Compare Iconic Ireland by G Adventures vs Hiking Ireland’s Coastal Northwest by Road Scholar

Day 1 Dublin

Arrive at any time.

We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this lively city. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Please note that due to space restrictions aboard our transportation, there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. We recommend bringing an additional daypack for essentials and everyday items. Please visit the "What to take" section on the Trip details tab for more information.

Day 2 Dublin

Set out this morning to explore Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592. Visit its famed library and view the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating to the ninth century. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore the city's Medieval Quarter, visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, set foot in Dublin Castle, or tour a whiskey distillery. In the evening, dine on Irish fare, accompanied by storytelling and traditional music, in a traditional Irish pub.

Day 3 Cork

Travel to the charming city of Cork and set out on an orientation walk; then spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. Choose to visit the Cork County Gaol—a former prison—or learn about the voyage of the Titanic in the original ticket office of the White Star Line. Wander the stalls at the historic English Market or settle into a pub for a locally brewed pint of Murphy’s Irish Stout.

Cork is known for its many universities, theatres, art schools and general diversity and culture. With many immigrants settling in this inviting city, it's easy to find different types of foods, shops and cafés lining the streets.

Day 4 Blarney/Killarney

Begin the day with a visit to Blarney Castle, built nearly 600 years ago and now one of the most iconic sights in Ireland. Climb a flight of steps to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, a ritual said to grant the gift of the gab. Continue to Killarney for an afternoon spent tasting whiskey and chocolate with a local expert. In the evening, opt to enjoy a traditional Celtic dance performance.

The lovely town of Killarney bristles with history, culture and stunning natural beauty. Located on the shores of Lough Leane, adjacent to Killarney National Park, it is surrounded by rolling green hills, lakes and forests.

Day 5 Killarney

Set out on a full-day excursion around the famed Ring of Kerry, considered one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. Take in stunning views of the Iveragh Peninsula’s windswept coast and lush, wild forests. View historic castles, churches, and seaside villages before returning to Killarney for a night at leisure.

Day 6 Galway

Travel to Galway, a historic harbor city on the west coast of Ireland and the gateway to the Galway Gaeltacht, one of the country’s few remaining Irish-speaking regions. Take a guided walking tour of the old city, delving into the history of conquest that has shaped Irish culture, and getting a taste of the city’s reputation as a hub for art and music.

Day 7 Cliffs of Moher/Galway

This morning, head to the stunning Cliffs of Moher and board a boat for a coastal cruise. Enjoy exceptional views of one of Ireland’s most well-known natural wonders from water level, keeping an eye out for seabirds, such as puffins, that call this special protected area home. After the cruise, spend time at the visitor center before returning to Galway to enjoy a free evening exploring the local arts scene or wandering historic streets.

Day 8 Dublin

Return to Dublin this morning and enjoy a free afternoon to explore Ireland's dynamic capital. Stroll among the colorful gardens of St. Stephen's Green, pop into historic pubs in Temple Bar, or view the famed bog bodies housed in the National Museum of Ireland. Opt to visit the Guinness Storehouse for insights into the history of beer and a taste of their famed stout, then gather for an optional farewell dinner with your group at a local restaurant.

Day 9 Dublin

Depart at any time.

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Belfast, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Letterkenny

Getting on/off motorcoach. Approximate transfer time is 3 hours. Hotel check-in at 2:00 p.m.

On the way to the hotel, we will enjoy an overview of Ireland and its history from our Group Leader. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Unless otherwise noted, dinners on this program are typically a 3-course set menu. Breakfasts will offer a typical European-style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea, and water. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals. Each morning we will purchase lunch at our own cost for our day’s hike, and carry it in our individual daypacks. The Group Leader and a local expert will lead the hikes and walks. Transfers will be by private motorcoach. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure.

We will enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 National Parks of Glenveagh Letterkenny

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving 1 hour, 32 miles. Up to 9 miles of walking split between the morning and afternoon for about 3.5 hours on mixed terrain and natural trails. The morning walk will be 5 miles with time for an extra castle loop (1 mile) on your own.

We will set out to explore the National Parks of Glenveagh, arriving by motorcoach. Between fuchsias and rhododendrons, our way leads over a small hill down to Lough Beagh. The 9-mile walk will be split between the morning and the afternoon.

Surrounded by forest, Glenveagh Castle also features interesting botanical gardens. During the walk, we will explore the castle and botanical garden and learn about local flora and fauna during a field lecture.

After returning to the hotel, the rest of the evening is at leisure.

Hotel buffet.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At a local restaurant.

Day 4 Horn Head Donegal

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving up to 3.5 hours throughout the day with multiple stops; approx. 110 miles. Up to 3.5 miles of walking up to 3 hours on mixed terrain and natural trails, including bogland, high heather, and cliff trails.

We will check out of the hotel. Leaving Letterkenny, we will have a beautiful drive northwest to reach the small town of Dunfanaghy. From there, we will continue to the northwest tip of this region to reach Horn Head. With glorious views across Sheephaven Bay and Tory Island, we will enjoy a lovely coastal walk around Horn Head.

We will then drive to Donegal town, stopping on the way to discover ancient dolmens. On an expert-led, hike, we will discover ancient dolmens and see a small exhibition on the history and geology of the area in Kilclooney. We will then transfer to the hotel.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own.

Hotel meal.

Day 5 Slieve League Cliffs Donegal

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 2 hours, 100 miles. Up to 4.5 miles of walking for 4.5 hours on mixed terrain and natural trails.

We will transfer from Donegal to Slieve League to visit some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, Slieve League. The roaring Atlantic waves, up to 2000-foot high cliffs, and the ever-changing cloud formations are a dramatic spectacle. One could gaze out over the rugged coastline for hours, watching the flight of birds.

We’ll travel back to the hotel in Donegal.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own.

Explore local fare on your own in Donegal.

Day 6 Benbulben, Sligo Galway

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 4.5 hours with multiple stops, around 147 miles. Up to 2.5 miles of walking for 1.5 hours on mixed terrain and natural trails.

We will check out of the hotel and transfer from Donegal towards Sligo, the largest city in the northwest of the island. Along the way, we will learn about the majestic table mountain Benbulben. In Drumcliff, north of Sligo, we will stop for a short visit the final resting place of W.B. Yeats. Southwest of Sligo, we will begin our hike climbing Knocknarea, where we enjoy a magnificent view over the Bay of Donegal. Along the way we will learn about geology.

We will continue our transfer to Galway. Upon arrival, we will check in to the hotel.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

Explore local fare on your own.

At a local restaurant.

Day 7 Aran Islands Galway

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 2 hours, 50 miles. Getting on/off boat, sailing about 45 minutes, one way. Up to 7 miles of walking for 3.5 hours on stony paths and mixed terrain.

We will transfer to the port of Rossaveal, and then embark a boat to Inisheer, one of the Aran Islands towns. On these stony islands, where Gaelic is still spoken, we will explore the prehistoric forts and 3000 foot-long ornate walls. We’ll enjoy a walk through the primitive and magical landscape while taking in a field lecture about history and nature.

We will return to Rossaveal by boat, then transfer back to the hotel in Galway.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own.

Explore local fare on your own in Galway.

Day 8 Galway City Shannon

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 1 hour, 50 miles. Up to 2 miles of walking on pavement, cobblestones, and uneven pavement.

Galway City is a joy to explore with its labyrinthine cobbled streets, colorful shop facades, and busy café and bar culture. We will set out to explore the old city during an expert-led walk.

We will transfer to Shannon and check in to the hotel.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

Explore local fare on your own in Galway City.

We will enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day 9 Program Concludes In Flight

Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.