Escape to the South West
5 day tour

  • Blarney Castle
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Ring of Kerry sheepdogs
  • Tours to Dingle from Dublin
  • Dingle Peninsula

Escape to the mystery and isolated splendour of Ireland’s West Coast.

Tour map

Tour Highlights

Ferry
Distilleries
Gaelic Culture
Abbeys
Walks
Waterfalls
Castles
Beaches

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.

The Wild Atlantic Way - Discover the rugged beauty of one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world.

Blarney Castle - Try to kiss the famed Blarney Stone amidst the walls of this gorgeous medieval stronghold.

 

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

Starts
Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Dublin Nassau Street Pick Up, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin,
Finishes (approx.)
19:30 - Dublin Nassau Street Drop Off, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin,
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Discounts

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

Important information
  • Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
  • Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
Tour inclusions
  • 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
Tour exclusions
  • Tour accommodation
  • Attraction entry tickets

Itinerary

Day 1

  • Savour the sights and tastes of the oldest licensed distillery of its kind in Ireland at the Kilbeggan 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. Kilbeggan 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. You continue your journey and board a ferry across the Shannon Estuary. After a short crossing, you head south towards 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, 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. Next 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’Connell. Daniel O’Connell, 'The Liberator of Ireland’, had a very strong bond with this place and you’ll understand why when you visit. Here, you can enjoy a walk in the scenic gardens or along the beach and explore 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
  • Visit the gardens of Kilkenny Castle* and roam the city's medieval lanes 

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, a thousand-year-old round tower, 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.

*Please note that if your tour departs after 1st April 2025, day five of the tour will change. After Blarney Castle, you visit Kinsale for lunch instead of Cahir. Also, you will visit the Rock of Cashel instead of Kilkenny. Your tour finish time on day five will also change to 7pm arrival in Dublin.
 

Attractions

Tour Attractions

You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

  • Cliffs of Moher

Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight?

You stay one night in Galway* and three nights in the lively little town of Killarney.

 

 *Please note there are limited hotel options in Galway and the prices are above average in peak season. Additionally, if you book on the weekend, accommodation may be limited to Hotels or other expensive options.

How can I book accommodation?

Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE.

Alternatively, please email us your questions at tours@rabbies.com or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.

Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab: types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.

How much will the accommodation cost?

We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.

As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices, per person per night:

 

Approximate prices, per person per night

Overnight Location

 

Sole Occupancy

Multiple Occupancy

 

(1 person per room)

(2+ people per room)

B&B Standard

£80 - £120

£60 - £80

UK & Northern Ireland

€80 - €120

€60 - €80

Ireland

B&B En-suite

£100 - £145

£55 - £95

UK & Northern Ireland

€100 - €145

€55 - €100

Ireland

Hotel

£110 - £190

£75 - £150

UK & Northern Ireland

€130 - €235

€75 - €150

Ireland

NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)

Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).

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. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

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 .

Restrictions

Children
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.

If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.

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