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205 Southern Ireland tour packages with 5,751 reviews

In-depth Cultural Family Coach / Bus Sightseeing +2

Best of Ireland (10 Days)

"The overall experience was excellent." Dora, traveled in May 2023

• €100 deposit on some dates

In-depth Cultural Family Coach / Bus +1

Irish Highlights (Summer, 7 Days)

"Australia and New Zealand have a huge history of immigrants from Ireland and our population, roots and culture are very Irish." Margaret, traveled in September 2023

Explorer Active Family

7-Day Great Atlantic Adventure Small Group Tour

"Loved the opportunity to see so much of Ireland while still being active and engaged daily." Michael, traveled in August 2023

In-depth Cultural Family Explorer +1

7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland

"Excellent tour. Each day had many highlights and would highly recommend this trip to others." lynn, traveled in September 2023

Explorer Family Historical

5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin

"Fantastic trip, exceeded all expectations. I learnt so much about Ireland through his commentary." Clare, traveled in October 2023

In-depth Cultural Active Family Coach / Bus +2

The Celtic Voyage - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

"Recommendations would be to extend the time to 8 or 9 days to maximize two days in Lahinch and Galway to experience more of the culture and scenery." Cynthia, traveled in March 2024

In-depth Cultural Active Family Explorer +2

10 Day Wild Irish Experience - Small Group Tour

"Excellent guide - very informative and expert bus driver!" Catherine, traveled in March 2024

• €99 deposit on some dates

8 Day Castles & Coast Experience - Small Group Tour

"We thoroughly enjoyed the optional excursions that allowed us to hike on our own during free time." Anonymous, traveled in August 2023

Introduction to Ireland

"it was a great trip, a little more scheduled than we had anticipated." Carmen, traveled in September 2019

In-depth Cultural Family Coach / Bus Historical +2

3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin

"I really enjoyed my 3-day tour of Southern Ireland. He is also well organised, keeping our group tour on schedule." SuzanneEddyanto, traveled in September 2019

Wild South - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

"From ancient ruins where High Kings were crowned, to watching passersby while having great food and drinks at a street side cafe." Michael, traveled in July 2022

Explorer Family Coach / Bus Sightseeing Historical +2

Great Tour of Ireland ( 7 days )

In-depth Cultural Explorer Coach / Bus +1

Focus on Ireland (Classic, 7 Days)

"Greg was a fantastic tour guide. He was very informative and funny. Kept everyone organized." Kathleen, traveled in May 2023

Irish Elegance (Classic, 8 Days)

"This was the trip of a lifetime for me. It was everything I dreamed of and this tour and the experience prided by Insight." LindaElement, traveled in July 2019

In-depth Cultural Family Explorer Coach / Bus +2

Emerald Isle

"Very please with entire tour." Lynn, traveled in August 2023

What people love about Southern Ireland Tours

This was my first time in Ireland. I absolutely loved everything about this trip. Tour guide and bus driver were amazing. Totally worth every penny. Would go back in a heartbeat

The entire trip was wonderful, very well organized, and satisfying. Peter Flood was an excellent tour guide. He was as knowledgeable as could be, funny, and helpful; and really seems to love what he does.

I had an incredible week on the Overland Great Atlantic Adventure tour! I went as a solo traveller in my 20s and, despite being nervous at first as the rest of the group were all travelling in pairs, had the best experience I could’ve asked for. We all had a great time together - I found the tour perfect for couples, family, friends and solo travellers alike. Our tour guide David was amazing, very kind, friendly and knowledgeable and went out of his way to make sure the tour worked for everyone. If you join an Overland tour, you’ll be lucky to have David as your guide, he’s the best! All of the B&Bs/hotels were of great quality with breakfast included every day. The van is very comfortable and has plenty of space for a small group, much better than a huge coach full of 60 people (in my opinion). There was a fair bit of driving but it is inevitable with how much ground is covered. The places we visited and activities were all incredible. The only slight negative I have is that sometimes there were activities on the itinerary that we simply didn’t have time for - e.g. a 2.5 hour hike at the cliffs of moher, and with so much packed in you really don’t get much time to see some places. For example, we arrived in Westport around 7:30pm and left before 9am the next morning, but again that is inevitable with so much packed into such a short space of time. My highlights of the trip were kayaking in Dingle (I absolutely loved Dingle in general and am very glad we had 2 nights there) as well as climbing Croagh Patrick on our last day! The climb was tough but I would definitely recommend it if you’re able - an amazing experience. All in all I’m so glad I booked this trip and truly had the time of my life, I would definitely recommend Overland!

Top operators

"This was an EXCELLENT tour! It hit all the main points of interest; the accommodations were very good, the bus was comfortable and convenient. Everyone was very pleasant, the food was great, the sites stunning. The only thing that was lacking was adequate wifi access in public spaces and on the tour bus.

Europamundo is an expert in:

"Allie was such a rockstar tour guide! She has such a depth of experience and passion for her homeland that she is infectious!! I have never had such a deep learning experience, and I have traveled a fair bit! But really, Ireland sells itself!

Trafalgar is an expert in:

• In-depth Cultural

"Too long on bus between stops and interesting sites

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Detailed itineraries + travel guides

7 Day Ireland Itinerary – Ultimate Road Trip Guide For The South

Last Updated April 25, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » 7 Day Ireland Itinerary – Ultimate Road Trip Guide For The South

This 7-day Ireland itinerary guide is broken into three main parts – trip planning decision points, the comprehensive breakdown of each day, and my personal planning tips.  This is meant to be super comprehensive and is everything I would have wanted to know when I planned this South Ireland road trip, along with what to see in 7 days.

Ireland is a place where legends, epics, and science fiction become reality.  Ireland is a breathtaking ancient landscape, rolling green hills and craggy sharp rock. Ireland is céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes).

Read more about Ireland

• Things you have to see and do on your Ireland road trip
• 6 of the Best Things to do in Galway
• Must-read Ireland travel guide

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING IRELAND

• Our favorite spot – You’ll discover this as you go through the itinerary but if I had to pick, I’d say it was our day at Skellig Michael , not only as a Star Wars nerd, but our timing in being able to see the puffins in droves.  Truly a special day.
• Where to stay – We used Booking.com for all of our stays and is great for finding those charming B&Bs. Alternatively, you can always see if hotel corporate codes might work for you.
• Renting a car – An important part to a road trip is obviously a car. Save the most money through car rental coupon codes and always start your search with Discover Cars and RentalCars so you know what the best deals are.
• Flights – International flights are never cheap, but with the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature you can find the best deals. Check how much it would be for you to get to Ireland!
• Insurance – This is a must for a road trip! Check out the best travel insurance .
• Hottest deals – Bookmark our frequently updated travel deals page .

In This Article

Recommended travel time

Areas to focus, best time to go, packing essentials, where to stay, flying into ireland, interactive map, itinerary day 1 – a peek inside the ancient east, itinerary day 2 – from castles to a ring called kerry, itinerary day 3 – magic on skellig michael, itinerary day 4 – a day in killarney, itinerary day 5 – coastal adventures on dingle peninsula, itinerary day 6 – mighty cliffs and the burren, itinerary day 7 – clash of gaelic sport and dublin delight, itinerary flexibility and changes, frequently asked questions, travel resources for your next trip, ireland road trip planning.

Planning a South Ireland road trip isn’t hard.  There’s a few things to consider as you put everything together before you start planning.

For more details make sure to read everything you need to know when you plan a trip to Ireland .

There’s three scenarios here: 1) You have limited vacation days, 2) you found a flight deal with specific dates, or 3) there’s flexibility.

If it’s #1 or #2, you already know your answer but if it’s #3, things become intriguing.  It’s in part dictated by your decision on how much you’d like to see and the pace at which you travel.

Our week in Ireland wasn’t enough to see everything we wanted in the south but was the perfect amount to see the highlights.  I’d say Ireland in 7 days is a bare minimum and your itinerary will be decently packed.  Any less, you’ll have to focus on less regions or drive aggressively which isn’t recommended.

Two weeks is the perfect amount whether you decide to deep dive in a specific area or see the whole island.  For the sake of keeping this guide focused, let’s say you only have 7 days to work with.

A week in the Emerald Isle is certainly not enough but if you’ve got limited time like we did, you’ll have to make a pretty critical decision.  Do you focus on the North, South, or the whole island?  Do you want to take it slow or hit up as much as you can? 

The island of Ireland is divided into two parts.  The majority of the land is covered by the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland) and the other sixth is Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom to the northeast.

One of the most recognizable places of Ireland is Giant’s Causeway and it’s the reason you’ll want to come to this part of the island.  The unusual basalt pillars are incredibly unique and will boggle your mind.  In the north, it’s cities like Belfast and Derry which present the most compelling and fascinating political history if you’re interested in learning about that and the complicated past around Ireland’s independence.  There is plenty to see here and it’s just as beautiful as the southern part of the island.

Other highlights include:

• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
• Dark Hedges
• Donegal – There’s a reason why this region was picked as ‘Coolest Place on the Planet for 2017’ by  National Geographic Traveler

There is no official “southern Ireland” borderline but we’re labeling that as everywhere below the line connecting Galway to Dublin.

Southern Ireland is dramatically different in terrain and sights than the north.  The south is where you’ll find a majority of the larger cities of Ireland including Dublin, Cork, Galway city, and Limerick.

Our main reason for doing a South Ireland road trip is to experience the Ring of Kerry, Skellig Michael, Dingle, Connemara National Park and explore castles and ancient ruins.

The full loop

The island itself isn’t that large (area wise, it is in fact smaller than Iceland) and doing a loop is certainly possible in 7 days.  It’s an ambitious schedule but definitely possible.

Ultimately we chose to do the south because we had done Northern Ireland on a separate short stopover trip and wanted to see a different side to Ireland.

The summer months are short and in the winter most things in the country are shut down.  As a result, it kind of makes it simple in terms of when to plan your trip.

July and August are the peak of high season; school is out and you contend with the large hoards of tourists, both domestic and international.  On average these months have a high of 20C.

Spring and fall are going to be a bit temperamental but, if you’re okay with rain, you’ll find awesome flight deals and cheaper hotels.  Expect the temperatures to be colder though with highs of 15C.

The sweet spot, however, has to be June .  It’s during the summer solstice with the longest days of the year and it’s the start of high season.  You get the best of amazing weather and smaller crowd sizes.  It was incredible that there was enough light to sightsee until 10PM.

Packing for a South Ireland road trip shouldn’t be too hard as you’ll be staying at B&B’s and hotels all the way through.

Since you’ll have access to a car you don’t have to pack ultra-light.  You will want to rent the smallest car possible though, which means minimal trunk space.

Waterproof – You’re not going to skip every spot you have on your itinerary because of rain.  This means that you’ll have to brave the elements.  Have rain gear with you in case you need it.

GPS – If you have a data plan, using your smartphone for GPS will be your first choice so you can leverage any traffic information to take the most optimal route.  If not, a stand-alone unit will work just as well. Don’t assume your car will have GPS built in.  Before your trip, make sure you save areas offline on Google Maps and Save/Star all your destinations.  Google Maps will work offline (minus traffic adjustments).

Money – Ireland is part of the EU and as such, Euro is the currency.  Cash or credit is widely accepted.  If you’re from Canada, make sure you have the right credit card to either minimize on foreign exchange fees or maximize points.

Always cool – In the summer, it tops out in the low 20Cs.  Evenings drop down to the 10Cs or lower so pack accordingly.  I had a light Quiksilver hoodie always ready to go in the car in case things got chilly.

You can find other gear that I recommend for a trip to visit Ireland below.

• Columbia Women’s Outdry Ex ECO Tech Jacket  – Whether it’s this or another waterproof jacket, the key is to have a light and durable outer layer that will at least keep your upper body dry.
• Helly Hansen rain pants – We were lucky enough to never needs these on our trip but have learned from Iceland, it is always good to have pants that you can slip on.
• Columbia Conspiracy Titanium OutDry Trail Running Shoe – To round out the waterproofing gear, having good shoes that perform well during hikes, walks, and rain is so important.  We love these shoes because they’re breathable, low profile which is good for summer, and very comfortable.
• Travel towel – B&B’s are great at providing amenities like towels, but the one instance for us where we needed this was at Galway Glamping .  Whether you need it or not, these are super compact and can be useful in other scenarios like if you get wet from the rain, decide to go to the beach, or do surfing lessons.
• Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set  – These are awesome for any travel you do.  We’ve been using this set for awhile to keep our shirts organized, underwear together, and all our random loose cables and chargers in one spot.
• Victorinox Travel Organizer – Ireland was so safe that we didn’t feel the need to travel with a money belt so organizers like this were perfect to keep my passport and travel papers nice and tidy.
• Toiletry kit – The hanging toiletry organizer is a must for any traveler.  We’re a big fan because the hook allows you to hang this off of a vanity mirror or towel rack in a hotel/hostel and gives you counter space.  Kits like this are small but surprisingly allow you to pack a ton of things inside.
• Travel power bar – Surge protectors such as this that take 1 outlet into 3 is helpful especially if you have to charge a bunch of things at night. You never know how many outlets your B&B or hotel is going to have so this is super handy.
• Cigarette USB adapter – USB plugs in cars are notorious for being slow charging.  Get one of these chargers for the cigarette adapter to allow two USB devices to be charged at the same time and at a faster rate.  The one we used was unfortunately a slow speed one.
• Power bank – If you have more devices you want to charge on the go and you’ve run out of ports/adapters in the car, it’ll be smart to have a basic power bank as your back up.  This Xiaomi one has a ton of capacity (10,000 mAH) and is super light.
• Car phone holder – If you’re going to be using your phone as your GPS, don’t forget to bring a holder. Our favorite are these magnetic ones which clip to an air vent.  The unfortunate thing for us was that we didn’t account for our rental car to not have a regular air vent which made it near impossible to mount.  We eventually found a way but it was at a weird angle and the phone would periodically fall off.  The kind of things you don’t really think about when you’re packing right?

After deciding the focus area of your trip and having a rough idea of the spots you want to see, the next step is figuring out where to stay.

The best part about Ireland is the hospitality and it’s a big reason we had such a great time.  The scenery blew our minds, but those conversations with the owners of the B&Bs and hotel staff made for a lasting impression.

B&B’s:   You’ll only find hotels in the big cities. In the country-side you’re going to rely on family owned B&B accommodations.  Each one is unique and the best part is the delicious breakfast included.

Hotels:   In the bigger cities you’ll have the option to stay at a hotel.  We quite enjoyed our big rooms, luxurious beds, and room cleaning when we had the opportunity.  Not to say we didn’t have that at the B&Bs, but it was nice to go into a hotel knowing the level of service and quality that you’d expect.

Glamping:   When I found out about Galway Glamping with Mongolian yurts, I knew we had to try it.  You get an experience that gets you into the charming countryside setting while not sacrificing the comforts of a hot shower, kitchen, and lounge rooms.  Similar to B&Bs, the hosts are just as accommodating, friendly, and helpful.

Places we stayed across Ireland in 7 days:

• Kilkenny – Newlands Lodge
• Portmagee – Skellig View White Room Airbnb
• Killarney – The Lake Hotel
• Dingle – An Portán
• Lisdoonvarna (near Doolin) – Slieve Elva B&B
• Galway – Galway Glamping
• Dublin – The Croke Park Hotel

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Tips and Advice:

• Be careful about check-in times.  Typically there are very specific time slots where they expect you to come in.  If you aren’t able to, make sure you reach out to them beforehand, give the owners an estimate of when you’ll arrive, and get approval.
• When glamping, make sure to ask what facilities are available so you come prepared.  In Galway Glamping’s case, they did not provide towels so we had to bring our own travel towel .

The main international airport is Dublin (DUB) but there are also airports in Shannon (SNN), Belfast (BFS), Cork (ORK), and Knock in West Ireland (NOC).

Coming from Canada, Dublin airport will be your primary access point into Ireland.  Our choice of airline is Air Transat .  We flew economy and were greeted with great leg room, a solid entertainment system, excellent service and amazing food.

If you’re coming from another part of Europe, you have even more airports open to you.

• Kerry Airport : Served by flights from Dublin, Manchester, London-Luton, London-Stansted and Frankfurt.
• Waterford Airport:  Served by flights from London-Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bordeaux, Lorient.
• Galway Airport:  Served by flights from Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradfort, London Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton.
• Donegal Airport
• Sligo Airport
• George Best Belfast City Airport
• City of Derry Airport

These options allow you to get creative with your itinerary.  For instance, instead of doing a round trip journey in and out of Dublin, you could start in Dublin on the East side of the island to Shannon on the West.

Table of Contents

The 7 Day Ireland Itinerary

With the basics covered, the next step is to plan your day by day Ireland itinerary.

This high level outline shows everything we did across the 7 day road trip including sights, restaurants we tried, where we stayed, and invaluable insight we learned through adventure and misadventure.

This is meant to be a guideline because everyone’s situation will be different.  That said, if you’re looking for a baseline to start from, this guide is probably the best out there.  Sign up to become an insider and get access to the downloadable spreadsheet .

If you’re coming from North America, you’ll most likely be taking a red-eye flight, flying out in the evening and arriving the next morning.  This means you may be too tired to hit the ground running.  For us, we tried to sleep through the flight so that we’d have enough energy to last the first day.

Upon landing in Dublin and out of the airport by 1PM, we made an explicit decision to hit the road right away.  There’s more details in the driving section of our road trip guide but since I knew driving in Dublin was going to be a headache, it seemed more logical to finish there, return the car in the city and then rely on local transportation.

After picking up our rental car from Europcar we found our way to Glendalough in the gorgeous Wicklow Mountains region.  Glendalough Monastic City ruins were very impressive and almost fairytale-like with the Round Tower, Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, the high crosses in the graveyard, and the priest’s house.  Make sure not to miss the walk up to the Upper Lake which has a postcard worthy view.  It’s roughly a 30 minute walk each way.

We then drove to the city of Kilkenny, our final destination of the day.  We arrived too late to do the Kilkenny Castle tour but there was plenty to see walking around the grounds, including the massive green park on one side and the rose garden on the other.

After dinner, we treated ourselves to Murphy’s Ice Cream.   Our favorite flavor has to be their Dingle Sea Salt, try it!

If we had more time:

Smithwick’s Experience – Smithwick’s ended up being our beloved beer for the trip and would have loved to have done this tour.  They also had an evening experience that sounded fun.

PETRONELLA RESTAURANT & CAFE

Quaint restaurant down a small alleyway in Kilkenny that serves excellent European dishes that span Irish to Italian.  Ordered the Baked Goatsbridge trout and Pappardelle pasta and both were very good.  Loved the decor here as well.  Best part was when the manager, Frank, came out to greet all the customers to see how everything was.

TripAdvisor

NEWLANDS LODGE

Just outside of Kilkenny, this B&B is a lovely property that will exceed all expectations whether it comes to the spacious rooms that are impeccably clean, friendly service from owners Mairead and Jimmy, and delicious all-inclusive breakfast.

Booking.com

Tips and Tricks:

• Car rental and driving tips – See everything you need to know to plan a trip to Ireland . We found our car rental via Discover Cars .
• Parking at Glendalough – We parked at the first parking lot we saw which turned out to be the Glendalough Hotel.  The parking was “free” and we weren’t ticketed although I’d say in high season it may not be as easy as it was for us.
• Glendalough Monastic City – No admission required.
• Relieve and hydrate – The walk to the Upper Lake is long and there isn’t much cover at the main site so either use the visitor center or Glendalough Hotel for the bathroom facilities.
• Kells Priory – This is an off-the-beaten-path spot that would be worth considering in your itinerary.  Read more about it here .

With a full stomach from our Irish breakfast, we hopped into our car and made our way to the Rock of Cashel .  

On a green hill with banded limestone, ancient fortifications create a ring around the Gothic cathedral, round tower, and chapel.  We were able to walk through the open, yet remarkably intact, ruins while also enjoying the rolling countryside of Tipperary.

Next stop was the famed Blarney Castle just outside of Cork.  The grounds of Blarney Castle and Gardens are huge and require a half day to fully explore everything.  We walked straight to the castle tower to line up to kiss a stone famed for giving the gift of eloquence.  

Wrapping up at Blarney Castle, we rushed through Killarney and connected to the Ring of Kerry to start our counter-clockwise rotation.  

The scenery at this point dramatically changed from tree lined country roads to coastal cliffs and crashing waves.  This is where you’ll appreciate having your own car .

After a few impromptu stops along the way, we made our final stop of the night at Kells Bay House & Gardens .  Here, we had a lovely and surprisingly authentic Thai meal at their in-house Sala Thai Restaurant.

We had the Summer Solstice on our side and there was still a ton of light out after dinner.  This made navigating the road to Portmagee and over to our Airbnb much easier.  Sadly, we had to skip pretty much everything along the way along this part of the Ring of Kerry except a quick stop at a gas station to pick up breakfast and snack items for the next day.

• Cork – It would’ve been nice to explore Cork and their English Market and visit the Cobh Heritage Centre.
• Blarney Gardens – I would have loved to have spent more time doing the various walks around the Poison Garden, Fern Garden, Arboretum, and the endless other garden walks that explore the mystical and magical landscapes.
• Killorglin – This is the first town we passed by along the Ring of Kerry.  We zipped right through but I would have loved to have stopped here even for a few minutes to get a feel for a small town like this one.
• Cahirciveen – This is home to the Ballycarbery Castle and the Old Barracks which is built in the Schloss style.  Legend says they mixed up plans for this and a building designed for somewhere in Punjab, India.

SALA THAI RESTAURANT

This is the in-house restaurant as part of the Kells Bay House property.  As someone that’s had a lot of Thai food, I have to say that the curries, noodles, and skewers we had were all very good and very authentic.  The only knock I’d have on this place is the service.  Our order took way too long to get to the table and only after following up did they realize that they missed our order completely and had to make it from scratch at that point.

SKELLIG VIEW WHITE ROOM AIRBNB

A no frills kind of Airbnb that I booked pretty early on because I was worried that the town of Portmagee would sell out.  Our host, Marie, was very accommodating of our late check-in request and I appreciated the free passes to Kerry Cliffs.  The room was just the right size and in relatively clean condition.  Wifi included as well.

Check rates

Tips and Tricks :

• Rock of Cashel – Parking is right up the narrow road right at the base of the hill.  It’s an automated parking system where you pay the machine when you’re leaving.  This parking costs 4.50 EUR.  To save money you could park in town and walk up.  Entrance is 8 EUR per person.
• Blarney Castle  – Be ready for lines to kiss the Blarney Stone.  If you’re not in a rush, I recommend doing the other parts of the garden, waiting for the line to subside and then doing the castle itself.
• Blarney Gardens –   Entrance is 14 EUR per person booked online.

Thinking about what to see in Ireland in 7 days, this is my #1 must-do.  The entire pilgrimage experience of zipping across the North Atlantic to discover that the white tipped Little Skellig was in fact covered by white gannets and adorable puffins that made Skellig Michael their home.  Then following in the ancient footsteps of Luke Skywalker and Rey up to the monastery itself was pure magic.

The 2.5 hours we had on the island seemed like a lot initially but once we started climbing the steps and exploring the beehive huts of the monastery, time passed quickly.

Back on the mainland and after lunch, we explored the lesser-known Valentia Island.  We wouldn’t have known about this part of the Ring of Kerry if it wasn’t for incredible photos I had seen from this area.  With the higher vantage points of Geokaun Mountain (5 EUR per car) and the slate quarry behind Valentia Lighthouse (5 EUR per person), the scenery was as close to postcard perfect as it gets.

We then continued along our ring road journey by joining up with the Skellig Ring where we stopped by Kerry Cliffs (4 EUR per person) which is an impressive view of the jagged edged rocky coast.  It’s at the edge of the peninsula where the land rises and then sharply drops into the ocean.

The driving adventure continued along until rejoining the main Ring of Kerry.  Due to time, we couldn’t stop in the towns along the way.  From Waterville and onwards, it was straight driving.  Since we weren’t close to the coast there wasn’t much to stop and see.

At Molls Gap , we took a quick break before descending into Killarney National Park with sunlight starting to wane.  We were able to make quick stops at Ladies View where you can see where the glaciers carved through the valley before the opening into Killarney itself.

It was late by the time we checked into The Lake Hotel so no restaurants were open.  We hopped downstairs to the Devil’s Punchbowl Bar , grabbed a pint, and ordered a sandwich.

