Escape to the South West
5 day tour
Escape to the mystery and isolated splendour of Ireland’s West Coast.
Tour map
Highlights
Places you explore
Clonmacnoise - Scholars from all around Europe once visited this hugely influential abbey.
Galway Town - Stone clad buildings line the winding lanes and medieval walls of this ancient harbour city.
Cliffs of Moher - Behold an awe-inspiring 700ft drop into the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Burren - This national park is home to some of Ireland’s most profound spiritual and natural culture.
Dingle Peninsula - Glorious beaches merge with traditional Irish scenery in this land of Gaelic mystery and towering forts.
Ring of Kerry - Ireland's famous coastal route boasts some of the wildest views in Europe.
Torc Waterfall - Learn about the ancient curse that formed this waterfall and admire its impressive cascade.
Blarney Castle - Try to kiss the famed Blarney Stone amidst the walls of this gorgeous medieval stronghold.
Kilkenny - Survey the dominant and unmistakeable three walled castle whilst roaming its splendid grounds.
Your journey
Explore one of Ireland’s most spectacular regions on this five day tour of Ireland.
You’ll capture Atlantic waves crashing against rugged cliffs, impressive castles looming over ancient monasteries, and cities bursting with myth and mystery.
It’s a tour that’s perfect for people who like their mountains mighty, their music merry, and their memories magnificent.
Tour Details
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- All road tolls and the Killimer - Tarbet ferry
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
- Tour accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1
- Savour the sights and tastes of the oldest licensed distillery on Earth at Locke’s Distillery
- Revere the magnificent 1,500 year old abbey of Clonmacnoise
- Delve into the hubbub of Galway City’s bustling bars and lively restaurants
Leaving Dublin, you head west through the farmlands and peat bogs of County Kildare and Offaly. Locke’s Distillery is your first stop, and here you have time to relax with a glass of their famed whiskey.
After a drink (or two!), you head to the banks of the mighty River Shannon and the ruined abbey at Clonmacnoise. Home to a large collection of stone crosses, ancient churches and inimitable round towers, this holy site offers an insightful glimpse into Ireland’s spiritual past.
You then lunch at a traditional pub in one of the area’s pretty villages before travelling to Galway City, your home for the first night. It’s a city with a lively atmosphere and excellent restaurants and bars.
Day 2
- Roam the Burren, home to some of Ireland’s most profound spiritual and natural experiences
- Marvel at the steep Cliffs of Moher and the stunning 700ft drop into the waves of the Atlantic Ocean
- Relax with traditional Irish music in the atmospheric pubs and bars of Killarney
A short drive along the coast from Galway City lies the Burren, one of Ireland’s national treasures. It’s home to one of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland and broad limestone pavements and rare flora.
After time to explore the area, 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.
You then head to the incredible Cliffs of Moher. Walk the stunning cliff trails as seabirds swoop through the clear air above you. And learn about the unique ecosystem in the excellent and award winning environmental exhibition nearby.
The tour then moves south through County Clare, passing its famous golf course on the way to the picturesque beach at Lahinch. From here you board a ferry across the Shannon Estuary to the lakeside town of 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.
Day 3
- Traverse the Dingle Peninsula, famous for its scenery and Gaelic culture
- Wander ancient forts and religious sites of the past at Slea Head
- Stroll the beautiful length of Inch Beach on your way to Dingle
Today, your tour explores the fabulous Dingle Peninsula. 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.
You continue towards Slea Head, an area loaded with ancient forts and prehistoric dwellings. The impressive views of the nearby Blasket Islands make this an excellent spot for panoramic photos. If the weather is pleasant, you can ramble along the beaches and cliff tops to fully appreciate the incredible vistas.
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.
Day 4
- Tour the world renowned Ring of Kerry, hailed globally for its incredible scenery and cultural heritage
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, stopping first at Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. After snapping some shots of its rugged majesty, you join the scenic coast road through Glenbeigh and Kells on the way to Cahersiveen. Possible stops include the site of “The Liberator of Ireland” Daniel O’Connell’s birthplace and an impressive ring fort outside Portmagee.
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. This excursion teaches you about the ancient community of monks who made the outcrop of rocky islands their home.
