosy Irish Pub.
Overnight in accommodation at the edge of Dingle
5
Day 5: Dingle to Doolin
This morning we travel over the Conor Pass, Irelands highest mountain road. En route, there will be an option for the group to experience a local sheepdog demonstration in a nearby farm by the sea.
After a short ferry ride across the River Shannon, we make our way along the west coast of County Clare to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. We take you away from all the hustle and bustle of the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre and bring you on a stunning guided walk of the unspoilt region along the cliffs.
You will walk along until you reach the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher standing 214m (702 feet) above sea level, where views of the Dingle Peninsula and Loop Head in the South, the Aran Islands to the West with the Twelve Pins and mountains of Connemara to the North can be seen on a clear day. There is plenty to do & see at the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre for any person who may have a mobility impairment, the cliffs themselves, a museum, shops and cafes. After the ramble, you will get the chance to experience a traditional Irish music night with some local craft beers in a nice cosy Irish Pub.
Overnight in Doolin.
6
Day 4: Wild Burren , Medieval Ennis and Dublin
This morning it’s goodbye to Doolin and off to experience more of the Wild Atlantic Way and The Burren National Park. Stretching across northern Clare, the rocky, windswept Burren region is a unique striated lunar-like landscape of barren grey limestone that was shaped beneath ancient seas, then forced high and dry by a great geological cataclysm. It covers 250 sq km of exposed limestone and 560 sq km in total.
South of Ballyvaughan, a series of severe bends twists up Corkscrew Hill (180m), which was built as part of a Great Famine relief scheme in the 1840s. Nearby photogenic prehistoric sites including Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb, Poulnabrone Dolmen and Caherconnell Fort.
From there it’s onto Ennis (Inis), which lies on the banks of the fast-moving River Fergus, which flows east, then south into the Shannon Estuary. The town’s medieval origins are recalled by its irregular, narrow streets, but the most important surviving historical site is Ennis Friary, founded in the 13th century by the O’Briens, kings of Thomond,
Today formal sights are few, but the town centre, with its narrow, pedestrian-friendly streets, is enjoyable to wander. Your guides will direct you back to Dublin, via Dublin coach (price included in the 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 Ennis, you can always get a later bus. Estimated driving time 2 hours 30 minutes Excluding stops
Irish Experience Tours are small group tours based on a fixed itinerary where you stay with the same guide and group of travellers.
Think of it as a road trip experience, where your guide takes you on a once-of-a-lifetime journey, with plenty of awesome stops along the way showing you the real Ireland!
What’s included?
Activities
- Locally guided tour of the Rock of Cashel
- Dunmore & Bray head walks
- Killarney National Park visit
- Hiking excursion along Cliffs of Moher
- Ferry boat ride across the river Shannon
- Free time in Dingle, Killarney and Kinsale
Accommodation
- Hostels/Guesthouses (upgrades available)
- 4 breakfasts
Transport
- Private vehicle, canoe, ferry boat, bicycle, walking
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Bus transport around Southern Ireland
Group Leader
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
- Local knowledge, entertaining commentary and bookings service from your tour guide
- Special deals on optional activities
What’s not included?
Any additional optional extra activities not specified as included in the itinerary. These can be booked via your guide, often at an exclusive Irish Experience special price!
FREETIME
- Plenty of free time in Kinsale, Valentia Island, Killarney National Park & Dingle.
- Experience local Irish Pubs with traditional Irish Music.
- Many of the walks and hikes give you time to share the experience with like-minded travelling companions.
We’ve chosen high-quality accommodation in a variety of hostels, bed and breakfasts, Guesthouses, wilderness lodges, cabins and historic hotels.
Quality – Hostel & Lodge:
Rest up for the next day’s adventure in atmospheric and centrally located hostel & lodge accommodation. All prices are based on per person sharing
Multi-share accommodation is included with your tour. You can choose to upgrade your accommodation to a single or twin/double private room (subject to availability).
(*single room supplement €25 per person per night)
(*double/twin room supplement €15 per person per night)
Classic – Bed & Breakfast & House Hotel
Enjoy a warm Irish welcome in charming and locally owned Bed & Breakfast & Hotel accommodation.
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
