Wild Atlantic Way tour of Ireland

2026

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Overview

Picturesque coastal towns and villages, green pastoral fields, soaring cliffs, wild barren landscapes, the crash of the ocean, the laugh of a local. Ireland is romantic, and authentic, a home away from home where both old and modern seem to cohabit seamlessly on a small island in the middle of the sea. Packed with history and tradition your days are spent exploring the island of Ireland’s famous and off-the-beaten-track sites of natural, cultural and political interest. A world-renowned food scene means your evenings are spent dining in style and with the promise of a pub just around the corner, music and laughter are never far away. Your trip to Ireland will surprise and delight you but the people of Ireland will stay with you, long after your journey has taken you home.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Welcome to Dublin

Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you into the city to your boutique hotel in the city centre.

Head out in the afternoon to enjoy a walking tour with a local private guide through this vibrant capital city, with its mix of 1,000 years of architecture from the mediaeval to Georgian to modern. See the Georgian style Merrion Square, lush St. Stephen’s Green and Fitzwilliam Square, as well as O’Connell Street, the site of the ‘1916 Uprising’ that led to Ireland’s independence in 1922. Your guide is also a historian who will bring the city to life with colourful tales of life in the city in times gone by.

Overnight: Dublin | The Davenport Hotel
Room Type: Classic King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Cliffs and the Rebel County

Meet your guide this morning as you depart Dublin and head south to County Cork. On route, enjoy a scenic walk along the stunning Ballycotton Cliffs, where you’ll take in the breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. After your walk, continue your journey westward.

End your day in the beautiful Cork City, where you can relax and unwind in luxury after an exciting day of exploration.

Overnight: Cork | Imperial Hotel & Spa
Room Type: Premium Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Coastal Kinsale

This morning meander through the bright coastal town of Kinsale. Historically a medieval fishing port, its spectacular waterfront setting and candy-coloured houses, shops and restaurants, make it a glorious blend of old and the new. After a mellow morning, 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.

With a bit of fresh local lunch in, we’ll spend some time enjoying Cork City. From the historic English Market, to the River Liffey, there’s plenty to experience and take in.

Overnight: Cork | Imperial Hotel & Spa
Room Type: Premium Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Killarney National Park

Today make your way to Killarney National Park, the jewel in Kerry’s crown. Here you will board a boat with Dux and his canine friend and cruise the tranquil lakes of Killarney with one of the most spectacular backdrops imaginable as you are overlooked by Ireland’s highest mountain peaks.

Later this afternoon, visit Ross Castle and hear about the legend of O’Donoghue and his snow-white horse before checking in to your charming accommodation this evening, sitting down to a delicious, locally sourced dinner.

Overnight: Killarney | Killarney Royal
Room Type: Signature King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Dingle Peninsula

Explore the historic Dingle Peninsula with a scenic hike led by your guide through stunning landscapes and remarkable ancient monuments, including standing stones and beehive huts. Enjoy breathtaking coastal views as you walk parts of the Dingle Way and along beautiful, unspoiled beaches. After a rewarding day of exploration, return to Killarney to relax and unwind in this charming town, surrounded by natural beauty.

Overnight: Killarney | Killarney Royal
Room Type: Signature King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Local Life, Furry Friends, and Fresh Flavours of Ireland

Leave the Kingdom of Kerry behind and head toward County Clare, making a stop at a local farm along the way to experience Ireland’s rich agricultural history. Experience the Burren at its finest with a fully guided tour of a working beef farm against the backdrop of dramatic landscapes and national monuments. Sample local produce with a rustic picnic and capture the true essence of Ireland’s west.

Afterward, continue onto your lovely and relaxing accommodations settled amongst the rocky terrain of the Burren.

Overnight: Doolin | Fiddle + Bow Hotel
Room Type: Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - The Burren National Park and The Cliffs of Moher

This morning, head out to explore the fascinating Burren landscape – fissured plateaus of limestone and shale, vast in their captivating and barren beauty. Accompanied by your guide, wind your way over the stark rocky terrain, past prehistoric tombs and through wildflower grasslands.