In the afternoon, there’s a photo stop in Charlie Chaplin’s “home away from home” at Waterville, before enjoying fine views at the top of Coonmakista pass.
Winding down from the peaks, you head to Derrynane House, home of the family O’Driscoll. Daniel O’Driscoll holds a special place in Irish hearts, as an emancipating force from colonial rule. Enjoy a walk in the scenic gardens here, as well as a visit to the main house.
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. (On some tours, days three and four are switched).
Day 5
- Try to kiss the famed Blarney Stone within the walls of the medieval stronghold of Blarney Castle
- Explore Kilkenny Castle and its impressive craft centres
Heading east through the mountains of West Cork, you weave along the Lee Valley until you reach Blarney Castle. You have time here to take in the castle grounds, and there may even be the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and receive the “gift of the gab”!
In the afternoon, the tour heads to the heritage town of Cahir, where there’s a distinctive island castle in the River Suir.
The final stop of the tour is Kilkenny, a bustling city with a fine Castle, riverside walks, and an impressive National Craft Centre. There’s also the chance for one last Guinness before heading back on the road again for the last leg of the journey. You arrive back into Dublin in the evening.
Customer Reviews
My new favourite colour is Emerald Green
Rakhi Dhar Posted on 28/07/2019Just back yesterday from 5 day tour to Souuth West Ireland from Dublin. The tour was amazing and had the perfect blend of Irish history and dramatic landscapes, music, art culture and food.loved the BBs where I stayed specially the one in Killarney (Parkfield House).Our tour guide,Kevin, was very helpful and shared loads of info on Irish history ,relevant stories and at times funny jokes and quotes. The stops that he made at the Irish pottery shop,the sheep herding demo and the Celtic Steps Irish music and dance show were addition bonus of the trip and highly appreciated.what more can I say about the trip except that Im so completely mesmerised and still in a hangover state (and not at all guilty about it128540).....that I ended up becoming a poet. And here I go.......... Some history and mystery.....with melody and mirth. A place kissed with lush greenery on earth. The wilderness of the Atlantic ....the tenderness of the meadows. So glad I am that to be here I chose. Smitten by your beauty which is so pristine. Going back with a colour of my favourite-Emerald Green .
Excellent tour to see Ireland with very good guide
Amy Lee Posted on 17/07/2018My friend and I joined the Rabbies’ 5 days escape to South West Ireland tour to see that part of the country because we didn’t want to drive in Ireland so this tour was the best way to get a general view of the beautiful countryside of Ireland. We like how this tour included most of the popular sites in the South West Ireland like the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring Of Kerry. We normally are not the type that would join a tour for sightseeing, usually we DIY when we go on holiday in a new place. But this Rabbies tour pkg exceeded our expectations and all our worries about group tour were gone on the first day already when our guide Patrick Foley introduced himself to us. The tour was very well planned, covered most of the places we wanted to see. And the hotels picked by the agent Tour Radar which is a partner with Rabbies tour were very decent accomodations. But most importantly that tour was led and driven by the very charismatic, funny and helpful guide Patrick Foley. I have seen other reviews that gave him high praise too so very happy when we found out he was our tour guide. He was very informative, gave us history and background of many of these places we visited. And he was very funny too, always cracking jokes, taught us how to say a few Irish words and even sang Irish songs in the van to entertain us, so it was never a dull moment sitting in the van for even the longer driving part of the tour. We set off from Dublin on the tour joined by a small group of fellow travellers, in a very spacious van. We like this type of boutique tour offered by Rabbies. We were also lucky that the weather was great, almost too hot which we were told by Patrick it was very unusal this year Ireland has a heat wave going on in July. So although sometimes the van even with aircon on, was a bit stuffy due to the heat wave, Patrick always asked how we were feeling in the van, made sure we could get some breeze and air by opening more windows and the sun roof of the van. He was very attentive to his tour passengers’ needs. Planned plenty of toilet stops for us so someone like me who always need to go to toilet when in a car or in a long distance road trip, did not have to worry about raising my hands for frequent toilet stops which might make other passengers wait for me. But Patrick already planned these toilet stops so well each day, none of us would have to make additional requests for it. Patrick’s professionalism, his humor and story telling skills, his enthusiasm and his personal interest for the care and enjoyment of those with him made the trip very special. He would even explain and apologize graciously when the day we went to see Ring of Kerry, that it would be a very packed schedule and he could only spare us a short length of time at a few photo stops (even though he really has nothing to apologize for, since we understood the tour was desgned to give us a taste of everything in the South West in 5 days which is a lot to cover in such short period of time), but he would make it up by trying his best to let us stay longer at the more important sightseeing spots. So you could tell he genuinely wanted us to enjoy the tour and enjoy Ireland. When dropping us off at our hotel or guest houses, Patrick would also make sure each of us would get checked in ok and only when he saw each of us have managed to get into the hotel or guest houses then he drove off. In the end, it was our guide that made this 5 day Rabbies Tour that much more enjoyable for us. I think Rabbies tour has a good reputation largely because of professional and friendly guides like Patrick Foley working for the tour. I highly recommend anyone who wants to get a taste of South West of Ireland to sign up this 5 days tour, which I was told by Patrick he would usually be working on this particularly tour. ( Make sure you sign up for starting on a Sunday and ends on Thursday too as that is the period he usually drives the tour.) We enjoy this Rabbies tour so much that we would not hesitate to sign up for another Rabbies tour with professional and friendly guides like Patrick Foley driving the tour.
