13 Day Full Irish Experience - Small Group Tour

13 Day Full Irish Experience - Small Group Tour

This is an extension of our 10 Day tour, combined with the amazing highlights of Northern Ireland. This is an epic trip that will truly take you beyond the guidebooks. This tour ensures you delve into every Irish myth. You will see all the beautiful coastlines, experience local pubs boisterous from noon until midnight to the wildest parts of Ireland. So, join this full Giant Irish tour, while going further off the beaten track.

Itinerary

Day 1: Day 1 - Dublin to Connemara/Westport

Stop At: Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre, Connemara National Park Connemara National Park Connemara, Co Galway Near the village of Letterfrack, Galway Ireland
Failte Romhat; (Welcome), Your tour starts when we leave the capital city of Dublin and make our way to the Boyne Valley, for The Kings boat tour along the Boyne river in a ‘currach’, ancient small sized boats that has featured many times in Game of Thrones.

Onwards through the stunning Boyne Valley area, we’ll head for Galway city. Here you'll have some free time to wander around this medieval city.

From there it is then through the ‘savage beauty’ of the Connemara region. Here we will settle into our accommodation at the foot of Croagh Patrick on the edge of Connemara. Before a tasty evening meal in a local pub (optional) we will go for a wee stroll around some of the coastal path of Murrisk loop, followed by a pint of the black stuff.
Duration: 9 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Connemara

Day 2: Day 2: Connemara & ‘The Holy Mountain

Stop At: Croagh Patrick, Murrisk Ireland
Enjoy a free day and get out and explore the savage beauty of the Connemara Region. There are many excellent outdoor activities available in the region, with your guide you can navigate the stony path to the summit of Croagh Patrick, or if climbing a mountain is not your thing , at your own expense, go kayaking along Clew Bay, or bike along The Great Western Greenway or just spend some time around the historic Westport town and visit it's attractions. Return to our wilderness accommodation, via ‘savage beauty’ of the Connemara region and its lakes and valleys.

If you don't fancy doing any of the activities, you can spend the afternoon in Westport, take a guided walking tour, visit Westport house or catch a trad session in a local pub.
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Connemara

Day 3: Day 3: Inis Mor & Doolin

Stop At: Dun Aonghasa, Cill Mhuirbhigh, Province of Connacht Ireland
Today we catch a boat from Rosseveal to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mor. Travel back in time as we spend a whole day on the Gaelic speaking island of Inis Mor. Miles of stone walls wait as you explore the island by bike.

This morning we will catch the ferry to Inis Mor, the largest of the 3 Aran Islands. After the 40 mins boat trip, you can choose to explore the island by foot, bike, bus or horse and cart. Travel back in time as we spend a whole day on the Gaelic speaking island of Inis Mor. Miles of stone walls wait as you explore the island by bike. After lunch and visits to the islands main attractions, such as Dun Aongas and the wormhole, home of the Red Bull diving experience.Inis Mór is the largest of the three Aran Islands (7,635 acres) and includes several ancient stone forts and churches among its antiquities. Most impressive of the stone forts is Dun Aengus. It is semicircular, resting on the edge of a perpendicular cliff rising 100 metres out of the ocean.

The fort consists of an inner court 50 metres across surrounded by a wall six metres high and five metres thick at the base. Outside is a rampart, a defence formed by sharp-pointed stones set closely together. Dun Aengus superb position and it’s structural perfection, have prompted many experts to pronounce it one of the finest prehistoric monuments in Europe. There are about 1100 inhabitants on Inis Mor making it by far the most populated of the islands. The main village on the island is Kilronan, which has a quite large new harbour that accommodates a vast amount of tourist travel to the island. The best way to see Inis Mor is to hire a bike or take a Pony & Trap. You can also go bus tour which is also recommended.

In the evening we will catch the ferry back to Doolin
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Doolin

Day 4: Day 4: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney National Park

Stop At: Cliffs of Moher, Lislorkan North, Liscannor Ireland
This morning we will have time for a pleasant stroll along the Atlantic edge to the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher standing 214m (702 feet) above sea level. You will see the gradual rise of the cliffs in the distance, depending on the weather, the waves of the Atlantic crashing below at the base of the cliffs. The walk is along a gravel path with flagstone steps cut out of the terrain to cross the drains and streams and on the steeper inclines.

You will walk along until you reach the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher standing 214m (702 feet) above sea level, where views of the Dingle Peninsula and Loop Head in the South, the Aran Islands to the West with the Twelve Pins and mountains of Connemara to the North can be seen on a clear day. O’Brien’s Tower is near the highest point and serves as an excellent viewing platform, as has been the case for hundreds of years.

