West Cork, Rock of Cashel, Kinsale, Valentia Island, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Inis Oirr
Explore one of Irelands most spectacular regions. You will visit small towns and villages bursting with myth and mystery, experience Atlantic waves crashing against rugged cliffs and castles and monasteries. All combined with beautiful short hikes in areas of outstanding natural beauty. It’s perfect for people who don’t want to be stuck in a bus all day just looking at the scenery but wish to be part of it.
The Brendan Tour is named after Ireland’s St. Brendan the Navigator who embarked on a legendary voyage that some believe took him to North America nearly 500 years before the Vikings and 1,000 years before Christopher Columbus. For 40 days St. Brendan fasted and prayed atop a mountain on the rugged Dingle Peninsula, a spindly finger of land on the west of Ireland that points directly at North America. Follow in St Brendan’s footsteps and spend 5 days exploring the Southwest of Ireland, taking in the diverse and stunning landscapes, and seeing all the highlights.
BRENDAN 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: 6 nights’ quad 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: 6 nights in a twin share accommodation in a variety of classic B&Bs and hotels. Upgrades to private twin/double and single rooms are available info@irishexperiencetours.com to book.
Meals: 6 breakfasts
Inclusions:
- Explore the mighty Rock of Cashel
- Amazing drive around the Haven Coast of West Cork
- Sea Kayaking or SUP in Dingle Harbour (optional extra)
- Horse riding along the foothills of Kerry (optional extra)
- Boat trip to Inis Oirr
- Free time around Killarney National Park
- Enjoy a gentle walk along the Atlantic Edge track at The Cliffs of Moher
- A pleasant stroll along Bray Head on Valentia Island & Dingle Peninsula
- Boat trip to the Skellig Islands ‘Home of Star Wars’ (optional extra)
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!
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.
Please note:
- All rates are in EURO, per person, and are subject to change.
- Luggage should be restricted to 15kg in a single bag, plus a small daypack.
Additional information
| Departure Point | 8.30am Jurys Inn, Moore St Plaza, Parnell St, Store Street, Dublin |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Hostel, B&B |
7 Day Brendan Tour – Small Group Tour
ITINERARY
Day 1: Dublin to Kinsale
Day 2: Kinsale to Killarney National Park
Day 3: Killarney to Valentia Island
This morning we drive “the Ring of Kerry “, a journey through County Kerry with amazing views at high altitude with stops regularly for spectacular photos.
From there we will stop and you can either opt for a moderate walk to Valentia Island and Bray Head (included), or opt to take a 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 will check into our accommodation in the picturesque fishing village of Portmagee. This is also one of the best places in Ireland to join an evening stargazing with local guides.
Day 4: Valentia Island to Dingle
Isolated from the rest of Ireland by the impressive landscape, the Dingle Peninsula tour will take you where the locals go. We 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 go sea kayaking around Dingle harbour, horse riding on the foothills and beaches or SUP boarding in the sea.
In the evening we visit the Dingle Whiskey Distillery (included), a small distillery which includes generous tastings of whiskey, vodka and gin.
We spend the night in Dingle, where we will sample the fresh seafood or and local craft beers in a nice cosy Irish Pub.
Overnight in accommodation at the edge of Dingle
Day 5: Dingle to Doolin
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.
The walk is along a gravel path with flagstone steps cut out of the terrain to cross the drains and streams and on the steeper inclines. The trail is not a difficult walk; it requires a basic level of fitness and a good head for heights.
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.
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.
Day 6: Inis Oirr to Galway
Travel back in time! We spend a day on Inis Oirr, the smallest and less inhabited of the Aran Islands. The locals are fluent Irish (Gaelic) speakers and you’re free to explore the island and get chatting to them over a pint, miles of stone walls wait as you walk, hire a horse and cart or rent a bike to explore the island. You can’t miss the awe-inspiring Plassy Shipwreck.
Day 7: Galway to Dublin
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?
- Bus transport around South West Ireland
- Local knowledge, entertaining commentary and bookings service from your tour guide
- All accommodation – (upgrades available)
- Some meals and a selection of activities (as indicated on each tour’s itinerary)
- Special deals on activities
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!
FREETIME
- Plenty of free time in Valentia Island, Doolin, Killarney & 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.
ACCOMMODATION
We’ve chosen high-quality accommodation in a variety of hostels, bed and breakfasts, Guesthouses, wilderness lodges, cabins and historic hotels.
OPTION 1
Quality – Hostel & Lodge:
Rest up for next day’s adventure in atmospheric and centrally located hostel & lodge accommodation. All prices are based on per person sharing
Quad-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)
OPTION 2
Classic – Bed & Breakfast & Hotel
Enjoy a warm Irish welcome in charming and locally owned Bed & Breakfast & Hotel accommodation.
Twin-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 €30 per person per night)
To request an accommodation upgrade, please email us (info@irishexperiencetours.com) to book.
Please note:
Twin/Double upgrades are based on two people sharing and can only be booked if you are travelling with a companion.