Irelands Wild Atlantic Way
Bill and Lynne King Posted on 13/07/2017Excellent Trip. 10 out of 10. Rabbies did it again for us. Go on any tour led by John Dowling. Smart, funny and can sing! Our group was 7 of us from the U.S. (San Francisco, Michigan and New Jersey), 5 from Australia, 2 from Israel and 2 from Canada - great group! Cliffs of Moher was cloudy and we couldnt see the Skellig Islands the day we had lunch in Portmagee on The Ring of Kerry but the weather was fine the rest of the time. This tour was packed with the iconic - Blarney Castle was fun, so was the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery - the towns were cool including Dingle and Killarney, the scenery breathtaking. A+++
A Great Tour Guide!
Marc and Sue Chrzan Posted on 02/10/2016Our tour guide, Alan ONeil was knowledgeable and interesting, giving us many insights into Irish history and day-to-day life. A great experience, and highly recommended!
Irish Magic
marie therese Posted on 14/09/2016Ive returned recently from my vacation that took me to Paris and Ireland and oh, what a trip it was! In Ireland, my son, sister-in-law and I were on the 5 day tour of Ireland that took us to magical places such as Skellig/Valentia Island, Dingle, the Ring of Kerry and Blarney Castle. We got to see how a Sheep Herding exhibition visit old Pubs along the way, enjoy some fantastic Irish food and mingle with a small group of individuals on our tour. I cannot tell you how great this trip was and with Patrick as our tour guide, how informational it was as well! Traveling with Patrick was like traveling with an old friend who was excited to tell you about the country he calls home! We had many laughs, great Irish music and story telling along the way. My first experience with Rabbies was a day trip in Scotland so when I saw the trips they offered in Ireland, I knew we couldnt go wrong. If anyone is considering traveling through Ireland, I wouldnt hesitate recommending Rabbies as the way to go youre the best in small group travel!
Fantastic tour guide
Susan Morrison Posted on 30/07/2016We just returned from a family trip to Ireland. We took the 5 day tour of the West with Patrick Foley as our guide/driver. What a fantastic time! Patrick is truly a diamond in the rough for Rabbies. His knowledge was amazing. His talents even more amazing! We all enjoyed every minute of the tour, and hated to see it end! We would highly recommend this tour with Patrick!
Awesome tour! Thanks, Patrick!
Libby Wile Posted on 12/07/2016This tour was absolutely fantastic! I booked it through Viator so didnt know it was a Rabbies tour until confirmation, but was so happy in the end. I have done a lot of solo traveling, but this was the first time I joined in on a group tour of this nature. Im so glad I did as I think I would have missed out on a lot that Ireland has to offer if I went completely on my own! The small bus/group size (our group had 14) made the trip and experience feel so much more personal than I expected. We were also able to maneuver around roads and whatnot that would have been off limits in a bigger bus. The smaller group size also made it possible to chat with the others in the group and even share a few meals while in the various towns. While we had fantastic weather and toured some beautiful sites, our tour guide, Patrick Foley, really made the trip as memorable as it was. He is very knowledgeable about the country and every place we went, but in addition shared many stories, songs, and anecdotes that gave you a better connection and fondness for the places you were visiting. I had heard great things about Ireland and its been on my bucket list for a long time- the welcoming spirit of everyone I met, the beauty of the countryside and sea, and the history of this country did not disappoint.
