Southern Ireland Discovery 2025/2026

A short drive along the coast from Galway City lies the Burren, one of Ireland’s national treasures which you’ll be keen to explore.

The first stop is the charming village of Kinvara, where you get a chance to take in the dramatic Dunguaire Castle and discover its remarkable historical legacy. Next, we head to the Burren, one of Ireland’s most arresting landscapes: a patchwork of glacial limestone pavements, rare flora and ancient stone monuments. The Burren was also home to one of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland. You’ll stop here to visit Corcomroe Abbey, a 13th-century ruined monastery that sits against a backdrop of the Burren Mountains. We take a scenic detour to a very special place, the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a mysterious site overlooking the Burren for thousands of years.

After exploring ancient monuments, we head to Kilfenora, the “town of the crosses,” where you can visit its historic cathedral before enjoying lunch in a nearby charming village. Next, we stop at one of the world’s most iconic coastlines – the Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way. Stand atop soaring sea cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic and admire breathtaking views that stretch as far as the eye can see. In one unforgettable moment, feel the power of nature, the whisper of ancient legends, and Ireland’s raw beauty. And as you stand there, you’ll understand why this place appeared in the movies like The Princess Bride, Leap Year or Harry Potter.

Continuing south through County Clare, we hop on a ferry across the Shannon Estuary and we continue our journey to 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.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Killarney. (B)

Today, your tour explores the fabulous Dingle Peninsula, famous for its scenery and Gaelic culture. 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.

Next your driver will stop at the Fahan Beehive Huts, the distinctive shape of these stone houses will of course be familiar but the design of these early medieval celtic dwellings date back to 2000 BC. This remarkable example dates from 800 AD and still stand today in tribute to the skill of the islands stonemasons. You continue towards Slea Head, an area loaded with ancient forts and prehistoric dwellings and some of the most incredible photo stops you will see on your tour.

Take in the views of the Blasket Islands, an ideal spot for panoramic photos. If the weather permits, enjoy a stroll around Dunmore headland with its beaches and cliff tops to fully embrace the stunning scenery before pausing for lunch. Next, visit the Gallarus Oratory, a 1,000-year-old marvel and the best-preserved church of its kind in Ireland. Standing within its ancient walls, you can only wonder at the lives of those who worshipped here centuries ago. Continuing towards Dingle, stop at the historic Kilmalkedar Church, a national monument along an ancient pilgrim path. This tranquil site invites reflection, its rich history woven with stories of faith and resilience.

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, where you may choose to go for an evening stroll in the National Park that envelops the town.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Killarney. (B)

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, navigating the roads about the valleys, towns, and villages, and through the foothills of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, home to Ireland’s highest mount, Carrauntoohil. You’ll have the option to stop and watch the Kells Bay Sheepdog Trails which your driver can help to arrange.

Next you join the scenic coast road through Glenbeigh on the way to Cahersiveen where you’ll visit the impressive Cahergal Stone Fort, a ring fort outside Portmagee. You can explore and discover the local legends that surround the fort while gazing out over the Atlantic.

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 to find about the ancient community of monks who lived on the rocky island. Later, there’s a photo stop in Charlie Chaplin’s “home away from home” at Waterville, before enjoying fine views at the top of Coomakista pass. Winding down from the peaks, you head to Derrynane House, home of the family O’Connell. Daniel O’Connell, ‘The Liberator of Ireland’, had a very strong bond with this place. Here, you can enjoy a walk in the scenic gardens or along the beach and explore 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.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Killarney. (B)

We set off on your last day of this incredible tour of the southwest of Ireland and head towards Blarney Castle, ready to discover the legend of the Blarney Stone. You will be able to take a short comfort break if needed.

Driving through the stunning Cork countryside, you arrive in Blarney, home to the magnificent 600-year-old Blarney Castle. Nestled in lush gardens, the castle feels like a scene from a fairy tale, complete with chilling dungeons to explore. Climb to the battlements for stunning views and imagine the approach of a medieval siege on the horizon. While the castle itself is impressive, its claim to fame is the Blarney Stone. Legend has it, kissing the stone bestows the “Gift of the Gab,” granting eloquence. Will you join those eager to enhance their conversational prowess?

