5-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour

5-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour

Sure, have you never heard of an Irish half hour?
It can stretch out for days and 5 days is what you’ve got to experience this memorable, expertly guided road trip, over ever-changing landscape, along The Wild Atlantic Way.
From shucking Clarinbridge oysters and downing creamy stout in Galway, to the jaw dropping sights of the Ring of Kerry, with only the Atlantic separating the 40 shades from the 50 U.S. states.
Cool down with Fungie, Dingle’s resident dolphin who came for the fish in 1984 and stayed for the craic or feel like you’re at the edge of the world, at the dramatic Cliffs of Moher.
And how about a spot of kissing at the Blarney Stone where you’ll come away with the gift of the ‘gab’ (talk); handy for ‘having the craic’ with your small tour group.
And in between the heritage and culture, bohemian Galway and dinky Doolin, there’ll be ceol agus craic (music and boldness), seafood and banter and an epic road-trip you’ll never forget.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bohemian Galway and the mighty Cliffs of Moher

Stop At: Galway, Galway, County Galway, Western Ireland
We’ll meet in Galway, the City of Tribes, the home of the Claddagh ring and the last of the Bohemians. To whet your appetite, your local guide will take you an historical walk of the city’s medieval streets.
Duck in and out of brightly coloured shops, try on Claddagh rings and Galway shawls, pass through The Spanish Arch and hear tales of Gaelic bards and our bloody war of Independence, at the new city museum.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: The Burren House Farm County Clare, Ireland Ireland
Then it’s Southwest to The Burren. We also take in the 12th century Corcomroe Abbey and Dungaire Castle, a 16th century tower house which sits on a rocky outcrop on Galway Bay before stopping at Kinvara, a colourful fishing village full of cafes and curiosities, including its very own Fairy Shop.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Cliffs of Moher, Lislorkan North, Liscannor Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher; 14 km of dramatic coastline standing 300 metres above the churning Atlantic. We’ll take on a hike of the Cliffs, veering off the traditional tourist trails to find secret passages and fissures as the Atlantic roars it’s appreciation.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Doolin, Doolin, The Burren, County Clare
As evening draws in, we’ll spend it in Doolin, The Capital City of Irish music and between the music and the foot-tapping, the blackstuff and the company, ‘the craic will be ninety’!
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: We stay in the home of traditional Irish music, Doolin!

Day 2: The Kingdom of Kerry

Stop At: Poulnabrone Dolmen, R480, The Burren, County Clare Ireland
We’ll take in a portal tomb at Poulnabrone, locally referred to as ‘Hole of the Sorrows’, the oldest megalithic burial site in Ireland, dating back to 3000BC.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations, R480 Road, Ballyvaughan, Caherconnell Ireland
From the long-time dead, we’ll meet up with the lively farmers of Caherconnell who’ll treat you to a sheep dog trial. With a whistle here and a whistle there, watch as they direct the collies to run rings round the sheep.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Dingle, Dingle, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
Perched on the hem of the Atlantic, in Ireland’s southwest, we arrive at Dingle, home to a very famous dolphin and where Inch is a strand with miles of blue flag beaches. As evening draws in, we’ll take a trip to hardware store, Foxy John’s. But don’t be alarmed, the only DIY you’ll be doing is ordering a drink from its fully stocked bar. And did we tell you about the Leather Shop, Dick Mac’s? It comes with a pub, a gang of lively locals and a very loquacious barman.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overlooking the Dingle Marina is the Dingle Marina Lodge, where we enjoy the view for a two night stay!

Day 3: World famous Slea Head drive and kayaking with dolphins

Stop At: Mount Brandon, An Daingean Co. Kerry Ireland
Fungie, the dolphin arrived in Dingle in 1984 and has been the town’s most Instagrammed celebrity ever since. We’ll go in search of the A list star in kayaks and explore the nearby caves too. If you haven’t got sea legs, stay on terra firma with a hike up Mount Brandon, where panoramic views of the bay and Castlegregory, will be your reward.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Slea Head Drive, Ireland
We will now explore the best scenery on the Slea Head drive. This ring road has so much on offer, from Beehive huts, amazing scenery, Dunquin Pier and so much more. Get you're camera's ready!
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Dingle Distillery, R559 Milltown, Dingle Ireland
Next up, a little light refreshment, as we go on a quest for Uisce Beatha, (water of life). Arriving at The Dingle Whiskey Distillery, you’ll get a flavour of how our ‘nectar’ is made and even savour a drop of their single pot still whiskey, matured in aged bourbon casks. Gin and Vodka are also available as the distillery has branched out!
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Centrally located Dingle Marina Lodge for two nights, so need to unpack your bags.

Day 4: Killarney National Park and some of the sights of the Ring of Kerry

Stop At: Killarney National Park Cork Road, Killarney Ireland
It’s bye-bye Dingle and up to see parts of the Ring of Kerry; Have your phones fully charged to take photos of Moll’s Gap, Torc waterfall and Ross castle in Killarney National Park. Built in the 15th century, this stronghold is said to have a resident ghost, that of O’Donoghue Ross, the chieftain who came to an untimely end, when he allegedly fell out of one of its windows!
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Ross Castle Ross Road, Killarney Ireland
We will bring you on a tour of Ross Castle where you will learn what life was really like behind the stone walls.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kenmare, Kenmare, County Kerry
Stroll around the streets of Kenmere, explore the wonderful shops, scenery and meet the locals.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kinsale, Kinsale, County Cork
Sightseeing and ghost-hunting over, it’s time for your last night, (boohoo) and its off to historic Kinsale and a gourmet’s utopia. Head to The Spaniard, an olde world inn perched high above Kinsale, serving up Spanish Ruby Ports and West Cork black pudding or if it’s all fish you want, how about Fishy, Fishy? Meander the picturesque streets and find silversmiths, galleries and antique shops before settling in for the evening at The Armada bar or The Silent Banjo, which unlike the name suggests, is jumping with music and ‘jammers’ (packed) with locals
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Blindgate house with the most amazing Breakfast...

Day 5: Blarney & the Rock of Cashel

Stop At: Kinsale, Kinsale, County Cork
Get your walking shoes on and follow your Guide who will take you for an historical amble through the narrow streets of Kinsale.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Blarney Castle & Gardens, Monacnapa, Blarney, Cork T23 Y598 Ireland
Then it’s off for a bit of kissing and to the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that whoever kisses it, gets the gift of the gabLegend has it that whoever kisses it, gets the gift of the gab. Already gifted? How about a stroll around a beautiful 5km lake walk, a visit to its Scottish Baronial mansion house or one of the many groomed gardens. There is no time for boredom in Blarney.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Rock of Cashel, Rock Vista Moor Lane, Cashel Ireland
Our final stop before returning to Dublin and her sweet Molly Malone is The Rock of Cashel.
Is it a Chapel? Is it a Palace? Is it a Cathedral? You’ll find its all three and it’s an open-mouthed moment and a truly historic way to end the tour.
As our guides take you back to The Capital, they’ll give you tips and recommendations if you plan to stay on in Dublin. Goodbyes will have to be said but it’s slán go fóill, (see you soon), from all of us at Overland Tours.
Duration: 45 minutes

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