• Waterville, Sneem, Caherdaniel, and Kenmare – It would’ve been nice to take our time through these idyllic coastal towns but I feel the trade off of spending more time on Valentia Island and the Skellig Ring was worth it.

THE BRIDGE BAR

With barely any time to snack on Skellig Michael, we were famished by the time we arrived back in Portmagee.  Right along the main street is this nice little local restaurant which gets all the Skellig tourists.  Their fish and chips definitely hit the spot.

THE LAKE HOTEL

A historic hotel that is full of character but doesn’t show its age.  The rooms here are incredibly spacious and comfortable.  Breakfast as part of the B&B package was of the highest quality and the perfect charge-up for the day.  Location wise, it can’t be beat either being practically on Killarney National Park Grounds with that amazing view of the old castle ruins at the footsteps of Lough Leane.

• Booking:  You must book at least 4-5 months in advance in order to guarantee a spot for a specific date.  If you haven’t, don’t fret because cancellations happen all the time.
• Casey’s Tours to Skellig Island
• Skellig Michael Cruises
• The Skelligs – Force Awakens Boat Trip – Leaves from Ballinskelligs which is a totally different pier from Portmagee
• Skellig Boat
• Skellig Walker Cruises
• Skellig Michael Voyage
• The Skelligs Tour – Departs from Caherdaniel
• Skellig Experience Visitor Centre also has a page for boat tours here .
• Weather:  If the weather is poor for the boats, they’ll cancel the trip.  That’s why Skelligs Rocks ensured we called the morning of to confirm whether the trip would be a go or not.  There’s not much you can do here other than perhaps planning 2 days in the Ring of Kerry area so that if one day doesn’t work, you can reorganize things so you can have a second day to attempt a trip out.
• Boat ride:   With the speed of the boat, you’re not going to get that rocky, nausea inducing feeling that folks sensitive to being on the water get.  That being said, the water does get choppy especially on the way out which is why you have to wear the waterproof gear provided by the boat.  For those that get sea sick easily, they do offer medicine on board prior to leaving the pier if you need it but nobody on our boat ride had issues.  Make sure you tuck your camera away once the boat is out in open water because you will get very wet especially if you sit near the back.  The captain was also nice enough to provide big zip-loc bags in case.
• Difficulty:   There are two main sets of steps to the Monastery but I would say it’s relatively easy.  The first set slowly winds up with some natural spots for breaks.  The steps are wide enough to allow people to pass.  The second set of steps are more steep but if you take your time, you’ll make it up with no issues.  Compared to the Inca Trail where altitude was in effect , this felt very easy since it only required short spurts of energy.
• Tour:  Make sure you stick around for the educational talk given by one of the rangers when you get to the Monastery.  I don’t think there’s a fixed schedule but I could be wrong.  It felt like it was every hour.
• Valentia Lighthouse  – Admission to here was 5 EUR per person but didn’t think it was worth it.  The lighthouse and the small museum weren’t too interesting and the views weren’t anything special.  What was a nice view was in fact from the slate quarry which is visible when you look back inland from the lighthouse.  From here you get sweeping views of the lighthouse and the sprawling peninsula fingers that meet here.
• Skellig Ring – The Skelligs are in view for most of the drive around here and was honestly more of a joy to drive through compared to the Ring of Kerry because the large coaches don’t come here.  There weren’t designated stops per say but it was a joy to find pullovers to see the villages below.
• Ring of Kerry –  I would recommend driving counter-clockwise which is the official designated route for all the coach buses.   I’d much rather be stuck behind one and feel comfortable that opposing traffic will have to yield and when the opportunity arises to pass.  The driving section will cover this in more detail but I’ll say two things. 1) The speed limit is way too high so don’t feel pressured to drive that fast and 2) As scary as everyone made driving the ring sound, it wasn’t that bad because you’re never at a cliff’s edge and there are usually tiny pull offs for oncoming cars.

After a hearty breakfast at The Lake Hotel , we ventured about the hotel grounds.  The hotel backs right into the largest lake of the national park and as part of that, there’s also the ruins of The McCarthy Mór Castle.

You’ll need a full day exploring Killarney National Park because it’s huge.  For us, we wanted to hit up the main sights.  We were able to see Muckross Abbey, Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, and Ross Castle.  I was probably most impressed with the Abbey and its courtyard that must’ve inspired Tolkien.

Wanting to spend time in the town of Dingle, we hit the road right after we finished at the castle.  The drive through the southern coast of the peninsula was amazing with views of the water as you winded through.  The Ring of Kerry side was always visible across the water and we made quite a few stops along the way.

We quite enjoyed our time in Dingle as we were able to take a relaxing stroll along the main streets of town, popping into the small shops that were painted in a variety of colors.   After dinner, we also made sure we tried a few more flavors at Murphy’s Ice Cream.

• Killarney National Park – I would’ve loved to have done a few hikes in the park.  I was also sad that we weren’t able to take the boat across from Ross Castle to the Meeting of the Waters and Old Weird Bridge.
• Gap of Dunloe – This was part of the plans but had to be cut.  There’s an awesome hike there that takes around 2 hours with breathtaking views of the lake, a heritage cottage, and the surrounding mountains.
• Killarney City – If there’s one city we completely skipped because of time, it was Killarney.  It’s supposed to be a charming city with great food options like Quinlan’s Seafood Bar and Lane Cafe Bar.

OUT OF THE BLUE

If you love seafood, this is your spot.  The seafood chowder is out of this world.  The fish is all locally caught and fresh and it comes through in the two dishes we had – sea bass and pollock were probably the best of the entire trip.

This is one of the few B&Bs located on the western part of Dingle Peninsula which is the perfect spot to launch into the main sights along Slea Head Drive and the ferry out to the Blasket Islands.  The owners, Rónán and Geraldine are warm and friendly hosts that also serve up delicious breakfast.  The rooms are spacious, clean, and even come furnished with a rocking chair.

Starting in Dunquin, which is where our B&B was located, was a bit of a blessing and a curse because it allowed us to jump right into Dunquin Harbour and The Blasket Centre but since driving counter to traffic is highly inadvisable as we were told, we had to cut across the mountain in order to drive on Slea Head Drive in the clockwise direction.

When it comes to Slea Head Drive , there really wasn’t a specific sight that you’re looking for.  It’s very much a look out into the ocean as you’re driving around.

We were told that the Famine Cottages are a tourist trap so we skipped that.  There are also beehive huts along the way but because as we had done Skellig Michael, we passed as well.  Cross at Slea Head is a good spot for a quick stop where you’ll see great views of the Blasket Islands.  From there, you can see Coumeenoole Beach .  The beach is a good spot for a picnic and there’s a nice hike to the peninsula’s edge.

We continued around the peninsula with stops at Clogher Head, which is more or less another beach, and the Louis Mulcahy Pottery studio (good for a bathroom break and quick peek).

We drove back into town for another quick stop before detouring north to cross Conor Pass.  At the peak, there’s a carpark where we stopped briefly to check out the magnificent sights here.  You can see the coast in the distance, farms at the valley floor, along with lakes and cliffs.

This is when the heavy driving started as we had to wind up Northeast towards Limerick before turning Northwest.  Along the way, we stopped in the city of Ennis where it started pouring but we ducked into Cruises Pub for dinner.

• Gallarus Oratory – This was on our itinerary for the drive around Dingle but because we didn’t have enough time, I quickly flew the drone and continued along our way.
• Quaint small towns of Dingle – Our B&B hosts recommended that we stop by Ballydavid but short on time, we had to skip them.
• Blasket Islands – This is a full day kind of event but if you had a couple of days in the area, we recommend getting a ferry over to the Great Blasket Island to create your own eco adventure.

CRUISES PUB

This spot was a bit of a happy accident for us.  Originally we wanted to eat at The Cloister Restaurant & Bar but they weren’t taken anyone without reservations.  This pub was full of energy when we stepped in with a Gaelic football match televised with live Irish music.  There was a good selection of local beer here on top of comfort Irish bar food.  The Guinness meat pie and bangers and mash were perfect.

SLIEVE ELVA B&B

Just outside the town of Lisdoonvarna is this amazing B&B which features cosy guest rooms which are both spacious, clean, and modernly renovated.  What makes any stay special is the hospitality of the owners Kris and Ireen who will go out way to make you feel at home.  Their breakfast is marvelous and you will love their personal touch of home made bread and jams.  On top of that, each room gets Ireen’s homemade biscuits.  This would be my B&B of choice for anyone want to visit Cliffs of Moher or The Burren in County Clare.

• Driving in Dingle – Having done the drive myself, I can confidently say that you do not want to drive counter-clockwise.  Slea Head Drive is designated as a two way road but some parts along the coast are only wide enough for one car.
• Tarbert to Killimer Ferry – Instead of driving through Limerick as we ended up doing, there’s an alternative route that involves a ferry from Tarbert and goes across to Killimer.  We were originally going to do this but it didn’t save us any time so we just kept on driving.  However, if you plan it well or just have a more flexible schedule, check the schedule beforehand and this’ll be a great way to cut down driving time.  It costs 19 EUR per car or 17.10 if you book online .

We started off by crossing through the countryside before dropping to the coast.  Where there were rolling valleys before, large forested areas popped up and the ground burst with streams of sharp jagged limestone.

The Cliffs of Moher were staggeringly impressive with its continuous sheer drop of 214 meters that winds out as far as the eye can see.  Where the vistas truly opened up was beyond the fences of the maintained park.  There, I only dared to walk to the death-defying edges a few times before following the ridge line down to the most northern point.   We ended up spending quite a bit of time here.

Our next stop was Burren Smokehouse .  What we learned was that the Smokehouse itself is just a store and next to it on the same street is the Storehouse.  We grabbed a sample platter to eat one of our few lunches on the trip.  It was so good that after lunch we picked up a few for home.  The tricky part was figuring out how to keep it refrigerated the remainder of the trip.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in Burren National Park , followed by a quick walk around the portal tomb, Poulnabrone .  The Burren region is out of this world.  Even though we didn’t get to do a full hike in this geopark, it shows the power of glaciers that carved through and left behind limestone pavement with fissures created by rainwater dissolution.  The end result is something that is so dramatically different from anywhere else in Ireland.

We closed out the day in Galway , my favorite city in Ireland.  We didn’t get to stay there long but it was somewhere that was full of energy with all the street performers.  Pedestrian streets ruled the downtown core, making it easy to walk and so approachable with its many shops and restaurants.

At the end of the night, we drove outside of the city to get to Galway Glamping where we had a chance to meet the owners and get a full tour of the grounds.  This night was hands down the most memorable of stays with an eclectic assembly of furniture in the Mongolian yurt which was surprisingly very cozy and warm thanks to the electrical heater.

We closed out the day in Galway which has got to be my favorite city in Ireland.  It’s not like we even got to stay there that long but it was somewhere that was full of energy with all the street performers.  Pedestrian streets ruled the downtown core which made it easy to walk and so approachable with its many shops and restaurants.

At the end of the night, we drove outside of the city to get to Galway Glamping where we had a chance to meet the owners where they gave us the full tour of the grounds.  This night was hands down the most memorable of stays with eclectic assembly of furniture in the Mongolian yurt which was surprisingly very cosy and warm thanks to the electrical heater.

• I put together an article about top things to do in Galway .  Head over there for more ideas.
• Ballyvaughan Fairy Fort – A hidden spot in The Burren, this ring fort is said to be on the road up to Poulnabrone, just opposite the left hand turn into the Ailwee Caves. Access is restricted but it’s supposedly easy to walk in.
• Ballyvaughan – Pretty thatched cottages, nice crafts shops, and restaurants.
• Aran Islands – The easiest way to get there is by catching a ferry from Doolin.  I’d recommend staying overnight at a minimum.  There are 3 islands in the chain but the most interesting is Inis Mór which features the cliff tops prehistoric ring forts.  A ton to see and explore here.
• Burren National Park – I’m still a bit disappointed in the hike we attempted here.  With a little better planning, I would’ve picked a better marked hike.
• Aillwee Cave/Pollnagollum  – Pollnagollum is a secret spot but if you know where to look, you can find the cave that inspired Lord of the Rings’ character, Gollum.  Entrance to the longest cave in Ireland, the more accessible way is through Aillwee Cave which is open to the public.  The best way to see it is to join up with a local caving tour ( Back West Adventures ).

THE BURREN STOREHOUSE

Everyone raved about The Burren Smokehouse and their restaurant (Storehouse next door) and it sure didn’t disappoint.  After our morning at the Cliffs of Moher, we made our way over here for a quick bite.  While they have a ton of other great menu items such as their pizza, what we really wanted to try was a sampling of their smoked fish. Luckily they have the Smokehouse Platter which has 6 of their products.  Two of us shared one plate and it was just right for a half lunch.  There’s often live music playing here as well.

GALWAY GLAMPING

The most unique accommodations of our Ireland itinerary.  Who would’ve thought we’d be able to stay in a Mongolian yurt in the middle of the Irish countryside.  What used to be an estate in ruins, the grounds have now been converted to this eclectic mix of yurts, axe-throwing, group games, party rooms, and other funky rooms.  What makes it glamping is that all rooms are furnished and powered while also including super clean bathroom, kitchen, and lounging facilities next door.

Book Directly

• What the entry ticket is actually for – The entry ticket is only to get into the mass lot across the street.  Once you’re parked, all you do is cross the street and that’s it.  This kind of makes sense because there’s no way to police the cliffs to the north and the south.  Anyone can walk in.  They just bank on everyone driving.  You do have to get in the same line as everyone regardless if you purchase your ticket online ahead of time.
• How to get in for free – There’s a farmer that has land right next to the most northerly edge of the cliffs who is apparently super cool with people parking along the road as long as his car can still drive through.  The photo below is the spot that you should be looking for.  If you’re coming from the north, you’ll see this before the mass parking lot.  You can use either side as you can see.
• Best time to go – If I were to do it again, I’d definitely plan to go after 4PM.  During the middle of the day, there are way too many tourist buses and the sun is right above you which creates incredibly harsh shadows.  I’ve seen the photos and sunsets are epic here.
• Best spots for photos – To get that postcard perfect shot, you need to leave the official bounds of the tourist site (there are signs that let you know).  We couldn’t do both ends but chose to hike to the northern edge which gives a full view of the pinnacle and a long depth of cliffs front to back.

• Burren National Park – This park is unique because there aren’t any specific boundaries and isn’t run like a national park that we’re used to.  That’s why the visitor center is in the nearby town of Corofin.  We didn’t go there and just plotted a route to the park via Google Maps.  In retrospect it wasn’t a good idea because I had no clue where the hike trails were.  At the Gortlecka Crossroads, we saw a bunch of cars parked here so we did as well.  Thing is, there’s only one board here that indicated there was a trail here.  We tried to follow it but eventually got side tracked by a gate opening that we thought was the right way.  Long story short, we gave up and turned back.  Either we are terrible at hiking or the trails are just poorly marked.  Lesson learned:  Get a trail map from the visitor center first.
• Tunnel toll – When driving up to Galway, we hit an unexpected toll since there’s a tunnel you have to go through.  This is an unattended machine so you have to make sure you have enough coins for this.  The toll is 1.90 EUR.
• Galway parking – You’re probably not going to find free parking here.  We circled around for a bit to see if we could get free parking to no avail.  In the end, we found a paid lot.

On our last full day in Ireland we started early.  We had an exciting morning planned with Clash Gaelic Games and we needed to travel East to get there.  While that sounds daunting, it was mostly on the motorway (highway) and took about 2 hours.

One thing you need to understand about Ireland is that while European football is popular, it pales in comparison to the Gaelic sports.  Gaelic Football and Hurley are the top two sports in the country and what better way to end off the trip than to get to learn how to play these two sports.  I had found out about Clash Gaelic Games through my research and I thought it was such a fun way to learn about culture while burning a few calories and making a fool of ourselves.  

After our mini workout, we had to get into the city, check into our hotel, cab over to Kilmainham Gaol prison, then make it late to Trinity College’s Old Library to see the Book of Kells .  We were able to stroll the streets and get some retail therapy at the hyper cheap Penny’s following.

With one night to make it count, we had dinner at L. Mulligan Grocer and spent the rest of the night drinking Guinness and listening to live Irish music at The Temple Bar .

• Dublin  – I would have liked to have seen St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Stephen’s Green, done more shopping, tried more restaurants, and drank a little harder.
• Pubs – The Temple Bar is the most popular one in the city but there are so many other good ones including The Dame Tavern and The Brazen Head.
• Guinness – While we weren’t big fans at the beginning, this famous stout grew on us throughout the trip.  The Guinness Storehouse is in Dublin and would be a fun place to visit for any lover of this beer. You can get advance tickets here .
• Newgrange – While technically not in Dublin, north of the city is a large and ancient burial site built of stone and architectured to only let light into the ritual chamber at sunrise on Winter Solstice.
• Howth – This is a village north of Dublin and near Portmarnock.  Located on a bulbous peninsula and featuring sweeping coastal views, it includes a superb food and crafts market.  It’s a place that gives you a flavor of everything we saw on the west coast without driving too far from Dublin.
• Malahide Castle & Gardens – While I’m sure this would’ve been impressive, we couldn’t fit this in with how long Clash went.  I wasn’t too sad in this case though since we had seen Blarney Castle & Gardens and I imagine it would be somewhat similar.

L. MULLIGAN GROCER

It’s a peculiar name for sure and it’s a bit far from the city centre but well worth it for the wide range of craft beers on tap and menu items.  We tried a most interesting watermelon wheat beer which tasted like…you guessed it…watermelon!  Our Moules Frites and Free Range Chicken Kiev were most excellent.

THE CROKE PARK HOTEL

This Doyle Collection hotel is located right next door to the famed Croke Park stadium where all the biggest Gaelic sport matches are held.  This signature hotel in the Dublin is a contemporary hotel that is big on comforts.  Their mattresses are heavenly with velvety duvets, there’s good table space to work, comfy furniture to relax, and the marbled bathrooms.  If you get the packing that includes breakfast, you’ll be treated to a wide buffet selection including honey straight from the honeycomb and my favourite, the croissants, which were delightful.  The staff was incredibly friendly and lastly, parking is included for free.  It’s the perfect hotel to launch your Dublin adventures from.

• Clash Gaelic Games  – While it was a bit of a specialized session with just the two of us, if you’re traveling with a big group of friends or if you’re a family, this is a great way to stay active and honestly try something you’d never be able to do anywhere else.
• Driving in Dublin – Everyone said “don’t do it” and they were right.  The core is a mess especially with the construction going on.  You do not want to drive in the city.  Taking a cab or local transit is the way to go so make sure you either return the car rental, wait to rent the car later, or your hotel has free parking.
• Uber – I experienced the most peculiar thing with Uber in Dublin.  There were numerous times when I’d order a cab and while it was on its way, they could cancel the ride.  I couldn’t understand why this kept happening until I realized that all the Uber drivers were regular cabbies essentially.  Every cab had Uber and another local app running on their phones and so they had to allegiance to any one of them and if they found a more convenient ride along the way, they’d take it.  On top of that, Uber also doesn’t display prices because it’s all standard meters.  At the end of the day, just understand that hailing a cab or ordering an Uber is no different.  In Dublin, I’d say hailing is just easier if you’re in a busy area because you won’t get canceled on.
• Kilmainham Goal is 8 EUR per person (plus booking fees online) and Book of Kells is 10 to 13 EUR depending on peak or off-peak hours per person.

Trips never go as planned.  This one was no different.  For the most part though, nothing dramatically changed where we had to restructure things around.  This trip was one where I simply packed too much in and had to make the call to fast forward if time was running low.

Here’s a little insight into why I feel that our plans deviated to help in your own planning:

• Not starting the day early enough – We could’ve fit more in if we hit the road after breakfast by 8AM instead of 9 or 10AM on most days.
• Taking too long in each spot – Between photos, videos, drone, and eyes, we spent more time than we had planned for.
• Driving time according to GPS is inaccurate – If you drove by Ireland’s ridiculously high speed limit and didn’t stop, sure, but the reality is that you’ll be making stops to take photos of the views and you’ll be slowing down around all corners and when there’s opposing traffic.
• Skipping meals – This is more of what happened as a result of a packed schedule.  Since we always had breakfast included by our B&Bs or hotels, lunch was the first thing to go out the window.
• Unexpected stops – You can’t plan for these but we stopped along the Ring of Kerry to help a couple with their flat tire which put us behind.  Alternatively, I didn’t have much planned for Dingle but we got a long list of suggestions from the B&B, so we ended up spending more time there before driving out of the peninsula.
• Losing track of time – As much as it was a massive advantage to have incredibly long days (usable light up until 10PM), it was also easy to just keep going.  As a result, there were a few times where we got to our dinner spot too late and had to make alternate plans.

So there you have it, the itinerary guide for a south Ireland road trip.  It was an ambitious trip for sure, but we only covered a small portion of everything Ireland has to offer.

Hopefully you’ll be able to use this as a starting point for your trip planning and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

Make Trip Planning To Ireland A Breeze Make sure to read this companion travel guide to planning the best road trip in Ireland.

No, as long as you have a valid driver’s license you do not need an international one. A valid driver’s license allows you to rent a car as well. Note that there are different age requirements in Ireland when it comes to renting a car, be sure to look into that if concerned.

The amount of days really depends on what parts of Ireland you’d like to see and if you’d like to take your time seeing them all or not. You’ll need to decide if you want to do the north part, the south or the full loop. In our case, 7 days was barely enough to tour southern Ireland, but to do the full loop we would recommend more.

The best month to travel Ireland is June. There’s not as much rainfall during this month and the days are longer due to summer solstice, therefore you get more time to do and see more.

What you should read next

• A Week in Ireland – Enchanting Castles, Wild Coastline, and Star Wars
• 10 Must-See and Do Things For Any Road Trip in Ireland
• Ireland Road Trip Travel Guide – Everything You Need To Know
• Why You Absolutely Must Do A Road Trip Around Ireland In Photos

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Data: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices like PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are so good and you can use it globally but recently, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. TripAdvisor is also useful for reviews and bookings.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental.

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Laura Baker says

March 8, 2023 at 11:41 PM

Thank you sooooo much for your informative guide on Southern Ireland. I truly enjoyed reading about your adventures. Keep on adventuring and sharing it with all of us!!

William Tang says

March 9, 2023 at 1:18 PM

Thanks for stopping by! You’re welcome and oh how I miss the southern part of Ireland. Hope you have an amazing time when you go!!

Sara Riobom says

June 22, 2022 at 12:21 PM

Really cool article, William. As a fellow travel blogger I am finding it hard to find really informative and honest articles to plan my trip to Ireland, and yours helped a lot. Thanks! :)

June 23, 2022 at 8:48 PM

I’m so glad Sara!!

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Go South Tour

Travel to southern Ireland with this spectacular one-week, small group tour!

Stand in an ancient stone circle, explore an Irish tower castle and be amazed by the mountains and lakes of Killarney National Park. Enjoy two nights of great traditional music, food and fun on the Dingle Peninsula. Cross a slender bridge to Ireland’s most southerly point on the Mizen Head peninsula. Delve inside a medieval monastery, touch beautifully inscribed Celtic crosses, and marvel at the colossal Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy the lovely River Shannon on a leisurely cruise. 

You will walk the land, capture the spirit, and find Ireland forever in your heart!  All this and more on the Go South tour - please see below for all the details.

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Go South Tour Itinerary

Read all about this fantastic one-week tour taking you to the best back roads sites, quaint coastal towns, and majestic scenery in glorious southern Ireland!

Select  "+"  to read about a specific day or select  " expand all"  to read the entire itinerary. Slainte! (Irish for Cheers!)

Monday, Day 1: Arrival in Dublin, Ireland

Welcome to Ireland!  You arrive in Dublin and check in to your city center hotel. Nothing is planned for this day so you can relax and explore Dublin as you’d like. Then off to bed with you for a good night's sleep, for tomorrow begins what we hope will be one of your best experiences yielding a lifetime of happy memories!