You’ll stop for lunch in the historic port town of Kinsale. This lovely place bursts with vibrant colours and its welcoming atmosphere. Your driver-guide will drop you off at your accommodation and then you have the rest of the afternoon to explore colourful cafes and seafood restaurants. Maybe you’ll stroll the scenic Scilly Walk to the haunted Charles Fort, or take a harbour cruise to spot wildlife and hear tales of hidden Spanish gold along the coast?

As night falls, wander its winding streets, admire the colourful houses, and soak up the irresistible seaside buzz before another adventurous day tomorrow.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Kinsale. (B)

This is the end of the first leg of your tour so you leave your group and explore Kinsale on your own until the end of today. You will join the second leg of the tour on day 6.

In the morning, you’ll meet your new driver-guide and fellow travellers before heading to the historic port town of Cobh. This was the last port of call for the Titanic on its ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. There is a chance for you to delve into this heartbreaking history at the visitor experience. Alternatively, you can spend your time exploring the rows of colourful houses, or at the Cobh Heritage Centre, which also explores how Cobh became an embarkation point during Ireland’s mass migrations to America, Canada and Australia to name a few. A must see for those exploring their own ancestry in Ireland.

Next, we head east along the Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark famed for its beauty and intricate histories. Your next stop is Dungarvan, a charming harbour town offering wide, inviting sandy beaches. The history here is as deep as the coastline, tracing back to the Stone Age, with archaeological finds of ancient settlements and even woolly mammoth remains. Over the centuries, this area evolved, bearing the mark of many eras, including the impressive 13th-century Anglo-Norman Dungarvan Castle. Take time to savour an early lunch and soak in the surroundings, where every step connects you to the stories of ancient peoples, Norman knights, and coastal settlers.

You continue until you reach Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city founded by Regnall, Viking adventurer and pirate, a grandson of Ivor the Boneless. Today Waterford has managed to preserve this fascinating history while also being a hub for shops, eateries and local pubs. You have free time here to decide how you would like to spend the afternoon. In the late afternoon, you travel north from Waterford to Kilkenny.

Welcome to your home for the evening! This town is a vibrant place with a thriving pub and restaurant culture. After spending the evening here you’re certain to understand why people voted it Ireland’s friendliest city.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Kilkenny. (B)

Kilkenny has many attractions to offer you for your morning, including ancient ruins, stunning gardens, and sacred religious sites. You might consider a visit to Kilkenny Castle, host to exquisite collections and artifacts from its 800 year history. After your morning of exploring this vibrant city it’s time to meet your guide again and head off to discover more of Ireland’s beauty, history and warmth.

You then head north into the Wicklow Mountains, where you’ll be impressed by the National Park’s steep granite mountains. You make a stop in Carlow, often referred to as “The Dolmen County,” a name inspired by the iconic Brownshill Dolmen. This remarkable 6,000-year-old megalithic portal tomb is famed for its massive capstone, believed to be the heaviest in Europe, weighing over 100 metric tonnes. A short drive later you arrive in Hollywood for a pub lunch.

You follow the winding paths to Glendalough, site of an awe-inspiring 6th century monastic city with numerous churches, crosses and a well preserved stone tower. Founded by St Kevin the site is no stranger to myths and legends with some believing the saint himself banished a monster that lived in the lake. Regardless of the truth St Kevin chose a perfect location for this hub of early Christian learning, sitting nestled amongst hills and valleys formed by Ice Age glaciers. You bid farewell to this moving place and begin your scenic drive back to Dublin.

Your guide will take you the scenic road back to Dublin including the breathtaking Sally Gap pass. You’ll maybe enjoy some surprise diversions to enjoy some view points and beauty spots on the road with so many astonishing sights to see. You arrive back in Dublin brimming with stories of Viking pirates, ancient tombs, perilous voyages and an understanding of the lives of Irish people over hundreds of years of history. (B)