Compare Magical Southern Tour by Overland Ireland vs Hiking Ireland’s Coastal Northwest by Road Scholar

Day 1: Friday – Galway to the Cliffs of Moher

This most eclectic of Wild Atlantic Tours begins in Galway, the City of Tribes and home to the famous Claddagh ring where you’ll be taken on an historical walk of the city’s medieval streets.

Experience colourful street performers and a great atmosphere in this famous, bohemian town. Duck in and out of brightly coloured shops, try on Claddagh rings and Galway shawls, pass through The Spanish Arch and hear tales of Gaelic bards and our bloody war of Independence, at the new city museum.

The day just keeps on giving as we travel southwest to The Burren, 125 square miles of limestone rock and to The Cliffs of Moher and take on a hike of the Cliffs, as the wild Atlantic roars below.

On this adventure, we’ll visit Corcomroe Abbey, a 13th century Cistercian Monastery, the 16th century Dunguaire Castle and have a short stop in the colourful fishing village of Kinvara.

The evening is yours to spend it in Doolin, The Capital City of Irish music, where you can listen to the seisún (traditional music) and enjoy the “craic”.

Total driving time: 2 hours

Experience The Cliffs of Moher on your Ultimate Small Group Tours of Ireland

Traditional Music Sessions and Local Craft Beers on your Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 2: Saturday – Doolin to Dingle

Meet the locals at a sheepdog demonstration

Our guided tour of Ireland continues on the search for some ancient tombs. We’ll take you to a portal tomb at Poulnabrone, the oldest megalithic burial site in Ireland, dating back to 3000BC.

A short journey from the Dolmen, the farmers at Caherconnell will treat you to a spectacular sheep dog trial. Prepared to be awestruck by the skill of the farmer and his furry friend as they gather up their flock of sheep. This is something not to be missed on your tour.

We will leave the west behind for the spectacular southern counties of Kerry and Cork. Next stop is Dingle. Finish off a perfect day at the Dingle Whiskey Distillery. There you will sample their award-winning whiskey and gin and get an education on the history of whiskey production around the world.

This evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs and fantastic restaurants. Why not sit in Foxy John’s hardware store, order yourself a drink and strike up a conversation with a colourful local!

Total driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Experiences You'll Never Forget on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 3: Sunday – Dingle Peninsula

Our morning begins on Dingle Bay where we take our kayaks to visit the town’s biggest celebrity – Fungie the Dolphin and explore the caves in the bay. Alternatively, if kayaking isn’t your thing, we’ll go on a hike up Mount Brandon, where you will be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Castlegregory. If you would like a more relaxed start to your day, why not choose a stroll around the town for some retail therapy, a coffee and watch the world go by? It’s your holiday – Do it your way.

After lunch your expert Overland guide will take you on an impressive trip along one of Ireland’s most scenic roads – The Slea Head Drive. If you are lucky enough you might get to meet a couple of our local fluffy friends – baby lambs! We spend another night in the buzzing town of Dingle, so you don’t need to repack your suitcase. Just relax and enjoy.

Total driving time: 2 hours

Kayak with Fungie the Dolphin on your Ultimate Small Group Tours of Ireland

Lots of Fun and Mighty Craic on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 4: Monday – The Ring of Kerry to Kinsale

Killarney National Park on your Spectacular South and West Small Group Tour of Ireland

Say a fond farewell to Dingle and journey towards the Ring of Kerry. Our first stop takes us to Killarney on the Ring of Kerry. We visit parts of this scenic route and you will discover many hidden gems including Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle in Killarney National Park. We will bring you on a tour of Ross Castle where you will learn what life was really like behind the stone walls.

We will stop for some shopping and lunch in the beautiful heritage town of Kenmare. For your last night on tour we are excited to bring you to coastal Kinsale which is famed for its culinary culture, delivered by its many award-winning restaurants. The town also has a great tradition of poetry, silver, gold and glassware manufacturing which can be seen throughout its local shops and galleries – boasting local talented artists.

Total driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Its Your Holiday, Do It Your Way - Your Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 5: Tuesday – Cork: Kiss the Blarney Stone

Wake up refreshed and ready to be taken on a guided walking tour through the narrow streets of Kinsale. Before leaving Cork, (often referred to as Ireland’s REAL capital), we will bring you to Blarney Castle. Nobody should leave Ireland without giving the Blarney stone a big fat kiss! Kissing the Blarney Stone is said to give the kisser the treasured “gift of the gab”. You can let us know if it works!

Our final stop on this small group tour is the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is over 1000 years old. You will take in its medieval round tower, chapel, cathedral and castle. A fantastic end to your trip.

Your guided tour of Ireland is coming to an end, but our guides will journey back with you to our bustling capital city, Dublin, armed with recommendations of things to see and do if you have a little time left. Perhaps this is just the perfect opportunity to sit back and soak up all that you have experienced over the last 5 days, in one of our most diverse and jaw dropping Wild Atlantic Tours.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

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.