Holiday memories
Jean Redfern Posted on 31/05/2016Just returned from a memorable visit to the South of Ireland. My second Rabbies tour and every bit as good as the last. Thanks to Patrick our fantastic Guide and driver for all the songs and history. He made us all welcome and shared his love of his country. The Skellig experience still haunts me.!Beautiful scenery ,highly recommended ..now whereto go next?
Outstanding Guide!
Patti Mark Posted on 29/09/2015We went on a 3 day tour of Galway and surrounding areas. Mike Duggan was outstanding. He delivered just what we were looking for, along with a great personality. Having grown up in the area was a great bonus. He is the best!
availability
Una and Bill Allen Posted on 15/09/2015Hi there Visiting (again) from Australia and loved the last Rabbies tour we did with Duncan to Orkney. Wondered if Duncan is stilll with the company and what tours he will be doing between May and end of June 2016. Would also like to go to Ireland this time but dont seem to be able to select the dates on the website. Maybe we are too early! Love this company and recommend it to everyone including our Brisbane travel agent. Kind regards Una and Bill Allen PS we are Scots but have lived in Australia for over 30 years. Always promote Scotland to our friends.
Accommodation
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay one night in Galway and three nights in the lively little town of Killarney. Hotels in Galway have limited availability throughout the summer.
How does the accommodation work?
Your tour excludes accommodation; but when you book, you can ask us to reserve local accommodation for you, or you can choose to reserve your own accommodation in the overnight locations.
I want Rabbie’s to book my accommodation, what happens now?
Once you've booked your tour, we'll reserve all your accommodation, and your driver will drop you off with your hosts. You’ll pay your accommodation directly. Most don’t accept credit cards, so be prepared to pay cash.
What if I want to change my accommodation booking with Rabbie’s?
Plans can change, so we let you alter your accommodation choices for free within the first 48 hours of booking. After this time, amendments aren't guaranteed and carry a surcharge. Please contact rooms@rabbies.com if you have any questions.
I booked my own accommodation is there anything I need to do?
You’ll need to contact us with your accommodation details. Please only reserve accommodation within the overnight towns that your tour stops in. Your driver will drop you off at your chosen accommodation as long as it’s relatively central.
What if I cancel my tour at short notice?
If you cancel less than three days before departure, you may be liable for the cost of your first nights’ accommodation. And occasionally you may be liable for all your accommodation costs.
What are the accommodation types?
We try to reserve accommodation that’s no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation suppliers to ensure they reach a certain standard. The prices below are for guidance only.
B&B En suite
The showering and toilet facilities are private, and breakfast is included in the price. The cost is €45 - €60 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single en suite is €65 - €80 per night.
Hotels
Hotels have a bar or restaurant and provide evening meals. Breakfast is included in the price.
- Hotel 3 star - €75 - €90* per person per night based on shared accommodation. *From July to September, room prices in Galway may go up to €120 per night per person
- A single room at a 3 star hotel is €90 - €130* per night based on shared accommodation. *From July to September, room prices in Galway may go up to around €200.
Hostels
A hostel consists of dormitory rooms with 4 to 16 bunk beds. The bathroom facilities are a short distance from the dorm room. Kitchen facilities are equipped so you can make your own meals. The cost based on dorm beds is €22 - €30 per person per night.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, you can read our FAQs, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, or email rooms@rabbies.com.
FAQs
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies.
What are your cancellation policies?
We have a cancellation period of 48 hours for our one day tours, 15 days for two to nine day tours, and 21 days for 10+ day tours. If cancelled outside this period, we'll give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this period, refunds are at our discretion. Click here to view full terms and conditions.
What is a guaranteed departure?
It's simple: you book, you go. This means we'll never cancel your tour because of a minimum numbers policy.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .
4 reasons to choose Rabbie's
Travel on small group tours of 10 people or fewer
You'll have a guaranteed experience, or your money back
Guaranteed departures: you book, you go
Our eco-friendly tours support local communities
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