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.
Option A:
Day 1: Dublin – Connemara National Park – Galway
Day 2: Galway – Cliffs of Moher & Burren Region – Killarney
Day 3: Killarney – Dingle Peninsula - Dingle (overnight)
Day 4: Dingle – Blarney Castle – Dublin
Option B:
Day 1: Dublin – Connemara National Park – Galway
Day 2: Galway – Cliffs of Moher & Burren Region – Killarney
Day 3: Killarney – Ring of Kerry - Killarney
Day 4: Killarney – Blarney Castle – Dublin
Start the day with private collection direct from your doorstep. Heading west from Dublin with your private tour vehicle and driver- guide, your route takes you through the ‘peat bogs’ and pastures of the Irish midlands. A popular first stop is the small but beautiful village of Cong, in Co. Mayo. Fans of the popular 1952 film ‘The Quiet Man’ starring John Wayne & Maureen O’Hara may find the landscape familiar. Enjoy time to explore the village’s top sights including Cong Abbey and Ashford Castle- retreat of the rich and famous.
It’s then back on the road for an incredible drive through the region known as Connemara, full of wild picture- postcard landscapes and history (this was a key region in the story of the Potato Famine, which struck Ireland between 1845-49). Your guide will fill you in on the historic effect of the famine on generations of Irish to come and you’ll have ample opportunity to photograph the region’s many lake, mountain and coastal views. Perhaps pause in the quaint Atlantic- side village of Spiddal (An Spidéal) where the native Irish tongue still predominates – indeed, there is no experience quite as authentic as being greeted by a local with a ‘cúpla focail’ (few words) of Irish.
A short drive south takes us as far as Galway City – an atmospheric Univeristy town that combines a distinctly Gaelic feel with traditional and modern influences, culture and music. Our guests always enjoy an evening in Galway and you will have plenty of time to enjoy the culinary scene and nightlife that Galway offers (imagine a pint of the black stuff and a sing-a-long to a live version of ‘Galway Girl’ in one of the city’s great pubs).
Your driver will collect you this morning following a leisurely breakfast. Today promises some fantastic sights as we continue along the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ – a route celebrated by the world’s leading travel publications, including ‘Lonely Planet’, “Travel + Leisure” and “Conde Nast”. Quick stops at Dunguaire Castle and ruined Corcomroe Abbey offer a glimpse into the medieval past before the journey continues into the geological wonderland of the limestone Burren region.
The Burren is a unique region with a range of flora and fauna thriving in what appears at first glance to be a desolate rocky plateau. Your driver can recommend great locations for a quick ramble around this lunar landscape! Just in time for lunch we’ll enter the Atlantic-side village of Doolin, Co. Clare – which is renowned as the spiritual home of Irish traditional music. Although most music is spontaneous and takes place late in the evening, there are a small handful of authentic pubs and eateries serving wholesome Irish cuisine. Popular options include O’Connor’s and Fitzer’s.
Refreshed after lunch you’ll make the short drive to the Cliffs of Moher. High above the Atlantic Ocean – the Cliffs offer a breathtaking vista out out to sea. Standing at the very edge of Western Europe you’ll be rewarded with views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay on clear days. Straddle the edge of the Old World and the New and realise how small you are in the expanse of nature. Many guests also enjoy a visit to the ‘Atlantic Edge’ exhibition, café and gift shop.
From the Cliffs of Moher, your adventure continues – across the River Shannon and as far as Co. Limerick, where you’ll enjoy a photo and refreshment stop at medieval Bunratty Castle. The route to Killarney usually takes us through the heritage town of Adare – which is lined with flowers and cute thatched cottages. Arrive in Killarney in time for an evening of ‘ceol agus craic’ (music and laughter) or a good night’s sleep.
The third day of your itinerary is focused around the stunning ‘Kingdom’ of Co. Kerry,
which boasts national parks, breathtaking Atlantic peninsulas and Ireland’s largest mountain range. We’ll visit Killarney National Park where some previous guests have opted for a horseback, or horse and cart ride through the beautiful natural surroundings.
A short onward drive takes us to the magical Dingle Peninsula. National Geographic once referred to the Peninsula as the world’s ‘most beautiful’ and you’ll understand why as your journey unfolds today. The small and traditional Irish fishing village of Dingle (or “An Daingean” in Gaelic) has been used as the location of Hollywood films ‘Ryan’s Daughter’ and ‘Far And Away’. If you are lucky, the town’s best-known native may make an appearance. ‘Fungi’ the Dolphin has entertained visitors for decades with his activities in the harbour. Highlights this afternoon include Slea Head (the last parishes before America) and ancient “beehive huts” (clochán) – amazing archaeology.
Your overnight stay will be in one of the peninsula’s tiny villages – we highly recommend a night out here amongst the friendly locals – who will be sure to show you the ‘hundred thousand welcomes’ that we Irish are known for.
Your fourth day of touring will begin with a relaxing drive through the mountainous region which runs through counties Cork and Kerry, stopping at Blarney Castle – the magical medieval castle that has been enchanting guests to Ireland for many years! Discover the historic interiors of the castle and immaculately kept gardens, which are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Kissing the Blarney Stone is not to be missed while here – as it has long been touted as gifting you with the unique Irish ‘gift of the gab’! Following your castle visit, you’ll have the chance to stop at the tax-free Blarney Woolen Mills. Shop until you drop here for one-of-a-kind knitted clothes, accessories and gifts! Enjoy time for lunch at your leisure, before beginning the drive back towards Dublin city. En route, you’ll pass through the lush green fields of the ‘Golden Vale’ of counties Cork and Tipperary.
Arrive back in Dublin early evening and enjoy drop- off at Dublin Airport or your Dublin accommodation. Those of you who are staying a little longer can ask your guide for some final recommendations for heading out and about in this wonderful capital city!
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.