Wild Wonders & Ancient Echoes: Uncover Southern Ireland
9 day tour

Day 1

• Savour the sights and tastes of the oldest licensed distillery of its kind in Ireland at the Kilbeggan Distillery
• It's hard to forget the magnificence of the 1,500-year-old abbey of Clonmacnoise 
• Join the Irish hubbub of Galway City’s bustling bars and lively restaurants

Say goodbye to Dublin (for now) as we head west through classic Irish farmlands and peat bogs as we pass through County Kildare and Offaly. Our first destination is Kilbeggan Distillery*, and here you have time to relax with a glass of their famed whiskey. 

After a wee tipple (or two), we’ll take you to the banks of the mighty River Shannon where the ruined abbey of Clonmacnoise stands haunted and proud. Like a graveyard 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, excellent restaurants and bars, and pubs with traditional live music. The night is yours to enjoy as you please. 

*Please note that, in Ireland, it is illegal to serve alcohol before midday on Sunday. If your tour departs on a Sunday, please keep this in mind and unfortunately, the distillery will be unable to sell or serve any alcohol. We apologise for the inconvenience.  

Day 2

• Roam the Burren, home to some of Ireland’s most profound spiritual and natural experiences
• Many have marveled at the dramatic 700ft drop of the stunning Cliffs of Moher
• Join in on the liveliness of Killarney, a traditional Irish town bursting with pubs, bars, and live music

Good morning Ireland! We hope your night in Galway was full of fun and music (and perhaps some Guinness), but not too much because today needs your full attention (and obsession). We start the morning off with a short drive along the coast from Galway to the beauty that is the Burren. This is one of Ireland’s national treasures and is home to one of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland. The broad limestone pavements stretch out around you like stone clawed by the talons of an angry dragon, and rare flora spanning out around you is worthy of a photo or two.

Next, we travel to Kilfenora, the “town of the crosses”, where you can visit the town’s fabulous ancient cathedral before we stop for lunch in one of the area’s charming villages.

And then it’s time for the showstopper. The incredible Cliffs of Moher are popular for a reason and we’re certain you’ll understand why when you see them for yourself. Walk the stunning cliff trails as seabirds swoop through the clear air above you, learn about the unique ecosystem in their award-winning environmental exhibition, and maybe even have a fangirl moment as you recognise the cliffs from big screen movies like Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince.

Your adventure continues 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

• Explore the beauty, scenery and Gaelic history of the Dingle Peninsula
• Discover ancient forts and religious sites of the past at Slea Head
• Stroll or swim at the beautiful Inch Beach on your way to the town of Dingle

Welcome to the Dingle Peninsula, a place where glorious beaches merge with iconic Irish scenery, a place where towering forts and ancient stone dwellings peek out at you from the rolling hills.

Your first stop is Inch Beach, a vast expanse of sand stretching out into the Atlantic. It’s a great place for a wander, a photo... or perhaps you’re brave enough for a quick dip?

Venturing down the narrow roads away from the beach leads you to Slea Head, an area loaded with ancient forts and prehistoric dwellings. The impressiveness of the Wild Atlantic Way is on full display here as you amble along the beaches and cliff tops to fully appreciate the area's incredible vistas.

We circle back just a bit to the brightly coloured houses and jolly harbour of Dingle, where you spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying everything this iconic town has to offer. Perhaps you’ll grab some seafood and wander the waterfront. Or maybe you’ll take to the shops, including a visit to the famous Murphy’s Ice Cream. Back in 2000, they opened their first shop in Dingle with the goal of making the best ice cream in the world. Today, their ice cream is beloved by many who visit Dingle. But which delectable flavour will you try? Perhaps Arán Donn, or ‘Irish Brown Bread’? Supplied by the breadmakers at McCambridge’s, Murphy’s pops the bread into the oven with muscovado sugar for 8 hours to caramelise, only then is it ready for their iconic ice cream.

