Introduction
This is a great tour to get off the beaten track and explore some of the less visited gems of Ireland. The Wild Atlantic Way, 1600 miles (2600 km) in length, is one of the longest coastal routes in the world. It winds its way all along the Irish west coast from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north, down to the picturesque town of Kinsale, County Cork, in the south.
We begin in Dublin and get to explore the capital city before heading south to visit the city of Kilkenny, explore its 12th century Anglo Norman Castle. From here we head westbound to explore the famed region of Kerry and discover the magnificent Atlantic coastline and the Ring of Kerry witnessing Iron Age Forts, Ogham Stones and Old Monasteries in a superb, rugged setting of cliffs and sea. Onward up the coast we encounter the moonscape of The Burren and beautiful lands of Connemara.
From here we head northward along the coast visiting Sligo and Donegal. Be sure to enjoy some Irish music in one of these counties! Crossing the border into Northern Ireland we come to Derry. This is a great city with a troubled past and a city tour is a must. Straddling the coast, we head east and see The Giant's Causeway and visit the Old Bushmills Distillery.
Quick overview by day:
Day
1
DUBLIN ARRIVAL
Day
2
CORK
Day
3
KILLARNEY
Day
4
RING OF KERRY
Day
5
DINGLE PENINSULA – LIMERICK
Day
6
GALWAY
Day
7
CONNEMARA
Day
8
SLIGO
Day
9
DONEGAL
Day
10
DERRY
Day
11
BELFAST
Day
12
DUBLIN
Day
13
DEPARTURE
1
Day 1
DUBLIN ARRIVAL
Welcome to Dublin Airport! Transfer into the city and check into your hotel. Depending on your arrival time spend some time exploring this historic capital city. Perhaps visit Trinity College to see the famous book of Kells, or maybe get to experience the Guinness Storehouse.
Overnight: Dublin area
2
Day 2
CORK
On your way to Cork visit Kilkenny. Kilkenny's heritage is evident in the city and surroundings including the historic buildings such as Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice's Cathedral and round tower, Rothe House, Shee Alms House, Black Abbey and St. Mary's Cathedral.
Overnight: Cork area.
3
Day 3
KILLARNEY
Before you leave Cork explore the English Market. Situated in the heart of Cork City, the English Market is a roofed food market and has been trading since 1788. Alternatively visit the Titanic Experience in Cobh. The location marks the departure point for the last 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic on its fateful maiden voyage to America. Continue onwards to The ‘Kingdom’ of County Kerry.
Overnight: Kerry area
4
Day 4
RING OF KERRY
Today depart for the town of Killarney and visit Killarney National Park and onward to the Ring of Kerry Tour. The Ring of Kerry brings you along the Atlantic Coast and is one of the highlights of a trip to Ireland. Above all, the Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland - see the Iron Age Forts & Ogham Stones, Old Monasteries and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago
Overnight: Kerry area
5
Day 5
DINGLE PENINSULA – LIMERICK
This morning enjoy another beautiful scenic route. The Dingle Peninsula has something to offer to everyone. Among other things: sandy beaches safe for swimming, walking routes for all abilities, a thriving Irish language community, a rich musical tradition, fine dining, sea angling, arts and film festivals, talented craftspersons and some of the best surfing in Ireland.
Overnight: Limerick area
6
Day 6
GALWAY
On the way to Galway you will cross the Burren region, which is often likened to a moonscape because of the lack of vegetation. You can also visit nearby Cliffs of Moher – majestic cliffs which rise 215 metres out of the Atlantic and stretch for more than 7 kilometres. Continue on to Galway City. The centre of the city is conveniently compact enough to ramble around comfortably. Continue on to your overnight hotel.
Overnight: Galway area
7
Day 7
CONNEMARA
Discover the wilderness of Connemara today. Connemara, whose inhabitants still speak Irish, is without doubt the wildest and most romantic part of Ireland. Bewitchingly hidden between mountains and lakes and surrounded by rhododendrens, lies the gothic style Kylemore Abbey. Afterwards visit Connemara National Park. The park includes 1,500 hectares of forest, swamp, highland moors and heaths.
Overnight: Galway area
8
Day 8
SLIGO
On your way through Sligo you can visit the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery which has over 60 stone circle and passage tombs making it one of the largest Stone Age cemeteries in Europe. A must for visitors interested in Archeology. After your visit continue towards Donegal town.
Overnight: Donegal area
9
Day 9
DONEGAL
Today we visit the Slieve League Cliffs. Europe's highest sea cliffs, although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare, Slieve League's Cliffs reach almost three times higher, but you won’t really notice. As most part of Co. Donegal this site is largely untouched by tourism and walks through a largely unspoilt landscape gives you a spectacular view of the coast and the cliff face. Also you can visit the Glenveagh National Park. A spectacular 16,500 hectares (40,000 acres) of scenic mountains, lakes, glens and woods, with a herd of red deer, Glenveagh is one of Ireland's protected natural parks managed by the State. The Visitor Centre houses exhibitions and an audio-visual show on the area.
Overnight: Donegal area
10
Day 10
DERRY
Derry has a heavy historical past and has suffered the 'Troubles'. Today Derry enjoys the advantages of the new peaceful atmosphere in Northern Ireland politics and its city center is again lively and pleasant. You will appreciate a walk in the colorful and well looked after historical city, which boast good shopping, pubs and cafes.
Overnight: Derry area
11
Day 11
BELFAST
En-route to Belfast visit the Giant’s Causeway. The new visitor centre explores the major themes of mythology, geology, landscape, ecology, culture and social history based on the UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of 40,000 basalt polygonal columns formed 60 million years ago after a volcanic eruption. In 2015, Conde Nast Traveler magazine included hopping the stones of the Giant's Causeway as one of the '50 things to do in Europe before you die'. Also you can visit the Old Bushmills Distillery. A guided visit commences with an excellent short film on the history and distillation of Irish whiskey, followed by a 20-minute tour of the distillery. The visit finishes in the distillery pub with a tasting
Overnight: Belfast area
12
Day 12
DUBLIN
Depart for Dublin and visit the Boyne Valley. The Boyne valley is without a doubt the most historical region of the whole island, therefore it is not surprising to find here the most important Irish monuments such as Newgrange, Knowth or Loughcrew Cairns. These are megalithic tombs, dating from 2500 B.C, located along the valley of the river Boyne.
Overnight: Dublin area
13
Day 13
DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight back home.
Trip Details
Our trips are tailor-made to suit your requirements. Contact a travel expert for a comprehensive itinerary and pricing:
US$ 450+ per person per day (based on 5-star hotels)
US$ 450 – 400 per person per day (based on 4-star hotels)
US$ 400 – 350 per person per day (based on 3-star hotels)
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