Great Atlantic Ireland Explorer - 7 Days

Dublin - Rock of Cashel - Cork - Blarney Castle - Kinsale. Your 8-day Ireland tour begins as we leave Dublin and travel south into County Cork - one of Ireland’s most vibrant and culturally rich regions.

Our first stop is the iconic Rock of Cashel, one of the country’s most celebrated heritage sites. Set on a limestone outcrop overlooking the fertile Golden Vale, this remarkable complex includes a medieval round tower, cathedral and chapel. Once the seat of the Kings of Munster, it remains one of Ireland’s most striking historic landmarks.

We continue to Cork, described by Lonely Planet as ‘at the top of its game - sophisticated, vibrant and diverse’. Here, we visit Blarney Castle, home to the famous Blarney Stone. According to legend, kissing the stone bestows the gift of eloquence. The stone is set high within the castle walls, and those who choose to kiss it lean back to reach it. The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and the atmospheric Rock Close - a mystical corner of waterfalls, ancient trees and druid stones.

We end the day in the colourful harbour town of Kinsale, renowned for its award-winning restaurants, lively arts scene and coastal charm. In the evening, you are free to enjoy a seafood dinner and perhaps take a sunset stroll along the waterfront - a memorable first night of your Irish adventure.

Total driving time: 4 hours

Meeting Point: The Ashling Hotel Dublin, 10 - 13 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8, D08 P38N at 08:00.

Kinsale - Kenmare - Killarney National Park - Dingle. After breakfast in Kinsale, we travel west towards Kenmare - a picturesque town often described as the jewel of the Ring of Kerry. On arrival, you have time to explore its colourful streets, browse local craft shops and visit the ancient Kenmare Stone Circle, one of the largest stone circles in south-west Ireland and thought to date back to the Bronze Age.

From Kenmare, we follow one of Ireland’s most scenic routes. We stop at Moll’s Gap and Ladies’ View for sweeping panoramic views across mountains and lakes before descending into Killarney National Park - Ireland’s first national park and home to some of the country’s most celebrated landscapes.

In the park, you have the opportunity to explore by bike, cycling through peaceful woodland and along the lakeshore past Muckross House and Gardens, and along the trail to Torc Waterfall. There are several routes to choose from, each offering its own mix of scenery and history.

By late afternoon, we continue west to the vibrant coastal town of Dingle, known for its colourful shopfronts, lively pubs and strong Gaelic heritage. This evening is free for you to relax and explore - perhaps enjoying fresh seafood, a pint of Guinness and some traditional Irish music in one of the town’s welcoming pubs.

Total driving time: 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Wake up to another superb day on the Wild Atlantic Way as we explore the very best of Dingle and its dramatic coastline.

This morning we head out onto Dingle Bay for an unforgettable kayaking experience. We paddle across clear Atlantic waters, slip into hidden sea caves and take in sweeping views of the rugged cliffs that frame the bay. It is a true highlight of the tour and offers a unique perspective on this remarkable landscape.

After returning to our accommodation to freshen up and enjoy lunch, we set off along the world-renowned Slea Head Drive - one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal routes. Along the way, we visit the Famine Cottages and pet farm, see the ancient Beehive Huts - early Christian stone dwellings that have stood for centuries - and stop at the dramatic sands of Coomeenoule Beach. We also walk the winding path down to Dunquin Pier and visit the Blasket Centre, where we learn about life on the remote Blasket Islands, once home to a vibrant Irish-speaking community on the very edge of Europe.

We return to Dingle in the early evening. You then have free time to explore its colourful streets, browse local shops or settle into a cosy pub for fresh seafood and traditional music. With a second night in this charming harbour town, there is no need to repack - simply relax and enjoy all that Dingle has to offer.

Total driving time: 2 hours.

Dingle - Cliffs of Moher - Doolin. Our adventure continues as we head north, leaving behind Dingle and taking in the stunning scenery of Castlegregory en route. Experience a captivating sheepdog show by a local farmer, where the incredible skill and teamwork between border collies and their handlers are on full display.