* Your Dublin hotel is included in your tour. With a fantastic central location, it's an easy walk to amazing sites and things to do in Dublin 😃

Tuesday, Day 2: Dublin to Dungarvan

Highlights:  8th Century Celtic High Cross, Medieval Norman Monastery, 6,000 year-old Ancient Tomb, Harbor Town of Dungarvan

Meet your guide and trip participants and begin your exciting travels in Ireland. Leaving Dublin and heading south, you’ll discover an incredible 17-foot Celtic High Cross, standing watch since the 8th Century. High crosses like this one and their intricately carved designs have inspired the faithful through the ages and became integral to Irish culture, history and art.

You’ll then journey further south to one of the largest medieval churches in Ireland. Built in the 13th Century, this beautifully restored Cistercian Monastery was founded by the Normans at one of the most strategic points in the country along the River Barrow. This serene waterway has enabled passage inland for thousand of years and is still used today by colorful barges and river cruisers.

Lost among a maze of small farm roads in bucolic southern County Kilkenny, you’ll find a 6,000 year-old megalithic tomb! This precariously, balanced structure will boggle your mind as to how the Stone Age Irish erected such large stones at this impressive site.

Onto County Waterford where your overnight stop is the lovely harbor town of Dungarvan on Ireland's southern Atlantic shore. Enjoy dinner at a cooking school run by one of Ireland's renowned chefs or find a pub with music on Grattan Square or Davitt's Quay.  The night is yours to relax and enjoy! 

Wednesday, Day 3: Dungarvan to Clonakilty

Highlights:  9th Century Round Tower, Kinsale, Ancient Stone Circle, Town of Clonakilty

Amazing views as you travel along the scenic southern coast to see Ireland's finest example of a medieval Round Tower. Multi-story stone towers like this were built over a thousand years ago by pious monks and endured a long and turbulent history. Founded by Saint Declan, this site is one of Ireland’s earliest Christian settlements. Explore the church ruins and discover its incredible stone carvings and ancient standing stones.

Enjoy free time and a lunch break in the town of Kinsale. Known for its excellent cafes, you’ll have fun meandering streets of colorful stores and walking along its beautiful harbor.

Continuing on, you find a tranquil Stone Circle with a mystifying solar alignment. This secluded site was of great importance to the early Irish who aligned its axis to the setting sun of the winter solstice. 

You then head to your overnight town of Clonakilty, famously linked to Michael Collins who was instrumental in Ireland’s uprising and subsequent independence from Britain. In addition, Clonakilty has a lively music scene. Stop by the legendary DeBarras Pub for a pint, music, and to admire the Jimi Hendrix Experience memorabilia donated by their bass player, Noel Redding, who regularly performed at DeBarras on Friday nights. Kick back, relax, and tap your toes in this colorful and fun town!

Thursday, Day 4: Clonakilty to Kenmare

Highlights:  Mizen Head Signal Station, Bantry, The Beara Peninsula, Colorful Town of Kenmare

A magnificent day as you travel through some of the most visually stunning parts of Ireland. First, you head to the Mizen Head Signal Station perched on Ireland's most southerly point. Stroll this rugged headland, learn about lighthouses along the coast, and visit the keeper’s quarters via a beautiful arched bridge spanning a deep ravine.

Moving northwards leads you to the town of Bantry. Wander its old streets and gaze upon a statue of 6th Century Saint Brendan, possibly the first European to find America! As you leave, you'll have fine views of the beautiful bay and can spot palm trees in this unusually tropical region.

You then follow an amazing route through the Beara Peninsula over countless switchbacks and a high mountain pass for inspiring views and down to your overnight town of Kenmare. Your lovely B&B is situated in the heart of this magical Kerry town, full of quaint shops, lively bars, and great traditional Irish music.

Friday, Day 5: Kenmare to Dingle

Highlights:  Killarney National Park, Ross Castle, Slea Head Drive, Gallarus Oratory, Dingle Town

Saying goodbye to Kenmare, your route takes you to the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, the largest mountains in Ireland, and home to the spectacular Killarney National Park. A photographer's dream...you may well wish for an extra pair of eyes! You'll make your way over the pass at Moll's Gap and work your way down by Killarney's captivating lakes, waterfalls, and panoramic vistas. Here, you will visit one of the most photographed castles of Ireland, Ross Castle.

You next take a gentle stroll by beautiful fields and grazing deer as you come to the 15th Century Muckross Abbey. Walk beneath the vaulted cloisters and gaze upon the centuries old yew tree in the central courtyard and imagine life in an abbey 500 years ago.

The views keep coming along coastal roads and sandy beaches flanked by green hills as you make your way to the Dingle Peninsula. You take a trip around the dramatic landscape of the Slea Headland. This Gaeltacht (or Irish speaking) area is rich in archeological sites including the Gallarus Oratory and is Ireland's most westerly shore.

You'll then make your way back to Dingle town. This charismatic fishing town is filled with colorful buildings and many fine places to dine or shop. Have fun discovering pubs that double as hardware or shoe stores and you’ll be staying for two nights in Dingle's best boutique B&B!

Saturday, Day 6: Free Day in Dingle

Your free day! There are many interesting things to do such as shopping, biking, golfing, fishing, falconry, or horseback riding. Take a walk through lively Dingle town and enjoy a boat ride. Or you could find a nice pub or coffee shop to while away the hours and strike up a conversation with some of the friendly characters to be found in Dingle. Enjoy another wonderful night in this enchanting town!

Sunday, Day 7: Dingle to Ballina/Killaloe

Highlights:  Ferry Across the River Shannon, Cliffs of Moher, Portal Tomb, Sister Towns of Killaloe and Ballina

You depart Dingle heading over the Slieve Mish Mountains through northern County Kerry and on to Ireland's longest river, the Shannon. This ancient river has moved trade for thousands of years and boarding a ferry, you’ll feel its gentle flow and cross to the geological wonders of County Clare.

Passing through seaside towns, where surfers and horses stride grand beaches, you'll head north to one of the world's most spectacular sights, the Cliffs of Moher. Looming over 700 feet above the smashing force of the Atlantic Ocean, these sheer and majestic cliffs are simply not to be missed!

From the cliffs, you’ll head to Ireland's UNESCO Geopark with the oldest dated megalithic monument in Ireland. Walk across the vast, moonlike landscape of the Burren and see the awesome beauty and history of this part of Ireland.

Your overnight town is Ballina (in County Tipperary) along the River Shannon. With its sister town across the river, Killaloe (in County Clare), you have two picture perfect Irish riverside towns with pubs, great restaurants, walkways along the river’s edge, and a beautiful 18th Century stone bridge with 13 arches. Your hotel overlooks the river and you can stroll into town for delicious food and stop by Liam O’Riain’s pub for a pint and traditional Irish music.

Monday, Day 8: Ballina/Killaloe to Dublin

Highlights:  Privately Chartered Cruise on the River Shannon, Historic Pubs, Bog Path and Ancient Ruins, Vibrant Dublin City

Start your day with a relaxing cruise on Ireland’s finest waterway, the River Shannon. Hop aboard your privately chartered boat, learn about the history of the area, and explore serene Lough Derg and enjoy breathtaking views of Counties Clare and Tipperary.

You’ll then head east to enjoy lunch in the town of Abbeyleix, where you will be able to walk out onto the bog and learn about its important conservation.  

Walk off lunch by exploring the ruins of a fortress with stunning views of the surrounding patchwork countryside. Perched on top of an outcrop, it is said to have appeared on the early maps of the Greek cartographer Ptolemy and plundered by the Vikings. The is the perfect way to take a last 360 degree view of the beauty of Ireland’s landscape.

You’ll then head back to your lovely Dublin hotel and your last night in the Emerald Isle. Enjoy a meal in one of the many fine restaurants, savor the final hours of your Go South tour, and cherish a lifetime of incredible memories!

Slan Beo! Irish for "Goodbye, live life!"

*While it is our intention to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The information in the itinerary has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However, it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and Inroads Ireland.

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Go South Tour Fact Sheet

On the one-week Go South tour, you discover Ireland's best off-the-beaten-track sites in southern Ireland!

• Connect with the ancient Irish as you stand in a millennia old Stone Circle aligned to the setting sun of the winter solstice
• Explore a fantastic medieval Irish Castle and an 800 year-old Norman Abbey
• Be amazed by the Beara Peninsula's mountain passes and gorgeous lakes in County Kerry's Killarney National Park
• Enjoy a privately chartered cruise on the leisurely River Shannon and into Lough Derg
• Unwind for two nights in Dingle town with its colorful pubs, traditional Irish music, and serene beauty
• Discover millenia old Celtic high crosses with their intricate stone carvings, a Round Tower, and an ancient Monastery
• Marvel at the colossal 700 foot high Cliffs of Moher along Ireland's western Atlantic coast
• View the thrilling southern Atlantic coastline and learn about lighthouses at spectacular Mizen Head Signal Station on Ireland's most southerly point
• Travel without crowds on scenic, back roads to lively small towns
• Counties visited: Cork, Kerry, Clare, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Waterford, Offaly, Dublin

2024 Go South Tour Dates

• May 20 - 27
• June 10 - 17
• June 24 - July 01
• August 05 - 12
• September 16 - 23

2024 Go South Tour Price - $3395 (USD) per person based on double occupancy.

• Our upfront price has no hidden costs or excursion fees. For solo travelers, there is a US$615 single supplement.
• Guaranteed departures.  No worries if the tour doesn't fill up to the maximum, our departures are always guaranteed.
• Included in the tour price: 7 full days of touring in a mini-coach with your Irish guide, 8 nights accommodations, site entrance fees, local tours, River Shannon ferry, River Shannon cruise, and daily breakfasts
• Not Included in the tour price: Airfare to/from Dublin, Ireland, lunches, and dinners

2024 Tours 

All prices are in U.S. dollars and per person (based on double occupancy). Our upfront price has no hidden costs or excursion fees. For solo travelers, there is a US$615 supplement.

• 2024 Go South tour: US$3395

Full payment is due when you reserve your tour. Your payment options are Visa, MasterCard, Discover, PayPal, or check. 

** Guaranteed Departures.   No worries if the tour doesn't fill up to the maximum, our departures are always guaranteed.

** Combination Special!  Double or triple the fun and create your own vacation package. Combine 2 tours and save US$200. Combine 3 tours and save US$300.

• June 24 - July 01 

What's Included in the Go South Tour Price?

• 8 nights of local guesthouses or hotels based on double occupancy (Monday through Monday). For solo travelers, please see the 'Solo Travelers' section below.
• 7 days of touring and sightseeing (Tuesday through Monday)
• All admissions into historical sites and local tours
• Daily Irish breakfast
• Touring in a comfortable mini-coach with your experienced Irish tour guide
• Leisurely cruise on the River Shannon and into Lough Derg
• Ferry across the River Shannon 
• Our upfront price has no hidden costs or excursion fees.
• When you make a reservation, you receive a confirmation email with details about the meeting hotel in Dublin.
• If you want to come to Dublin a few days before the tour or stay longer after the tour, in your confirmation email you receive information about how to book additional nights at the Dublin hotel.

What's Not Included in the Tour Price?

• Airfare to / from Dublin, Ireland
• Lunches and dinners
• Personal expenses / Gratuities

Solo Travelers

• If you are traveling solo, there is a US$615 supplement.
• You can have your own room OR share a room with another solo traveler of the same gender, if one is available.
• If you choose to share a room and we can provide a roommate, the US$615 supplement will be refunded.

Tour Guides

We pride ourselves on our native Irish guides who combine a depth of knowledge and history about their homeland with a fun and easygoing approach to showing you the best of Ireland. Our flexible style allows each guide to bring their own unique talents and personality to our tours. When you're in Ireland, you want more than a tour guide, you want a friend to show you the hidden secrets - that's where Inroads Ireland comes in.

Our guide was the best. He gave us safe passage with his excellent driving skills, his dialogue with us was personable and at the same time was most informative. It was like taking a trip with someone you had previously known---he was very approachable. He attended to the different needs and expectations of all 13 travelers and presented information in an entertaining and folksy manner. I have only good things to say. Thank you for finding this gem! Vic and Gladys from South Euclid, Ohio, USA

Meet Your Guides

Meet Hugh and Jonny - expert Irish guides waiting to show you the very best of Ireland!

Hugh is from Dublin, Ireland and is a seasoned world traveler with a passion for unique travel experiences and has guided groups throughout the world including China, Brazil, and Chile. His unflappable countenance, fun loving nature and love of Ireland’s rich cultural diversity has made him fast friends with our great travelers seeking new adventures on Ireland’s maze of back roads and cultural landscape.

When Hugh is not showing you the best of Ireland’s rural splendor, he bikes it for fun, and in the dark winter months, he enlightens the masses at the much-lauded Maynooth University just outside Dublin.

Jonny is from Galway, Ireland and is a renowned classic car restoration expert who, as a kid began exploring his homeland on his grandfather’s assignments as the official photographer for Ireland’s vast array of heritage sites. Later he ran into the bucolic hinterland and onto winning Ireland’s cross-country championships. His great humor and pride in Ireland’s epic culture is infectious and through his lens, you’ll focus on what makes Ireland so truly fun, friendly and fascinating.

Between revealing Ireland’s great back roads and hidden delights, he helps ensure his wee kids flourish, fully immersed in this fantastical ancient land!

Transportation

• Take in Ireland in a comfortable Meredes mini-coach, small enough to navigate Ireland's twisting and narrow back roads and get you to the off-the-beaten-track places. 
• The Go South tour includes two experiences on the River Shannon: a leisurely cruise of the river / Lough Derg and a ferry crossing the river.

I have been trying to compose a decent thank you since before we arrived home. Nothing seems special enough to express our appreciation. So I'll just say thank you SO VERY MUCH for the best vacation we have ever had.  What a luxury to leave the driving - and everything else! - in your very capable hands. Everything went so smoothly. You really know how to take care of your passengers. From relating Irish history to the sing alongs - it was all so much fun. Good craic!  I was impressed with the kindness and respect you showed everyone in your care. Thank you again John - we enjoyed every minute of our Inroads Ireland trip thanks to you! Donna & Mark from Elyria, Ohio, USA

I really appreciated the opportunity to see sites that many others do not have the opportunity to and that I otherwise would not be able to find. Our guide was very informative and made the tour incredibly enjoyable. He told marvelous stories and was able to answer practically every question we threw at him. Also, he handled the roads in a very experienced manner and I truly felt comfortable with him driving - even on narrow and winding cliff roads! All of the accommodations were very comfortable and everyone there was very helpful. 

I really feel like I got a great feel of the Irish south in just a week. Thank you! Janie from Tampa, Florida, USA

Our guide was a delight - engaging, knowledgeable, a tour de force when it comes to all things Ireland. Ancient, Celtic, Roman, modern, fantastical, you name it - a bottomless source of information, stories, and anecdotes. I had an amazing time on the tour! Matt from New York, New York, USA

I enjoyed our guide John's style of guiding with his personal interaction with the group, a wealth of interesting information on sites visited, history, politics, culture, language, sense of humor, poetry recitations and readings (very special), music (both singing and CDs), and his spontaneity (buying fresh strawberries for us down a country lane). Thank you! Diane from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Thank you for making each of us welcome and bringing a group of strangers together in such a way we all felt comfortable. I am unable to convey the gratitude and appreciation I have for your integrity, your professionalism, all your amazing stories, and being able to balance each day so well. I hope to return and without any doubt we will be booking through you again...having the certainty that all things are taken care of is such a spoiling vacation!! Jill from University Place, Washington, USA

An important part of any Irish vacation is a great place to stay and a relaxing night's sleep.

All of your accommodations (B&B, guest house, or boutique hotel) have been carefully selected for their excellent location in the small towns (step out your door for food, drinks, shopping, music, and evening walks) and the high level of comfort each room provides. Add to that your welcoming Irish host and a good time is guaranteed 😃

• Stay in locally owned, beautiful B&B's, guesthouses, and boutique hotels.
• Each room has a private bathroom (en suite).
• A delicious daily Irish breakfast is included.
• When making a reservation, you will have the option of choosing a room (Double or Single) and your sleeping arrangements.

Solo travelers:

• If you are not sharing a room, there is a single supplement of $615.
• You will be charged a $615 single supplement. If we are able to provide a roommate, the $615 will be refunded.

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Magical Southern 5-Day Ireland Tour

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• Guaranteed Departures
• 5 Star Rated on TripAdvisor
• Small Groups
• Can be booked as a private tour
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• Fully Comprehensive Insurance
• Small Group - 15 Max

One of our best Southern Ireland tours!

In many ways, this 5-day Ireland tour can be considered one of our best as it manages to fit so much into just five days. If you’re only in our beautiful country for a short amount of time, then this Magical Southern 5-day Tour might be the perfect option for you.

As a Jewel Tour, it’s designed to move at a slower, smoother pace, but there are still plenty of wonderful experiences to enjoy. Your guided tour of Southern Ireland will set out from Dublin. Leave the bustling streets and city noise behind as you journey towards the wonderful Wild Atlantic Way.

If this Southern Ireland tour interests you, but you’re looking for something a little longer, check out our Ireland to Island 7-Day Tour (which includes an optional trip to Skellig Michael). And if you’re looking for the trip of a lifetime, check out The Ultimate Ireland 10-Day Tour Package . Overland Ireland’s expert local guides will ensure you have the best Ireland tour possible, exploring everything from bohemian Galway to the gorgeous Dingle Bay!

We get such impressive reviews for a good reason, primarily because our local guides have unmatched knowledge and know how to look after and entertain our guests. You’re here to have the Irish vacation of a lifetime, and we do our best to ensure you get exactly what you want!

A 5-Day Best of Southern Ireland Tour Packed With Incredible Experiences

This 5-day Ireland tour is brimming with fun and interesting things to do. Take in the jaw-dropping sights and sounds of the Ring of Kerry, a stunning part of Ireland. (For the complete Ring of Kerry experience, check out our Ireland to Island tour ).

You’ll see some of Ireland’s most famous sights, such as Moll’s Gap, Ladies’ View, and Killarney National Park. You’ll even have the opportunity to kayak in Dingle Bay! You will also visit one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks: The Cliffs of Moher. Standing on the precipice, you’ll feel like you’re at the edge of the world. And you’ll get to revel in the fun atmosphere of the lovely coastal town of Dingle; don’t skip the local pubs for evening entertainment!

In just 5 days on this unforgettable Overland Ireland tour, we’ll pack in a diverse range of history, heritage, culture, scenery, castles, wildlife, and a few pints of the black stuff too! From seafood to traditional music, and from Cork to Galway, this Irish tour promises to be utterly unforgettable and we can’t wait to welcome you to our beautiful ancient island.

If you want more information about this or any of our other Ireland tours, please get in touch with our friendly, helpful team. There’s nothing we love more than helping you plan your dream vacation in Ireland! Due to our tours’ off-the-beaten-path locations, the size of our vehicles, and the fact that we cannot guarantee that all accommodation partners have ramps/elevators, unfortunately, our tours are not wheelchair accessible .

Download this itinerary as a PDF

Note: This is our current itinerary for this year. If you’re booking for next year, the plan could change slightly. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about this or our other tours!

What Is Included On Your 5-Day Ireland Tour?

Overland Ireland is unique among tour companies. We go above and beyond to pack as much holiday fun and intrigue into your tour price. We also don’t spring any hidden surprises or unexpected costs on you, so you can relax and enjoy yourself! As you can see in the list of inclusions below, we cover all tour entrance fees as well as accommodation, transport, and activity costs.

Please note, if an experience or activity cannot go ahead due to adverse weather or reasons beyond our control, we do not issue refunds. Do you have special dietary requirements or preferences? Please notify us as early as possible so we can make the necessary arrangements.

We can cater to pescatarians, vegetarians, and vegans.

• Tour departure is guaranteed
• Small and friendly group size Maximum 15 people on tour
• 4 nights local guest house and boutique hotel accommodation Carefully selected by our team
• Passionate and knowledgeable local guides
• Transport to all locations by air-conditioned Mercedes coaches
• Go-Bus transport to Dublin
• Experiences to teach you about our unique Irish culture
• Entry fees to national parks
• Kayak excursion in Dingle Bay
• Walkin’ Talkin’ Tastin’ tour of Galway
• The Cliffs of Moher hike
• Walking tour in Kinsale
• Sheepdog trials show
• Great Irish breakfast Also vegan, vegetarian, etc. are catered for
• Blarney Stone entrance
• Lunches and dinners
• Food and drinks
• Gratuities Optional
• Optional activities
• Private room upgrade for solo travellers Mandatory

Magical Southern Ireland Tour Itinerary

Day 1: From Dublin to Tipperary, Cork, and Kinsale

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops

Leave Dublin’s bright lights behind and start your epic journey across the magical south of Ireland!

The first stop is the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most spectacular ancient sites.

Discover the medieval round tower, cathedral, castle, and chapel, all of which are steeped in 1,000 years of history.

This first castle experience will truly blow you away!

The adventure continues as we travel south to Cork, one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and Ireland’s second largest.

And remember, the local Corkonians claim their city is Ireland’s TRUE capital!

Of course, when in County Cork, you have to kiss the Blarney Stone. How else will you get the “gift of the gab”?

There’s also plenty of time to wander around Blarney Castle and its beautiful gardens — the perfect way to work up an appetite for a delicious local lunch.

This eventful first day closes with an overnight stay in Kinsale, a gorgeous harbour town in West Cork.

Kinsale is equally famous for its dramatic landscapes and award-winning restaurants. This is a true paradise for lovers of seafood!

Our local friend Barry will show you around the town’s forts, castles, shops, and galleries.

Day 2: From Kinsale to Kenmare, Killarney National Park, and Dingle

Total Driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops

After leaving Kinsale, we head toward one of Ireland’s most famous driving routes — the Ring of Kerry. (For the complete Ring of Kerry experience, see our Ireland to Island Tour).

Killarney National Park, our country’s first-ever national park, awaits! This special place includes stops at breathtaking overlooks like Ladies’ View and Molls’ Gap.

You will then enjoy a guided tour of Ross Castle. Your expert guide will bring the castle’s legends to life, helping you to imagine what life was like behind the imposing stone walls.

This amazing second day finishes in the cosy, celebrated coastal town of Dingle.

You’re free to spend the evening soaking up Dingle’s famous atmosphere, be it in a stellar restaurant, a quirky pub, or a traditional live music session.

Day 3: From Dingle to Slea Head

Total driving time: 2 hours, excluding stops

The morning of day three gets off to a special start with an optional kayaking adventure in Dingle Bay.

You can view the wild and rugged coastline from a new perspective and explore the nearby sea caves.

Is kayaking not your thing? Not to worry. We also provide a morning walk to Eask Tower, a solid stone monument standing atop Carhoo Hill.

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the rolling blue Atlantic Ocean and the lush greenery of the Dingle Peninsula.

If you’d prefer to indulge in some retail therapy, you’re free to take some time for yourself to explore the charming local shops. It’s your holiday, so you can do it your way!

In the afternoon, head out on a trip along the incredible Slea Head Drive with a local expert guide.

Some of the amazing sights you can expect to see are beehive huts, beautiful harbours, and quintessential Irish landscapes — perfect for those important Instagram photos!

We then return to Dingle for a second night, so you can find even more great spots for fun and food. And best of all, there’s no need to re-pack your bags!

Day 4: From Dingle to County Clare

Your magical southern experience continues as we depart Dingle. Travelling north, soak in the jaw-dropping views of Connor Pass and Castlegregory.

We then stop off to watch a traditional sheepdog demonstration. The skill of the farmer and his furry friend consistently leaves our guests in awe.

This one-of-a-kind experience is easily one of the most popular on the tour.

Next, we board a ferry for the short ride to County Clare, home of the world-famous Cliffs of Moher.

We also visit the otherworldly landscapes of the Burren National Park, one of Ireland’s most unique and underrated attractions.

The only way to understand the grandeur and beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, and why they have captured imaginations for centuries, is to see them in person.

A guided hike, complete with the sound of the roaring Wild Atlantic below, is the perfect way to do this.

Your Overland Ireland guide is a local expert, so they take you off the beaten track, pointing out secret passages the average tourist simply won’t know about.

When you post your unfiltered photos from this natural wonder, your Insta followers will be green with envy.

We overnight in Doolin, the home of traditional Irish music, so get your dancing shoes on!

This most welcoming of quaint villages has lively bars scattered throughout, so you’re in for a treat.

Day 5: From Doolin to Galway

The final day of this adventure through the south of Ireland begins with a journey to Galway.