From there we will take a ferry crossing over Ireland’s longest river, The Shannon, before arriving at your accommodation in Killarney located near to the National park.

You will have a full day and half to explore everything on offer. Killarney is a great place to spend a few days, no matter what your past-time of choice is. Options include: kayaking on the lakes of Killarney, boat trip on the lakes with a bike ride or hiking through glaciated valleys, biking through the National park, climb Torc Mountain for amazing views, or just enjoy the stunning scenery and do nothing. Optional activities are at your own expense.Accommodation located close to the town and park.
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Killarney

Day 5: Day 5: Full day Killarney National Park

Stop At: Killarney National Park Cork Road, Killarney Ireland
You have a full free day to fully explore everything on offer. Killarney is a great place to spend a few days, no matter what your past-time of choice is. Options include: kayaking on the lakes of Killarney, boat trip on the lakes with a bike ride or hiking through glaciated valleys, biking through the National park, climb Torc Mountain for amazing views, or just enjoy the stunning scenery and do nothing.

Optional activities are at your own expense.

Accommodation located close to the town and park.
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Killarney

Day 6: Day 6: Ring of Kerry / Valentia Island to Dingle

Stop At: Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Early this morning we travel to Valentia Island around the Ring of Kerry, a journey through County Kerry with amazing views at high altitude with stops regularly for spectacular photos. See Dingle bay where not only nature but also Dingle itself is incredibly beautiful. We stop at Sheep dog demonstration for an excellent exhibition of sheep herding.

From there we will arrive on Valentia Island. You can either opt to explore the trail to Valentia Island and Bray Head with your guide (included), take a Eco boat trip around the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Skellig Islands ( €50 extra – very weather dependent ) or opt to hire a bike and discover the island at your own pace (€15 extra).

After a full day of discovery, we spend the night on the edge of Dingle town, which is an excellent place with lots of restaurants and lively pubs.
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 7: Day 7: Full day Dingle Peninsula

Stop At: Slea Head Drive, Ireland
This morning you will be able to opt at your own expense to take part in a few optional activities such as boat trip with Fungie the dolphin, sea kayaking, paddle boarding or horse riding. Or just wander around the town and visit the colourful shops.

After lunch you will meet up with your guide and take the famous Slea Head drive. Isolated from the rest of Ireland by the impressive landscape, this tour of the Dingle Peninsula will take you where the locals go. We will follow a coastal trail on windswept cliffs, perched above beautiful coastlines. Once described by National Geographic as the most beautiful place on earth, we drive along the edge of the peninsula with the wild Atlantic ocean to our left and the patchwork green fields to our right.

You’ll discover local secluded beaches, ancient stone huts and have plenty of free time to take photos and experience the majestic surroundings.A gentle loop walk gives wonderful views over Clogher Beach, Ceann Sibeal, the headlands of Ceann Sratha, An Dun Mor, Mount Brandon, Eagle Mountain and the Blasket islands. On minor roads, sandy paths and coastal tracks it is uphill initially then downhill or on the flat and includes a cliff top stretch, passing the schoolhouse built for the film Ryan’s Daughter.

After the walk we will visit the Dingle Whiskey Distillery (included), a small local distillery which includes generous samples of whiskey, vodka and gin.make our back to Dingle town where you will have time to relax and unwind in a nice cosy pub. Enjoy the fresh catch of the day while sipping on some locally brewed beer or whiskey.Top it all off with some local Murphys Ice Cream , made from the fresh milk of the Kerry cow. You will also have some time to walk the towns colourful streets and go souvenir shopping.
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 8: Day 8: Dingle to Cork

Stop At: Blarney Castle & Gardens, Monacnapa, Blarney, Cork T23 Y598 Ireland
This morning we leave Dingle and travel in the direction of County Cork. We will drive the famous Connor Pass road, Ireland's highest mountain road towards Tralee.

Cork is a small city with a relaxed pace of life. Today is very much a relaxed cultural day and you’ll have plenty of free time to wander the streets of Cork, with some fantastic sights and attractions to see and do. For example, the bustling and colourful English market, enjoy a great guided tour of the Franciscan Well Brewery, a half day trip to Blarney Castle & Stone or a visit to the ancient site of St Finbarr’s Cathedral
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 9: Day 9: Cork to Kilkenny

Stop At: Rock of Cashel, Rock Vista Moor Lane, Cashel Ireland
From Cork, we will take in the imposing Rock of Cashel, once the seat of the Kings of Munster. For more than 1,000 years the Rock was a symbol of royal and religious power; until rivalries saw Brian Boru, future High King of Ireland, take over in the 10th century.

Arriving in the medieval city of Kilkenny, you will be greeted by a local tour guide who will bring you on a walking tour around the medieval mile. Meet the witch Dame Alice Kyteler, rhymes, taverns, crime, punishments and much more.

In the evening you will have plenty of free time to discover the city’s many attractions, such as the castle, the Canice cathedral, take a guided tour of the Smithwicks brewery or just simply relax and enjoy the sights and sounds from a nearby coffee shop. Overnight in Kilkenny.
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 10: Day 10: Kilkenny to Dublin

Stop At: Glendalough Monastic Settlement, Ireland
This morning you will enjoy a unique Cultural & Heritage Experience where you will experience first hand the ancient Celtic game of Hurling, the world’s oldest and fastest field game. Learn the skills of the worlds oldest and Fastest field game (3000 years old).

In the afternoon we bid farewell to the medieval city of Kilkenny and make our way to the monastic city of Glendalough. Wander the valley and lakes, touching haunting medieval remains that stand long after Viking raids and the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 11: Day 11: Dublin to Belfast

Stop At: Titanic Belfast, Queen's Road 1 Olympic Way, Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9EP Northern Ireland
We leave the south of Ireland and make our way to County Antrim in Northern Ireland. You will arrive in Belfast City around 12.00pm and drive straight to the fantastic Titanic Museum.

This museum extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition, drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way; from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre.

Afterwards, you will have plenty of time to explore the city by foot before checking in to the hostel in the evening and then discovering the nightlife of what this great city has to offer.
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 12: Day 12: Belfast to Derry

Stop At: Giant's Causeway, Causeway Road, Bushmills BT57 8SU Northern Ireland
Today is a truly packed day – From Belfast we will be taking the breath-taking Antrim coast road. This coast road has been compared to the Great Ocean Road in Australia and California and you will see why. En Route we will take in several Game of Thrones locations.

Along the way, we visit the stunning Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge where you can sway Indiana Jones’ style over the choppy Atlantic Ocean below. This will be followed by a trip to the North’s top tourist attractions The Giants Causeway. The Giant’s Causeway, renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, is the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. Resulting from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, this is the focal point of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has attracted visitors for centuries.

Finally, before we head towards Belfast City, it’s time to visit our Game of Thrones locations. The beautiful Ballintoy Harbour or Pyke Harbour in the series, the ‘The Dark Hedges’, aka the Kings Road and a photo stop at Dunluce Castle, used as Castle Pyke.

From there it will take just over an hour to reach Derry city centre where you will have up to 2 hours free time to wander around this great city before checking into your Hostel. The historical city of Derry is Irelands only walled city. Yes the place where the infamous event of Bloody Sunday occurred, that inspired the famous U2 song, ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’.
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 13: Day 13: Derry to Dublin

Stop At: Grianan Of Aileach, Inishowen Peninsula Ireland
This morning we take you on an award-winning guided tour of Derry City. The tour has been described by many as possibly the Best Walking Tour on the Island of Ireland and is for many people who travel with us, the highlight of their 3 days.With over fifty natural and built attractions in the region, such as Derry’s Walls, The Bogside, The Peoples Gallery (Murals) The Bloody Sunday Story, The History of the Apprentice Boys, The Marching Season Traditions. The walking tour has been listed by many as one of the best experiences they have had on their travels anywhere.From there we will head back down south but not before visiting one of Irelands most beautiful views. The Stone Fort of Grianán of Aileach sits on a hilltop in Inishowen County Donegal. 250m above sea level, the stone fort was probably first built on an earthen rath.The view from Aileach is breathtaking. The glistening waters of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly are clear, as is the form of the entire peninsula. A windy and exposed place, Grianán has been a silent witness to the history of Ireland.En route back down south, we will visit the entertaining Ulster American Folk Park.Immerse yourself in the story of the brave emigrants who made the journey across the Atlantic to America hundreds of years ago.Wander through the thatched cottages and log cabins and meet costumed characters who will show you traditional crafts, tell you a few stories and maybe even share a bit of their good food.Board a full-scale emigrant ship to experience the conditions faced by many as they set sail for a new life in America. With 30 buildings and exhibits to explore, masses of things for the kids to do, the Ulster American Folk Park is a wonderfully unique experience.

Arrive back in Dublin at 6.30pm approxReturn to Dublin and bid farewell to your driver
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.