Later, visit the striking Cliffs of Moher, absorbing their majesty. Home to thousands of seabirds, including razorbills, fulmars and puffins, the cliffs are alive with activity above the crashing waves far below. This evening, return to your  hotel retreat for a drink or two by the crackling fire.

Overnight: Doolin | Fiddle + Bow Hotel
Room Type: Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Galway City

Galway is the capital of Ireland’s west. Known as the ‘town of the tribes’ the small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful store fronts is vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan. A local military historian will meet you at the city’s main square to guide you through the bustling alleys sharing Galway City’s important roles in the clash of the French, Spanish, Russian and British Empires from 1700 to 1922, including in Ireland’s revolution for independence.

Your accommodation this evening is a fitting finale to your time on the Wild Atlantic Way. Ballynahinch Castle is one of Ireland’s finest luxury castle hotels, set in a private 700 acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway. This authentic and unpretentious Castle Hotel stands proudly overlooking its famous salmon fishery, with a backdrop of the beautiful Twelve Bens Mountain range.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Classic Riverside
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend dining on site of your accommodation at Fisherman’s Pub this evening.

Day 9 - Connemara

The hills and mountains of Connemara are defined by the ocean surrounding them, and this is particularly evident at the beautiful Killary Fjord. This morning your guide will lead you along the shores of the fjord, delving into Irish history at a famine-era abandoned village and bringing to life the rich and ancient histories of the landscape. Head back to your hotel via the stunningly beautiful Kylemore Abbey and Gardens to tour the grounds and hear the romantic story behind this iconic site.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Classic Riverside
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Return to Dublin

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you back to Dublin.

Overnight: Portmarnock | Portmarnock Hotel
Room Type: Sea View Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Leonard's Chauffeurs
Pick Up Location: Ballynahinch Castle | Pick Up Time: 09:30
Phone: +353 (0)96 72676

Day 10 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend Floritz,  Featherblade, or The Stag’s Head.

Day 11 - Depart

A private transfer will take you to the airport, so you can arrive relaxed and refreshed ahead of your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Dublin Chauffeur
Pick Up Location: The Merrion Lobby | Pick Up Time: 06:45
Phone: +353 (0)87 233 8396

Justin or one of his drivers will collect you, Kathy and bring you to the airport for your flight home.

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 10 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 2 to Day 9 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Private Airport Transfer on Arrival Day
  • Private Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • Private Transfer from Ballynahinch to Dublin
  • All Ferry Travel Included in the Itinerary
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Walking Tour of Dublin
    • Public Tour of Charles Fort
    • Private Boat Tour of Killarney Park
    • Public Tour of Ross Castle
    • Private Farm Experience
    • Public Entrance to Cliffs of Moher
    • Private Military Walking Tour
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More

Activities are only private if specifically stated in the inclusions.

Notes On Weather & Flexibility

Weather – August and September in Ireland can be a very wide range of weather, and very changeable. Suitable clothing and footwear is essential, as well as a flexible attitude. Plans may have to be changed to accommodate Mother Nature, and your guide will have back-up plans that they will discuss with you if required.

Essential Packing List

  • Waterproof jacket with hood
  • Warm layers
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Smart casual attire for dinners

Tipping Guidelines

We don’t generally recommend a set amount. We would encourage you to ask yourself what you were expecting from your guide and then think about how they have exceeded those expectations. Choose what you think reflects this and you are comfortable with.

For local services such as restaurants again tipping is not expected but if you receive great service then 10-15% of the bill is normal.

Please note that some hotels and restaurants will add a discretionary service charge to your bill.  This is to be paid entirely at your discretion and at your own expense.

Transfer Notes

Please note that the transfer company reserves the right to amend the pick up times and / or locations due to local traffic incidents such as road closures, diversions and volume of traffic.  They will communicate any changes with the clients directly on the day or the day prior.

Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Ireland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

EU: +353 (0)71 9344650
US: 888 351 4257


Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+353 (0)86 873 7223


Emergency Services

999

Pricing Read More

The price of this trip is approximately 10,630 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.