The drive takes us through Burren National Park, so you can enjoy even more spectacular views.

Our route to Galway includes a stop at the visually striking Poulnabrone Dolmen, an unusually large portal tomb.

You will also have a photo opportunity at Dunguaire Castle, a 16th-century tower house in Kinvara, a charming fishing village.

Finally, we glide into Galway, the cultural capital of Ireland. Here, you join our local friends for the Walkin’ Talkin’ Tastin’ tour of Galway!

Tasting locally distilled gin, trying authentic Irish cuisine, and getting a local’s insight into the city’s culture and history — there’s no better way to discover Galway!

Fun and entertainment are easy to find in this artistic haven. The picturesque medieval streets are alive with street entertainers, performers, and musicians.

Visit the shops and restaurants that now occupy the beautiful historic buildings in the city centre.

There’s no better time to try on a Galway shawl or to see how a Claddagh ring looks on you.

And when you have finished shopping, pass through the Spanish Arch and continue to Claddagh, a wonderful fishing village.

After basking in the treasures of Galway, it’s time to head back to Dublin. If needed, your guide will help to arrange coach transportation back to the capital.

But, of course, you’re more than welcome to continue your adventure in any way you want!

Due to our tours’ off-the-beaten-path locations, the size of our vehicles, and the fact that we cannot guarantee that all accommodation partners have ramps/elevators, unfortunately, our tours are not wheelchair accessible .

Note: To confirm your booking, you are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 per person for Small-Group tours .

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this tour or any others we operate. We may have already answered your question on our frequently asked questions page.

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Pick-up Points

• 09:00am - 5 Beresford Pl, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 V2V4, Ireland

Day 1: Dublin - Glendalough - Kilkenny Castle - Waterford Crystal - Waterford City

Day 2: waterford city - cobh - blarney castle - dingle peninsula - annascaul, day 3: dingle peninsula - slea head - annascaul, day 4: killarney - ring of kerry - spanish point, day 5: spanish point - cliffs of moher - burren - galway, day 6: galway - connemara - dublin, additional info.

Accommodation

Free cancellation.

• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 72 hours before the tour's start time.
• If you cancel less than 72 hours before the tour's start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 72 hours before the tour's start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the local time in Ireland.

Why Book Direct?

You help a local business to recover from the pandemic

You help to maximise the employment of our amazing guides

You enjoy a Best Price Guarantee

You enjoy the Best Cancellation Policy in Ireland

You enjoy Guaranteed Access where tours are overbooked

You contribute to our investment in carbon offset

We say Go Raibh Mile Maith Agat (1000 thanks!)

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Southern Ireland Discovery 7 day tour

Get to the heart and soul of Ireland on this seven day tour of the country's past and present.

Tour Highlights

Clonmacnoise - A 1,500 year old abbey and the spirit of its ancient spirituality pervades this area. You’ll see to the heart of Ireland’s Golden Age of learning.

Kilbeggan Distillery - Learn the fascinating stories of the Locke family and enjoy a tipple of their finest whisky whilst you’re at it. The oldest licensed distillery on Earth has something for history buffs, whisky connoisseurs and thirsty amateurs!

Blarney Castle - Kiss the famed Blarney Stone amidst the walls of this impressive medieval stronghold.

Kinsale - Dive into the vibrant colours of this historic port town, where so much is a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.

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

Cobh and the Titanic - Delve into the mystery and history of this coastal town, the last port of call for Irish emigrants on the famous ship’s ill fated maiden voyage.

Waterford - Set forth for tales of conquest and pillage in Ireland’s oldest city, founded by 9th century Vikings.

Kilkenny Castle - Survey the dominant and unmistakeable three walled castle whilst roaming its splendid grounds.

Wicklow Mountains - Soar to Ireland’s most impressive peaks then dive into its profound valleys, all carved by ancient glaciers.

Glendalough - Be awed by the “Valley of the Lakes”. Wander its wildly beautiful trails or explore the renowned monastery with its rounded tower.

Cliffs of Moher - Behold an awe-inspiring 700ft drop into the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Dingle Peninsula - Glorious beaches merge with traditional Irish scenery in this land of Gaelic mystery and towering forts.

The Burren - This national park is home to some of Ireland’s most profound spiritual and natural culture.

Your journey

Fast fiddles, flowing flutes, and foot-tapping beats: Ireland’s traditional music is undeniably distinctive.

And as you travel through the island you can’t help but relate the unique music to the remarkable landscapes and stories.

So, on this tour we let you discover the Ireland that inspired the music. You’ll immerse yourself in the tuneful tales of Blarney Castle, the melodious flavours of Locke’s Distillery, and the lyrical legends of the wonderful people of Ireland.

You’ll return home with a head full of delightful sights, fascinating stories, and majestic melodies.

Tour Details

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

• Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
• This tour combines two of our trips. This means you swap your bus, guide, and a few of your friends during the journey.
• 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. 
• All ferry and bridge crossings
• Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Tour accommodation
• Attraction entry tickets
• Savour the sights and tastes of the oldest licensed distillery on Earth at 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.

• 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. From here you board a ferry across the Shannon Estuary to 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.

• 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 encapsulates the town.

• 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, stopping first at Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. After snapping some shots of its rugged majesty, 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’Driscoll. Daniel O’Driscoll holds a special place in Irish hearts, as an emancipating force from colonial rule. Enjoy a walk in the scenic gardens here, as well as a visit to 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).

• Kiss the famed Blarney Stone within the walls of the medieval stronghold of Blarney Castle
• Sample the delicious flavours at the Jameson Whiskey Distillery*

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 maybe kiss the famous Blarney Stone and receive the “gift of the gab”!

After this, you visit the Midleton (Jameson) Whiskey Distillery. Here you have a chance to learn the history, find out how the drink is made, and taste a little yourself.

In the afternoon, you change tour guides and pass along the beautiful coastline south of Cork before arriving in Kinsale. This charming little fishing village is your overnight stop, so you can take in the delights of the “gourmet capital of Ireland”, with its first-rate local restaurants and lively pubs. Savour your free evening whilst exploring the narrow streets and brightly coloured houses around your accommodation.

*Jameson Whiskey Distillery has rebranded and is now called Midleton Whiskey Distillery.

*Please note that if your tour departs after 1st April 2025, you will not visit Middleton Distillery on day five of the tour. You will visit Blarney Castle and then Kinsale.

• See where the Titanic made its last fateful port of call before its ill-fated maiden voyage
• Follow the rugged “Copper Coast” to Waterford, Ireland’s most ancient city
• Discover Ireland’s Viking heritage or marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship at the famous Waterford Crystal factory

Leaving Kinsale in the morning, you make your way to the historic port town of Cobh. The major departure point for Irish emigration for the 19th and 20th centuries, this was the last port of call for the Titanic on its infamous maiden voyage. After unearthing the stories from Ireland’s past, you head east along the Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark famed for its beauty and intricate histories.

You continue until you reach Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, founded by Vikings in the 9th century. Survey the wondrous craftsmanship at the Waterford Crystal factory, explore the selection of fine museums or wander the Viking Triangle on foot.

In the late afternoon, you travel north away from Waterford and over to Kilkenny, a vibrant city with an impressive castle and parklands where you stay for the evening. With riverside trails, the National Craft Centre and a thriving pub and restaurant culture, you are certain to see why it was voted Ireland’s friendliest city.

• Roam Kilkenny Castle and its impressive craft centres
• Traverse the Wicklow Mountains and the majestic national park, known as “the Garden of Ireland”
• Witness the ancient structures at Glendalough, from the distinct high crosses to the 6th century monastic site

In the morning, you have free time in Kilkenny and its superb castle. Match the calm pace of life in the charming town centre and its fine craft centres. You then head north into the Wicklow Mountains, where the National Park will impress you with its steep granite mountains and captivating green paths. The famous valleys open up before you, carved by ancient glaciers. You follow winding paths that lead to Glendalough, site of an awe-inspiring 6th century monastery at the heart of the park’s woodland trails. This offers a perfect opportunity for photography, from the verdant natural setting to the much admired round tower of the monastery.

After this, you head through the centre of the National Park to cross the famous Sally Gap, before descending the short distance back to Dublin.

Attractions

Tour Attractions

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

• Cliffs of Moher,
• Jameson Whiskey Distillery

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

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight.

You stay one night in Galway*, three nights in Killarney, one night in Kinsale and one night in Kilkenny.

  *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 [email protected] 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 :

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).

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?

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .

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Southern Ireland Tours & Vacations

Southern Ireland, or the Republic of Ireland as it is officially known, covers five-sixths of Ireland and is a sovereign country. 

Unlike Northern Ireland , you can’t use British Pounds here so grab some Euros and get ready to experience some of Ireland’s major highlights. Southern Ireland has it all, from three of the country’s best known tourist towns – Killarney, Kilkenny , and Cork – to atmospheric country pubs and rolling hillsides topped with large craggy rocks that look as if they’ve been scattered by giants. It’s the perfect spot to lace up your hiking boots and go for a ramble through the bucolic landscape or explore Bronze and Iron Age ruins with your expert leader. Exploring the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula  is also a must do when you visit Southern Ireland. You’ll be charmed by everything this destination has to offer on a Southern Ireland Intrepid tour.

Our Southern Ireland trips

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Southern Ireland highlights

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Northern & Southern Ireland

Southern Ireland travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

How do I get around in Southern Ireland?

The easiest way to get around Southern Ireland is by car or by joining a group tour.

You can get around Southern Ireland by bike if you have your own bicycle.

A limited train service links Dublin to major towns like Belfast in the north but if you want to make the most of Southern Ireland's charming smaller towns, you're out of luck when it comes to train travel.

The same goes for bus transport with services available between some major towns but limited (or no) buses available between smaller villages, even the popular tourist spots.

What is the weather like in Southern Ireland?

The weather in Southern Ireland is similar to  Northern Ireland  and the  United Kingdom  with mild summers and winters. 

It is renowned for being changeable so don't be surprised if you experience all four seasons in one day. 

The weather seldom reaches extremes but it tends to be a bit wetter and chillier than Britain when that sharp wind blows in from the Atlantic. Spring and autumn can be cool, wet and windy, but the days are long and it's sometimes surprisingly sunny and warm.

What do I pack for a trip to Southern Ireland?

What to pack for your trip to Southern Ireland largely depends on what time of the year you choose to visit and what type of holiday you want to have. If you're going to be doing a lot of hiking or other outdoor activities, it's recommended you pack a sturdy, comfortable pair of boots or shoes, as well as long trousers and a waterproof jacket.

If you travel in winter remember to pack scarves, beanies, gloves, long shirts, and jumpers. When you head out for a walk in Southern Ireland's countryside, always bring a jumper and wet weather gear.

If you are visiting Southern Ireland in summer, you will need to pack clothes suitable for warmer weather such as t-shirts, shorts, dresses, and a light cardigan or jumper for chilly evenings.

Wet weather gear is essential, no matter what time of the year you're visiting as the weather in Southern Ireland can be changeable.

What is internet access like in Southern Ireland?

Southern Ireland generally has good internet coverage but you may experience brief periods of time with no signal in remote parts of the countryside.

How to get to Southern Ireland

If you're traveling from overseas, the easiest airport is to fly to Dublin Airport . The ferry is a good option if you travel from Scotland or England and want to take your car. 

You can take the TransLink cross-border train from Belfast Central Station to Dublin if you're coming from Northern Ireland. 

Driving in Southern Ireland is easy provided you don't mind the occasional narrow, winding country road. 

When is the best time to visit Southern Ireland?

There are plenty of things to do in Southern Ireland in every season but spring is often considered the best time to visit.

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

USA/Canada Toll Free: 1-888-508-6639 USA/Canada Toll Free / Landline: (046) 9437555

ALL OUR TOURS are fully customizable We offer 24/7 customer care on arrival in Ireland

Where the Love for Ireland Begins

• 7 Day Best Of Ireland South

Authentic Local Experiences

• Visit a farm in the  beautiful mountains of County Kerry  and watch border collies hard at work as they round up sheep.
• Tour the  magnificent State Apartments of Dublin Castle  – once the living quarters of the viceregal court, the Apartments today are the venue for presidential inaugurations and other State ceremonies.

Dining Experiences

6 breakfasts (B) and 5 dinners (D) including a lively medieval castle banquet, plus tea and scones at a sheep farm.

Highlights:

Blarney Castle Trinity College and Book of Kells Little Museum of Dublin Cliffs of Moher Dingle Peninsula Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney Sheepdog Demonstration

Superior & First Class

• Talbot Hotel Stillorgan | Dublin (2)
• Scotts Hotel | Killarney (2)
• The Inn at Dromoland | Newmarket-on-Fergus (2)

Price in US Dollars

Price in euros.

Best of Ireland South (Tour B) – 7 Days / 6 Nights / 11 meals

B : Breakfast; L : Lunch; D : Dinner

Day 1: Independent Touring in Dublin

Independent Touring in Dublin

Tour begins at 2:00 PM at your Dublin hotel. Enjoy your day with an independent Dublin open-top bus tour and a visit to one of Dublin’s top attractions — Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or GPO Witness History. This bustling city has plenty of museums, shops, and parks you may also enjoy visiting. In the evening, you are free to dine at one of the many restaurants and pubs that Dublin has to offer.

Day 2 Dublin Tour | Teeling Whiskey Distillery

Book of Kells, Trinity Collage, Dublin, Ireland

Enjoy a free morning in Dublin for further independent sightseeing with the included vouchers. Then your tour departs at 2:30 PM from the hotel lobby and sets off on a panoramic tour of Dublin city center. Visit the award-winning Teeling Distillery. This new distillery in the heart of the city was Dublin’s first distillery to open in 125 years. Return to your hotel for a welcome drink and dinner with your group. (B, D)

Day 3 Sheepdog Demonstration | Blarney Castle | Killarney

Blarney Castle

Relax and enjoy the farmlands of the picturesque midlands. Savor farm life as you visit a traditional farm; enjoy homemade scones with tea, and watch trained dogs show off their skills herding sheep. Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Travel through Macroom and into County Kerry where the scenery becomes more mountainous. Arrive in the charming town of Killarney. (B, D)

Day 4: Dingle Peninsula & Traditional Irish Dinner

Dingle Peninsula

Discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula, made famous in the movies “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Far & Away,” which showcased the wonderful scenery found here. Travel to Slea Head at the westernmost tip of the peninsula for awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy an evening of traditional Irish entertainment over dinner.  (B, D)

Day 5: Jaunting Car Ride & Limerick Panoramic Tour

Limerick City, Ireland

Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through the Killarney National Park to tour the scenic Ross Castle and Kenmare Estate. Head to the village of Adare, famous for its main street lined with thatched cottages and colorful gardens. Proceed to Limerick and take a panoramic tour.  (B, D)

Day 6: Cliffs of Moher & Galway

The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Travel along the coast of County Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher, which soar almost 700 feet above churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs to O’Brien’s Tower for great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Take a guided walking tour of the old city of Galway. In the evening, head out for a medieval-style feast, where lords and ladies will serenade you with music and songs from da ys of yore.  (B, D)

Day 7: Tour ends in Shannon

Your tour ends after breakfast today. (B)

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Contact Info

• Love Irish Tours
• Unit 8 Scurlockstown Business Park Trim Co Meath
• 1888-508-6639
• (046) 9437555
• edel@loveirishtours.com
• 5 Day Taste Of Ireland
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• 8 Day Scottish Dream
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Elegant Southern Ireland

7-night tour originating in Shannon and ending in Dublin

Luxurious properties in magnificent settings, customized sightseeing, and the secret ingredient, the irish people being themselves.

Our “Elegant Small group Tour of Ireland” combines luxurious properties in magnificent settings, customized sightseeing and the secret ingredient, the Irish People being themselves! Each property is selected for its amenities and ambiance. Sightseeing tours are designed to give you the quaint and the extraordinary. This tour is the perfect mixture of escorting and leisure time for each client. Each tour has no more than 14 passengers which assures you of an intimate setting. You will receive the lap of luxury touring Ireland in our Midi coach that can travel to the places not accessible to the large coaches.

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Your Tour Includes:

• Sightseeing via deluxe new Luxury Mercedes Benz Executive Midi Coach throughout your tour from Day 3 Limerick until Day 7 arrive Dublin
• Tour Cliffs of Moher Day 2
• County Limerick – Adare Manor, Dromoland Castle, Limerick Savoy – 1 Night
• Killarney – The Killarney Park Hotel – 2 Nights
• Cork – The Hayfield Manor – 2 Nights
• Dublin – Westbury, Shelbourne, Fitzwilliam,  Intercontinental or Westin – 2 Nights.
• Full Irish breakfast daily
• 1 Dinner (Adare Manor, Dromoland or Savoy), 1 Hayfield Manor
• Admissions to the following are INCLUDED on this tour: Cliffs of Moher, Cobh Heritage Center, Rock of Cashel, Dublin Hop on Hop off Bus Pass
• Fully escorted sightseeing as per itinerary
• Hotel Taxes
• Deluxe portfolio of travel documents professionally executed by Hammond Tours

Not Included:

• Tip to Driver Guide
• Any items of a personal nature.
• Dinners and suggested optional sightseeing that are not mentioned as included in itinerary.

“Southern Elegant Ireland” is a 7-night tour originating in Shannon and ending in Dublin.

Southern Elegant Ireland Tour 2024 land tour dates and rates

Example small public group itinerary.

USA-Ireland Depart from USA for overnight flight to Ireland. Flight not included.

Day 2 Shannon-Limerick-Adare. Upon arrival at Shannon Airport, make our way via taxi to our five-star hotel. This afternoon you enjoy a tour to the majestic Cliffs of Moher. Dinner and Overnight at a Five Star Property Hammond will select the five-star hotels from the following: Dromoland Castle, Adare Manor, Savoy Limerick.

Limerick-Dingle-Killarney. After breakfast we depart Limerick for the Dingle Peninsula. The journey begins with some of the most magnificent scenery in all of Ireland. The little town of Dingle is straight out of a story book. The fishing boats in the harbor and tiny brightly painted pubs reflect a place where time has continued to stand still. We continue to Slea Head. Along the way, we will see bee-hive style huts, originally inhabited by 12th century monks, which overlook the rugged Blasket Islands. There is no other landscape in western Europe with the density and variety of archaeological monuments as found on the Dingle Peninsula. It is then onto Killarney for our overnight. Overnight in Killarney at the Killarney Park Hotel. The Killarney Park Hotel is one of the finest luxury hotels Ireland has to offer. Perfectly located in the heart of Killarney town center, set in mature grounds and framed by the legendary surroundings of Killarney National Park, this is a Five Star Hotel really like no other.

Ring of Kerry.  After breakfast we enjoy an optional tour to the beautiful Gap of Dunloe in the Killarney National Park. We then start on a full day tour of “The Ring”. There is an unspoiled nature to Ireland’s most beautiful region and the Ring of Kerry provides many unforgettable memories as it passes through the many picturesque villages such as Glenbeigh, Waterville and Sneem and returns via Ladies View and the famous Lakes of Killarney. Overnight Killarney Park Hotel.

Killarney-Blarney-Cork. After breakfast we depart Killarney and head towards Cork City. Our next stop, the picturesque town of Blarney, is the home of Blarney Castle and the Blarney stone (optional admission), which legend has it bequeaths the “gift of eloquence” to all who kiss it. Time to shop at the historical woolen mills or stop in Christy’s Pub for a Pint! We depart Blarney and travel to Cork City. Driving into Cork City, we are treated to a panoramic tour before reaching our destination, the five-star Hayfield Manor. A sanctuary in the city, the Hayfield Manor is set among two acres of park-like grounds. Overnight at the Hayfield Manor.

Cork-Kinsale-Cork After breakfast we travel to the Cobh Heritage Center . Over three million Irish people emigrated from this port. Learn about Irish Emigration story, trace your ancestors, hear about the ill-fated Titanic and the Lusitania, and immerse yourself in Irish naval and military history at Cobh Heritage Centre Then we travel on to Kinsale for lunch. The picturesque yachting harbour of Kinsale is one of many colorful 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 the day. Dinner and Overnight at The Hayfield Manor.

Cork-Cashel-Kildare-Dublin We depart Cork after breakfast traveling northeast. We stop for a photo opportunity in County Tipperary at the historic Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is a stone fort poised 200 feet above the town. Built in the 5th century, it is said to be the site where St. Patrick illustrated the sacred trinity to the Kings of Munster using the modest shamrock. It is on through Kildare, home of the famous Irish National Stud, where horse breeding and racing is an art (optional admission). Our final stop today is Dublin. This time is on our own to explore all the shops and pubs via the famous pedestrian walkways. Overnight Dublin. Hammond will select the five-star hotels from the following: the Shelbourne, Westbury, Fitzwilliam, Intercontinental or Westin Hotel. We bid farewell to our driver guide who has become like a member of the family.

Dublin Today you tour the town of Dublin on your own. Included is a Hop on Hop Off Dublin Bus Pass . You will be sure to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral where writer Jonathan Swift gave his sermons, The G.P.O. on O’Connell Street scene of the 1916 Easter Uprising where the bullet holes remain to this day. Drive through famous Phoenix Park where the Pope said Mass in late 70’s and finally Trinity College to view the 8th century manuscripts, The Book of Kells, still preserved as they were when the Monks produced them all those centuries ago. Why not visit Jamison Distillery? Overnight Dublin. Hammond will select the five-star hotels from the following: the Shelbourne, Westbury, Fitzwilliam, Intercontinental or Westin Hotel.

Day 9 Dublin-Dublin Airport Morning departure from Dublin hotel via taxi on own to Dublin Airport (please ask concierge to arrange a taxi pickup at your desired time) for our flight onwards.

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Actual locations dependent upon itinerary

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• Tour Name * Select a Tour Custom Tour - Please create the ultimate Ireland experience for me! Breath of Elegance Castle Tour Celtic Irish Band Classically Ireland Golf Tour Ireland Enchanted Intimate Ireland Hideaways and Backroads Luxury Spa and Wellness Vacation Northern Elegance Northern Intimate Ireland Southern Elegance Southern Intimate Ireland The Irish Tradition Wild West I'm not sure, please help me choose!
• Tour Name * Select a Tour Custom Tour - Please create the ultimate Scotland experience for me! Castle Tour Celtic Irish Band Classically Scotland Scotland and Skye Adventure I'm not sure, please help me choose!
• Tour Name * Select a Tour Custom Tour - Please create the ultimate Britain experience for me! Celtic Irish Band Cotswold's and Lake District Southern England I'm not sure, please help me choose!
• Band you wish to tour with * Select a Band Dallahan Dublin City Ramblers & Emish Get Up Jack Rogue Diplomats Scythian Tartan Terrors The Elders The Young Dubliners Tullamore We Banjo 3 I'm not sure, yet.
• # of Passengers * (make sure to include yourself) Please enter a number from 1 to 50 .
• Tour Type * Please select how you would prefer to travel on this tour. Escorted Tour Chauffeur driven private guided Group Self-driving
• Start Date * Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
• End Date * Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Select Dates for Enchanted Intimate Ireland Tour April 1-15, 2023 May 6-20, 2023 June 10-24, 2023 July 1-15, 2023 August 12-26, 2023 September 2-16, 2023 October 7-21, 2023
• Select Dates for Northern Intimate Ireland Tour April 1-9, 2023 May 6-14, 2023 June 10-18, 2023 July 1-9, 2023 August 12-20, 2023 September 2-10, 2023 October 7-15, 2023
• Select Dates for Southern Intimate Ireland Tour April 7-15, 2023 May 12-20, 2023 June 16-24, 2023 July 7-15, 2023 August 18-26, 2023 September 8-16, 2023 October 13-21, 2023
• Select Dates for Breath of Elegance Tour February 8-22, 2020 March 7-21, 2020 April 4-18, 2020 May 2-16, 2020 June 13-27, 2020 July 4-18, 2020 August 8-22, 2020 September 5-19, 2020 October 10-24, 2020
• Select Dates for Northern Elegance Tour February 8-16, 2020 March 7-15, 2020 April 4-12, 2020 May 2-10, 2020 June 13-21, 2020 July 4-12, 2020 August 8-16, 2020 September 5-13, 2020 October 10-18, 2020
• Select Dates for Southern Elegance Tour February 14-22, 2020 March 13-21, 2020 April 10-18, 2020 May 8-16, 2020 June 19-27, 2020 July 10-18, 2020 August 14-22, 2020 September 11-19, 2020 October 16-24, 2020
• Select Dates for Classically Ireland Tour February 8-16, 2020 February 22-March 1, 2020 March 21-29,2020 April 18-26,2020 May 16-24, 2020 June 20-28, 2020 July 18-26, 2020 August 22-30, 2020 September 19-27, 2020 October 17-25, 2020 November 14-22, 2020

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6 Day Great Southern Ireland Tour

Southern ireland is calling.

