Compare Ireland to Island Tour by Overland Ireland vs Hiking the Wicklow Way by Wilderness Ireland
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 1,500 | $ 1,770 |
| Price Per Day | $ 214 | $ 253 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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Breakfast is provided each morning, as well as lunch’s and snacks throughout the trip. Dinner is provided on evenings 1 and 5 and your guide will assist with restaurant recommendations and bookings for the other nights. Local pubs and restaurants offer a wide choice of local dishes. On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations. |
| Description |
Get more from your small group tour with the Ireland to Island experience. Featuring Ireland and two of its most famous islands this tour never disappoints. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site and Puffin sanctuary, Skellig Michael, delve into Ireland’s past by visiting the Rock of Cashel steeped in 1000 years of history and explore the beautiful seaside village of Cobh, the final port of the marvellous Titanic. Explore Killarney National Park and visit the jaw dropping sights of The Cliffs of Moher. Sail across Galway Bay to the spectacular Aran Islands and soak up the atmosphere in the artsy city of Galway. Of course, no trip to Ireland is complete without a trip to one of our famous distillers, so let’s meet the makers of our beloved Jameson! |
Irish naturalist Robert L. Praeger noted, “You can set foot on the heather six miles from Dublin and not leave it until…30 miles to the south.” And thus from this inspiration, the trail hiking the Wicklow Way was born. Over the course of 7 days, we’ll hike the very best portions of the Wicklow Way on this fully guided hiking adventure. The Wicklow Way meanders through forests and glaciated valleys, over hills and peaks and across the famous heathery hills of Wicklow. We’ll visit historical sites like the ruins of the monastic city at Glendalough, the impressive gardens and waterfall at Powerscourt Estate, and historical downtown Dublin. Along the way, relax in a lavish deluxe-standard eco-lodge and cosy BnBs. And for the final night, you’re in for a treat – a stay at a historical Dublin hotel! |
Day 1: Sunday – Dublin to Cobh, County Cork
The Rock of Cashel on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour
Our Ireland small group tour begins by leaving the capital of Dublin for the South of Ireland with our first destination being Cobh, County Cork – one of the world’s finest natural harbors and the last port of call for the Titanic.
As we journey to County Cork we will stop at the Medieval Rock of Cashel. The Rock dates back 1000 years. You will be treated to a tour of the round tower, chapel, cathedral and castle! Take the first of many jealousy inducing photos of your tour!
Once you have built up a thirst at Cashel we will make our way to the world-famous Midleton Distillery for lunch and a tour. There is so much to taste and learn at this whiskey museum and visitor center. This is the home of the best whiskeys in the world.
Spend the night in Cobh soaking up the beautiful harbor views, colorful houses and great nightlife.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
The Ultimate Tour of Ireland - Small Groups, Big Experiences on your Overland Ireland Ultimate Small Group Tour
Day 2: Monday – Blarney & The Ring of Kerry
Before embarking on our small group tour of Kerry we will tick off a very important item on your bucket list of Ireland. This morning you will kiss the Blarney Stone where you will receive the ”gift of the gab”. While at Blarney we will also have time to stroll around its beautiful grounds and explore the gardens, castle and rock close.
After lunch we will enter the Kingdom of Kerry. Your guide will give you some time to wander the streets, shops and delights of Kenmare. This is your gateway to the Ring of Kerry experience – Ireland’s most scenic and celebrated drive.
Tonight we will stay in Portmagee in anticipation of our trip to Skellig Michael in the morning! Star Wars fans will be very familiar with this as this is where Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) used the powers of the force to pull a perfect of Guinness. It is the only time that Luke Skywalker has ever turned to the “dark side”.
Total driving time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Discover Portmagee
Your Fully Guided Overland Ireland Small Group Tour Lets You Meet Friendly Locals
Day 3: Tuesday – The Skellig Michael Experience
Climb Skellig Michael on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour
It is time to get excited. There are only a very select few places on this planet that can be described as “out of this world” and Skellig Michael is unquestionably one of these. Today we will embark on this hypnotic journey to the islands. You will feel like you have journeyed to a “galaxy far, far away”.