In the evening, you head back to Killarney, with time for an evening stroll in the National Park that envelops the town should you wish.

Day 4

• Tour the world-renowned Ring of Kerry, hailed globally for its incredible scenery and cultural heritage

Today is something special because today is all about the Ring of Kerry. This spectacular route will show off some of Ireland’s most visually jaw-dropping areas. If you’ve ever wanted that idyllic view of bleating sheep and meandering cows grazing in fields, that’s the Ring of Kerry. Rolling green hills sit like an artist’s backdrop, lakes sparkling in the distance like a beacon calling out to you. But on the other side of the road, the land falls away as cliffs plummet into the ocean below. And who knows what else awaits along this wild route.

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. But we like to keep things flexible today.

We stop in for lunch at 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 arrive at Derrynane House, home of the family O’Connell. Daniel O’Connell, 'The Liberator of Ireland’, had a 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. The name Ladies View stems from the reign of Queen Victoria, since she stopped here with her ladies-in-waiting, and it quickly became one of their favourite views.

And just before we retire for the evening, we pop in at Torc Waterfall. Walk the short moss-covered forest trail to take in the powerful waters of this striking location. With fresh air in your lungs, we head back to Killarney for the evening.

*Please note, on some tours, days three and four are switched.

Day 5

• Give the famed Blarney Stone a big kiss within the walls of the medieval stronghold of Blarney Castle
• Savour the sights and sounds of Kinsale, a fishing village well known for its charming beauty

Ireland is known for many things – its scenery, the history, a powerful dram of whiskey. But it’s got a romantic side to it, too. So, our first stop this morning is to the romantic and dramatic Blarney Castle where – among other things – you can kiss the stone.

The Blarney Stone, we mean. Why would you want to kiss a stone? Legend has it that kissing this famed rock gives people the ‘gift of the gab’. Maybe you can tell us if it works for you?

We then head to the colourful town of Kinsale for lunch, where you’ll also be spending the rest of the afternoon and evening. What you do for the rest of the day is up to you! This glorious port town is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds, so make sure you sample some of the local cuisine – perhaps it’s time for some seafood?

Your driver-guide will drop you at your accommodation and tomorrow you will join the next leg of your tour with a new driver-guide and some new tour friends.

Day 6

• It's time to believe in magic at Drombeg Stone Circle, known as the "Druid's Altar"
• Be wowed by the megalithic Altar Wedge Tomb
• Touch down at Ireland's most southwesterly point on the Wild Atlantic Way: Mizen Head

What a beautiful place to wake up in. We adore Kinsale and hope you did too. This morning you join the next leg of your tour, where the adventures will continue. No visit to Ireland is complete without witnessing the power and mystery of stone circles. That’s why our first stop of the day is the eerie Drombeg Stone Circle, known locally as the Druid’s Altar. Back when it was excavated, a burial urn was found in the centre of these 17 standing stones. But whose, we wonder?

For our next stop, make sure you whip out your camera because it will truly make you pause and think ‘What on Earth?!’. How is perhaps our question. This megalithic tomb has been around since the end of the Stone Age and the finding of bones at the site suggests Altar Wedge Tomb was a sacred site for those in the area.

Since we’re now well-and-truly on Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way, we’re starting to see what makes this route so famous with places like Mizen Head. They say photos never do Mizen Head justice, but you’re welcome to try and we know you’ll want a photo or two to remember the raw beauty of the wild Atlantic Ocean crashing up against the rocks below. Afraid of heights? Crossing the bridge is worth it even if you are, so you can get that iconic cliff view and even visit the Signal Station. You also have time here for a bite to eat at the visitor center, and even peruse the shop.

Our final stop of the day is the beautiful harbour setting of Bantry Town. Take a wander of the quirky shops, say hi to the welcoming locals, and maybe even stop in at Bantry House & Gardens, modelled after the ‘palazzos’ seen by the second Earl of Bantry on his travels on the continent.

