11 Day Complete Ireland Small Group Tour

Welcome to Ireland! This morning make your own way to meet your driver-guide and the rest of your group at the pick-up location. Depart Dublin at 09:00, and journey north towards Belfast, with a brief comfort stop at Stephentown Pond Nature Park along the way. On arrival in Belfast, begin a short city tour covering the capital’s triumphs, tragedies and soul. Visit the globally recognised Falls Road, known for its striking murals depicting key events, figures and political messages from Northern Ireland’s complex past, particularly during The Troubles. Continue to the famous Titanic Quarter, the regenerated waterfront area where the legendary liner was built and launched in 1911.

Enjoy time for lunch and explore the area at your leisure, with options including the Titanic Experience, a hop-on hop-off city bus tour or one of the historic navy ships docked nearby. Your guide will be able to assist with choosing an experience to suit your interests. Continue along the northern coastline with a short tea break in Ballycastle before arriving at the spectacular Giant’s Causeway.

Explore the Giant’s Causeway, home to around 40,000 hexagonal-shaped stepping stones created by volcanic activity almost 60 million years ago. Or is that what they want us to think? Legend has it that the Causeway was once a bridge linking Ireland to Scotland, created by two duelling giants! We’ll let you decide which story to believe. Afterwards, continue to Portrush, where you’ll enjoy a free evening to have dinner and explore this charming seaside town.

PICK-UP LOCATION:Dublin Nassau Street Pick Up, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin. Boarding starts at 8:45 and closes at 9:00

MEALS:Nil

OVERNIGHT: Traditional B&B , Portrush

This morning, leave Portrush behind and continue towards Derry, Northern Ireland’s second-largest city. On arrival, explore the historic walled city, famously known as the home of the much-loved TV series Derry Girls. Enjoy some free time to discover the city at your own pace, with options including walking or bus tours, fascinating museums, historic landmarks and the striking murals throughout the city.

Continue into County Donegal and visit the impressive hilltop fort of Grianan of Aileach, a remarkable ancient structure dating back to around 200 BC and steeped in history and legend. From here, travel through the picturesque Glenveagh National Park, passing the soaring peak of Mount Errigal before stopping for lunch in the beautiful surroundings. Continue through the traditional fishing villages of the region, with opportunities along the way for beach walks, photographs and soaking up the unique character of County Donegal.

Arrive into Donegal in the early evening, where your driver guide will give you a short tour of the town before you have some free time to explore at your leisure and find somewhere to enjoy dinner.

MEALS:Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Traditional B&B , Donegal

This morning, depart Donegal and travel south along the coast towards County Sligo, with dramatic views of the beautiful Benbulben mountain along the way. Enjoy a few surprise stops and a comfort break as you travel through this scenic part of Ireland, before arriving at Carrowmore, just outside Sligo Town. Discover the Megalithic Tombs of Carrowmore, home to the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland, with some dating back over 6,000 years. Take time to explore this remarkable glimpse into Ireland’s ancient past before continuing to the quaint village of Crossmolina for lunch.

After lunch, continue west into County Mayo, an area deeply affected by the Great Potato Famine. Travel through picturesque farmland, bogs and open moors towards the Atlantic coast and dramatic Achill Island. Here, enjoy time to take in the rugged beauty of Keel Beach and explore the atmospheric deserted village of Slievemore, with its 5,000-year history. The landscape is not only beautiful, but filled with history, stories and character.

Later, make the short journey to Westport, your base for the next two nights. Your guide will give you a brief orientation of the town before dropping you at your accommodation, leaving you free to enjoy the evening at your leisure.

MEALS:Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Traditional B&B , Westport

This morning, depart Westport and enjoy a short drive to your first stop of the day, the magnificent Kylemore Abbey. Set amongst the stunning Connemara landscape, this beautiful monastery is truly something to behold, with grand buildings and magnificent Victorian gardens that seem to have jumped straight from the pages of a storybook. Continue into Connemara National Park, exploring its beautiful landscapes, verdant marshes and fascinating historical sites before stopping for a well-earned lunch.

This afternoon, head off the beaten track and explore Clifden, known as the landing site of the first transatlantic flight and home to the charming Clifden Castle. Your afternoon is flexible, with your guide choosing the best route based on the weather and interests of the group. You may discover the legendary Twelve Bens mountain range or take in the spectacular scenery along the Sky Road, where the land and sky seem to stretch endlessly towards the Atlantic.

