"Quality English Small Group" 5-day tour of England and Ireland, round trip to Dublin (requires second confirmation)

Reasons for recommendation

Route Overview

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Dublin ‣ Kilbergen Brewery ‣ Kronmarkos Abbey Ruins ‣ Galway

Leaving Dublin, you head west through the farmlands and peat bogs of County Kildare and County Offalley. Your first stop is the Kilbeggan Distillery, where you can relax and enjoy a glass of their famous whisky. After one (or two!) glass, you'll travel to the majestic banks of the River Shannon and the ruins of Clonmacnoise Abbey. This sacred site, with its numerous stone crosses, ancient churches, and distinctive round towers, offers a glimpse into Ireland's spiritual past. Then, enjoy lunch at a traditional pub in one of the region's beautiful villages before heading to Galway, your home for the first night. This vibrant city boasts excellent restaurants and pubs.

Day 2: Galway → Baron → Kirfinola → Cliffs of Moher → Lahinchi Beach → Killarney

A short drive along the coast from Galway will take you to Burren, one of Ireland's national treasures. One of Ireland's earliest Christian settlements, it boasts wide limestone streets and rare plants. After exploring the area, you'll head to Kilfinora, the "City of Crosses." You can visit the town's beautiful old cathedral, and then we'll stop for lunch in one of the region's charming villages.

Then you'll head to the incredible Cliffs of Moher. Stroll along the stunning cliffside trails, with seabirds circling overhead in the clear air. Learn about the unique ecosystem at the nearby award-winning environmental exhibits. The tour then travels south through County Clare, past its renowned golf courses, to the picturesque Lahinch Beach. From there, take a ferry across the Shannon Estuary to the lakeside town of Killarney. This vibrant and charming area will serve as your base for the next three nights, so take some time to enjoy the traditional pubs and live music.

D3: Killarney‣  Dingle Peninsula: Inch Beach ‣ Slee Point ‣ Killarney

Your journey will explore the mythical Dingle Peninsula. Your first stop is Inch Beach, a vast sandy beach stretching into the Atlantic Ocean. Adventure along narrow roads away from the beach, and you'll pass through the town of Dingle. You continue to Slea Head, dotted with ancient forts and prehistoric dwellings. The impressive views of the nearby Braskite Islands make it a fantastic spot for panoramic photography. Weather permitting, you can stroll along the beach and cliff tops, fully appreciating the incredible scenery.

Back in Dingle's brightly colored houses and cheerful harbor, you can spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying delicious seafood in this idyllic setting. In the evening, you'll return to Killarney and have time to stroll through the national park surrounding the town.

Day 4: Killarney ‣ Kerry Ring: Magillicardi Mountains ‣ Kelsey ‣ Portmagi Fishing Village ‣ Valentia Island ‣ Derrynane House ‣ Morfhorst ‣ Killarney

You will explore the Ring of Kerr, a spectacular route that winds through some of Ireland's most visually stunning areas. Starting in the morning, you'll travel along roads surrounding valleys, towns, and villages, passing through the foothills of Macgillycuddy's Reeks, home to Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain. Next, you'll follow the scenic coastal road through Glenbeigh and Kells towards Cahersiveen. Possible stops include the birthplace of Daniel O'Connell, the "Liberator of Ireland," and the impressive Ring of Kerr outside Portmagy.

You can stop for lunch in the quaint fishing village of Portmage. Alternatively, you can grab a quick bite before heading to Valentia Island to visit the Skellig Experience. This tour will take you into the life of an ancient monastic community who call their homes the outcrops of the rocky island.

In the afternoon, you can take photos at Charlie Chaplin's "Home Away From Home" in Waterville, and then enjoy the panoramic views from the summit of Coonmakista Pass. Winding down the mountain, you'll reach Derrynane House, the O'Connell family home. Daniel O'Connell, the "Liberator of Ireland," had a very close connection to this place, and you'll understand why when you visit. Here, you can explore the landscaped gardens or stroll along the beach and discover the main house.

Continuing along the loop, you'll stop at Moll's Gap and Ladies View. From here, a short walk will take you to Tok Falls before returning to Killarney.

(The itinerary for day three and day four may be swapped . )

Day 5: Killarney → West Coke Mountains → Blarney Castle → Cahill → Kilkenny → Dublin

Head east through the mountains of West Coke, winding along the Leigh Valley until you reach Blarney Castle. You'll have time to tour the castle grounds and even have the chance to kiss the famous Stone of Wisdom and receive a "gift of eloquence"! In the afternoon, travel to the historic town of Cahill, home to a unique island castle situated on the Sur River.

The final stop on the journey is Kilkenny, a bustling city with a beautiful castle, a thousand-year-old round tower, and an impressive National Craft Centre. Before setting off again for the final leg of the journey, there's a chance to enjoy one last Guinness. The trip concludes in the evening back in Dublin.

Fee Description

• 16-seat Mercedes-Benz minibus
  
• Professional English-speaking driver/guide
• 4 nights' accommodation including breakfast
• Killimer - Tarbet Ferry

• Attraction tickets
• Meals throughout the trip
• Driver/guide tips (to be given at the discretion of the driver/guide)
• Please purchase personal travel insurance in advance.
  
  

Booking Information

• Children and teenagers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult when making a reservation; they cannot make reservations alone.
• Please inform us in advance if you have children under 12 years old or shorter than 1.35 meters .
• Reservations cannot be made for children under 5 years old .

• It is recommended to arrive at the designated departure point at least 30 minutes in advance. The vehicle doors will be closed 15 minutes before departure . All tours will depart on time. If a tourist does not arrive on time, the tour will be treated as "NO SHOW" and no rescheduling or refund will be offered.
• In the event of major local events, attraction closures, or other force majeure events that cause changes to the itinerary or prevent entry to attractions, adjustments may be made or attractions may be changed to exterior views only. The final arrangements on the day shall prevail.
• The tour itinerary for the day will be determined by the driver/guide.