The island is naturally rugged, and the 599 steps will lead you up the 700ft climb to its peak. It is home to one of the world’s most treasured bird sanctuaries where you will see all types of wildlife and fauna in its untouched natural habitat. Your imagination will be captivated by one of the oldest and best-preserved monasteries in Europe. This is a sublime sanctuary, a place of peace and power where the presence of the monks can still be felt.
After you disembark from your epic journey to the past your afternoon is yours to enjoy in Killarney – The capital of Kerry.
Total driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Comfortable Accommodation on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour
Day 4: Wednesday – Killarney to Dingle
Our day begins with an adventurous 2 hour cycle through Killarney National Park. There are numerous trails to choose from so that you can take it at your own pace. Discover Muckross House and gardens, Torc Waterfall and many other beautiful spots along the way. There is always an option to go jaunting around the park if you feel like taking it easy today!
From Killarney we will make a short drive to Inch Beach to stretch our legs and refresh for an afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula.
Tonight we stay in the celebrated, cozy coastal town of Dingle. The evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs, fantastic restaurants and stumble across unforgettable traditional music sessions. This just might be the location for that perfect pint of Guinness.
Total driving time: 3 hours
Cycling Killarney National Park on your Ireland Adventure Tour
Comfortable Transport on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour
Day 5: Thursday – Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
Cliffs of Moher on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour
Today, before we leave the Kingdom of Kerry, we watch a local sheepdog show off his finely-honed skills, during a sheepdog demonstration. Next, we take the ferry to County Clare, home of the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and the natural beauty of the Burren National Park.
From Skellig to the Cliffs, we are spoiled for natural beauty. The cliffs are spectacular and need to be seen in person to be justly appreciated. We will explore the cliffs by foot with the roaring Wild Atlantic providing the perfect backdrop! Your Overland Ireland guide will take you off the beaten track and point some very special locations along the way. There are many secret passages that we will show you that are not on the typical tourist route. Friends at home will definitely be very envious when you share your snaps from this stunning landmark.
We will spend the evening in the most welcoming and colourful fishing village of Doolin, the home-town of traditional Irish music.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Traditional Food and Contemporary Cuisine on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour
Day 6: Friday – The Aran Islands
Jump from Ireland to Island on the Doolin ferry to Inishmore – the largest of the Aran Islands. The magnificent Aran Islands are romantically remote and have inspired many a poet and playwright! Sharpen your pencil before hopping aboard!
We will take our bikes and cycle around the coastline where we will see many ancient sites along the country roads. Jaunting and bus tours are an option for all guests. Landmarks include the medieval Christian ruins of the Seven Churches and Clochán na Carraige. We will visit the famous ring fort of Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over Galway Bay.
Learn a few words of Gaelic from the locals and treat yourself to a feast of seafood before making our way back to Rossaveal Pier in County Galway. From here we will take a short drive to the picturesque market town of Clifden which is nestled between the Twelve Bens mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean.
Total driving time: 1 hour
Cylce The Aran Islands on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour
Day 7: Saturday – Galway to Dublin
Galway on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour
Your final day on the Ireland to Island tour will not disappoint. Today you will travel through Connemara National Park on route to Ireland’s capital of culture – Galway City. Before you lose yourself on the bustling streets of bohemian Galway we will take a short hike on Diamond Hill in the heart of Connemara where you will be spoiled with panoramic views of the hills and valleys.
In Galway we will take a historic tour of the city and you will have some free time to soak up the atmosphere. Street performers, live music and dance and colourful locals will keep you entertained during your stay. Sit back and relax in one of their award winning cafes and restaurants and watch the world go by.
Late afternoon you will be taken back to Dublin City armed with recommendations of places to see and things to do if you have a couple of days left in the Emerald Isle. On the journey back over 40 shades of green, why not reminisce about your time on this best small tour group ever!