Knights and castles, mountains and coastlines; you're about to fall in love with eastern and southern Ireland!

Fully refreshed for 2024, this easy-paced 6 day small group tour itinerary departs Dublin and visits Tipperary, Cork, Cobh, Kinsale, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wicklow.

Our expert tour guides will inspire you at eye-opening destinations like Blarney Castle, the Rock of Cashel and the Jameson Irish Whiskey Distillery.

This 6 day fully escorted tour runs from April through October in 2024. There's no best month to visit, anytime is good; so take a moment, breathe the fresh air and savour all the beauty!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The hotels where we stayed were in perfect locations, and the small bus allowed us to get to places inaccessible to larger buses ... The trip was quite simply perfect ... We are already beginning to plan our next Vagabond trip."   Guest Review , July 2023

August 2024

September 2024, october 2024, august 2025, september 2025, october 2025.

*Price displayed is the discounted rate for departures in April & October 2024.

If the date you want is full please contact us  and we will do our best to accommodate you.

A €250 deposit per person is all we need to secure your tour online. All our departure dates are guaranteed .

**All tours are charged in EURO. Exchange rates quoted are online rates and may differ to the rate our payment partner Flywire and banks offer.

Single Supplements apply to Single Room Occupancy.

Genuine Guest Reviews

My wife and I just completed our first tour of Southern Ireland with Vagabond Tours.

To say this met our every expectation would be a gross understatement! The Mercedes van was comfortable, easily accommodating all, was immaculate and our guide Jason was humorous, knowledgeable and a wonderful driver.

Vagabond gets 5 stars from us and we will travel with them again!

You'll never look back at this trip and regret even a moment.

This was the absolutely BEST vacation experience we've ever had!

Our guide Andrew was exceptional. Experienced driver & guide and very passionate regarding the love of his native land. He's the sort of fella we all wish we had as a friend back home.

The trip was quite simply perfect.

Our guide was Michael, who was local to the area we traveled, and the breadth and depth of his knowledge of the area was staggering, as was his warmth and kindness.

The hotels where we stayed were in perfect locations, and the small bus allowed us to get to places inaccessible to larger buses.

We are already beginning to plan our next Vagabond trip.

Find answers to questions about the 6 Day Driftwood Ancient Ireland Tour itinerary.

When & Where Do Vagabond/Driftwood Tours Depart From?

All of our tours leave from our pick-up/drop-off point at the Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin .

Our pick-up times from the Grand Canal Hotel vary by tour:

Who Guides The Tours?

All of our tours are fully guided by our team of expert driver guides.

We call them VagaGuides .

What Activities Have Weight Limits?

We always put guest safety first on Vagabond Cultural Adventures.

For this reason, when engaging in kayaking and horseback-riding activities, the following personal weight limits apply:

🐴 Horseback-Riding

Male weight limit: 238lbs / 17 stone / 108kg

Female weight limit: 225lbs / 16 stone / 102kg

Per person Double Kayak weight limit: 110kg / 17.5 stone / 245lbs

Total Double Kayak weight limit for 2 guests: 190kg / 30 stone / 420lbs

Per person Single Kayak weight limit: 92kg / 14.5 stone / 200lbs.

Are There Any Luggage Restrictions?

Owing to the compact nature of our small-group tour vehicles , we operate a strict limit of one piece of luggage per person.

Your single piece of luggage should measure no longer than 30” (75cm) along its longest side. This 30” (75cm) includes any wheels that may protrude from the luggage.

What Day Do Tours Return To Dublin?

To help you plan your return flights, here are the days and times that our tours return to Dublin.

The return point for all tours is Dublin's Grand Canal Hotel

Where Can I Do Laundry On Tour?

Serviced laundry facilities are available on tours that stay 2 nights in the following towns:

• 🧺 Dingle - Check which tours visit Dingle

Do All Hotels Provide Separate Bathrooms?

Yes, all hotel rooms on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland are ensuite.

Expect your own separate bathroom with toilet, sink and shower and/or bath.

Can I Access My Bag While On Tour?

It's difficult to access your main luggage or suitcase while on tour. Luggage is securely packed in our tour vehicles. As a result, it's not easy for your driver guide to access individual items of baggage during the day.

However, you can easily access your luggage at each hotel. So that you have your travel essentials close at hand, we recommend bringing a daypack, or backpack, that you can keep beside you in the tour vehicle.

Which Small Group Tours of Ireland Visit Kinsale?

Kinsale is a quaint harbour town located in Cork, Ireland.

The following small group tours of Ireland explore Kinsale:

• 👑 7 Day Driftwood Castles & Kingdoms Tour
• ☘️ 6 Day Driftwood Great Southern Tour

Actons Hotel Kinsale

Over the years, Actons Hotel has established a reputation for personalised guest care.

This matches our own high standards at Vagabond & Driftwood Tours.

Allied with breathtaking maritime views over Kinsale Harbour, Actons Hotel offers the perfect base to explore the famous county of Cork.

Savour the luxurious spa, relax in your modern, comfortable room or grab a bite to eat in the outdoor garden dining area.

Bayview Hotel

Hear the waves crash outside your bedroom...

The Bayview Hotel is a fine manor house hotel, located on cliffs above the Celtic Sea in Cork.

Wander its delightful gardens or explore the beautiful fishing village of Ballycotton with its sandy beaches.

Only lucky Driftwood guests on our 6 Day Ancient Ireland Tour get to enjoy the Bayview Hotel.

The Tower Hotel

Welcome to the heart of Waterford city, Ireland's oldest urban settlement.

The Tower Hotel overlooks Waterford's famous waterfront.

Lucky for our Driftwood guests, this is the city's most central location.

Why the Tower? Well, your home for the night overlooks the 600-year-old Reginald's Tower.

Step outside and you're free to explore the vibrant Viking Triangle area, with multiple cultural attractions and dining options on your doorstep.

Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny

This 4 star hotel in Kilkenny is situated right in the centre of Kilkenny city.

With over 400 years of history and a vast array of beautiful countryside to explore, the Pembroke Hotel in Kilkenny provides a perfect base for Driftwooders.

The Pembroke is an extremely comfortable hotel with delicious food.

Don't miss the fun 'shebeen' space for socialising.

All Driftwood tours are flexible. Your 6 Day Driftwood Great Southern Ireland Tour is no different.

Unmissable activities are included. Where there are great options, we’ve left the final decision up to you. Feel free to choose your evening meals and lunches. All additional tour options are marked clearly below.

• A journey of discovery in a super-comfy, slick Mercedes mini-coach
• The services of a highly-trained and professional VagaGuide tour guide
• 6 full days on tour
• 5 nights' accommodation
• 5 delicious and filling hot Irish breakfasts
• Most daily activities and essential attractions
• Guided Tour of Jerpoint Park
• Guided Tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship
• Wicklow Sheepdog Demo & Sheep Farm Experience
• Guided Tour of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery
• Guided Tour of Hook Lighthouse
• Entrance into Tintern Abbey
• Entrance into Rock of Cashel
• Entrance into Blarney Castle & Gardens

All details of prices and suppliers listed here are correct at time of publication. Our suppliers occasionally increase prices for optional tour activities during the touring season. This is a rare occurence. In the unlikely event of a major price increase, we will do our utmost to update you.

** Cash is required for this activity. No card payment available.

• Queenstown Experience €12.00 Museum attraction about Cobh's role in emigration and the Titanic.
• Waterford Freedom Pass €20 Access five museums and take a 60 minute walking tour in central Waterford.
• Waterford Crystal Tour €17.00 Guided tour of famous glass-making factory and craft glassware collection.
• King of the Vikings VR €10.00 Watch Vikings come to life at his virtual reality experience in Waterford.
• Kilkenny Castle €8.00 Self-guided tour of 12th century Kilkenny Castle.
• Shenanigans Kilkenny Walking Tour €22.40 Discover Ireland’s medieval capital on foot. Mix of historical facts and fun.
• Smithwick's Brewery Tour €18.00 Guided tour and ale tasting at the Smithwick’s Brewery in Kilkenny

6 Day Great Southern Ireland Tour Intro & Highlights

• Explore historic cities, like Kilkenny and Waterford ; both with elegant medieval buildings.
• Soak up stunning scenery  in the Wicklow Mountains National Park , Ireland’s largest upland wilderness area.
• Encounter jaw-dropping landscapes at Glendalough , a 6th century monastic site in a glaciated valley.
• Experience quaint villages , such as Cobh , ‘one of Europe's most beautiful small towns’ (Condé Nast Traveler).
• Take an Irish whiskey tasting tour at the historic Jameson Distillery near Cork.
• Tour secluded coves and ancient relics along the criminally underrated Copper Coast .
• Kiss the Blarney Stone and wander through the magical Blarney Castle & Gardens .
• Follow in the footsteps of Viking raiders and Norman knights , who invaded and settled Ireland's southeast.

Day 1: Blarney Stone & Rock of Cashel

Begin your 6 day Ireland tour at Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin at 8.10am. Board your Mercedes tour vehicle, bound for Tipperary and Cork.

• Take a self-guided tour of the imposing medieval complex at the Rock of Cashel (Fee Included).
• Kiss the Blarney Stone to receive the gift o' the gab (Fee Included) .
• Imbued with your new powers, chatter your way around the lush gardens at Blarney Castle (Fee Included).

Accommodation tonight is at Actons Hotel.

The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.

Day 2: Cobh & Irish Whiskey Tour

The second day of your 6 day southern Ireland tour is a pleasant ramble through charming coastal towns in Cork.

• Choose free time exploring the colourful streets of Kinsale or a scenic coastal drive to the Old Head of Kinsale.
• Delve into maritime history in Cobh — pronounced cove — an historic town located on an island in Cork Harbour.
• Taste authentic Irish whiskey on a guided tour of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery , in Midleton (Fee Included).

Accommodation tonight is at The Bayview Hotel.

The average driving time today is 3 hours.

Day 3: The Copper Coast

On day 3 of your southern Ireland tour, you’ll take the scenic route from Ballycotton to Waterford, Ireland's oldest city.

• Scenic drive through the Comeragh Mountains , including a short walk to Mahon Falls .
• Drift along the Copper Coast to visit secluded coves and see dramatic sea stacks.
• Discover wonderful Waterford , a city first established on the south coast by 10th century Vikings.

Accommodation tonight is at The Tower Hotel.

Day 4: Lighthouse Tour & Waterford City

Freedom abound on day 3, exploring Waterford and Wexford – the twin jewels of southern Ireland.

• Don't miss a guided tour of the world's oldest operational lighthouse at Hook Head  (Fee Included).
• Meet the Normans at 13th century Tintern Abbey and its beautiful gardens (Fee Included).
• Free afternoon in Waterford to relax, wander the streets or visit several heritage attractions (Optional Extra).

The average driving time today is 2 hours.

Day 5: Kilkenny Castle & Jerpoint Park

Your tour moves from historic Waterford to medieval Kilkenny.

• Step on-board the Dunbrody Famine Ship ; an exact replica of a 19th century Irish emigrant vessel (Fee Included).
• Take a guided tour of the historic ruins at Jerpoint Park  (Fee Included).
• This afternoon, relax with free time in Kilkenny   or choose a self-guided tour of Kilkenny Castle (Optional Extra).

Accommodation tonight is at The Pembroke Hotel.

The average driving time today is 1 hours 30 minutes.

Day 6: Kilkenny & Wicklow Mountains National Park

Turning northward, your tour takes in amazing sights on the journey from Kilkenny back to Dublin.

• Discover Bronze Age Rathgall – one of Ireland’s largest ringforts.
• Enjoy a sheepdog demo at a working Irish sheep farm (Fee Included).
• Cross the wilderness of Wicklow Mountains National Park .
• Explore the 6th century monastery of Glendalough .

The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.

Similar Tours

💰 EARLY BIRD OFFER: Pay 2024 prices for your 2025 Driftwood tour. Save up to €222 !

• Southern Tour 10 Night

This driving tour package includes time in some of the most historical and picturesque areas of the southern half of the country.

• Tour Attractions

BOOK EARLY FOR A FREE UPGRADE AND 15% DISCOUNT

Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 15th of June 2024 to receive a FREE UPGRADE from Economy Manual Car to Compact Manual Car AND 15% discount off your tour price! This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or special event packages.

Tour Overview

Amazing asset for....

Stephanie was an amazing source of help, assistance and knowledge for our first trip to Ireland. She kept us informed of the every changing covid rules as well as adapted to our many - at least three- Read more »

Extremely Attentive Staff

Staff was extremely attentive and very flexible when it came to organizing our trip. All questions were answered quickly and in great detail. When some aspects of our selected trip had to be altered d Read more »

Stephanie at Irish Touris

Stephanie at Irish Tourism booked our trip- she was wonderful to work with. I am picky about my rooms - when we booked the trip I requested more spacious accommodations and paid accordingly. We had Read more »

This driving tour of Ireland includes time in some of the most historical and picturesque areas of the southern half of the country. 

The first 4 nights will be spent in the south eastern counties of Wicklow, Wexford & Waterford where you will have the opportunity to visit attractions such as The Monastic settlement at Glendalough and Powerscourt Gardens in Wicklow, the Dunbrody Famine Ship and The Kennedy Homestead in Wexford and the Waterford Crystal Factory and Lismore Gardens in Waterford.

In Cork and Kerry where you will be able to Kiss the Blarney Stone and visit attractions such as the Cobh Heritage Centre, the Midleton Jameson Distillery, the Ring of Kerry and of course the beautiful Dingle Peninsula. From here you will be travelling north along the west coast of Ireland including visits to the Cliffs of Moher and Burren region in County Clare.

By day, enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes of Ireland. By night rest your weary bones by a roaring turf fire, accompanied by superb traditional Irish music in one of a myriad of welcoming pubs.

What's included

• Accommodation in rooms with Private Bathroom Facilities 
• Full Irish Breakfast Each Morning
• Rental Car or Chauffeur Driven Car
• 24/7 Local Telephone Support During Your Trip
• Our Renowned Customized Sightseeing Guide
• Unlimited Services of Experienced Ireland Based Travel Planner
• Map of Ireland

Tour highlights

Bunratty castle & folk park, cliffs of moher, cobh heritage centre, dingle peninsula, gap of dunloe.

• Ring of Kerry
• Titanic Walk
• Desmond Castle & Wine Museum
• Avondale House & Forest Park
• Garnish Island
• Blarney Castle
• Dunbrody Famine Ship
• Hook Lighthouse Centre
• House of Waterford Crystal
• Hook Lighthouse Visitor Centre
• Glendalough

Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms

• Powerscourt House & Gardens

Overnights for this tour

• County Wicklow for 1 Night
• County Wexford for 2 Nights
• Waterford for 1 Night
• Kinsale, County Cork for 2 Nights
• Killarney, County Kerry for 2 Nights
• Dingle, County Kerry for 1 Night
• County Clare for the last Night

Accommodation options

• Superior & First Class Hotels
• Luxury Accommodation & Service in our 4-Star Country Manor Houses
• Deluxe Accommodation in our 4 & 5 Star Irish Castles
• Our Recommended & Handpicked B&B's, all rooms with private bath facilities
• Any Combination of the above

Tour itinerary

Day 1 - dublin to wicklow via glendalough.

Upon collection of your rental car, you will be traveling south through County Wicklow, also known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’. First stop will be Powerscourt House & Gardens. Surrounding this 18th Century Palladian House in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, you will find a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs. Shortly after this, you will arrive at the ancient monastic settlement at Glendalough. Glendalough “the glen of the two lakes” is a truly spellbinding place - an ancient monastic settlement and two clear water lakes beneath the sheer cliffs of a deep valley, which was carved out by glaciers during the Ice Age. The monastic settlement has been a centre for pilgrims and visitors since its foundation by St. Kevin in the 6th century. From here, follow the signs for Avondale House. Built in 1779 Avondale House is set in the spectacular surroundings of Avondale Forest Park, now a museum to the memory of one of the greatest political leaders of modern Irish history, Charles Stewart Parnell, who was born in Avondale on 27th June, 1846. Continue on to Avoca where you will find the Avoca Handweavers factory, famed worldwide for the quality of its woven fabrics. As well as visiting its shop, you will be able to take a tour of the factory in this most picturesque of villages. The village was also the setting for the top television series “Ballykissangel”.

Day 2 - Wicklow to Wexford

Leaving Arklow, travel to Enniscorthy in the neighboring county of Wexford. Enniscorthy is an old Norman settlement and is situated on the banks of the River Slaney overlooked by the old 1798 battle site of Vinegar Hill. Dominating the town is the Norman Castle which was completed in 1205 and now houses the County Wexford Folk Museum. The museum gives special emphasis to the part played by the local community in the battles fought against English Rule. From Enniscorthy, head to Wexford Town. This coastal region is rich in heritage sites, tranquil villages, breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality. First stop on this journey would be at the Irish National Heritage Park. The Park features replications of Irish homesteads, burial and worship sites, and takes the visitor on tour through 9,000 years of Irish history. From Wexford town travel on through Wellington Bridge from where you can look across Bannow Bay to the ruins of Clonmines, a Norman village established in the 13th century. This is one of the finest examples of a walled medieval settlement in Ireland, with remains of two churches, three tower houses, and an Augustinian priory.

Day 3 - Wexford Sightseeing

Today visit Tintern Abbey. The abbey was founded by the monks of Tintern in South Wales in the 13th century. The grounds are beautiful and contain a restored stone bridge that spans a narrow sea inlet. Also in this area you will find Baginbun Head nestled against the cliffs. Here, the Norman presence in Ireland was first established with the victory of Norman forces over the Irish at the Battle of Baginbun. At the tip of the peninsula is Hook Lighthouse from the early 13th century. It is thought to be one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world. On a promontory overlooking the town of Duncannon is a fort built in 1588 to protect Waterford Harbour from the threat of attack by the Spanish Armada. Dunbrody Abbey, founded in 1170, is a magnificent ruin and one of the largest Cistercian abbeys in Ireland. After the Abbey, you may wish to visit to the Kennedy Homestead in Dunganstown just south of New Ross. The Kennedy Homestead , birthplace of President John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather Patrick Kennedy, celebrates the story of five generations of the Kennedy dynasty and is still farmed today by his descendants. Joining the multitudes of Irish fleeing the Great Famine, Patrick Kennedy departed from this homestead for the port of New Ross on a wet day in 1848 to set sail for the United States.

Day 4 - Wexford to Waterford & Waterford Sightseeing

Traveling down to New Ross, it is well worth stopping at the Dunbrody Famine Ship. The Visitor Experience provides a unique, authentic re-creation from a period in history which shaped modern day America and Ireland. Visitors climb the gangplank to the main deck of the Dunbrody. They descend a companionway to enter the quarters of the captain and mate and the stateroom assigned to important passengers. Continue to Waterford and the major sights in Waterford include the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre, a retail outlet and visitor centre in the heart of Waterford city which employs 80-90 full-time staff at the facility, a number of whom will be highly skilled local craftsmen. Make sure to visit the Waterford Museum of Treasures which tells the 1000-year-story of Waterford from the treasures of Viking Waterford at Reginald's Tower, the oldest civic urban building in Ireland, to the story of Georgian Waterford at the Bishop's Palace from 1700 to 1970. The newly restored Bishop's Palace charts the history of Waterford from 1700 to 1970 and gives a wonderful insight into the history of what was up to the 1750s, Ireland’s second city.

Day 5 - Waterford to Kinsale & Kinsale Sightseeing

Travel first to Youghal, famous for its point lace (point d'Irlande) which is distinguished by its vivid patterns as well as the fact that the film ‘Moby Dick’ starring Gregory Peck was filmed here in 1956. After Youghal, you will travel to the village of Cobh, situated on one of the world’s largest natural harbours. It was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic in 1912 and was the closest port to the site of the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915. The heritage centre sympathetically recounts these events and tells the story of emigration from Ireland to the United States and Australia from the time of the famine in 1847 up to the 1950s. A stop to climb to the Blarney Castle ramparts to ‘Kiss the Blarney Stone’, said to bestow the gift of eloquence, and is a must for those who dare. On to Kinsale. Kinsale is a delightful harbour town that has retained its old world charm and character despite being well developed from a tourism point of view with its beautiful waterside location, local facilities including a yacht marina and historic buildings such as Desmond Castle and Market House as well as Charles Fort overlooking the sea and town. Kinsale styles itself as the gourmet capital of Ireland, boasting numerous excellent restaurants and atmospheric traditional pubs.

Day 6 - Kinsale & Surrounds

Kinsale prides itself to be the gourmet capital of Ireland, boasting abundant superb restaurants and atmospheric traditional pubs. A great deal of your vacation time could indeed be spent in Kinsale itself but if you wish to venture out further afield, your Irish Tourism tailor-made itinerary will help you do just that!  If you did not have a chance to visit the following of Kinsale's major attractions, make sure to include them today. Desmond Castle and the International Museum of Wine , which was built in about 1500, had many uses. In 1600 and 1601 it was used as an arsenal by Don Juan Aguilla during the Spanish occupation of the town which lasted for 100 days prior to the Battle of Kinsale in 1601. In the 17th century the castle became popularly known as the "French prison" and was used for prisoners of war, most of whom were captured at sea. During the American war of Independence, the crews of many American vessels were held prisoner in Kinsale in poor conditions. Other notable attractions include Charles Fort , the 17th Century star-shaped fort. St. Multose Church is well worth a visit and was built in 1190. The Courthouse and Regional Museum in was used for ceremonial occasions in the 18th century. In 1915, the Courthouse was used for the inquest into the sinking of the Lusitania. The Regional Museum is now housed in the Courthouse.

Day 7 - Kinsale to Kerry

Today you have the option of the scenic but longer coastal route or the shorter route via Blarney Castle. The longer route includes visits to Mizen Head, the southernmost point in Ireland, as well as Bantry House and Gardens and the French Armada Centre, also in Bantry. From Bantry, you will be heading north to Killarney via the Healy Pass. Have your cameras at the ready for some breathtaking scenery across the Caha Mountains that divide Cork from Kerry. After the mountain pass, you come to the town of Kenmare . The town was founded in 1670 by Sir William Petty and has a history of lace making, demonstrations of which can be seen at the town’s Heritage Centre. The alternative route for today’s journey is a shorter one. First stop is the famed Blarney Castle where a climb to the ramparts to kiss the Blarney Stone is said to bestowe the gift of eloquence, otherwise known as ‘the Gift of the Gab’. From there it is straight to Killarney. With its three famous lakes and majestic mountain ranges, Killarney has been the inspiration of poets and painters over many centuries. The Killarney National Park is internationally renowned both for its scenic beauty and scientific interest. There are many walks and trails around Killarney including a 2-hour tourist trail around the town itself. You will also have a chance to visit Ross Castle , the Gap of Dunloe or simply take a stroll through the streets of this quaint town to enjoy the great pubs and enjoy the traditional Irish music on offer.

Day 8 - Killarney Sightseeing & Ring of Kerry

On everyone’s bucket list while in Killarney is to discover the Ring of Kerry through a driving tour. The Ring of Kerry is a journey through some of the country’s most outstanding scenery around the Iveragh Peninsula. Stunning mountain and coastal scenery combined with colourful towns and villages will make this one of the highlights of your tour. For those who wish to take a break from driving we can arrange a bus tour through this route. Following the peninsula drive, you then arrive at Muckross House. Muckross House is a magnificent Victorian mansion completed in 1843 for Henry Arthur Herbert. The location of the House is spectacular, close to the eastern shore of Muckross Lake and set beneath the impressive backdrop of Torc and Mangerton Mountains. As an alternative to the Ring of Kerry tour you may prefer to take a wonderful tour by pony and trap that takes you through the Black Valley in the Gap of Dunloe. After an optional snack at Lord Brandon’s Cottage, you will return to Killarney by boat via the beautiful lakes of Killarney.