After a full day of exploring, it’s back to Kinsale for the evening (and perhaps another pint or two).

Day 7

• Marvel at one of Ireland's largest military installations, Charles Fort
• Indulge the Irish way with some of Ireland's favourite whiskey at Midleton Distillery
• Eat, explore, learn... the historic and beautiful town of Cobh has it all

Our morning starts with something truly spectacular. Our first stop of the day is one of the largest military installations in Ireland, Charles Fort. This enormous star-shaped structure has played many vital roles in Irish history, so of course we need to take you here for a quick photo or two of its impressive exterior.

No trip to Ireland is complete without whiskey, so our next stop is at Midleton Distillery Cork (previously known as Jameson) for a tour of their facility and a taste of their powerful product. You might even say that theirs is the heart and soul of Irish whiskey.

With a slight buzz about your head (and heart), it’s time to fill your belly. We head to the beautiful town of Cobh where you have free time for lunch and to explore at your leisure. Perhaps it’s the Titanic Experience that will draw you in? Or the grand cathedral? The historic centre?

As the day ends, we head to your overnight stay in the seaport town of Waterford. We’ll take the scenic coastal route and make a few photo stops along the way. Where, exactly? We like to keep it flexible. Perhaps Bunmahon Beach or Tankardstown Copper Mine. Not knowing is half the fun.

Day 8

• Be converted by the beauty of 12th-century Cistercian Jerpoint Abbey
• Indulge your fun side in the vibrant city of Kilkenny
• Wander and learn at Kelly Priory, one of Ireland's largest medieval monuments

So, you’ve had a week in Ireland... and you still can’t get enough, right? We’re the same. There are endless treasures to discover, including our first stop of the day: Jerpoint Abbey. This striking Cistercian abbey was founded back in the 12th century and, while now in ruins, you marvel at the remains of its Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

Our next stop sits snuggly along the banks of the River Nore, a fun mix of modern and medieval. We’re talking about the city of Kilkenny. This city’s got a big personality, so we’re giving you plenty of time here to get to know her. First up is an interactive tour at Smithwick’s Experience, where you’ll explore this 18th-century brewery and perhaps even indulge in some of their ale. After that, how you spend your time in Kilkenny is up to you. With museums, a castle, and even endless shops and restaurants, there’s plenty to do.

For our final stop of the day, we can’t wait to show off one of Ireland’s largest medieval monuments, Kells Priory. Ruins remain today of the priory’s infirmary, workshop, kitchen, mill and more... but it’s the medieval defences that surround the priory that speak of its military involvement, inspiring the priory’s local name, the ‘Seven Castles of Kells’.

It’s back to Waterford tonight, where your time is yours to explore, eat, and be merry.

Day 9

• Learn about the emigrant experience on the Dunbrody Famine Ship
• Embrace the majesty as you explore the famous Glendalough Monastic Site
• Indulge your regal spirit at the Powerscourt House and Gardens

It may be the final day of the tour but that doesn’t mean the adventure is over just yet. First up, we head to the town of New Ross, located on the River Barrow, where we visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship. This authentic reproduction of an 1840s emigrant vessel gives visitors an insight into the famine emigrant experience.

We journey onwards to the famous site of Glendalough Monastic Site. Founded by St Kevin in the 6th century, much of this ‘Monastic City’ remains today – only in ruins, of course. From the 30m Round Tower to granite archways, what remains of the Priest’s House to an enormous granite cross, it’s your chance to peek back into the history of this area. Here you have time to take a pilgrimage to the lovely lakes, take in the site’s history at the visitor centre, and bask in the serenity of the monastic city ruins.

And for our final stop of the day, we head to the charming and beautiful Powerscourt House and Gardens. The stunning views and landscaped gardens surrounding this country estate will keep your attention hooked, from secret hollows to ornamental lakes and statues.

And what a way to end the tour, just as we head back into bustling Dublin.