The Ultimate Tour of Ireland 2026

You leave Portrush behind, charmed by this small village but ready to explore the bustle of Northern Irelands second biggest city, Derry.

Welcome to the historic walled city of Derry, home to the much loved TV series ‘Derry Girls’. Here, you’ll have ample time to immerse yourself in all that this energetic city has to offer. Choose from walking tours or city bus tours to make the most of your visit and explore as many sites as possible. Alternatively, you can delve deeper into the city’s offerings by visiting its fascinating museums, iconic landmarks, or the striking murals scattered throughout. Enjoy the time however you choose before we set off again for a hilltop fort that will take your imagination on a journey through the ancient past…

From here, you head to County Donegal, and your first stop is the jaw dropping hilltop fort of Grianan of Aileach. Rumoured to the site of the baptism of St Patrick, the neolithic burial chamber dates back to 200 BC. This imposing structure will show the ingenuity and skill of our ancestors, standing strong now even after centuries. You then head into the picturesque Glenveagh National Park and past the soaring peak of Mount Errigal where you will also stop for a well-deserved lunch in beautiful surroundings, before traveling through the traditional fishing villages of the area. Along the way there will be plenty time for walks, photos and soaking up the local culture.

After a few photo stops on the way taking in ruined churches, beaches and glens, we arrive into Donegal in the early evening. Your driver guide will give you a short tour of the town to help you get your bearings before you are free to explore and find somewhere to enjoy an evening meal. (B)

Your overnight accommodation will be in Donegal. (B)

Today, get ready for a day exploring some of the oldest relics in Ireland and the ancient past they reveal. In the morning, you travel south along the coast near Donegal and into County Sligo. This area is home to dramatic views of the gorgeous mountain, Benbulben. There will be a few surprise stops and a comfort break scheduled into this part of your day.

Outside Sligo Town lies Carrowmore, where you can visit the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland, some of which date back over 6,000 years. The scale and significance of this site may leave you awestruck, but hopefully your appetite remains intact, as we next head to the quaint village of Crossmolina for your lunch break.

At Crossmolina, you’ll have time for lunch and to ponder over the landscapes, monuments and stories of the morning.

Moving westwards, you enter County Mayo, an area that was tragically ravaged by the Great Potato Famine. Winding roads curve through the picturesque farmlands, bogs and open moors, offering views of distant hills and the Atlantic coast, where you’ll visit the dramatic Achill Island. Here you have time to savour the rugged sea and peaceful beauty of Keel Beach and the atmospheric deserted village of Slievemore with its 5000-year-old history. The landscape here is more than just beautiful – it’s alive with history, solitude, and soul.

From here, it’s a short drive to Westport, your base for the next two nights, where your guide will provide a quick orientation tour and drop you off at your accommodation. (B)

Your overnight accommodation will be in Westport. 

You depart from Westport and have a short drive of just over an hour to your first stop of the day, Kylemore Abbey.

The beautiful monastery at Kylemore Abbey is truly something to behold. Picture grand buildings and magnificent Victorian gardens that jumped off the pages of a storybook. A treat for both the eyes and soul. Next you Explore the Connemara National Park’s verdant marshes and incredible historical sites before a well earned lunch stop.

Roam Clifden, site of the first transatlantic flight landing, and home to a delightful castle while you pick one of their charming lunch spots to enjoy. The afternoon itinerary is flexible and your guide will ensure you take the route that best suits the weather and the interests of the group while ensuring you get a real off the beaten track adventure. You might want to include the legendary Twelve Bens, a famous jagged mountain range of Connemara, or be enchanted by the seemingly infinite blend of earth and sky at sunset on the Sky Road.

You arrive back in Westport for the evening, why not consider sampling some of their delicious local seafood in the town’s top notch restaurants.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Westport. (B)

Travel inland past Lough Mask to the village of Cong in the heart of Ireland’s lake district. Rows and rows of traditional stone homes provided the setting for John Wayne film classic, “The Quiet man”. You’re free here to visit the local museum devoted to the movie, or discover the magnificently restored 12th-century Cong Abbey.

Your route then weaves through the Maam Valley, a stunning pass lined by gorgeous mountains. Exiting the valley, you head to Galway City, a vibrant harbour city that combines traditional market life with high quality restaurants and pubs. It’s time to discover for yourself why Galway has inspired so many hearts, songs and stories.

Picturesque views, excellent food, and cosy pubs await you in this lively town, where charm and energy blend seamlessly. Your driver-guide will drop you off at your accommodation and then you are free to explore for the rest of the day. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant spirit, discover everything Galway has to offer at your own pace. Known as the cultural and artistic heart of Ireland, this welcoming, colourful city is sure to captivate you with its unique flair.

Evenings in Galway promise unforgettable fun and great crack (good times). Whether you’re savouring fresh local seafood, wandering the vibrant, colourful streets of the Latin Quarter lined with cosy pubs, or tapping your foot to the lively rhythm of an Irish jig, the city comes alive after dark. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and the sounds of traditional Irish music filling the air, you’re bound to create lasting memories and experience a night you’ll treasure for years to come.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Galway. (B)

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

You start the day with joining the new driver-guide and other intrepid fellow travellers on the second leg of your journey. Once you’re on the bus with your new group, the day starts with a short drive along the coast from Galway City to the Burren, one of Ireland’s national treasures which you’ll be keen to explore.

The first stop is the attractive village of Kinvara, where you get a chance to take in the dramatic Dunguaire Castle and discover its remarkable historical legacy but there is more to see so we move on after grabbing some quick snaps. From here you head to the Burren. This is 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 Mountain.