Day 9 - Killarney to Dingle & Dingle Sightseeing

Travel to the fishing town of Dingle today as well as the dramatic Dingle Peninsula. The Dingle Peninsula has more interesting antiquities, historic sites and varied mountain scenery than any other part of Ireland. Dingle is the most westerly town in Europe and attracts large numbers of visitors each year, many of whom come to learn the Irish language in the surrounding ‘A Flor-Gaeltacht' – Irish speaking district. On route stop in the village of Annascaul, the birth place of Jerome Connor, the famous sculptor, and Tom Crean, a local hero who accompanied Scott and Shackleton on three Antarctic expeditions, including Scott’s doomed attempt to reach the South Pole. On his return to Annascaul Crean opened the "South Pole Inn", which is still in business today. Minard Castle is also well worth a visit. The castle is said to have been built by the Knight of Kerry and is the largest fortress on the peninsula. Continue on past Dingle and visit Dunbeag Promontory Fort. What makes it one of the most dramatic archaeological sites on the peninsula is that results show that it was begun in the late Bronze Age, 800 BC. Continue on to Slea Head and here you will see Dun An Oir (Fort of Gold. Here in 1580, after three days siege, over 600 Irish and Spanish soldiers surrendered to Lord Grey only to be massacred by his troops. Nearby is the Gallarus Oratory, one of the best preserved early Christian church buildings in Ireland. Back to Dingle for the evening. Here you will find among other great pubs and restaurants, Dick Macks, possibly Dingle’s most famous pub, which is half a leather shop and half a pub so you can buy a pint and a purse at the same time! Foxy John’s is a hardware store and pub combined – an unusual arrangement to say the least.

Day 10 - Dingle to Doolin

One of the most dramatic days of your tour brings you from Dingle to the west coast of County Clare. First stop will be the Village of Adare in County Limerick. Adare is regarded by many a seasoned traveller as Ireland’s prettiest village with its charming thatched cottages, manicured public park and ancient church. From Adare continue towards Limerick City of ‘Angela’s Ashes’ fame and home to King Johns Castle. Shortly after this, you arrive at Bunratty Castle. Built in 1425, this majestic castle was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour. Within the grounds of the Castle is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th century Irish life is vividly recreated. Continuing on to the magnificent ‘Cliffs of Moher’. The majestic Cliffs of Moher are without doubt one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights and overlook the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of West Clare. You then arrive at the village of Doolin. Doolin is world-famous for its wealth of Irish folk music and in recent years has been attracting crowds to spontaneous sessions in any one of its excellent pubs. Just north of the Cliffs you then have the lunar like Burren region and the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen Tombs.

Tour attractions

Bunratty Castle is now a very popular tourist attraction. The interior has been furnished by Lord Gort with tapestries & artifacts from various eras in the history

The Burren is a unique karst-landscape region in northwest County Clare, in Ireland and one of the largest Karst landscapes in Europe.

The Cliffs of Moher boast one of Ireland's most spectacular views On a clear day the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as are the valleys and hills of Connemara.

The Cobh Heritage Centre provides information on life in Ireland through the 18th and 19th centuries, the mass emigration, the Great Famine, and on how criminals were transported...

The Conor Pass is the highest mountain pass in Ireland. It is situated on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, on the road that crosses the peninsula between Dingle Town and the...

There are so many things to see, to do, to explore, to experience on the Dingle Peninsula . . . from almost 2,000 archaeological sites, to more walking than you could fit into a ...

Doolin is small fishing village on a sandy bay world-famous for its wealth of Irish music & has been attracting crowds to spontaneous sessions and festivals. Overlooked by Doonag...

The Gap of Dunloe is a beautiful glacial valley in the Macgillacuddy Reeks mountain range, which dominate the skyline of Killarney on the Ring of Kerry. Here you can enjoy an ene...

This little town is world-famous due to its exquisite location beside lakes and mountains.Take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the Killarney National Park ...

This nineteenth century Victorian mansion is set against the stunning beauty of Killarney National Park. The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of Killarney's...

Tour Prices

Below, you will find a price for this self drive tour including your car rental. Pricing for other accommodation and transport options is also available upon request. Please also note that all of our driving tours itineraries and sightseeing guides are available to those wishing to avail of one of our experienced driver guides.

ACCOMMODATION WITH CAR RENTAL PRICING

• Please note prices are per person based on 2 persons in each room with full Irish breakfast and taxes included.
• The Combination package includes 6 Nights in 3*** Hotels, 2 nights in Luxury Manor House Hotels & 2 Nights in our hand-picked B&B's.
• Children Sharing with 2 adults (aged 2-11) pay 40% of the Adult option.
• Children under the age of 2 are free when sharing with 2 Adults.
• Your Accommodation & Car Rental Package rate includes an Economy class car eg., Opel Corsa or Fiat Punto.
• Included with your car is all compulsory insurances - Collision Damage Waiver insurance (CDW with an excess/deductible), theft protection insurance, location fee of €30, Road fund tax, sales tax at 13.5%, unlimited free mileage, third party liability insurance, 24 hour peace of mind break down cover.

Private Chauffeur Option Available For This Tour

• Enjoy the services of an experienced and friendly driver guide
• Luxury vehicles so you get to travel in style and comfort
• Take the stress out of driving on unfamiliar and sometime narrow roads
• With our knowledgeable drivers you see more in less time
• You get to see the scenery instead of worrying about crashing into it!
• Contact Us for a price quotation today

Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.

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10 NIGHT SOUTHERN ADVENTURE

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• Personal Service - from enquiry to departure.
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Tour Details

This sensational private 10 Night Southern Adventure features magnificent hotels and estates, mesmerising scenery, iconic castles, rich history and culture, and lots more along the way.

Arrival & Departure Location:

Dublin Airport

• The Merrion Hotel, Dublin (2 Nights)
• Mount Juliet, Kilkenny (1 Night)
• Hayfield Manor, Cork (1 Night)
• The Europe Hotel, Killarney (3 Nights)
• Glenlo Abbey, Galway (1 Night)
• Ashford Castle, Cong (2 Nights)

Activities & Sites Included

• Driving Tour of Dublin
• Walking Tour of Dublin, Guinness Storehouse
• Powerscourt Estate, Glendalough, Kilkenny Castle
• Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, Old Head of Kinsale Viewpoint
• Bantry Bay, Kenmare, Killarney National Park, Muckross House and Gardens
• Ring of Kerry
• The Slea Head Drive
• Adare, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren Hike, Burren Perfumery
• Galway, Clifden, Hike through Connemara National Park
• Westport House, Achill Island Tour
• Personalised itinerary
• Executive vehicle (Mercedes V-Class or similar) & knowledgable chauffeur driver for route according to itinerary
• Services of private local guides in activities according to itinerary
• Admissions to all sites according to itinerary
• Accommodation according to itinerary
• Breakfast at all Hotels Included
• Co-ordination and support / Dedicated Travel Co-ordinator

Day 1 Driving Tour of Dublin

Accommodation – The Merrion Hotel, Dublin (2 nights) Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur. Activities – Driving Tour of Dublin

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your friendly private driver. Your luggage will be taken care of and a gift bag will be waiting inside your vehicle. Your Irish adventure will be officially underway with a short  driving tour of Dublin .

As you weave through the city, you will see the  Garden of Remembrance , a commemoration for those who died fighting for Irish freedom. You will then pass the  General Post Office  on O’Connell Street, the site of one of the most important battles in Irish history. Your driver will then take you past  The Custom House . This architectural masterpiece defines neoclassical buildings and now houses various government departments.

After getting a tantalising taste for this magnificent city, you will be taken to  The Merrion Hotel . Perfectly positioned in the heart of Dublin, this luxurious 5-star hotel is within walking distance of The National Gallery and National Museum of Ireland, as well as the Golden Mile of bars, shops, and cafes. Timeless luxury and elegant décor are wrapped in Irish charm. The hotel has a fine array of services on offer, such as fitness suites, swimming pool, spa, not one but two period gardens, and numerous restaurants and bars, including the renowned, 2-Michelin star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud where you will be served food of the utmost quality. We promise you will not be disappointed.

Day 2 Walking Tour of Dublin, Guinness Storehouse

Accommodation – The Merrion Hotel, Dublin Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur. Activities – Walking Tour of Dublin, Guinness Storehouse

After a luxurious breakfast, you will embark on a morning walking tour of Dublin. Your walking guide will meet you at reception before heading to the first stop of the day which will be  Dublin Castle . The castle was originally built in the 13 th  century and was a headquarters for the English in Ireland. Following Irish independence, Dublin Castle passed over to the Irish Government. This grand building is steeped in history and your guide will explain all the juicy details of the buildings captivating past.

Your next stop will be  Trinity College Library . The college was opened in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth and is the oldest university in Ireland. The old library was constructed in the 18 th  century and to this day is home to many ancient manuscripts. You will get the chance to visit the Book of Kells exhibition. The world-famous Book of Kells was written over 1000 years ago and is a hand-decorated copy of the 4 gospels.

You will then stop off for a well-earned lunch at Trocadero . This prestigious Irish restaurant is a favourite among tourists and locals alike. Famous as a treasured spot of stars of the stage and screen, the relaxed atmosphere of the “Troc” is the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Their menu boasts confit duck, 28-day dry aged Irish Angus beef, and Wicklow Lamb.

After lunch, you will head back to The Merrion to freshen up before being escorted by your driver to the  Guinness Storehouse . Your driver will provide your “skip the queue” tickets and you will explore the 7 floors of Guinness history. On the ground and first floor you will learn about the Guinness brewing process, the key ingredients, and barrelling process. The following floors tell the Guinness story through virtual and interactive displays. Finally, you will reach the gravity bar, where the glass walls allow for panoramic views of the city, and you will be treated to a refreshing free pint of Guinness.

You will then return to The Merrion for an evening of relaxed dining, sampling more of the delights on offer at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud .

Day 3 Powerscourt Estate, Glendalough, Kilkenny Castle

Accommodation – Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny (1 night) Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur Activities – Powerscourt Estate, Glendalough, Kilkenny Castle

After another fantastic breakfast, your first stop of the day is Powerscourt House, Gardens, and Waterfall , a truly unforgettable experience. With gardens that were voted the 3 rd best in the world, one of the top ten houses in the world, and the highest and most beautifully dramatic waterfall in Ireland, you are sure to have a wonderful time here. If you get hungry, you can always enjoy lunch in the Avoca Terrace Café which enjoys panoramic views of the gardens and Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance. After lunch, why not take a stroll through the Japanese gardens and on to The Pepperpot Tower which you can climb and enjoy views across the entire estate.

The next stop is Glendalough , home to one of Ireland’s most impressive natural landscapes known as ‘the valley of the two lakes’. However, the stunning scenery is not the only attraction here, as this is also the site of an early medieval monastic settlement which dates back to the 6 th century. There are numerous ancient buildings to explore, including the distinctive Round Tower, St. Peter and St. Paul’s Cathedral, St Mary’s or Our Lady’s Church, and Reefert Church. If natural wonders are more your thing, there is also Poulanass Waterfall and River to explore and marvel at.

From there it’s a short journey into Kilkenny and as you will have likely worked up an appetite with all your exploring, we recommend Paris Texas , a gastro pub like no other, with its wood smoking oven and fusion of American Southwest and New Orleans French Quarter cultures and cuisines. We suspect there may be a chance of over-eating, with such delights on offer as buffalo wings, smoked ribs, tequila prawns, jerk chicken, and Louisiana paella. It’s comfort food with class.

From there you will pay a visit to Kilkenny castle , which dates all the way back to the Norman conquest of Ireland. Kilkenny castle has a colourful history; it has constantly been adapted over the years, with many different uses and occupants. It nestles within some glorious scenery, including parkland, woodlands, rose gardens, and a lake.

You will then be chauffeured to  Mount Juliet Estate .  This luxury 5-star hotel is steeped in history and boasts two accommodations that draw on centuries of local Irish history: the chic Hunter’s Yard and the elegant Georgian Manor House.

This evening you will have the pleasure of dining in their Lady Helen restaurant , nestled within this magnificent 260 year old country manor.

Day 4 Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, Old Head of Kinsale Viewpoint

Accommodation – Hayfield Manor, Cork (1 night) Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur. Activities – Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, Old Head of Kinsale Viewpoint

After a relaxing breakfast, your chauffeur will be waiting and you will venture south. Your first stop of the day will be The Rock of Cashel , a fascinating group of medieval buildings set on a rocky outcrop of land in the Golden Vale. You will visit the 12th century round tower, which is the oldest building on the outcrop. Other highlights include the 13th century gothic cathedral and the 15th century castle.

You will then meander south, through the breath-taking Irish countryside until you reach  Blarney Castle . Blarney castle dates back to the 12 th  century but was rebuilt by the McCarthy family in the  15 th  century . The castle is famously known for the “Blarney Stone”. According to ancient tradition, if you kiss the stone you inherit the “gift of the gab”. The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens, each with a different theme. From the Fern Garden to the Poison Garden, you will be constantly mesmerised as you stroll through the enchanting Blarney Gardens.

You will then continue your journey onwards to  Old Head of Kinsale . Described as being on the “ edge of the world ”, this outcrop into the ocean is the official start of the  Wild Atlantic Way . Make sure to have your camera at the ready, as the ocean views are simply spectacular.

After an eventful day of exploring, you will be chauffeured to the award-winning Hayfield Manor  in Cork. This luxurious 5-star hotel sits just on the edge of the city centre, 15 minutes from the city’s many attractions. Hayfield Manor is a family owned and run hotel, so you will receive the warmest Irish welcome and be treated to service which is second to none. The Beautique Spa offers a chance to unwind, with a range of treatments available, as well as an indoor heated pool, outdoor jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna. To round off the evening you will dine in one of Cork’s premium restaurants, Orchids . Delicate lighting, excellent service, and the finest Irish cuisine guarantee a meal you will not forget. From the pan seared Irish scallops to the Duo of Midelton lamb, there’s sure to be something to enjoy.

Day 5 Bantry Bay, Kenmare, Killarney National Park, Muckross House and Gardens

Accommodation – The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney (3 nights) Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur. Activities – Bantry Bay, Kenmare, Killarney National Park, Muckross House and Gardens

After breakfast, your private driver will be waiting and you will say goodbye to Killarney. Today you will tour West Cork which is thought of by many as one of the last bastions of “old Ireland”. You will weave south through the rugged Irish countryside. You will meander past Bantry Bay which runs for 35km and looks out towards the Atlantic Ocean. Behind are high mountain ridges which make the bay postcard perfect.

You will then double back, heading north-east to  Kenmare . This quaint town is the perfect spot for lunch, enjoying panoramic views of Kenmare Bay, and soaking up the atmosphere of one of the most authentic towns in Ireland.

The sublime scenery only gets better as you travel north through  Killarney National Park ; the first national park in Ireland and arguably the most beautiful. You will weave through glorious countryside and glistening lakes, with your driver stopping off at all the best photo opportunities. You will then tour  Muckross House and Gardens . Set in the heart of the national park, near Muckross lake, this 19 th  century mansion was designed by the famous Scottish architect  William Burn . After that it’s off to the town of Killarney. Built around the banks of Lough Leane, the town is surrounded by a mountainous backdrop.

Your chauffeur will then escort you back to  The Europe Hotel  for a relaxing evening. For dinner, you will be heading The Porterhouse . This cosy spot offers it all, with delicious food, a wonderful ambience, and a huge selection of drinks on offer, including specialised whisky and gin. Simply tell your server what your favourite flavours are and they will come up with the perfect cocktail for you.

Day 6 Ring of Kerry

Accommodation – The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur. Activities – Ring of Kerry

After breakfast, you will begin your journey around the famous  Ring of Kerry . You will weave through Killorglin and Glenbeigh, stopping off to view the breath-taking  Rossbeigh Beach.  Enjoy the sandy beach, fresh sea breeze, and views of the Atlantic Ocean. You will then continue down the coastline until you reach  Cahersiveen . This authentic Irish town is a great stop for lunch and the birthplace of Daniel O’Connell,  one of Ireland’s most revered political figures .

You will then snake your way down the coast until you can see  Valentina Island.  If you are a Star Wars fan, make sure to have your camera at the ready. You will pass the famous  Skellig Island , which featured in “The Force Awakens”. You will continue to journey around the awe-inspiring coast until reaching Sneem Village. This charming, quaint town is nicknamed “The Way the Fairies Went”, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled. While you might not see any fairies, the views are certainly exceptional on this stretch of the  Ring of Kerry  known as the “knot” as it ties together where the mountains and water meet.

You will continue north until reaching  Moll’s Gap . This famous mountain pass cuts through the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains and is one of the most popular photo stops in Ireland.

Having seen so many wonderful sights, you will be hungry for a spot of lunch at Camo’s , a charming little restaurant and wine bar offering a wide range of food, including the crispy battered fresh fish of the day. From there you will make the short trip back to  The Europe Hotel , where you can relax for a while before enjoying dinner at the Panorama Restaurant . Look out for the oysters, wild seabass, and lamb reared on the hotels own farm.

Day 7 The Slea Head Drive

Accommodation – The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur. Activities – The Slea Head Drive

Make sure you have a hearty breakfast, as you are about to embark on one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. You will weave west along the coastline until you reach the town of  Dingle , where you will begin the Slea Head Drive Route . This circular route, which is part of the Wild Atlantic Way, is dripping in beauty and history. You will make your way around the coastline until you reach  Dunbeg Fort , the ruins of which date all the way back to the Iron Age. Take a look back at ancient Irish history while enjoying sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean.

You will then make the short journey to the  Beehive Huts . These Bronze Age dwellings have been well preserved and offer a glimpse of what life was like in the Bronze Age. You will then route around the coastline until you get views of the  Basket Islands . These islands lie just off the coast and were inhabited until 1953. On a cold, wet, and windy day, the Basket Islands are battered by the elements and many people are astonished the island used to be inhabited.

After that, you will reach  Ballyferriter Village,  which provides beautiful views of the Three Sisters. These three peaks are draped in Irish mythology and legend has it that Lindbergh’s first sight of land after crossing the Atlantic was the Three Peaks. This will also offer you a chance to fill your belly as you pay a visit to Tigh Ui Mhurchu , or Murphy’s. Don’t be fooled by an understated exterior because the food on offer at Murphy’s will have you wanting to go back again and again. If the sun is out, why not enjoy a cold Guinness in the beer garden.

Your chauffeur will then drive you back to  The Europe Hotel . If time permits, however, you can stop at  Inch Beach  to soak up the amazing views, before returning to the hotel for a relaxing evening. In the evening, dinner will be served in The Brasserie , a sleek, stylish restaurant offering flame-grilled steaks that are cooked in front of you.

Day 8 Adare, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren Hike, Hazel Mountain Chocolate

Accommodation – Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Galway (1 night) Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur. Activities – Adare, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren Hike, Burren Perfumery

You have a long day ahead, so we advise an early start and a hearty breakfast. You will head north until you reach  Adare . This historic village is a great venue for a refreshing coffee and stroll to stretch your legs. You will see thatched roof houses and traditional Irish pubs. Weaving through the Irish countryside, you will reach the imposing  Cliffs of Moher , voted Irelands favourite tourist destination in 2019 and 2020. The cliffs tower above the Atlantic Ocean at over 700 feet high and span 5 miles. For bird watchers, the cliffs are a paradise, with over 20 species of seabirds. Take a deep breath, listen to the waves crashing below, and bask in the ambiance of Ireland’s most famous beauty spot. You may have built up an appetite by now, and a great spot to get some lunch is the Cliffs View café. This eco-friendly spot focusses on serving up the tastiest local produce County Clare has to offer.

The next adventure is a hike in the intriguing, rocky area that is The Burren . There are a wide range of walks available, from coastal strolls to strenuous hill walks, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy the many features of this wonderfully peculiar landscape. 

After your walk you will get the chance to visit Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory & Shop , an ideal place to possibly pick up some gifts for friends or family back home. Located at the foothills of the Burren Mountains this is a great little place to enjoy a delicious hot chocolate.

Your journey will continue until you reach your accommodation for the evening, Glenlo Abbey . This magnificent hotel sits within a 138 acre estate of glorious natural landscape, allowing for perfect peace and tranquillity as you admire the shores of Lough Corrib. You may only be 5 minutes away from Galway City, but you will feel like you’re in a different world as the rugged beauty surrounds you. There is a spa and numerous estate activities, including golfing, falconry, a movie theatre, fishing, cycling, and horse riding.

This evening your will dine in the Pullman Restaurant , which is certainly one of Ireland’s most unique dining experiences. Located in the grounds of the hotel the restaurant is comprised of two original carriages from the Orient Express.

Day 9 Galway, Clifden, Hike through Connemara National Park

Accommodation – Ashford Castle Hotel, Galway (2 nights) Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur. Activities – Galway, Clifden, Hike through Connemara National Park

Your chauffeur will firstly take you to the delightful town of Galway . As you take a stroll through this traditional Irish town, we highly recommend visiting some of the pubs and cafes that serve traditional local cuisine. If time permits, you could visit the Galway City Museum, view the Spanish Arch, or check out the local market that sits in the shadow of the wonderful St Nicholas’ Medieval Church.

You will then stop off in Clifden , a quaint marketplace town which is an ideal spot for some lunch at Mitchell’s Restaurant. Don’t worry if it’s a cold day, two open fires will be on hand to warm you up while you tuck into a nice bowl of fresh homemade soup and a range of delicious sandwiches.

After a scrumptious lunch, you will travel west until you reach  Connemara National Park where you will be going for a hike through the park’s stunning natural heathlands and glinting lakes. You will journey through the Roundstone Boglands, where you might catch a glimpse of wild ponies.

After another eventful day of touring, you will be driven to  Ashford Castle  for a relaxing evening. One of Ireland’s grandest castles, it was originally built in the 1200’s. It has seen many a brutal battle over the years but eventually became a hunting lodge before being sold to the Guinness family in 1852. Ashford Castle is now a luxury hotel resort, with sprawling gardens, picture perfect fountains, and a blend of Medieval and Victorian architecture.

Day 10 Westport House, Achill Island Tour

Accommodation – Ashford Castle Hotel, Galway Transport – Executive Vehicle & Private Chauffeur. Activities – Westport House, Achill Island Tour

On your final day of touring, you will first of all visit Westport House , one of Ireland’s most majestic historic houses. Sublime architecture, pristine gardens and grounds, and a backdrop of rivers and mountains combine to provide a sense of being in a truly magical place. We highly recommend taking a relaxing stroll through the ancient woodland which surrounds Westport House. There is a 3.5km circular walk which takes in the woodland, a lake, and sea views, and which is sure to leave you feeling calm and refreshed.

You will then embark on a tour around Achill Island , which is the largest of the Irish Isles and home to roughly two and a half thousand people. You will arrive in the small village of Achill Sound and cross a swing bridge that joins Achill Island to the Irish mainland. From late May onwards, Achill Island welcomes you with plentiful displays of blooming pink rhododendrons. You will then be taken along the Wild Atlantic Way to enjoy the island’s rugged landscape, dramatic cliffs, soaring mountains, remote lakes, and golden sandy beaches. On the way, you pass one of the castles of the legendary pirate queen, Grace O’Malley. You’ll feel as though you have entered a different world as you set eyes on one of the most idyllic beaches in the country – Keem Bay. As you walk along the beach, barefoot if you wish, and take it all in, your worldly worries will seem to disappear, forgotten in the magnificence of the scenery. From here it’s a short drive to the northern side of the island, passing German writer and Nobel Prize winner Heinrich Böll’s cottage in Dugort, as well as two Blue Flag beaches – Silver Strand and Golden Strand, which face out over the sea and over to Blacksod Bay and the remote Belmullet Peninsula. There are many excellent places to have lunch on Achill Island and you can choose from these as we drive along.

Having explored the marvellous Achill Island, you will return to Ashford Castle to enjoy a relaxed final evening.

Day 11 Departure - Transfer to Airport

As your luxury tour draws to and end it will now be time to bid a fond farewell to the Emerald Isle. Your personal chauffeur will escort you to the airport.

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Posted on October 13, 2023 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on October 13, 2023

Planning a trip to Ireland? Let me help you! I have just gotten back from an epic vacation in Ireland and share below my top recommendations for the best places to visit in the south of the country.