Total driving time: 4 hours
Day 1: Dublin to Powerscourt Estate & Gardens
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Our Wicklow Way adventure starts in the lively city of Dublin. Setting off hiking the Wicklow Way, meander through lush forests home to ravens, deer, red squirrels and more. The trail winds over colourful heathland blanketed with brilliant pink and purple heather for which the Wicklow Way is famous. In the evening, we’ll stop at the beautiful Powerscourt Estate for tea, originally a 13th century castle lavishly embellished in the 1730s, with a chance to admire the magnificent extensive gardens, rated among National Geographic’s Top 10 Gardens of the World. (L,D)
Hike details: 6 km/3.7 miles, approx. 3-4 hours*
Day 2: Crone Woods to Lough Tay
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Set in beautiful, verdant surroundings, marvel at the breathtaking Powerscourt Waterfall, the tallest cascade in Ireland. Rejoining the Wicklow Way, enjoy an open mountain trek across emerald slopes, home to the site of a 70 year old plane crash, with occasional parts of the fuselage turning up in the heather. From the summit of the hill, savour the rich panorama of lakes and open country. Back on the Wicklow Way, enjoy expansive views of the heathery hills as we descend into a sweeping glacial valley and glittering Lough Tay, once inspiration to countless artists, writers and intelligentsia.
Hike details: 9.5 km/6 miles, approx. 4-5 hours*
Day 3: Lough Tay to Glendalough
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Luggala Valley’s name comes from the Gaelic meaning ‘hollow of the hill’ and it’s a perfect example of a glaciated valley, carved out during an ice age more than 10,000 years ago. Until the Irish Famine of the 1840s, this area was heavily farmed – the shadows of long-abandoned potato fields and shells of tumbledown cottages still dot the landscape. Our hike ambles past the picturesque Lough Dan before winding along an ancient pilgrimage path, once used by visitors to St Kevin’s Church and the monastic site of Glenalough in its idyllic lake-side setting.
Hike details: 13 km/8 miles, approx. 5-6 hours*
Day 4: Glendalough Monastic Site to Glenmalure
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
When hiking the Wicklow Way, its crown jewel is the ancient monastic site of Glendalough – the Valley of the Saints. Once a great centre of learning, the monastic city has been a pilgrimage site for over a 1,000 years. Explore the ruins of this peaceful place as your guide brings the landscape alive. Rejoining the Wicklow Way, a spectacular hike sweeps us past the lakes of Glendalough. A gentle climb carries us out of the valley through the wooded monastic grounds back in windswept wilds of Wicklow’s heathland. Marvel at the quiet panoramas missed by Dublin day trippers before our gentle descent into the next enchanting valley.
Hike details: 13 km/8 miles, approx. 5-6 hours*
Day 5: Glenmalure to the Iron Bridge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Our last day hiking the Wicklow Way, we leave behind the high peaks of the Wicklow Mountains and descend into the rolling, green pastures and emerald landscapes of south Wicklow. Our path weaves leisurely in and out of luscious green forests on Wicklow’s road less travelled. This afternoon, we’re in for a well-earned treat: relaxation at a spa retreat where you can either book from the range of spa treatments or simply unwind in the relaxing pool and thermal suite. Tonight, we celebrate our week’s hiking achievements with a celebration dinner in the unique surroundings of our eco lodge.
Hike details: 11 km / 7 miles, approx. 5-6 hours*
Day 6: Great Sugarloaf Mountain to Dublin
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning, either enjoy a slow morning, or you could take advantage of the spectacular 9 hole golf course or even spa treatments at our accommodation. Our final stop hiking in Wicklow is Great Sugar Loaf Mountain, dominating the Wicklow Way skyline. Standing apart from Wicklow’s other peaks, Great Sugar Loaf’s conical shape makes it an easy climb. The rewarding views over the captivating countryside we’ve just conquered is a fitting end to a fantastic week on the trail!
Making our way to the city for our final night of our trip and a chance to check out some of Dublin’s famed restaurant and live music scene.
Hike details: 2.5 km/1.5 miles, approx. 2 hours*
Day 7: Dublin Walking Tour & Depart
Meals: Breakfast
After a relaxing final morning, we’ll explore the lively, cosmopolitan city of Dublin on a historical walking tour led by local history enthusiasts. Learn about Irish history from the founding of Dublin, the Great Famine, world wars, and of course, the Easter Rising and War of Irish Independence.