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. Then you head to Dingle, where brightly coloured houses and a lively harbour welcome you. You can spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying fresh seafood in this idyllic setting.

In the evening, you head back to Killarney, with time for a leisurely stroll in the National Park that surrounds the town. If you feel adventurous, you can follow the scenic trails to Ross Castle, a 15th-century fortress standing majestically on the edge of Lough Leane and admire its historic walls and picturesque setting. Alternatively, you can relax in one of the traditional pubs and enjoy live music with a pint of Guinness.

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)

Today, you’ll journey from the charming streets of Killarney toward the legendary Blarney Castle, winding through the rolling hills, verdant valleys, and patchwork fields of County Kerry and Cork. Along the way, catch glimpses of quaint villages, sparkling rivers, and the ever-changing Irish skies.

You start the day by joining the new driver-guide and other intrepid fellow travellers on the third leg of your journey. Once you’re on the bus with your new group, the day starts with a stop for a photo at the Old Head of Kinsale, a headland view that will whack you wide awake.

What’s a visit to a country like Ireland without seeing some of the country’s incredibly preserved stone circles? That’s why our next stop is the eerie Drombeg Stone Circle, known locally as the Druid’s Altar. Back when it was excavated, a burial urn was found in the centre of these 17 standing stones. But whose, we wonder? The next site we take you to is the kind to make you stop and ask, “What on Earth?!” before you whip out your camera. How is perhaps our question. This megalithic tomb has been around since the end of the Stone Age and the finding of bones at the site suggests Altar Wedge Tomb was a sacred site for those in the area.

Now it’s time to visit Ireland’s most southwesterly point on the Wild Atlantic Way, Mizen Head. Feel the power and the raw beauty of the wild Atlantic Ocean crashing up against the rocks below. Cross the bridge to the rugged headland to get that iconic cliff view and even visit the Signal Station. And after absorbing all those vistas, enjoy a bite to eat at the visitor center. Our final stop of the day is the beautiful harbour setting of Bantry Town. Take time here to wander the streets, meet the welcoming locals, or perhaps even stop in for a visit at Bantry House & Gardens, modelled after the ‘palazzos’ seen by the second Earl of Bantry on his travels on the continent.

After a full day of exploring, it’s back to Kinsale for the evening reminiscing about your day over dinner.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Kinsale. (B)

Ready for another day of adventure? How often do you look at something and use the word ‘spectacular’…well, we’re sure you’ll use it today since your first stop is one of the largest military installations in Ireland, Charles Fort. This enormous star-shaped structure has played many vital roles in Irish history, so of course we need to take you here for a quick photo or two of its impressive exterior. We leave Charles Fort behind feeling a little parched but don’t worry our next stop will wet one’s whistle. We are heading to Midleton Distillery.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Ireland without a taste of some traditional Irish Whiskey would it? Midleton Distillery Experience, also known as Jameson, is our next step where you can learn about the history of this iconic spirit, and even have a dram as part of the signature tour. It’s a great chance to grab a bottle to share with friends on your return home.

You make your way to the historic port town of Cobh where you have free time for lunch and to explore at your leisure. 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 explore more about 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.

Tonight, you’ll be staying in the seaport town of Waterford. As we head towards Ireland’s oldest city, we’ll take the scenic coastal route and make a few photo stops along the way. Where, exactly? We like to keep it flexible.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Waterford. (B)

As you explore Jerpoint Abbey, our first stop of the day, you wonder how come we don’t make buildings like this anymore. This Cistercian abbey was founded back in the 12th century and, while now in ruins, you marvel at the remains of its Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

Up next is the city of Kilkenny, sitting snuggly along the banks of the River Nore, a fun mix of modern and medieval. This city’s got a big personality, so we’re giving you plenty of time here to get to know her. First up is an interactive tour at Smithwick’s Experience, where you’ll explore this 18th-century brewery and perhaps even indulge in some of their ale.

After that, how you spend your time in Kilkenny is up to you. With endless shops and restaurants, museums, and even a castle, there’s plenty to do.

Our final stop of the day is to visit one of the largest medieval monuments in Ireland, Kells Priory. Ruins remain today of the priory’s infirmary, workshop, kitchen, mill and more… but it’s the medieval defenses that surround the priory that speak of its military involvement, inspiring the priory’s local name, the ‘Seven Castles of Kells’.

The last day blues are a real thing, we know. We experience it too. But not to worry, since there’s still plenty of adventures to be had today. We head to the town of New Ross, located on the River Barrow, where we visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship. This authentic reproduction of an 1840s emigrant vessel gives visitors an insight into what it was like for those making the journey from Ireland to escape the devastating famine and setting sail for a new life.

You head back out on the road toward Glendalough, with opportunities for a comfort break and for photos at any must-see spots recommended by your driver.

You follow the winding paths to Glendalough, site of an awe-inspiring 6th-century monastic city. Here, numerous churches, crosses and a well-preserved stone tower are nestled among hills and valleys shaped by Ice Age glaciers, waiting to be discovered. Founded by St Kevin, the site is steeped in legend – some say the saint banished a monster from the lake. Feel the serenity of this place as you enjoy refreshments in the visitor café. Now it’s time for something beautiful – a visit to Powerscourt House and Gardens. The stunning views and landscaped grounds surrounding this country estate will keep your attention hooked, from secret hollows to ornamental lakes and statues.

As you leave the serene beauty of Glendalough behind, you begin the journey back to Dublin, winding through the rolling hills and patchwork fields of Wicklow. (B)