Highlights of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way: 8-day tour from Dublin
Highlights of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way: 8-day tour from Dublin
$5176
Tour Overview
From Dublin’s lively cobblestone streets to the dramatic shores of the Wild Atlantic Way, this Ireland tour package takes you to the most legendary sites and incredible views in the country’s west. Here, ancient castles rise from green hills, waves crash against towering cliffs, and winding roads lead to colourful coastal villages where history and tradition thrive. You’ll walk the Cliffs of Moher before sailing beneath them, stand at the edge of Europe on the Dingle Peninsula and journey through the cinematic beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Along the way, take afternoon tea at the Rock of Cashel, sip whiskey at a distillery and – if you dare – kiss the legendary Blarney Stone to receive the gift of the gab. With your expert Tour Leader bringing the landscape to life and plenty of opportunities to soak up local culture, this is an adventure shaped by stories – both the ones you’ll hear and the ones you’ll take home to share. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome to Dublin, Ireland
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Wilder Townhouse
Welcome to your GeoCultura tour! Is there a better place to start than Ireland’s buzzy capital, Dublin? We don’t think so! This city has it all – castles, cathedrals, cobblestone streets and cutting-edge museums, wrapped up in that warm and welcoming Irish spirit.
Let’s kick things off this afternoon, with a private bus tour of the city’s main sights, including the monument-lined O’Connell Street, St Stephens Green and the Parliament Building. Then, we’ll visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. This place is fascinating, whether you have Irish ancestry or not.
Check in at The Wilder Townhouse, an elegant, red-brick boutique hotel and get to know the rest of your group over dinner. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Westward Bound
Location: Lisdoonvarna
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Wild Honey Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll hop on board the private tour bus and make our way west, via some carefully chosen stops.
At Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery, you’ll see the stills, learn all about the whiskey making process and sip a few samples, too.
We’ll soak up the whiskey with some lunch, then head to our next hotel, stopping off to snap a few photos of pretty Dunguaire Castle on the shores of Galway Bay along the way. If time allows, we’ll stop at Poulnabrone Dolmen, the country’s oldest dated megalithic stone monument – often called ‘Ireland’s Stonehenge’.
Round off the day with a well-earned group dinner at your hotel for the next two nights, Wild Honey Inn, Ireland’s only One-Michelin-starred pub.
Day 3 : Cliffs of Moher & Doolin Cave
Location: Cliffs of Moher
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Wild Honey Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s early start is worth it to make the most of Co. Clare’s awe-inspiring scenery.
First up, the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most dramatic coastal landmarks. The Visitor Centre is the perfect introduction to the geological, human and natural stories behind these most extraordinary cliffs before your Tour Leader takes you on a guided walk to see them for yourself. Take in the view from O’Brien’s Tower, a Victorian folly marking the highest point of the cliffs.
Next, we descend into Doolin Cave, discovered by chance in the 1950s. Look for a church organ-like column hanging overhead – that’s nothing less than Europe’s largest stalactite!
We cap off the day with a boat cruise beneath the towering Cliffs of Moher. From this angle, the vertical cliff face looks impenetrable – but fans of Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince will know they’re not!
Day 4 : A journey through time
Location: Dingle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Castlewood House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before you say farewell to Wild Honey Inn and journey southwest into Co. Kerry.
Our first stop is the 15th-century Bunratty Castle – Ireland’s most complete castle, surrounded by a ‘living village’ of shops, streets and farmhouses.
Next, we fast-forward a few centuries at Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum. Housed in the original terminal building, this little gem tells the history of transatlantic seaplanes in the early 20th century – the first commercial passenger flight on a direct route from USA to Europe landed at Foynes.
It’s also where Irish coffee was invented, which makes it the perfect place for our private group masterclass in crafting the smoothest, creamiest Irish coffee.
Onwards to Tralee, a colourful town with spectacular mountain views, and to Inch Beach. Don’t be fooled by the name; ‘Inch’ Beach is actually 3 miles (5km) of golden sand. Stretch your legs, breathe in the salty air or dip a toe in the ocean before we reach the South Pole Inn in Annascaul.
Behind two of history’s greatest polar explorers is a Kerryman. His name might be dwarfed by Scott and Shackleton, but the South Pole Inn gives Tom Crean the hero status he deserves. It’s the perfect place to toast the spirit of adventure before we settle into Castlewood House for the next two nights.
Day 5 : The best of the Dingle Peninsula
Location: Dingle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Castlewood House
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we explore the most beautiful places on the Dingle Peninsula.
We start with a cobweb-clearing trip to Slea Head, a promontory with spectacular views along the coast, before heading to Dunquin. This tiny Gaelic village feels untouched by time. No wonder some say it encapsulates the essence of Ireland!
Next, the wild beauty of Clougher Strand, where we’ll spy evidence of Ireland’s surprisingly volcanic past. After, we’ll visit Louis Mulcahy Pottery and hear the story of how a competition win led Louis to gamble by moving his entire business across country from Dublin to Dingle.
Nearby Ballyferriter village is a stronghold of the Gaelic language. We’ll stop to browse the shops and admire the stained-glass windows of its tiny church.
Finally, weather-permitting, we’ll drive the dramatic, winding Conor Pass, pausing to see Conor Pass waterfall and spectacular views of the Owenmore Valley and the Brandon Mountains.