Later, return to Westport for a free evening.

MEALS:Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Traditional B&B , Westport

This morning, travel inland past Lough Mask to the charming village of Cong, nestled in the heart of Ireland’s lake district. Famous as the setting for the classic John Wayne film The Quiet Man, you’ll have time to visit the local museum dedicated to the movie or explore the beautifully restored 12th-century Cong Abbey. Continue through the spectacular Maam Valley, a stunning mountain pass surrounded by dramatic scenery, before arriving in Galway City. This vibrant harbour city is known for its traditional markets, excellent restaurants, lively pubs and rich cultural scene, so it’s time to discover for yourself why Galway has inspired so many hearts, songs and stories.

This afternoon, your driver-guide will drop you at your accommodation and you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore Galway at your own pace. Wander the colourful streets, sample the local food or soak up the atmosphere of this lively city, known as the cultural and artistic heart of Ireland.

This marks the end of the first leg of your tour, so you’ll leave your group and enjoy Galway independently for the remainder of today, before rejoining the second leg of the tour on Day 6. This evening, experience Galway after dark, whether enjoying fresh local seafood, exploring the lively Latin Quarter or settling into a cosy pub to enjoy some traditional Irish music and a little bit of good craic.

MEALS:Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Traditional B&B , Galway

This morning, join your new driver-guide and fellow travellers for the second leg of your journey, departing Galway and travelling along the coast towards the Burren, one of Ireland’s most remarkable natural landscapes. Your first stop is the charming village of Kinvara, where you’ll see the dramatic Dunguaire Castle and discover its fascinating history before continuing into the Burren. Explore this unique landscape of limestone pavements, rare flora and ancient stone monuments, including a visit to the 13th-century Corcomroe Abbey, a beautiful ruined monastery set against the Burren Mountains.

Continue to Kilfenora, known as the “town of the crosses”, where you can visit its historic cathedral before stopping for lunch in a nearby village. This afternoon, visit one of Ireland’s most iconic sights, the Cliffs of Moher. Standing high above the Atlantic along the Wild Atlantic Way, the cliffs offer breathtaking coastal views and have provided the backdrop for films including The Princess Bride, Leap Year and Harry Potter.

Continue south through County Clare and cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry before arriving in Killarney, your base for the next three nights. This evening, enjoy some free time to explore the town, with plenty of traditional pubs, live music and great places to enjoy dinner.

MEALS:Breakfast

OVERNIGHT:Traditional B&B , Killarney

This morning, explore the spectacular Dingle Peninsula, famous for its dramatic scenery and rich Gaelic culture. Begin at Inch Beach, a vast stretch of golden sand overlooking the Atlantic, before continuing along the narrow coastal roads towards Dingle. Continue to the Fahan Beehive Huts, remarkable early medieval Celtic dwellings built from stone and dating back to around 800 AD. From here, travel towards Slea Head, an area filled with ancient forts, prehistoric dwellings and some of the most spectacular views and photo stops of the tour.

Take in panoramic views across the Blasket Islands and, weather permitting, enjoy a walk around the Dunmore headland and its beaches and cliff tops before stopping for lunch. Continue to the Gallarus Oratory, a remarkably preserved 1,000-year-old stone church and one of Ireland’s most fascinating ancient sites. Later, visit the historic Kilmalkedar Church, a national monument situated along an ancient pilgrim path, before continuing to Dingle.

Spend some time enjoying the brightly coloured houses, lively harbour and delicious seafood of Dingle before returning to Killarney in the evening. With the remainder of the evening free, you may wish to take a relaxing stroll through the beautiful National Park surrounding the town. v

MEALS:Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Traditional B&B , Killarney

This morning, explore the spectacular Ring of Kerry, travelling through scenic valleys, charming towns and villages beneath the foothills of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, home to Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. You’ll also have the option to stop and watch the Kells Bay Sheepdog Trails, which your driver can help arrange. Continue along the scenic coast road through Glenbeigh towards Cahersiveen, where you’ll visit the impressive Cahergal Stone Fort near Portmagee. Explore this ancient ring fort, hear some of the local legends and take in the views towards the Atlantic.