I’ve added a blend of well-known destinations you simply can’t miss as well as hidden gems and alternatives , so you can pick and choose where you want to visit and get a good overview of what this area has to offer.

You can also check out my 7-day Southern Ireland itinerary featuring most places listed here as well as my South East Ireland travel guide featuring many more places to visit if you have extra time.

If it’s your first time trip to Ireland , I’d recommend you pack layers and be ready for all weather, no matter what time of the year you go – a good raincoat and sturdy shoes are a must!

Also, renting a car will make your trip much easier as many places can’t be visited via public transportation. If renting a car is not an option, you could base yourself in Galway, Killarney, then Cork, and take day tours from there.

Without further ado let’s dive into the best places to visit in Southern Ireland.

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Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare

One of the most visited sites in Ireland , the majestic Cliffs of Moher are a must-visit in Southern Ireland ! There are several ways to see the cliffs , either from above or from below.

Taking a cruise to see the cliffs is one of the most relaxing ways to visit. Departing from Doolin, the cruises last for around an hour , with multiple daily departures. They follow along the coastline providing great views from different vantage points . The ferries run from April to October .

Another option is to hike along the cliffs . The Doolin Cliff Walk  is considered one of the most scenic trails in Ireland, running over 10 miles (15 kilometers) from Doolin to Hags Head, with the visitor center more or less in the middle. You can choose to hike all or part of it.

If you head straight to the visitor center (where most tours take you), you can see the cliffs from there without having to walk too much.

Burren National Park, Co. Clare

One of my favorite places in Ireland, the Burren is a land like no other, featuring incredible landscapes and awesome opportunities for hiking . Head to the national park for the best views.

The start of most hikes is at the “Gortlecka Crossroads” where you can park and see the map of trails with length, duration, and difficulty level. I did the Blue Trail , which offers the best views but is quite challenging (still doable if you take breaks). It took us around 3 hours back and forth (it’s a loop).

There are also a couple of easier and shorter trails you can hike if you want something more laid back.

There’s nothing there, so pack enough water and snacks . The park’s Visitor Center is located in Corofin, during the summer months they offer a  free park-and-ride service as parking space is limited at the trailheads.

Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry

With a plethora of hidden gems and popular sights , the Dingle Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Southern Ireland . It’s best visited as a road trip but you can also spend some time in the charming seaside town of Dingle and go on a couple of hikes from there.

The Tralee to Dingle Walk , also known as the Dingle Way , is a popular multi-day hike you can go on if you’re craving a unique and adventurous experience. The walk takes 8 to 9 days to complete passing by stunning landscapes, archaeological wonders, and quaint villages. You can choose to hike only part of it if you’re short on time.

You can also just drive around, following the coastline, for a day or two. Don’t miss stopping by the beautiful Glanteenassig Forest Park , Fermoyle Beach , the longest beach in the country, and Brandon Point .

Make sure to also drive by Conor Pass and the Slea Head Drive where you can stop at Cashel Murphy, Dunmore Head, Clogher Strand, and the Gallarus Oratory.

Ring of Kerry, Co. Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is another of Southern Ireland’s top attractions that you simply can’t miss. Same as for the Dingle Peninsula, it’s better to visit it as part of a road trip , otherwise you can hike, bike, or book a tour.

Following the coastline, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic landscapes and stunning scenery with plenty of places to visit in between.

There are a lot of beaches you can stop at, however, I would recommend not missing Kells Bay and Derrynane Beach , from there, you can cross over to Abbey Island (at low tide) and visit the ruins of the 6th-century Ahamore Abbey. Within walking distance of Derrynane, you’ll also find Derrynane House , the former home of Daniel O’Connell, an important figure in Irish history.

Among the many towns you can stop by for a meal or to spend the night, don’t miss Kenmare, Waterville, and Portmagee , all scenic seaside towns. Valentia Island is also a must-visit, from Bray Head you can get a stunning view over the iconic Skellig Islands.

Other must-sees include the Kerry Bog Village Museum , a living history museum depicting a traditional 19th-century Irish village, and the majestic Skellig Ring leading to dramatic cliffs.

Depending on your schedule, you should be able to tour the peninsula in a day , however, you can plan to spend more time there as there are plenty of things to do, especially if you like hiking.

The Kerry Way is a popular multi-day hike in Ireland. It’s a quite challenging hike as the elevation varies a lot, so you need to be prepared. It’s divided into 9 sections so you can also choose to hike only part of it.

If you’re going to book a tour, I would suggest booking one from Killarney this way you can also visit the park the day before or after. This full-day tour from Killarney is a good option – you’ll also find tours from Cork and Limerick . If you can afford it, do book a private tour .

Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry

Technically part of the Ring Of Kerry, Skellig Micheal deserves a part all to itself. From May to September, spend the night in Portmagee and go on a morning cruise to the island.

Fans of Star Wars will recognize it as Luke Skywalker’s Island Sanctuary on the planet Ahch-To – it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It used to be a Gaelic monastery, founded between the 6th and 8th centuries. Today you’ll use the stairs the monks built to reach the top, where you’ll find the ruins of the monastery.

You can either book a tour including some time on the island , or book an eco-tour where you just circle the island and stay on the boat. If you’re planning on visiting the island, book the cruise as soon as you can as the number of daily visitors is limited.

While there, keep an eye out for gannets, puffins, razorbills, and grey seals .

Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry

Surrounded by incredible scenery, I loved just driving around Killarney National Park and making stops to viewpoints and for short hikes . Most people stick to seeing the main highlights, Torc Waterfall, Ross Castle, and Muckross House , but I highly recommend going on longer hikes and exploring the park further.

The town of Killarney is a great base to explore the park from. There, you’ll find accommodations to fit all budgets, supermarkets, and restaurants.

If driving, make sure to take the scenic road , entering the park (or leaving it) from the west, and driving through the iconic Gap of Dunloe .

You can also rent kayaks and explore the park through its lakes and waterways or go on a boat cruise.

Beara Peninsula, Co. Kerry & Co. Cork

One of the wilder and less touristy peninsulas in the south of Ireland, the Beara Peninsula feels like another world. Featuring rugged landscapes, cute villages, and archaeological sights , the peninsula is a must-see. I just loved the remoteness of it, we barely saw anyone there, even on the road.

It took us about half a day to drive it, including stops, but you can definitely plan to spend more time, especially if the weather is nice enough for some beach time or if you like hiking .

Along the way, you can go for a hike at Gleninchaquin Park , see archaeological sites like the Uragh, Derreenataggart, or Ardgroom Stone Circles , and stop for a meal at quaint villages such as Ardgroom, Eyeries, Allihies, or Castletown.

Don’t miss driving the Healy Pass , heading to the tip of the peninsula to take the only cable car in Ireland , and kayaking to a seal colony in Adrigole.

Sheep’s Head, Co. Cork

If the Beara Peninsula feels remote, Sheep’s Head feels like a world apart. The 43-mile (70-km) loop will take you through spectacular landscapes . Make sure to drive all the way to the tip and see the lighthouse and high cliffs.

Mizen Head, Co. Cork

The last peninsula on this list to visit in Southern Ireland, Mizen Head is often overlooked by international tourists but is well-known by locals. Drive all the way to Mizen Head Station and cross the bridge (on foot) trying to spot seals, dolphins, and whales .

From there, you can also hike to the ruins of Dunlough Castle known for its three towers that withstood time.

You can easily visit both Mizen Head and Sheap’s Head within the same day.

If you’re heading to Cork or Kinsale next, you can stop by the 3000-year-old Drombeg Stone Circle, one of the best preserved in the country, take a whale-watching cruise from Baltimore, and go surfing at Inchydoney Beach.

Gougane Barra Forest Park, Co. Cork

The Gougane Barra Forest Park is a popular place to hike among locals looking for an escape from the city. The forest is beautiful and peaceful with several trails for all levels. You can walk through the forest and around the lake or go up the mountains for stunning views.

On your way there, there’s a hotel with a restaurant and a shop if you need something. Once in the park, there’s nothing, just restrooms. Some people park before the entrance to not pay for parking, but then you have to walk for a while before reaching the beginning of the trails.

While I loved hiking there, if you’re short on time, I would say you can skip it. It’s a nice stop if it’s on your way and you have some extra time, but I wouldn’t necessarily say you HAVE to see it.

Kinsale, Co. Cork

Kinsale is a popular coastal town known as Ireland’s culinary capital. It’s a nice place to go for a stroll through the historic streets and, of course, to enjoy a meal. From a Michelin-starred restaurant to unpretentious eateries, you’ll find plenty of options.

You can plan to spend a few days there and just enjoy the laid-back vibes, maybe taking a few day trips to explore the area, or just pass through. A few hours are enough to see everything.

Make sure to tour the Kinsale Museum  housed in the 16th-century Town Hall and, a bit outside of town, Charles Fort .

Some people think Kinsale is overrated, and that there are better coastal towns to visit, while it might be true, I still enjoyed walking around, seeing the colorful buildings and paved streets. However, I would say you can skip it if you’re short on time, but it ultimately depends on the type of places you like to visit, it is a charming town after all.

Cork, Co. Cork

Cork is a busy historic city with plenty to offer. Start by strolling around the downtown area, passing by the English Market, the Butter Museum, St Anne Church, University College Cork, and St Fin Barre’s Cathedral .

This should take you a couple of hours, but you can also choose to base yourself there for a few days and take day trips from there. It’s also a good option if you don’t have a car, as there are plenty of day tours you can take from Cork.

Cork is known for its potato pies which have nothing to do with what you can imagine, it’s actually breaded and fried mashed potatoes formed into a ball, usually served with French fries. You’ll find the best ones at Jackie Lennox’s , where I discovered that white vinegar on fries is actually quite good.

Nearby, you can tour the Jameson Distillery and sample rare whiskeys in Middleton, there’s also a weekly farmers market held in the town every Saturday morning. People who want to learn more about the Titanic can head to Cobh , its last port of call, where you’ll find 2 museums with exhibits centered on the iconic liner and its sinking.

Blarney Castle, Co. Cork

Not far from Cork, Blarney Castle is one of the best places to visit in Southern Ireland, and kissing the Blarney Stone is a must-do! Try to visit it at opening time , especially if you want to kiss the stone, as the line can get quite long. The stone is believed to grant you the gift of gab if you kiss it.

The castle was entirely rebuilt in the 15th century on the ruins of an older castle. The gardens are definitely worth a stroll – don’t miss the Arboretum with its trees from all over the world and the mysterious Poison Garden .

If you like historic castles and estates, in the area, you can also visit the 16th-century Blackrock Castle , Fota House , known for its painting collection and gardens, and Doneraile Estate .

Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary

One of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval castles, the Rock of C ashel is a must-visit in Southern Ireland. The castle is over 1,000 years old and was a symbol of power for kings and priests for centuries.

Sitting on top of a hill, there are several viewpoints from which you can see the castle, make sure to go to at least one to get a nice overview. There’s one easily reachable on the main road, at the Circle K.

Once inside you can tour the castle on your own or book a guided tour if you want to learn more about its architecture and history. Note that to visit Cormac’s Chapel , one of the highlights of the castle, you’ll need to go with a guide – guided tours have a set schedule so make sure to check it out first.

If you don’t have a car, you can take a bus to the town of Cashel – from there, a 5-minute walk will take you to the castle.

In town, you can also stop by the Cashel Folk Village to learn more about Irish history (visits by appointment only during the off-season), and check out what’s happening at the Brú Ború Heritage Centre .

Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a popular destination in Ireland even for locals, usually looking for a weekend escape. There are plenty of fun things to do while there like taking a brewery tour and tasting at the Smithwick’s Experience or checking out the activities at Castlecomer Discovery Park .

Don’t miss touring the castle too and learning more Irish history at St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum . The historic Rothe House & Garden is also worth checking out.

The town’s historic center is an ideal place to go for a stroll , do some shopping, and enjoy a meal or drink at one of the many pubs.

If you’re on a tight schedule, half a day is enough to visit but you can also base yourself here for a few days and visit the surroundings.

Copper Coast Geopark, Co. Waterford

A UNESCO geopark, the Copper Coast in Southern Island is a beautiful place to visit with pretty beaches and dramatic cliffs.

Start with an easy hike to Mahon Falls , then rent a bike at O’Mahonny’s Pub and  cycle the Waterford Greenway which follows the coast.

You can take as long as you want, especially during summer, when you might want to spend some time at the beach. Otherwise, you can make it into a short trip and continue on along the southern coast.

Waterford, Co. Waterford

Waterford makes a great base to explore all that the county has to offer. Founded in 914AD by Vikings , the town is the oldest one in Ireland and definitely a must-visit on its own.

Don’t miss the Viking Triangle, Reginald’s Tower, the Medieval Museum, and the Bishop’s Palace .

The town is also known for producing some of the best crystal in the country – head to Waterford Crystal to tour the main factory.

Saltee Islands, Co. Wexford

The Saltee Islands are a paradise for birders with many  Gannets, Puffins, Guillemots, and Razorbills  being spotted frequently, depending on the season.

Take a ferry from Kilmore Quay. Saltee Ferry  offers daily departures from April to September . You get around 3.5 hours on the island where you can just stroll around and enjoy the views and abundant wildlife. 

Pack a picnic and bring enough water, as the islands are mostly uninhabited.

Be ready to get wet  on the boat and to get your feet in the water when disembarking (there is no pier on the island).

Wexford, Co. Wexford

County Wexford is known for its beautiful beaches, historic towns, and its wide array of outdoor activity options . The town of Wexford is a great base, worth a visit as well. Don’t miss the ruins of the 12th-century Selskar Abbey , strolling around the historic district , and catching a show at the National Opera House.

A bit outside of town, don’t miss the Irish National Heritage Park , a living history museum with costumed guides and reenactments. In the opposite direction, the Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens is also worth checking out.

If you like hiking or birding, spend some time at Wexford Wildfowl Reserve before hitting beaches like the famous Curracloe Beach , featured in the movie “Saving Private Ryan”, or Rosslare Beach , great for water sports.

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Southern Gems

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• The Experience
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Experience the charm of Kinsale and DIngle

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01 Jun 2024 - 30 Jun 2024

Blarney Castle

Embark on an extraordinary journey at Blarney Castle and unlock the power of the legendary Blarney Stone.

Cliffs of Moher

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring majesty of the Cliffs of Moher, a natural wonder that will leave you speechless.

Dublin Castle

Discover the rich history and architectural splendor of Dublin Castle, an iconic symbol of Ireland's past and present.

Medeival Castle Banquet

Step back in time and indulge in a medieval feast at Bunratty Castle, where ancient traditions and culinary delights come to life in a truly unforgettable experience.

Taylors Three Rock Pub

Visit Taylor's Three Rock in Dublin for an unforgettable evening of lively traditional Irish music, spirited dancing and a welcoming atmosphere that embodies the true essence of Irish hospitality./p>

Day 1 Dublin City Tour | Dublin Castle

Day 2 dublin hop-on hop-off bus tour | taylors three rock pub, day 3 blarney castle | kinsale walking tour, day 4 killarney | dingle, day 5 slea head loop | blasket centre | murphy's ice cream | dingle, day 6 cliffs of moher | medieval castle banquet, day 7 tour ends in shannon, where you’ll stay.

The Gibson Hotel Dublin, Ireland

The Gibson is a highly stylish, contemporary hotel in the heart of Dublin’s new cultural hub....

Kinsale Hotel & Spa Cork, Ireland

The Kinsale Hotel & Spa is a luxury hotel on 90 acres of mature parkland, a five-minute drive...

Dingle Skellig Hotel Dingle, Ireland

The Dingle Skellig Hotel is situated on the magnificent Dingle Peninsula and boasts stunning views...

Treacy's Oakwood Hotel Shannon, Ireland

Treacys Oakwood 4-star Hotel, Shannon is a newly refurbished hotel located 2 miles from Shannon...

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*Breakfast is not included on Day 1

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The Gibson Hotel, Dublin

The Gibson is a highly stylish, contemporary hotel in the heart of Dublin’s new cultural hub. Calming, comfy and tranquil, our hotel rooms are the ultimate escape from all the hustle and bustle outside. With carefully chosen soothing colors and textures, plus a host of little luxurious extras you can chill out. Located near the River Liffey, a brisk 15-minute walk will bring you to O’Connell Street or you can take a short tram ride on Luas.  

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Kinsale Hotel & Spa, Cork

The Kinsale Hotel & Spa is a luxury hotel on 90 acres of mature parkland, a five-minute drive from the historic harbor town of Kinsale. With a tranquil location on the coast, it offers panoramic views over Oysterhaven Bay. It has 70 bedrooms, a bar and restaurant, and a luxury spa.  

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Dingle Skellig Hotel, Dingle

The Dingle Skellig Hotel is situated on the magnificent Dingle Peninsula and boasts stunning views of Dingle Bay. The Peninsula Spa offers a wide range of luxurious treatments using Yon Ka products. Dingle Skellig Hotel is renowned for it's outstanding service, great food and superior hospitality. Facilities include Skellig Creche, Fungi Kids Club, Leisure Club including Pool, Kids Pool and Gymnasium. Dingle town center is a short stroll away.

Treacy's Oakwood Hotel, Shannon

Treacys Oakwood 4-star Hotel, Shannon is a newly refurbished hotel located 2 miles from Shannon Airport. It is centrally located to explore the Wild Atlantic Way and just a quick drive from Limerick City. They provide complimentary car parking and Wi-Fi for our Hotel guests.  Regular entertainment and great food in our Bistro Bar served all day in newly refurbished surroundings with fast and friendly service. Their restaurant serves both continental and fully cooked breakfast daily.

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Mr. david joseph handley, best vacation ever.

Best vacation ever,very happy. With the hotels, the food and Brendan and Shamus made the whole vacation the best

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Excellent tour. The area we went to were great.

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Fantastically informative.

Everything advertised was on point! The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars were for two reasons: 1- after traveling for two straight days from the other side of the world, the bus dropped me off at the hotel and was told by front desk I was too early to check in and to come back in a few HOURS. 2- as much rich history Ireland has, some days were too political and down right depressing. So perhaps certain details should be kept on the museum tours and not on the bus. Since most vacations people are trying to get away from those subjects. Other than that our tour guide was fantastic!

There was so much to see and so little time to see it all.

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Emerging Ireland to tour South Africa in October

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) will send an Emerging Ireland squad to South Africa later this year for a three-match competition in Bloemfontein.

Ireland defence coach Simon Easterby has been named head coach for the tour, having also held that role in 2022.

Easterby, who is a candidate to lead Ireland's senior team in next year's Six Nations while head coach Andy Farrell focuses on his British and Irish Lions duties, will be assisted by forwards Paul O'Connell, scrum coach John Fogarty and backs coach Andrew Goodman.

The Emerging Ireland squad will assemble at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Dublin on 25 September before travelling to South Africa three days later.

They will face the Pumas on 2 October, Western Force on 6 October before concluding the tour against the Cheetahs three days later, with Toyota Stadium hosting all three games.

The games will be played a month before the senior side face New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Australia in the autumn Tests.

The Emerging Ireland tour in 2022 proved a success for the IRFU with Jack Crowley, Calvin Nash and Joe McCarthy all making an impression in South Africa before graduating to Farrell's senior set-up.

'Important to broaden selection pool'

"This short three-match window will once again provide an opportunity for players within the system to come into a National Team environment, work with the National Team coaches and access meaningful game time in a green jersey," said Farrell.

"Ahead of a busy four-match Autumn Nations Series in November, it is important we continue to broaden our selection pool and ensure young players are given every opportunity to further develop and gain an understanding of what is required to perform for Ireland at the highest level."

Easterby said the 2022 tour was "of huge value", adding: "It will be a short preparation window leading into three tough matches but that is part of the challenge for the whole group, building connections and getting up to speed to meet the demands of playing in a green jersey."

The Emerging Ireland squad will be announced in September.

Ireland Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

I love backpacking around Ireland for the rolling green hills, historic castles, beautiful seaside landscapes, and all the Guinness and Jameson you can drink. The Emerald Isle is an enchanting postcard-perfect destination with tons to see and do whether you’re in the Dublin for a long weekend or plan to spend several weeks backpacking across the country.

While millions of people visit Ireland each year, most of them stick to Dublin , see the main sights, drink a few pints, and head on their way.

But there is so much more to traveling here — especially if you have time to rent a car and get off the beaten path. Ireland is the perfect road trip country. Seriously. Drive around! And make plenty of stops along the way. You’ll find cool little towns and tons of ruins and castles, some of which are rumored to be haunted.

Anyone who has spent time in Ireland will agree that it’s a magical land full of wonder, history, nature and plenty of post-travel tales. No one ever leaves Ireland unhappy.

This Ireland travel guide can help you make the most out of your time on the Emerald Isle and ensure you have fun without breaking the bank.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
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Top 5 things to see and do in ireland.

1. Have fun in Dublin

Dublin is synonymous with fun. The capital of the Republic of Ireland and its largest city, Dublin offers so much to explore . The city’s 18th century Georgian architecture is some of the best in Europe. Take a walk through history with a visit to Dublin Castle, be awe-struck by St. Patrick’s Cathedral’s medieval architecture, which was completed in 1260, tour Trinity College for a look inside one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions and while you’re there check out the iconic Book of Kells (an illuminated manuscript) from 800 CE. Literature lovers can stroll around the city on a self-guided literary tour. Fans of Ireland’s most famous export (Guinness) will find no shortage of pubs that claim to pour the city’s best pint but go directly to the source with a tour of the Guinness Storehouse (admission starts at 24 EUR). At night there’s bountiful live music in small pubs or larger clubs, one of the many ways to experience Irish“craic,” the nation’s word for that fun feeling you have with friends.

2. Admire the Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher stretch for 8 kilometers (5 miles) along the Atlantic coast in County Clare. They offer some of the most incredible views in all of Ireland. On a clear day you can see as far as Aran Islands in one direction, and Galway Bay in the other. The cliff’s name comes from the Gaelic word Mothar which means “ruins of a fort” and O’Brien’s tower, which now sits atop the cliffs, was constructed using the original fort’s stone in 1835. The cliffs reach a height of 214 meters (702 feet) and are home to a wide variety of birds. If you visit in late spring, you’ll probably see a colony of colorful puffins. Save this activity for a sunny day because there isn’t much to see when the cliffs are shrouded in Ireland’s famous mist. Admission is 10 EUR. If you’re short on time, take a day tour (they usually have a few stops, including Galway). Coming from Galway, it’s about a 90-minute drive. From Dublin, it’s more than three hours by car or bus.

3. See the Giant’s Causeway

Cross the border into Northern Ireland to visit the famous Giant’s Causeway , a natural geological phenomenon composed of over 40,000 basalt pillars that look like a staircase for giants. They formed between 50 and 60 million years ago during the Paleocene Epoch due to intense volcanic activity in the area. The tallest of the columns are around 12 meters (39 feet) high and 28 meters (92 feet) thick. The name is also said to have come from an Irish legend where a giant named Finn McCool created a path across the Irish Sea face down his arch enemy, the Scottish giant Benandonner. The pillars are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and named one of the top four natural wonders in The United Kingdom. It’s a protected nature reserve, however you can walk across the rocks using one of the four marked trails. Maps are available at the visitor center. Admission is free, but if you arrive by car you need to pay for parking, though it includes a guided tour.

4. Drive along the Ring of Kerry

This is one of the most well-trodden tourist trails in Ireland for a reason. Stretching almost 200 kilometers (125 miles), the Ring of Kerry is a scenic route that loops around the Iveragh Peninsula on the west coast of Ireland. It’s the ultimate Irish road trip along winding coastal roads, lush green pastures, and rolling hills. You’ll pass by lakes, small mountains, historical forts, and an ancient druid stone circle. Stop for a few of the highlights along the route. Ross Castle, built in the 15th century is open to guided tours. Lough Leane consists of a series of small lakes surrounded by dense forest and ancient castle ruins scattered in the area. You could spend the whole day in Killarney National Park with its lakes, walking trails and waterfalls. Staigue stone fort is a circular stone ruin likely built in the Iron Age. Driving the entire route takes 3.5 to 4 hours nonstop, but plan for an all-day adventure with stops. If you don’t have a vehicle you can take a day tour from Killarney . And if you want to challenge yourself, trek the 215-kilometer (135-mile) Kerry Way on foot!