Back in Dingle, enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the town. If you like, nod along to some traditional Irish music in a local pub afterwards – your Tour Leader can recommend great places to drink and/or eat.
Day 6 : From wild Dingle to Killarney’s castles
Location: Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Loch Lein Country House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wave goodbye to Dingle as we take one of the most scenic routes in Ireland: the legendary Ring of Kerry. Every twist of this 111 mile-long route unveils rugged coastline, deep forests and tumbling streams.
We’ll stop at Moll’s Gap for a panoramic view of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, before continuing to Ladies’ View, where Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting once swooned over the landscape (we think you will too!). A short walk takes us to Torc Waterfall, plunging through ancient woodland.
After lunch, we explore Muckross House, a grand Victorian estate with gardens that wouldn’t look out of place in a period drama. If time and inclination allow, clamber aboard a jaunting car for a traditional horse-drawn tour.
Our day ends at Loch Lein Country House Hotel on the shores of Killarney’s great lake, with the option to dine in the hotel.
Day 7 : Traditional crafts & the gift of the gab
Location: Cork
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ballymaloe House hotel, Cork
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We start the journey back east with a visit to Kerry Woollen Mills, where traditional weaving methods have been passed down for over 300 years. It’s the perfect place to pick up an Irish wool scarf or Arran knit
Next, we stop at Blarney Castle. Built around 600 years ago, it’s most famous as the home of the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that if you kiss the Stone at the top of the tower, you’ll be granted the gift of eloquence. But if you don’t fancy the climb, the castle grounds are a delight to explore, with some of the tallest trees in Ireland.
After lunch, we drive to Ballymaloe House, one of Ireland’s most celebrated country house hotels. We’ll arrive by mid-afternoon, giving you time to explore the gardens and relax before a final feast at the hotel.
Day 8 : The grand finale
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Group afternoon tea
Our final day, but we’re going out in style. The Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most spectacular historic sites, is our first stop. This cluster of medieval buildings – including an ancient round tower, a cathedral and Ireland’s only surviving Romanesque frescoes – balances on a limestone outcrop.
A luxurious farewell awaits at Cashel Palace Hotel, where we’ll toast our new friends and incredible journey over afternoon tea in the elegant Queen Anne Room or on the sun-drenched garden terrace.
Then, it’s back to Dublin by early evening, in time for flights, onward travel or a final pint of Guinness in Temple Bar. Sláinte!
End of tour: drop-off in Dublin or at the airport
What's Included
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Accommodation
All accommodation costs for the nights stated, assuming two people sharing a double room. Single occupancy rooms are available for a surcharge of £511
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Meals
All breakfasts, 3 dinners and a splendid afternoon tea on the final day.
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Guides
The services of your two expert guides who will be with the group throughout the tour, staying at the same hotels.
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Service charge
All service charges and most gratuities
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Transport
All transportation costs when travelling from Dublin on the first day, and when returning to Dublin. Professional driver in comfortable, air conditioned vehicle with ample space for all guests and their luggage.
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Entry fees
Entry fees, local guide fees and activity fees, where arranged as part of the tour
What's Not Included
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Additional Services
Personal expenditures, any alcoholic drinks with meals, and extras at hotels such as laundry bills. Extra or optional activities not described in the tour are not included.
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Insurance
Travel insurance. Guests should carry their own health and travel insurance.
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Meals
Lunches not included
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Air fares
Air fares to Dublin not included.
Mode of Transport
Comfortable small coach, and passenger boat.
Accommodation
Stay in a series of well-reviewed hotels, each offering comfort, character and exceptional hospitality. Spend your first night at?The Wilder Townhouse, central Dublin; nights 2-3 at Wild Honey Inn, Lisdoonvarna; nights 4-5 at Castlewood House, Dingle; night 6 at Lock Lein Country House Hotel, Killarney (TBC); and your last night of this Ireland vacation package at Ballymaloe House Hotel, Cork. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, the tour price will include all the entrance fees for the planned visits in the itinerary.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, we are happy to discuss your arrival and departure needs and arrange accommodation for any additional nights before or after the tour. We can make these bookings for you and add to the final invoice.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
We ensure all solo travellers have a double-bedded room for their own use. The supplement for this tour is available for a surcharge of £450.
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What is the maximum group size?
No more than 10 places on this tour.
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How much walking is involved?
As you will be part of a small group (maximum 10 people) it's easy for us to adapt the itinerary, and any walks, to suit your mobility and fitness level. Sometimes guests choose to opt out of a short walk or only do part of it. If any of the group want a longer walk that can always be arranged. ...more ...less
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Detailed itinerary and joining instructions. We also ask about dietary requirements and any other information which you would like to share to ensure the tour meet your needs.
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How do you choose the accommodation?
In England, where distances between our tour stops are shorter, we choose hotels or Inns in small towns or villages, where it's easy for you to wander out to explore, when you have free time. In remote locations, with limited choice, we check out the options to ensure you won't be disappointed. We look for high standards of cleanliness, a warm welcome and an emphasis on good local food.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please see our terms and conditions. We will always try and offer you an alternative date and tour.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
GeoCultura allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
GeoCultura allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform geocultura, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
GeoCultura requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of geocultura charges.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 10% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 65% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Highlights of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way: 8-day tour from Dublin
8 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting: Dublin, Lisdoonvarna, Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, Killarney, Cork
Tour operator:
Tour code:
T?
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat, Vegans, Gluten Free
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour