Itinerary

Depart Dublin for Kilbeggan

Leaving Dublin, you head west through the farmlands and peat bogs of County Kildare and Offaly. Kilbeggan Distillery is your first stop, and here you have time to relax with a glass of their famed whiskey.

Kilbeggan Distillery

You arrive at Kilbeggan Distillery for a dram or two! The oldest licensed distillery on the planet, here you can relax with a glass of their famed whiskey; and grab a bottle to share with friends back home before you head back out to continue your journey. You'll have a few choices for your lunch spot today and your driver will help guide the group to the best spots.

A visit to Clonmacnoise

Founded in 544 by Saint Ciarán the site includes a host of significant early christian sites including the two round towers that dominate this landscape next to the atmospheric ruined Cathedral. It's an emotive experience walking in the footsteps of history among the churches, graveslabs and if you want to enhance your visit further you can check out the visitor center and view the giant high crosses on display.

Free evening in Galway

You head to Galway City, a vibrant harbour city that combines traditional market life with high quality restaurants and pubs. It's time to discover for yourself why Galway has inspired so many hearts, songs and stories as you settle in for the night.

Depart Galway for the Burren

A short drive along the coast from Galway City lies the Burren, one of Ireland's national treasures which you'll be keen to explore.

Dunguaire Castle and Corcomroe Abbey

The first stop is the attractive village of Kinvara, where you get a chance to take in the dramatic Dunguaire Castle and discover its remarkable historical legacy but there is more to see so we move on after grabbing some quick snaps. From here you head to the Burren. This is one of Ireland's most arresting landscapes: a patchwork of glacial limestone pavements, rare flora and ancient stone monuments. The Burren was also home to one of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland. You'll stop here to visit Corcomroe Abbey, a 13th-century ruined monastery that sits against a backdrop of the Burren Mountain.

Kilfenora

Feeling inspired? It doesn't end there! There is still so much to see on this packed day. We take a couple of detours on the road to your next stop but for very good reason… We'll visit Ballyallaban Earthen Ringfort, a mysterious stone structure whose exact history is unknown but likely dates to mediaeval times. Then we visit the Poulnabrone Dolmen, which dates to the early Neolithic period, with estimates from 4200 BC to 2900 BC. After time to explore these intriguing monuments, you travel to Kilfenora, the “town of the crosses”. You can visit the town's fabulous ancient cathedral before we stop for lunch in one of the area's charming villages.

Cliffs of Moher and free evening in Killarney

We make haste to catch our ferry but not before we stop at one of the world's most iconic coastlines. Welcome to the incredible Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way. Here, you can stroll along the dramatic trails and spot rare seabirds. Fans of Harry Potter, The Princess Bride, or Leap Year may recognize these cliffs from their famous on-screen appearances. Continuing south through County Clare, we stop at Lahinch beach before hopping a ferry across the Shannon Estuary to Killarney. This energetic, charming area will be your base for the next three nights, so take your time sampling the superb collection of traditional pubs and live music.

Inch Beach

Today, your tour explores the fabulous Dingle Peninsula, famous for its scenery and Gaelic culture. Your first stop is Inch Beach, a vast expanse of sand stretching out into the Atlantic. Venturing down the narrow roads away from the beach leads you through the town of Dingle.

Slea Head and Beehive Huts

Next your driver will stop at the Fahan Beehive Huts, the distinctive shape of these stone houses will of course be familiar but the design of these early medieval celtic dwellings date back to 2000 BC. This remarkable example dates from 800 AD and still stand today in tribute to the skill of the islands stonemasons. You continue towards Slea Head, an area loaded with ancient forts and prehistoric dwellings and some of the most incredible photo stops you will see on your tour.

Gallarus Oratory and Kilmalkedar Church

Take in the breathtaking views of the Blasket Islands, an ideal spot for panoramic photos. If the weather permits, enjoy a stroll along the beaches and cliff tops to fully embrace the stunning scenery before pausing for lunch. Next, visit the Gallarus Oratory, a 1,000-year-old marvel and the best-preserved church of its kind in Ireland. Standing within its ancient walls, you can only wonder at the lives of those who worshipped here centuries ago. Continuing towards Dingle, stop at the historic Kilmalkedar Church, a national monument along an ancient pilgrim path. This tranquil site invites reflection, its rich history woven with stories of faith and resilience.

Dingle and free evening in Killarney

Arriving back amidst the brightly coloured houses and jolly harbour of Dingle, you can spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying delicious seafood in this idyllic setting. In the evening, you head back to Killarney, with time for an evening stroll in the National Park that envelops the town.

Depart Kilarney for the Ring of Kerry

Today, you explore the Ring of Kerry, a spectacular route through some of Ireland's most visually spectacular areas. You head out in the morning, navigating the roads about the valleys, towns, and villages, and through the foothills of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, home to Ireland's highest mount, Carrauntoohil. You'll have the option to stop and watch the Kells Bay Sheepdog Trails which your driver can help to arrange.

Cahersiveen Ring Forts

Next you join the scenic coast road through Glenbeigh on the way to Cahersiveen where you'll visit the impressive Cahergal Stone Fort, a ring fort outside Portmagee. You can explore and discover the local legends that surround the fort while gazing out over the Atlantic.

Portmagee and Derrynane

You stop for lunch in the quaint fishing village of Portmagee. Alternatively, you can have a quick snack and head to the island of Valentia for a visit to the Skellig Experience to find about the ancient community of monks who lived on the rocky island. Later, there's a photo stop in Charlie Chaplin's “home away from home” at Waterville, before enjoying fine views at the top of Coomakista pass. Winding down from the peaks, you head to Derrynane House, home of the family O'Connell. Daniel O'Connell, 'The Liberator of Ireland', had a very strong bond with this place. Here, you can enjoy a walk in the scenic gardens or along the beach and explore the main house.

Torc Waterfall and return to Killarney

Continuing along the Ring, you stop at Moll's Gap and the Ladies View. Stroll a short way from here to the Torc Waterfall before heading back to Killarney.

The road to Blarney Castle

We set off on your last day of this incredible tour of the southwest of Ireland and head towards Blarney Castle, ready to discover the legend of the Blarney Stone. You will be able to take a short comfort break if needed.

Blarney Castle and joining the second part of the tour

Driving through the stunning Cork countryside, you arrive in Blarney, home to the magnificent 600-year-old Blarney Castle. Nestled in lush gardens, the castle feels like a scene from a fairy tale, complete with chilling dungeons to explore. Climb to the battlements for stunning views and imagine the approach of a medieval siege on the horizon. While the castle itself is impressive, its claim to fame is the Blarney Stone. Legend has it, kissing the stone bestows the "Gift of the Gab," granting eloquence. Will you join those eager to enhance their conversational prowess? After the visit, you change the bus and meet up with the new group on your second part of the tour.

Midleton (Jameson) Whiskey Distillery and journey to Kinsale

It's now time to glide along the beautiful coastline south of Cork before arriving in Kinsale. This charming little fishing village is your overnight stop, with all its local restaurants and lively pubs. Enjoy your free evening whilst exploring the narrow streets and brightly coloured houses. You continue onto Midleton Whiskey Distillery, also once known as Jameson. Here you have a chance to learn the history, find out how the drink is made, and taste a little yourself. If whiskey isn't quite your think you cant take a short walk to Choctaw Native American monument in Bailic Park. Pontoon walkway. It's now time to glide along the beautiful coastline south of Cork before arriving in Kinsale.

Free evening in Kinsale

This charming little fishing village is your overnight stop, with all its local restaurants and lively pubs. Enjoy your free evening whilst exploring the narrow streets and brightly coloured houses.

Cobh and Titanic History

Leaving Kinsale in the morning, you make your way to the historic port town of Cobh. This was the last port of call for the Titanic on its ill fated maiden voyage in 1912. There is a chance for you to explore more about this heartbreaking history at the visitor experience. Alternatively, you can spend your time exploring the rows of colourful houses, or at the Cobh Heritage Centre, which also explores how Cobh became an embarkation point during Ireland's mass migrations to America, Canada and Australia to name a few. A must see for those exploring their own ancestry in Ireland.

Dungarvan

Next, we head east along the Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark famed for its beauty and intricate histories. Your next stop is Dungarvan, a charming harbour town offering wide, inviting sandy beaches. The history here is as deep as the coastline, tracing back to the Stone Age, with archaeological finds of ancient settlements and even woolly mammoth remains. Over the centuries, this area evolved, bearing the mark of many eras, including the impressive 13th-century Anglo-Norman Dungarvan Castle. Take time to savour an early lunch and soak in the surroundings, where every step connects you to the stories of ancient peoples, Norman knights, and coastal settlers.

Waterford via Copper Coast

You continue until you reach Waterford, Ireland's oldest city founded by Regnall, Viking adventurer and pirate, a grandson of Ivor the Boneless. Today Waterford has managed to preserve this fascinating history while also being a hub for shops, eateries and local pubs. You have free time here to decide how you would like to spend the afternoon. In the late afternoon, you travel north from Waterford to Kilkenny.

Free evening in Kilkenny

Welcome to your home for the evening! This town is a vibrant place with a thriving pub and restaurant culture. After spending the evening here you're certain to understand why people voted it Ireland's friendliest city.

Explore the vibrant city of Kilkenny

Kilkenny has many attractions to offer you for your morning, including ancient ruins, stunning gardens, and sacred religious sites. You might consider a visit to Kilkenny Castle, host to exquisite collections and artifacts from its 800 year history. After your morning of exploring this vibrant city it's time to meet your guide again and head off to discover more of Ireland's beauty, history and warmth.

Wicklow Mountains and Lunch in Hollywood

You then head north into the Wicklow Mountains, where you'll be impressed by the National Park's steep granite mountains. You make a stop in Carlow, often referred to as "The Dolmen County," a name inspired by the iconic Brownshill Dolmen. This remarkable 6,000-year-old megalithic portal tomb is famed for its massive capstone, believed to be the heaviest in Europe, weighing over 100 metric tonnes. A short drive later you arrive in Hollywood for a pub lunch.

Glendalough

You follow the winding paths to Glendalough, site of an awe-inspiring 6th century monastic city with numerous churches, crosses and a well preserved stone tower. Founded by St Kevin the site is no stranger to myths and legends with some believing the saint himself banished a monster that lived in the lake. Regardless of the truth St Kevin chose a perfect location for this hub of early Christian learning, sitting nestled amongst hills and valleys formed by Ice Age glaciers. You bid farewell to this moving place and begin your scenic drive back to Dublin.

Return to Dublin via The Sally Gap

Your guide will take you the scenic road back to Dublin including the breathtaking Sally Gap pass. You'll maybe enjoy some surprise diversions to enjoy some view points and beauty spots on the road with so many astonishing sights to see. You arrive back in Dublin brimming with stories of Viking pirates, ancient tombs, perilous voyages and an understanding of the lives of Irish people over hundreds of years of history.