Ireland - The Ultimate Irish Road Trip

Day 1 - Céad míle fáilte - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

Céad míle fáilte – or one hundred thousand welcomes – to Ireland’s capital, Dublin! Upon arrival, a private transfer will meet us at arrivals and take us on the short journey into the city. There is no better introduction to Dublin than a private walking tour with a local guide so after a bite to eat head out to see the best of the city. Your guide is also a historian who will share the stories, characters, and events that have shaped Dublin through the centuries.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Kayaking the River Liffey

Kick off the morning with an unforgettable adventure on the River Liffey. After breakfast, meet an expert local guide for a thrilling couple of hours of kayaking through the heart of Dublin. Paddle past the city’s iconic landmarks and bridges, while enjoying live performances by Dublin’s musicians and artists beneath the famous Ha’penny Bridge. It’s a unique experience, offering a front-row seat to the magic of Ireland’s ‘Fair City,’ where history, culture, and music come together on the water. The rest of the day is free to explore the city, with plenty of recommendations provided.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - The Ghosts of Kinsale

This morning, pick up your rental car and begin your journey south. The drive takes us to the historical fishing town of Kinsale. Famous as the gourmet capital of Ireland, this colourful town is brimming with activity from art galleries to elegant yachts. This evening, enjoy a unique introduction to the town via a ghost tour led by local actors. Learn about Kinsale’s vibrant history while meeting the colourful characters of Kinsale’s past as they come alive during an entertaining evening stroll through Kinsale.

Overnight: Kinsale | Actons Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Visit Charles Fort and Discover Kinsale

After breakfast, walk to the historic Charles Fort – a 17th-century military fortress which stretches across the cliffs and down to the seashore. Learn about the turbulent years of the Williamite War and hear the haunting tale of the White Lady. This afternoon, join a local for a delicious food tour, discovering Kinsale’s culinary delights. Return to your hotel this evening, perhaps sitting in the blooming courtyard garden to enjoy a cocktail before dinner.

Overnight: Kinsale | Actons Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Local Characters & Local Cheeses

The journey today takes us across rolling farmlands with stunning pastoral scenes. Stop at a working Buffalo dairy farm for an immersive tour and tasting, and get up close and personal with a herd of Irish Buffalo! Meet the herd, chat about all things agriculture with John, and finish with a spectacular tasting session of some fine Irish cheese, made right there on the farm.

Overnight: Kenmare | Brook Lane Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Forage & Feast

Experience the unique environment of a temperate rainforest valley and bay along the Wild Atlantic Way. Often overlooked by visitors, the Beara Peninsula is a hidden gem of hidden valleys, rocky slopes and sheep-dotted hills. Meet local foraging expert Kloe, who will share her knowledge on the remote southern edge of the peninsula as you forage through its wild landscape. Afterwards, gather around a campfire to enjoy a cooked lunch made from the day’s harvest.

Overnight: Kenmare | Brook Lane Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - The Skellig Islands

Today, set out by boat to explore the Skellig Islands, two striking rock pinnacles off Ireland’s southwest coast. Land on Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a three-hour visit. Here, follow a steep path to the remains of a 7th-century monastic settlement, where beehive huts still perch on the island’s dramatic slopes. Just across the water lies Little Skellig, home to over 27,000 pairs of gannets—the second-largest colony in the world. The islands are also recognised for their appearance in the Star Wars films of 2015 and 2017. Visiting the Skelligs offers a rare opportunity to step into Ireland’s early Christian past while surrounded by some of its most extraordinary coastal scenery.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Killarney National Park

Kerry is an expanse of rugged, mountainous country that sweeps down to the world-famous Lakes of Killarney. Here, stretching across 10,000 hectares, lies Killarney National Park, with its unforgettable combination of mountains, lakes, woodland and waterfalls. Historic manor houses and abbeys make for an interesting visit, but Killarney is best explored via a private boat trip with a Kerryman skipper who has been sailing these lakes since he was a child with his family. Cruise the tranquil lakes with one of the most spectacular backdrops imaginable as you are overlooked by Ireland’s highest mountain peaks.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Hiking in The Burren National Park

This morning, journey further north to Co. Clare. The Burren striated, limestone landscape is said to be the inspiration for Middle-earth in JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy–and on a guided hike through this otherworldly region, it’s easy to see why! Meeting a local guide, set off to explore a place shaped by ancient seas and famous for its alpine wildflowers. The region is steeped in history as well, with over 2,500 historical monuments to be explored. Pause for lunch at a local tearoom with an option to visit the adjoining Burren Perfumery, the oldest working perfumery in Ireland.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Traditional Baking Experience

County Clare on Ireland’s West Coast is home to the famed Cliffs of Moher and the lunar landscape of the Burren. Today stop at a traditional farm and meet Evelyn to try your hand at making some traditional Irish scones. Later, use the quiet of the afternoon to visit Ireland’s famed Cliffs of Moher, part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, a special region with outstanding geology. Visually stunning, the Cliffs Stand 702 ft at their highest point and stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic coast.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Stories and Sheepdogs

After a leisurely breakfast, make your way to the wild and rugged Connemara region. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to a working sheep farm. While you watch the brilliant sheepdogs work the flock, chat to the local farmer about a life spent on the rugged west coast. Arrive at your cosy castle hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner inspired by the seasons.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Inishlacken Island Landing Tour

This morning, meet local fisherman Damien at Roundstone Harbour, a fourth-generation seafarer with a lifetime of experience. Explore Roundstone Bay by boat, keeping an eye out for resident seals, dolphins, and basking sharks. Pass the beautiful beaches of Ervallagh, Gurteen, and Dog’s Bay, heading towards the tranquil, deserted island of Inishlacken. Known for its stunning sands, crystal-clear waters, and panoramic views, Inishlacken offers the perfect spot for a bespoke picnic. Once a thriving community, the island is now home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, rabbits, and resident goats, sheep, and donkeys.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Depart

This morning, drive to Shannon or Dublin airport, drop off your rental car, and say farewell to Ireland’s West Coast.