7 Day Wild Atlantic South- Small Group Tour

7 Day Wild Atlantic South- Small Group Tour

Explore one of Irelands most spectacular regions. Visit small towns and villages bursting with myth and mystery, experience Atlantic waves crashing against rugged cliffs and castles and monasteries. All combined with beautiful short hikes in areas of outstanding natural beauty. It’s perfect for people who don’t want to be stuck in a bus all day just looking at the scenery but wish to be part of it. Highlights include exploring Killarney National park by bike, hiking along Bray Head on Valentia island with views of the Skellig Islands (home of Star Wars), sheepdog demonstrations, Dingle Whiskey distillery, Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands and optional activities such as sea kayaking or horse riding.

It’s an intimate small group journey, which transforms from a bus trip to road trip, complete with like-minded travellers that become your new best mates. Unlike the big groups, we can easily get to those magical, hard to reach places, such as secluded beaches or dramatic cliff tops.

Itinerary

Day 1: Day 1: Dublin to Kinsale

Stop At: Rock of Cashel, Rock Vista Moor Lane, Cashel Ireland
Today we travel south to the begining of the Irelands most famous driving route, the Wild Atlantic Way.

En route, 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.

Afterwards we'll head to Cork, a small city with a relaxed pace of life. 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.

From there we will make our way to the picturesque yachting harbour of Kinsale (Cionn tSáile), which is one of many colourful gems strung along the coastline of County Cork. Narrow, winding streets lined with galleries and gift shops, lively bars and superb restaurants, and a handsome natural harbour filled with yachts and guarded by a huge 17th-century fortress make it an engrossing place to spend a day or two.

Overnight in Kinsale
Duration: 8 hours

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

Day 2: Day 2: Kinsale to Killarney National Park

Stop At: Killarney National Park Cork Road, Killarney Ireland
Depart Kinsale for the beginning of the wild Atlantic way. This tour will take you where the locals go, travelling along an unforgettable coastal touring route to enjoy breath-taking scenery and hidden little gems and experiences. And history, echoing all along this coast: ancient sites, coastal forts, Michael Collins’ home town, the wreck of the Lusitania, and – out on the horizon – ‘Ireland’s tear drop’ the Fastnet Rock and the Franciscan friary of Timoleague

In the afternoon we will arrive in Killarney, a great place to spend half a day, no matter what your past-time of choice is. Options include: kayaking on the lakes of Killarney 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: 8 hours

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

Day 3: Day 3: Killarney to Ring of Kerry

Stop At: Valentia Lighthouse, Valentia Heights Cromwell Point, Valentia Island, County Kerry, Valentia Island V23 CF75 Ireland
This morning we drive “the Ring of Kerry “, a journey through County Kerry with amazing views at high altitude with stops regularly for spectacular photos.

From there we will stop and you can either opt for a moderate walk to Valentia Island and Bray Head (included), or opt to take a 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 will check into our accommodation in the picturesque fishing village of Portmagee. This is also one of the best places in Ireland to join an evening stargazing with local guides.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Killarney

Day 4: Day 4: Killarney to Dingle

Stop At: Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Isolated from the rest of Ireland by the impressive landscape, the Dingle Peninsula tour will take you where the locals go. We will follow a coastal trail on windswept cliffs, perched above beautiful coastlines. This amazing guided tour takes you along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way as you experience the most dramatic scenery that Ireland has to offer.

Arriving in back in Dingle town, you can opt to go sea kayaking around Dingle harbour, horse riding on the foothills and beaches or SUP boarding in the sea.

In the evening we visit the Dingle Whiskey Distillery (included), a small distillery which includes generous tastings of whiskey, vodka and gin.

We spend the night in Dingle, where we will sample the fresh seafood or and local craft beers in a nice cosy Irish Pub.

Overnight in accommodation at the edge of Dingle
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Dingle

Day 5: Day 5: Dingle to Doolin

Stop At: Doolin2Aran Ferries, Ticket Office Doolin Pier, Doolin V95 DR74 Ireland
We take you away from all the hustle and bustle of the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre and bring you on a stunning guided walk of the unspoilt region along 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. The trail is not a difficult walk; it requires a basic level of fitness and a good head for heights.

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.

After the ramble, you will get the chance to experience a traditional Irish music night with some local craft beers in a nice cosy Irish Pub.

Overnight in Doolin.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Doolin

Day 6: Day 6: Inis Oirr to Galway

Stop At: Galway's Latin Quarter, 21 High Street, Galway Ireland
Travel back in time! We spend a day on Inis Oirr, the smallest and less inhabited of the Aran Islands. The locals are fluent Irish (Gaelic) speakers and you’re free to explore the island and get chatting to them over a pint, miles of stone walls wait as you walk, hire a horse and cart or rent a bike to explore the island. You can’t miss the awe-inspiring Plassy Shipwreck. After a tremendous day, it’s time to head back to the city of tribes, Galway city.

Here you will have ample time to explore the medieval streets of the city and listen to the many talented street artists along with its busy streets.

Galway is truly a top-class city, with its friendly people and lively pubs. It’s a city that promotes true Gaelic culture of Ireland.

Overnight in Galway City
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Dublin

Day 7: Day 7: Galway to Dublin

Stop At: Guinness Storehouse, St James's Gate, Ushers, Dublin 8, Co. Dublin, Ireland
After a full morning free time to spend wandering the streets of Galway, it's then back to Dublin.

This is where your Irish Adventure ends, we hope you have enjoyed your time spent with us!
Duration: 5 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.