Ireland’s Wild South – 7 Day Tour

Departing from The Ashling Hotel, Parkgate Street, Arran Quay, Dublin 8 at 9am.

Your adventure starts off in Dublin, Ireland’s capital, also known as the Fair City. Your direction is south to the rebel county of Ireland, Cork, and its wild Atlantic coastline.

Along the way, take a stop off at the Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone and home of the High Kings of Ireland. After lunch, continue your journey towards Cork, which is the starting point of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and where that evening you can relax and savour its picturesque setting and friendly atmosphere.

Rise and shine for an adventure along the wild and spectacular coastline of Cork and climb over mountain passes to reach the majestic setting of Killarney.

Along the way, stop off at a Stone Age tomb called the Altar Wedge Tomb, which sits dramatically on the waterfront overlooking Toormore Bay. Continue your journey towards one of Ireland’s most southerly point, Mizen Head. You have the option of visiting the Mizen Head Signal Station* or take a stroll along the golden strand of Barleycove beach.

After a bite to eat, make your way over the mountainous terrain that separates Cork and Kerry before arriving in the picturesque town of Killarney. It is home to Ireland’s first national park with spectacular glistening lakes, beautiful nature, great food, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere.

*Mizen Head Signal Station only available from Mid-March to October.

Dingle is our destination today, as we explore these dramatic and beautiful areas of Ireland that are littered with archaeological and historical wonders. 

Our first stop off is at Inch beach, famous for being the place where an inch is actually three miles long and where we take a short stroll along its golden sands and watch long rolling waves that come crashing ashore. Once aboard we head due west to the edge of Europe, also known as Slea Head. Feast your eyes on breathtaking scenery of wild rugged coastline, golden beaches and the magnificent Blasket Islands. We continue our journey around this rich and vibrant peninsula exploring its vast Gaelic culture and learning a cupla focal (some words) in Irish along the way. 

We will also visit and have lunch in the colourful and vibrant town of Dingle before we make our way back to Killarney where that evening, you can experience great food offerings, vibrant musical nightlife or take a stroll through its majestic national park. 

Today’s adventure takes you off the beaten track to unlock the real beauty of the world famous Ring of Kerry. Considered one of the most beautiful destinations to explore in Ireland, the Ring of Kerry offers dramatic landscapes of wild rugged coastline, golden beaches, glistening lakes, picturesque villages and spectacular mountain ranges.   

Even better, we will take you on an incredible tour of the spectacular Valentia Island where you can delve into its incredible history and heritage, explore its magical setting on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and if you are lucky get a glimpse (weather permitting) of the dramatic Skellig Islands (Star Wars famed). After a well-earned bite to eat, we slowly make our way back to Killarney stopping off at many spectacular viewing points to learn of their historical importance and the opportunity to take that picture that will ensure an everlasting memory of paradise.

Today is your chance to discover the majestic setting of Killarney and Ireland’s first National Park. You can choose to relax and unwind, explore its national park and vibrant town or take one of many adventure experiences to truly discover Killarney. 

In terms of experiences, you have the opportunity to take a majestic kayak tour on the lakes of Killarney to a mystical island called Innisfallen, a gentle guided hike of Torc Mountain with magical view of the Lakes of Killarney from its summit, explore Muckross Estate which is home to a spectacular 15th Century Franciscan Friary, Torc Waterfall and the majestic setting of Muckross House & Gardens  by bicycle or walking. Finally combine one of those experiences with a mesmerising kayak tour on the Lakes of Killarney.

That afternoon, we set off in a northerly direction crossing the River Shannon on route to the edge of Europe and the spectacular setting of the Cliffs of Moher. That night we will stay in the beautiful coastal setting of Lahinch and a chance for you to experience great traditional music sessions, fantastic food and of course meet the locals.

This morning make our way to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. This ‘must see’ wonder of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher, stretches for almost 10 KM and will capture your eyes and imagination as you gaze out in awe of its impressive setting. 

Take the opportunity to explore the fantastic interpretation centre that will show you how this marvelous creation was shaped by nature’s hand and learn about its unique geological makeup.

After a bite to eat, continue north through the remarkable moon-like terrain of the wild Burren on route to the bohemian capital of Ireland, Galway. That afternoon, take the opportunity to soak in it’s vibrant streets, sample its wide variety of food offerings or take a tour exploring its unique historical places of interest.

We depart Galway at 9:30am and take the road back east, crossing the River Shannon on route to the fair city of Dublin where that afternoon you can either rest or take the opportunity to explore and experience Dublin’s vibrant streets of music, culture and food. 

Arriving back to The Ashling Hotel, Parkgate Street, Arran Quay, Dublin 8 at 1:00 pm.