Tour from Dublin
Tours are priced individually according to the route, group size, distances & hours required, date(s) in question, start & end locations, overnight locations (where applicable) and remaining supply at time of booking.
"Chloe, we're now back stateside and wanted to let you know we had a great time. You were right in advising us that one day is not really enough for this trip from Dublin but we managed to get the Aran sweaters and Claddagh rings we were after. We'll have to come back again to experience everything the west coast has to offer! Cheers," - CK, Malibu, California, United States
Enjoy private collection this morning from your chosen location in Dublin. Your local driver- guide will take you on an Irish adventure that you’ll never forget. Your journey westward will be broken by a short coffee stop – before continuing on to reach the charming village of Cong, on the border of counties Galway and Mayo.
You might recognize the location from Hollywood Blockbuster ‘The Quiet Man’, starring John Wayne & Maureen O’Hara- a hit on both sides of the Atlantic in 1952. Enjoy an hour in this traditional Irish country village for an early lunch with several pubs and cafes to choose from. If the weather is fine perhaps explore the seventh century Augustinian Abbey ruins or take a peek into the grounds of Ashford Castle, Ireland’s most exclusive celebrity retreat.
Refreshed, it’s time to move ahead with your journey – which will take you past Lough Corrib, the second largest of Ireland’s lakes. Observe a wide variety of Irish wildlife and enjoy the serene lake views (with more than 350 islands). Your driver through Connemara National Park will be characterised by mountain, valley and lake views – an amazing experience for city dwellers.
Perhaps ask your driver to pause in the little village of ‘Spiddal’. Relatively unremarkable at first you’ll soon notice the distinctive Celtic lilt of the ancient Irish language. Very few places remain in Ireland where the traditional tongue prevails – and Spiddal is one of the cherished few – situated in the heart of the Irish ‘Gaeltacht’ (predominantly Irish-speaking region). Soak up the atmosphere and order your coffee ‘as Gaelige’ (in the Gaelic tongue).
It is a short onward drive to Galway, otherwise known as the ‘city of the Tribes’. Famous for so much more than the hit song ‘Galway Girl’ (although you’re sure to hear a few renditions from street musicians along the way), Galway is a unique blend of ancient, traditional, arty and trendy.
Sightseers can look forward to highlights such as St. Nicholas’ Cathedral, lively Shop Street with its live traditional musicians, Spanish Arch and the buzzing university quarter. Culture seekers will delight in charming traditional pubs, world famous oysters and authentic local shopping options including Claddagh rings and Aran sweaters.
Thirsty guests might try a pint of local favourite “Galway Hooker” (a pale ale named after the traditional boat of the region). Recommended pubs include “Neáchtain’s” and “Tigh Chóilí”
As the sun sets over Galway Bay (seasonal) the day is coming to a close and we must bid farewell to the west of Ireland. Enjoy the leisurely private drive back to Dublin – arriving in good time for late dinner reservations or simply an evening of quiet reflection on your journey.
NB: This is a 12 hour tour from Dublin with recommended hours of 08:00 – 20:00 (or consecutive equivalent)
You will receive your ticket (featuring your booking number) via email immediately at time of booking. There is no need to print the ticket. If you wish, you can simply show it on your phone or tablet.