Later, we cross the River Shannon by ferry to reach County Clare, home to the legendary Cliffs of Moher. Set out on a two-and-a-half-hour hike along the cliffs, taking in their dramatic coastline and breathing in the fresh sea air. Our guide will lead you off the beaten track, uncovering hidden gems away from the crowds. The cliffs are steeped in myth and wonder; listen for the roar of the Wild Atlantic Ocean, which might seem to echo your name in its waves.

Our destination for the night is the charming village of Doolin, known for its colourful houses and lively atmosphere. Head out to enjoy the village's lively music scene this evening. Note that on some departures we may stay in the coastal spot of Spanish Point instead.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes.

Doolin - Onis Oirr - Galway. Total driving time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes - excluding stops

This morning we take a short ferry from Doolin to Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands and a true hidden gem. Despite its size, the island offers a rich glimpse into traditional Irish life, with white-sand beaches, dry-stone walls and a strong Irish-speaking community where Gaelic remains the everyday language.

On arrival, you can hire a bicycle and explore at your own pace. Cycle past the wreck of the Plassey, which ran aground in 1960, follow narrow lanes lined with ancient stone walls, visit the island’s lighthouse or simply pause to take in the wide Atlantic views and peaceful atmosphere. You have time to enjoy lunch on the island before we return to the mainland.

Back on board, we cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher, offering a striking perspective of these towering sea cliffs from below. We then travel north through the Burren National Park - a unique limestone landscape shaped by glaciers and dotted with rare wildflowers and prehistoric sites. En route, we stop at Dunguaire Castle, a beautifully preserved 16th-century tower house overlooking Galway Bay.

By late afternoon we arrive in Galway, known as the City of the Tribes - a nod to the fourteen merchant families who dominated the city in medieval times. You have free time to explore the colourful streets of the Latin Quarter, browse shops filled with Irish crafts or relax in one of the city’s welcoming cafés.

This evening is yours to enjoy Galway’s renowned live music scene, excellent restaurants and lively pub culture - a fitting end to another memorable day on Ireland’s west coast.

Please note: ferry crossings to the Aran Islands are weather dependent. If conditions are unsuitable, your guide will arrange alternative activities to ensure you still enjoy a rewarding and memorable day.

Total driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Galway - Connemara National Park - Westport.Today we leave Galway behind and journey into the wild beauty of Connemara - one of Ireland’s most striking and unspoilt regions. As we travel west, the landscape opens into rugged mountains, quiet lakes and sweeping valleys, offering a true sense of the country’s untamed west.

Our first stop is the dramatic Lough Inagh Valley, known for its still waters and the peaks of the Twelve Bens rising on either side. We pause here for photos before continuing to one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks - Kylemore Abbey.

We spend the late morning and early afternoon exploring Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Gardens. Set against a lakeside backdrop, the abbey was originally built in the 19th century as a private castle and is now home to a Benedictine community. During our visit, we can wander through the elegant estate, step inside the Neo-Gothic Church, stroll through the restored gardens and enjoy lunch in the on-site café. With around three hours here, there is ample time to explore at a relaxed pace.

In the afternoon, we travel north through scenic Connemara to the coastal village of Louisburgh, where we stop briefly to stretch our legs, take in the Atlantic views or pick up a coffee.

From here, it is a short and scenic drive to Westport - widely regarded as one of Ireland’s prettiest towns. After checking in, you have the evening free to explore its colourful streets, dine in one of its excellent restaurants or enjoy traditional music in a lively local pub, all accompanied by Mayo’s renowned hospitality.

Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Westport - Dublin. We depart Westport to embark on the "pilgrim climb" up Croagh Patrick, also known as "The Reek" and regarded as Ireland's sacred mountain. While it is believed that St. Patrick fasted at the summit in 441 AD, the site has been a place of pagan worship since 3000 BC. Accompanied by our guide, we'll undertake a two-hour ascent, climbing 764 metres over loose, rocky scree toward the clouds. Your efforts will be rewarded with a 360-degree view of Clew Bay, featuring its 365 islands and sunken drumlins. After a one-and-a-half-hour descent, we'll gain insights into St. Patrick - his life, sainthood, connection to the mountain, and the origins of the celebrations held every March 17th.

We then complete our journey back to Dublin, where the tour comes to an end.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes.

Drop-off Point: Heuston Station, St John's Rd W, Saint James, Dublin, Ireland, between 16:00 and 18:00.