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Escape To The South West
Visit: Clonmacnoise - Galway Town - Cliffs of Moher - The Burren - Dingle Peninsula - Ring of Kerry - Torc Waterfall - Blarney Castle - Kilkenny
Duration: 5-Day Tour (09.00-19.30 hours)
Schedule: Every Monday (06/04/20-28/09/20)
Every Tuesday (14/04/20-22/09/20) – except (26/05/20)
Every Thursday (02/04/20-22/10/20) – except 28/05/20)
Every Saturday (02/05/20-19/09/20) – except (30/05/20,20/06/20 & 01/08/20)
Every Sunday (05/04/20-18/10/20 & 07/03/21-28/03/21)
AND Every Wednesday (06/05/20-28/10/20) – except (27/05/20)
AND Every Friday (15/05/20-18/09/20) – except (29/05/20)
Explore one of Ireland’s most spectacular regions on this five day tour of Ireland.
You’ll capture Atlantic waves crashing against rugged cliffs, impressive castles looming over ancient monasteries, and cities bursting with myth and mystery.
It’s a tour that’s perfect for people who like their mountains mighty, their music merry, and their memories magnificent.
Leaving Dublin, you head west through the farmlands and peat bogs of County Kildare and Offaly. Locke’s 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.
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.
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 envelops the town.
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
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 there may even be the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and receive the “gift of the gab”!
In the afternoon, the tour heads to the heritage town of Cahir, where there’s a distinctive island castle in the River Suir.
The final stop of the tour is Kilkenny, a bustling city with a fine Castle, riverside walks, and an impressive National Craft Centre. There’s also the chance for one last Guinness before heading back on the road again for the last leg of the journey. You arrive back into Dublin in the evening.
Inclusion
All road tolls and the Killimer - Tarbet ferry
Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
Air conditioning as standard
The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
All rates are inclusive of Breakfast unless stated otherwise.
Exclusion
Entry fees to visitor attractions
International Airfares
Optional activities
Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
Travel and medical insurance
Any items not mentioned as included
Note
All Tours departing from Dublin
Child supplement available on request.
All Tours are operated on mini and midi-coaches and with very experienced driver-guides.
Luggage - You’re restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person on our tours. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
Important information - Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
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