Stop for lunch in the quaint fishing village of Portmagee, or choose to visit nearby Valentia Island and the Skellig Experience to discover the story of the ancient monks who lived on the remote Skellig Islands. Continue to Waterville for a photo stop at one of Charlie Chaplin’s favourite places before taking in the spectacular views from Coomakista Pass. Later, visit Derrynane House, the former home of Daniel O’Connell, known as the ‘Liberator of Ireland’, where you can explore the house, gardens and scenic beach.

Continue around the Ring of Kerry with stops at Moll’s Gap and the famous Ladies View before enjoying a short walk to Torc Waterfall. From here, return to Killarney for a free evening.

MEALS:Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Traditional B&B , Killarney

Today you will set off from Killarney on the final day of this leg of your journey through southwest Ireland, travelling towards Blarney Castle. Enjoy a short comfort break along the way before continuing through the beautiful Cork countryside. Arrive in Blarney and discover the magnificent 600-year-old Blarney Castle, set amongst lush gardens and fascinating historic surroundings. Explore the castle and its atmospheric dungeons before climbing to the battlements for spectacular views. Of course, no visit is complete without discovering the famous Blarney Stone, which legend says will bestow the ‘Gift of the Gab’ upon anyone who kisses it!

Continue to the historic port town of Kinsale, where you’ll stop for lunch before checking in to your accommodation. Spend the afternoon exploring this colourful seaside town at your own pace, perhaps enjoying its cafés and seafood restaurants.

As evening falls, wander Kinsale’s winding streets, admire its colourful houses and soak up the lively seaside atmosphere. This marks the end of the second leg of your tour, so you’ll leave your group and enjoy Kinsale independently for the remainder of today, before rejoining the third leg of your journey on Day 10.

MEALS:Breakfast

OVERNIGHT:Traditional B&B , Kinsale

This morning, meet your new driver-guide and fellow travellers as you begin the third leg of your journey. Travel to the historic port town of Cobh, the Titanic’s last port of call on its ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. Here, you can explore the Titanic visitor experience or discover the town’s colourful streets and Cobh Heritage Centre, which tells the story of Ireland’s mass migration to destinations including America, Canada and Australia. Continue east along the Copper Coast, a UNESCO Global Geopark renowned for its spectacular scenery and fascinating history. Arrive in Dungarvan, a charming harbour town with beautiful sandy beaches and a history stretching back to the Stone Age. Discover its ancient past and impressive 13th-century Anglo-Norman castle before enjoying an early lunch and taking in the coastal surroundings.

Continue to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, founded by Viking adventurer Reginald. With its fascinating Viking history alongside shops, restaurants and lively pubs, you’ll have free time to explore the city at your own pace. Later, travel north to Kilkenny, your base for the evening.

This evening, enjoy some free time to explore Kilkenny, known for its vibrant pub and restaurant scene and welcoming atmosphere.

MEALS:Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Traditional B&B, Kilkenny

This morning, enjoy some free time to explore the vibrant city of Kilkenny, with plenty of attractions to discover including ancient ruins, beautiful gardens and historic religious sites. You might choose to visit Kilkenny Castle, home to impressive collections and artefacts spanning its 800-year history. After your morning exploring the city, meet your guide and continue your journey through Ireland’s history and scenery. Travel north into the Wicklow Mountains, passing through the scenic countryside and stopping in Carlow, known as the “Dolmen County”. Here, discover the remarkable Brownshill Dolmen, a 6,000-year-old megalithic portal tomb with a huge capstone weighing over 100 tonnes. Continue to the village of Hollywood for a traditional pub lunch before heading into the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

Continue to Glendalough, home to an impressive 6th-century monastic settlement founded by St Kevin. Explore the ancient churches, crosses and remarkably preserved stone tower, surrounded by the beautiful valleys and lakes of the Wicklow Mountains. Steeped in myths and legends, this peaceful setting was once an important centre of early Christian learning.

Later, begin your scenic journey back to Dublin via the spectacular Sally Gap, with opportunities for surprise stops at viewpoints and beauty spots along the way. Arrive back in Dublin at approximately 6:30pm, bringing your journey through Ireland to a close.

DROP-OFF LOCATION:6.30pm (approx.) Dublin Nassau Street Drop Off, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin

MEALS:Breakfast