5. Wander Galway

Other things to see and do in ireland, 1. spend time in cork.

Cork is a buzzing city nestled on Ireland’s southern coast. Originally a maritime hub, Cork is now a cosmopolitan university city filled with cheap eats and a lively nightlife. Head to the English Market in the morning for baked goods or fresh produce – it’s one of the oldest covered markets in Europe. Joind the hundreds of thousands of people that come here each year to kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck. There’s plenty of opportunity to hike around Gougane Barra, and to enjoy the coastal landscape around Mizen Head where you’ll find a suspension bridge with views of towering cliffs and the Atlantic. Surfing and whale watching are also popular here as minke whales, fin whales, and humpback whales are commonly seen along the coast (expect to pay around 55 EUR for a whale watching tour).

2. Party on St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick is Ireland’s patron saint. As the legend goes, he drove all the snakes out of the country. Whether you believe the legend or not, this is the biggest party of the year in which everyone is Irish. The biggest parade takes place in Dublin. It’s one of the biggest parties in the world so be sure to book your stay in advance as everything sells out quickly!

3. Kiss the Blarney Stone

Blarney Castle sits just outside Cork. Built in the 15th century, visitors flock here to see the Stone, which is made of Carboniferous limestone and is built into the castle itself. The stone was set in 1446 and it is said to bestow eloquence on all those who kiss it (“blarney” has come to mean “flattering speech”). Expect a long line during summer months or other peak travel times. Admission is 18 EUR (16 EUR if you buy your ticket online).

4. See historic castles

Ireland is steeped in history and the entire country is covered in castles (there are some 30,000 castles and castle ruins here). For fans of ruins, don’t miss the crumbling charm of Dunluce Castle or the majestic half-standing Rock of Cashel with soaring archways. The impeccably preserved Cahir Castle in Tipperary is also one of the largest. If it’s within your budget, attend a medieval banquet at the Bunratty Castle in Clare or book a room at the beautifully restored Ashford Castle in County Mayo. If you’re just on a quick trip to Dublin, take the 30-minute train outside the city to Malahide Castle. If you plan on visiting a lot of castles, get the Heritage Card. It’s 40 EUR and provides free entry into tons of Ireland’s castles and will save you a ton.

5. Hike in Connemara

This national park in County Galway covers more than 30 square kilometers (12 square miles), offering scenic views and great hiking. Most people come here for hiking and forest bike riding, though there are a few castles within the park as well as an old mining area and a heritage and history center. There are also tons of wildlife to spot, such as rabbits, foxes, stoats, hawks, falcons, and herds of Connemara ponies. There are several trails that range from short loops on flat land, to more strenuous mixed-terrain paths that offer elevated views. Admission is free and day tours are available . There are no campsites, but wild camping is allowed – just come prepared with all the necessary gear.

6. Wander the John F. Kennedy Arboretum

Located in County Wexford 30 minutes west of Waterford, this garden is home to over 4,500 species of trees and shrubs. There are several tea rooms, a visitors’ center, and a picnic area here too. The arboretum gets its name from the fact that JFK’s great-grandfather was born nearby, and the President visited in 1963. The arboretum opened five years later in his honor, paid for by donations from Irish Americans. Admission is free.

7. Explore the Aran Islands

Located in Galway Bay, only 1,200 people call these islands home. Here, Irish is the primary language (though many also speak English). You can get around by bus, bike, or carriage as you see the various heritage sights, ruins, castles, and scenic landscapes. Tobar Einne and O’Brien’s Castle are two of the most popular attractions. On Inis More (Inishmore) you can visit Dun Aengus, a Bronze Age and Iron Age fort hugging the coast, and the Seven Churches ruins featuring a large complex of partially-preserved structures and graveyards with traditional Irish Cross stones. Inis Mor is the largest of the islands and the most accessible. You can take a bus from Galway and hop on the ferry from Rossaveal (30 EUR).

8. Go back in time at Ulster Museum

Head into Northern Ireland for a day trip and visit the Ulster Museum. It has a vast and diverse collection of all kinds of artifacts and artwork, ranging from rare paintings, archeology and local history to wildlife and dinosaurs to relics from the Spanish Armada and Egyptian mummies. The museum is located within a large botanical garden. It’s the biggest museum in Northern Ireland. Admission is free. You can reach Belfast from Dublin in less than two hours by car.

9. See Newgrange

Located 45 minutes north of Dublin by car, Newgrange is a prehistoric burial mound that dates back over 5,200 years (which makes it older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids). Human remains, as well as other artifacts, were found in the massive tomb, which is composed of a ring of stone topped by earth. Inside are several burial chambers and passageways. Every year on the Winter Solstice, a beam of light streams down the perfectly aligned entrance passage to illuminate the interior chamber. Admission is 10 EUR.

10. Visit Killarney

Killarney is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its undeniable medieval charm. Located in the southwest of the country, you can visit Muckross Abbey (a 15th-century Franciscan friary on rolling green hills inside Killarney National Park), Ross Castle (which also dates to the 15th century), or wander around the town itself, which looks like a quaint village with small shops and colorful buildings. Some of the other best things to do in Killarney include renting a bike to cycle around Killarney National Park or relaxing at one of the nearby lakes. This is also the traditional starting point for exploring the Ring of Kerry.

11. Learn about (and sample some) whiskey

If you’re a whiskey fan, take a tour of the Jameson Distillery in Cork and see how Irish whiskey is made. Jameson is one of the oldest whiskey companies in Ireland and is the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world. On a tour, you’ll visit the main buildings and learn how their whiskey is made, what sets Irish whiskey apart from other types, and how the company got started as a small family distillery. There are several different tours, but the Jameson Distillery Experience tour is the best value at 23 EUR. It’s 75-minutes and includes a whiskey sample

For more information on specific cities in Ireland, check out these guides:

• Cork Travel Guide
• Dublin Travel Guide
• Galway Travel Guide

Ireland Travel Costs

Accommodation – There’s no shortage of choices on where to stay in Ireland. Hostels are common across the country, especially in cities, and you’ll find privately run cozy hostels and larger chains. For those biking or backpacking across the country, you’re in luck. There are a number of hostels and budget hotels in rural areas that see a lot of active travelers on foot or bike. There’s also a wide variety of mid-price chains across Ireland if you’d like to upgrade for a few nights. Summer is peak season, so book ahead.

Prices average 28-40 EUR per night for a hostel dorm room with 4-8 beds. You can find private rooms that sleep two ranging from 60-100 EUR. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also include self-catering facilities.

For those traveling with a tent, a basic plot for two people without electricity can be found for around 12-15 EUR per night.

Budget hotels average 90-130 EUR. Free Wi-Fi is standard and some also include an Irish breakfast (toast, eggs, sausage, and beans).

Airbnb is available all around the country with private rooms starting at 40 EUR per night. Full apartments with a kitchen average of 100 EUR per night. Expect to pay double (or more) if you don’t book in advance.

Food – Ireland is very much a “meat and potatoes” country. Potatoes have been a common staple since the 18th century, along with seafood (it’s an island after all!). Cod, salmon, and oysters are some of the most popular seafood options, with other staple dishes being shepherd’s pie, black pudding, bacon and cabbage, fish and chips, and meat stews. You’ll find plenty of budget eats and street food, especially in larger urban areas, including takeaway fish and chips and a wide range of food trucks in Dublin. Vegan meals are bit harder to find. There are a few choices for budget to moderately-priced restaurants that offer vegan and vegetarian fare in Dublin, Cork, and Galway. There are also more modern Irish restaurants popping up, especially in Dublin, but expect to pay up.

A traditional meal costs around 15 EUR. For a multi-course meal with a drink, expect to pay at least 30 EUR. Fast food (think McDonald’s) starts at 9 EUR for a combo meal.

Pizza costs 7-10 EUR for a medium while Chinese food costs around 9-12 EUR for a main dish. Fish and chips can be found for as little as 6 EUR.

Beer is around 5 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 3.50 EUR. Bottled water is 1.50 EUR.

If you want to cook your meals, expect to pay 40-60 EUR per week for groceries that include basic staples like pasta, rice, produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Ireland Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 65 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation, and do free and cheap activities like free walking tours or visiting castles. If you plan on drinking, add 5-15 EUR per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 140 EUR per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for most meals at cheap fast food places, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like visiting the Cliffs of Moher.

On a “luxury” budget of at least 240 EUR per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car for day trips, and do as many tours and excursions as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Ireland Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

It’s easy to break the bank in Ireland as all those pub visits can add up fast. To help you save without sacrificing your trip, here are some money-saving tips for Ireland:

• Ask for student discounts – A valid student ID can get you discounts of up to 50% on many attractions, museums, and buses throughout the country. If you have a valid student ID, always ask for discounts. Take note, these discounts most often apply to anyone under 26 with a student ID.
• Drink less – Ireland’s strong pub culture can hit your wallet hard. Temper the cost by visiting happy hours, drinking at home, or skipping drinks altogether.
• Eat the pub food – Eat at the pubs for hearty local Irish food that won’t destroy your wallet. It’s not healthy, but it’s affordable.
• Get an OPW Heritage Card – If you love to tour heritage sites, pick up this card. It provides free access to most of the castles throughout the country. The card is 40 EUR.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place and show you around their city. You not only get to save money but you make a new friend in the process!
• Eat early – Many restaurants have budget dinner options if you eat early (usually before 6pm). You won’t have as much variety since it’s a set menu, but it will be much cheaper!
• Cook your meals – Staying in a hostel will help you make new travel buddies, and they’ll likely have a kitchen. The biggest grocery chain is Tesco, which has large super stores and smaller city shops for basics. Don’t snooze on Aldi or Lidl. These discount grocers carry everything you’d need for a meal, and have aisles with deeply-discounted merch.
• Take free walking tour – Some of the bigger cities in Ireland (like Dublin and Galway) have free walking tours available. They’re the best way to see the main highlights on a budget. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Ireland

Ireland has plenty of fun, social hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay if you’re on a budget:

• Generator Hostel (Dublin)
• Jacobs Inn (Dublin)
• Galway City Hostel (Galway)
• The Nest Boutique Hostel (Galway)
• Sheilas Cork Hostel (Cork)
• An Oige Youth Hostel (Killarney)
• The Hideout Hostel (Dingle)

How to Get Around Ireland

Public transportation – Public transportation in Ireland is clean, safe, and reliable. Bus trips around Dublin cost about 3 EUR while Galway tickets are 2.20 EUR and tickets in Belfast are 1.60 GBP if you head into Northern Ireland.

With a LEAP card (a card you can top up to use on the country’s public transportation), you can use all public transportation options for reduced prices (up to 31% off compared to cash tickets). You can even use it for DublinBikes self-service bicycle rentals.

A day pass on public transportation costs 8-10 EUR.

Bus – Ireland is a small island so you won’t find too many routes that are longer than a few hours. That means that prices are pretty reasonable. The 2.5-hour trip from Dublin to Belfast in Northern Ireland costs around 20 EUR. A bus from Dublin to Galway takes about 2.5 hours and costs between 12-25 EUR.

Bus Éireann is the main coach service, while Translink serves the North (and includes Ulsterbus and Goldline). You can search their website for the best deals and for route schedules. If you book early, you’ll get the lowest ticket prices.

There’s a really handy journey planning website that can help you plan your route (but you can’t buy tickets there).

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – Irish Rail is the main train service provider in Ireland. While the train is more expensive than the bus, it’s still quite affordable. Cork to Dublin takes around 2.5 hours and costs 20-30 EUR while Galway to Dublin costs 17-25 EUR and takes about the same amount of time.

Bus & train passes – Ireland has several rail and bus passes that might make sense for you depending on your itinerary and budget:

• Irish Explorer – Five days of unlimited Irish Rail travel within 15 consecutive days for 128 EUR.
• Sunday Day Tracker – This deal is for one day of unlimited travel (Sundays only) on Translink buses and trains in the North. It costs 3.50 EUR
• Trekker Four Day – Unlimited travel on Irish Rail within a four-day period for 88 EUR.

Car Rental – Renting a car in Ireland is affordable, with prices starting around 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Renting a car is the best way to get around the country too. Renters need to be at least 21 years old. Just keep in mind that most rentals are manuals and that they drive on the left.

When to Go to Ireland

Ireland’s temperate climate makes it a good destination to visit year-round, keeping in mind that you’re guaranteed to encounter rain no matter when you visit.

The summer months (June-August) are the warmest and the sunniest so this is when the country is at its liveliest. Keep in mind that this is peak season so you’ll compete for accommodation in the larger cities. And lines will be longer for attractions like museums or castles. Prices are a little inflated too. Average temperatures hover between 13-20°C (56-68°F) but can climb to 25°C (77°F) or more. Be warned, if you go for a swim at one of the beaches, the water will be cold. Ocean temperatures won’t be over 18°C (65°F) on a warm day! They’ll likely be a little cooler.

Winters can be drizzly with short daylight hours, but temperatures rarely fall below freezing. Dress warmly and be prepared for lots of indoor activities if you visit during this time. If you visit around Christmas, the festive lights and Christmas markets make for a warmer atmosphere. The pubs will be more celebratory, too.

Saint Patrick’s Day in March is huge all around the country. During this time, hostels and hotels fill up quickly, and prices spike. Temperatures are still mild and Ireland is just as beautiful as ever but you’ll need to book your accommodation in advance.

Overall, the shoulder seasons (March-May and September-October) are my favorite times to visit. Aside from St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll find prices to be a little lower and the country to be less busy. The weather is decent enough for exploring too. Just bring an umbrella! September is an especially fun time to see Ireland. The weather is still warm-ish but the larger crowds, especially those traveling with children, have cleared out. You might feel like you’re the only tourist at a castle or on a hike.

How to Stay Safe in Ireland

Ireland is very safe and the risk of experiencing violent crime here is low. That said, scams and pick-pocketing can occur in high-traffic areas, especially around tourist attractions like Temple Bar in Dublin. Always keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe.

If you rent a car, don’t leave valuables inside the vehicle overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Be alert when driving, especially on twisty country roads or roundabouts (traffic circles). Most roads are paved and in good condition, but if you are used to driving on the other side (they drive on the left in Ireland) a steep curve may surprise you.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone intoxicated, or venture into unknown areas after dark, etc.). For tips, use one of the many solo female travel blogs on the web as they’ll be able to provide better advice than I can.

When camping, understand designated sites from wild spots. Wild camping is generally accepted, but keep in mind that much of the remote land you see is probably private property. Camp sites are well kept, but when opting for parks or remote areas, you may not have cell service.

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 or 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Ireland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Ireland Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Ireland and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Dublin

The Best Walking Tours in Dublin

The 5 Best Hostels in Dublin

Where to Stay in Dublin: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Tour Companies in Ireland

My Love Note to the Irish

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Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa confirmed for October

THE IRFU HAS confirmed that Emerging Ireland will tour South Africa again next season, with three games confirmed for early October.

Simon Easterby will be head coach of the young Irish squad again, as was the case for the 2022 tour to South Africa, and they will play against South Africa’s Pumas and Cheetahs, as well as Australia’s Western Force.

All three matches will take place at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, the Cheetahs’ home venue.

With current senior Ireland head coach Andy Farrell stepping back from his duties in 2025 to take on the Lions head coach role, Easterby is the favourite to step up as Ireland boss on a temporary basis for that spell.

Easterby will be joined on this year’s Emerging Ireland tour by fellow senior assistant coaches Paul O’Connell, John Fogarty, and Andrew Goodman – who links up with the senior set-up as attack coach from this summer.

The Emerging Ireland squad will be named in September, with the group gathering in Dublin on 25 September before flying to South Africa three days later.

The 2022 tour was deemed a success by the IRFU as several talented young Irish players impressed, with Jack Crowley and Joe McCarthy becoming senior internationals soon after, while Calvin Nash has joined them this season.

As with the 2022 tour, next season’s South Africa trip will clash directly with the URC – something that caused major friction with the four provinces at that time. Players who travel with Emerging Ireland next season look set to be unavailable for at least three rounds of the league.

“The 2022 Tour was of huge value, as evidenced by the cohort of players who have come through and been capped at Test level for Ireland since,” said Easterby of today’s announcement.

“It will be a short preparation window leading into three tough matches but that is part of the challenge for the whole group, building connections and getting up to speed to meet the demands of playing in a green jersey.”

Senior Ireland head coach Farrell, who did not travel on the 2022 tour, also welcomed confirmation of next season’s trip to South Africa.

“We are delighted to confirm details of a second Emerging Ireland Tour to South Africa later this year, the value of which cannot be understated,” said Farrell.

“This short three-match window will once again provide an opportunity for players within the system to come into a national team environment, work with the national team coaches and access meaningful game time in a green jersey.

“Ahead of a busy four-match Autumn Nations Series in November, it is important we continue to broaden our selection pool and ensure young players are given every opportunity to further develop and gain an understanding of what is required to perform for Ireland at the highest level.”

The IRFU says kick-off times and broadcast details for the Emerging Ireland tour will be confirmed in due course.

Emerging Ireland tour 2024:

All games at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein  

• Wednesday, 2 October: Emerging Ireland v The Pumas
• Sunday, 6 October: Emerging Ireland v Western Force
• Wednesday, 9 October: Emerging Ireland v The Cheetahs.

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Simon Easterby to again lead Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa

Side will face currie cup and super rugby opposition on three-match tour in the autumn.

Simon Easterby will again lead an Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa in the autumn. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

Simon Easterby will again lead an Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa in the autumn to play three matches against Currie Cup and Super Rugby opposition. The Irish side will face the Pumas, Western Force and the Cheetahs.

The former Irish flanker will be assisted by Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell, Ireland scrum coach John Fogarty and incoming Ireland backs coach Andrew Goodman, who will leave Leinster at the end of the season.

The squad will assemble at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Dublin on September 25th, before departing for Bloemfontein three days later.

The tour kicks off with a match against Currie Cup side the Pumas in the campaign opener on Wednesday, October 2nd, before going head-to-head with Super Rugby outfit Western Force on Sunday, October 6th. The tour concludes with a game against defending Currie Cup champions the Cheetahs on Wednesday, October 9th, with all matches being played at Toyota Stadium.

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The format, which follows from a successful series in 2022, is designed to challenge the players in a national team environment, providing them with a window to impress the coaches and train and play to the national team’s tactical and technical approach.

Two years ago, Jack Crowley, Calvin Nash and Joe McCarthy were among those who impressed as the team claimed the Toyota Challenge title with wins over the Windhoek Draught Griquas, the Pumas and the Cheetahs.

All three of those players were part of Andy Farrell’s Six Nations-winning squad earlier this year.

“We are delighted to confirm details of a second Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa later this year, the value of which cannot be understated,” said Farrell. “This short three-match window will once again provide an opportunity for players within the system to come into a national team environment, work with the national team coaches and access meaningful game time in a green jersey.

“Ahead of a busy four-match Autumn Nations Series in November, it is important we continue to broaden our selection pool and ensure young players are given every opportunity to further develop and gain an understanding of what is required to perform for Ireland at the highest level.”

Kick-off times and broadcast details will be confirmed later, while the travelling squad will be announced in September.

Emerging Ireland Tour, South Africa 2024

Wednesday, October 2nd: Emerging Ireland v The Pumas; Sunday, October 6th: Emerging Ireland v Western Force; Wednesday, October 9th: Emerging Ireland v The Cheetahs.

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Johnny Watterson is a sports writer with The Irish Times

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Simon Easterby to lead Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa this autumn

EMERGING IRELAND TOUR: Ireland Defence Coach Simon Easterby will lead an Emerging Ireland squad in a tour to South Africa this autumn to play three matches against Currie Cup and Super Rugby opposition. 

Ireland Defence Coach Simon Easterby will lead an Emerging Ireland squad in a tour to South Africa this autumn to play three matches against Currie Cup and Super Rugby opposition. 

The Emerging Ireland squad will face the Pumas in the opening game on Wednesday, October 2 before going head-to-head with Super Rugby side Western Force on Sunday, October 6.

The final game will see Easterby's side face defending Currie Cup champions the Cheetahs on Wednesday, October 9 with all games to be played at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Following a successful 2022 Emerging Ireland Tour, Easterby will once again lead the tour to South Africa with Ireland's Forwards Coach Paul O'Connell, Scrum Coach John Fogarty and incoming Backs Coach Andrew Goodman.

The tour is designed to challenge players in the National Team environment giving them a window of opportunity to impress coaches and train and play to the National Team's tactical and technical approach.

Jack Crowley, Calvin Nash and Joe McCarthy were part of the 2022 Emerging squad who made an impression when the side claimed the Toyota Challenge title with wins over Windhoek Draught Griquas, the Pumas and the Cheetahs with all three progressing to the senior squad and part of the Guinness Six Nations winning side earlier this season.

Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell is delighted with a second Emerging Ireland tour. 

"We are delighted to confirm details of a second Emerging Ireland Tour to South Africa later this year, the value of which cannot be understated. 

"This short three-match window will once again provide an opportunity for players within the system to come into a National Team environment, work with the National Team coaches and access meaningful game time in a green jersey.

"Ahead of a busy four-match Autumn Nations Series in November, it is important we continue to broaden our selection pool and ensure young players are given every opportunity to further develop and gain an understanding of what is required to perform for Ireland at the highest level."

Easterby is looking forward to leading the tour for a second time. 

"The 2022 Tour was of huge value, as evidenced by the cohort of players who have come through and been capped at Test level for Ireland since. 

"It will be a short preparation window leading into three tough matches but that is part of the challenge for the whole group, building connections and getting up to speed to meet the demands of playing in a green jersey."

Confirmation of kick-off times and broadcast details will be announced in due course, with the the squad for the tour set to be announced in September.

Emerging Ireland Tour, South Africa 2024

• Wednesday, 2 October: Emerging Ireland v The Pumas 
• Sunday, 6 October: Emerging Ireland v Western Force 
• Wednesday, 9 October: Emerging Ireland v The Cheetahs

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The world's only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Northern Ireland will transport fans to the heart of the Seven Kingdoms.

Game of Thrones®… it’s aired in over 207 countries, broken ratings records and over eight seasons became one of the most iconic series in television history. Since the very first episode, Northern Ireland was the "Home of Thrones" – the filming location for many of the show’s most memorable moments. Now, a new chapter of the Game of Thrones® story has begun in Northern Ireland.

Game of Thrones Studio Tour invites you to explore behind the scenes of Westeros. Based at the original filming location at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, the unique experience features imagery, sets, original props and costumes – all the things that are guaranteed to excite both passionate fans and TV buffs alike.

L-R: Props and costumes from the series on display at the Studio Tour.

Behind the scenes

The self-guided tour allows you to walk through the original sets, as well as getting up close to the famous costumes, props and set pieces. Step inside the iconic Great Hall at Winterfell where Jon Snow was proclaimed the “King in the North,” see Daenerys Targaryen’s imposing Dragonstone throne, and marvel at the intricate detail in the Hall of Faces.

You can even test your own acting skills in an interactive screen experience before moving on to discover the set design and visual effects that brought Game of Thrones® to life. You’ll find it all here, dragons' eggs, Valyrian steel and even insights into how those mythical characters were created using makeup and prosthetics.

Authentic costumes featured in the Game of Thrones Studio Tour

"Home of Thrones"

Over the past decade, Northern Ireland  has welcomed fans from around the globe to the “real-world Westeros” where they can explore the stunning landscapes, coastlines and mountains that have featured in the show’s most unforgettable scenes.

Now Linen Mills Studios, once a closed film set, is inviting you to stand in the very same spot where some of those scenes were filmed. It's time to step inside the Seven Kingdoms and make your own personal journey through the fantasy world that captured the imaginations of millions.

Production design set, Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Need to know: Game of Thrones Studio Tour

• You must book tickets in advance. Tickets will be scanned on entry so make sure you have them printed out or available to be scanned on your mobile device.
• The Studio Tour is located between Dublin  and Belfast and coach transfers from either city can be included in your ticket purchase.
• There is no car parking onsite so you’ll need to park in the complimentary Studio Tour Car Park nearby and then catch the shuttle bus to the tour entrance.
• A visit to the studio tour will generally take 2-3 hours but as the tour is self-guided, you can spend longer, if you prefer.
• You can buy a digital audio guide when you’re booking your ticket, which you can download once you arrive for your tour.
• If you need to refuel, there are two cafés on the premises that offer snacks and more substantial meals.