A VAGABOND ADVENTURE
7 days
'world tour of ireland'
Table of contents
The best tours of ireland in the world....
About the tour
LIKE ALL VAGABOND ADVENTURES THIS 7 DAY TOUR IS A GREAT BLEND OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITY, GREAT SCENERY, RELAXING PUBS AND MOMENTS THAT YOU WILL REMEMBER FOR YEARS TO COME. THIS TOUR IS VERY SIMILAR AND FOLLOWS THE SAME ROUTE AS OUR 8 DAY AWARD WINNING TOUR BUT IS JUST A DAY SHORTER
Look no further, you have just found the best possible way to see Ireland. A whole week to explore, relax, absorb, refresh and learn about this fascinating and beautiful island. First you head down to the South West to Cork and Kerry and the three peninsulas’ of Beara, Iveragh (The Ring of Kerry) and Dingle. The tour now spends two nights in the buzzing little fishing town of Dingle to give you more time to partake in activities, get to know the area and the locals, to explore the shops, pubs, galleries and restaurants that abound there – or simply to chill out and catch your breath. Then you will travel north as we take you across the River Shannon into County Clare with the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher before heading into Galway city and then home to Dublin. You will see a huge proportion of Irelands best scenery (just ask any Irish person). As usual the trip is Vagabond's unique mixture of outdoor activity, great scenery, relaxing pubs and loads of laughs. Seven days means that you are never rushed but you will see so much that you may think you have been traveling for weeks.
jot down some notes
TOUR DESCRIPTION HIGHLIGHTS ANTICLOCKWISE ITINERARY CLOCKWISE ITINERARY BOOKING INFORMATION AND PRICES
mark where you visit
Highlights
WONDER AT SOME OF IRELAND’S HISTORICAL TREASURES AND EXPERIENCE THE RICH HISTORICAL PAST OF THE REGION, FROM STONE AGE MAN TO THE MODERN AGE. o Visit The Rock of Cashel o Optional trip to the Skellig islands, one of Ireland’s UNESCO World Heritage sites (only available on the Anticlockwise Tour) o Cruise around the Skellig Islands and see the UNESCO site from sea o Ancient Neolithic Stone circles, Celtic ring forts, castles, monastic sites and built tombs EXPLORE THREE OF IRELAND’S MOST DIVERSE SOUTH WESTERN PENINSULAS AND THE WEST COAST: o The majestic Iveragh peninsula (better known as the Ring of Kerry) o The rugged Beara Peninsula (also known as the ‘undiscovered peninsula’) o The rolling hills of the Dingle Peninsula o The lunar limestone landscape of the Burren, Country Clare TAKE SOME FREE TIME TO EXPLORE LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND MEET THE IRISH PEOPLE IN LOCATIONS SUCH AS: o The vibrant and buzzing Galway city o The galleries and pubs (about 54 in total!) in Dingle town (pop. about 2500) o The shops and boutiques of picturesque Kenmare SOME FUN LITTLE SIDE TRIPS: o Visit a working sheep farm for a demonstration of working dogs and also sheep shearing o Take a boat trip to try Spot Dingle’s most Friendly occupant - Fungie the Dolphin in Dingle Bay And at night: o Live music and excellent food in some of Ireland’s best pubs and restaurants.o Overnight in quality, locally owned guesthouse and small hotel accommodation in small, friendly local communities. .
REVEL AT SOME OF EUROPE’S VERY BEST SCENERY, INCLUDING: o Ireland’s highest mountain range The Macgillycuddy Reeks o The green fields and stone walls of Dingle o Ireland’s wild and rugged Atlantic coastline o The River Shannon (which we cross by ferry) o The Burren Limestone Plateau o The Caha Mountains of the Beara Peninsula o The green inland scenery of areas such as the Golden Vale in Tipperary ENJOY SOME OF IRELAND’S MOST POPULAR AND WORTHWHILE TOURIST DESTINATIONS: o Blarney Castle to kiss the magical Blarney Stone o Killarney National Park o The Cliffs of Moher Some typical highlights of the tour are: ENJOY SOME FANTASTIC ACTIVITY OPTIONS o Walking and hiking through some of Ireland’s best scenery o Horse-riding on the Dingle Peninsula o Sea-kayaking in Dingle Bay o Try your hand at surfing an Atlantic Wave o Learn the ancient arts of Gaelic football or hurling
Depart at 8.10am from The Grand Canal Hotel, Dublin 4 We’re off! Today we head west, all the way from Dublin to the wilds of the west coast. This is a full day and along the way we have some fantastic highlights. Arrive in Galway city for lunch. Kinvara village with: Dunguaire Castle – ancient seat of the High Kings of Munster Hookers – Traditional Sailing boats Drive up and through the Burren Region, and its Limestone Lunar landscape Poulnabrone Dolmen – Megalithic tomb Lisdoonvarna – Matchmaking Festival Overnight at the Wild Atlantic Way Lodge, Ballyvaughan (Average driving time for day 4hr 30mins)
Dublin to Clare
7 day tour- sample itinerary Anti-clockwise
Please note that this itinerary is a framework for the tour. The overnights are pretty much set in stone and then we base each tour on the items in the list below. Your guide will discuss the options with you throughout the tour and make a plan from there. This gives us flexibility to adapt each tour to suit you and fit in with the weather conditions. This of course means that some things may not be included in your tour, but if there is something that you particularly want to do or see on your tour, mention it to your guide and he or she will see if it can be included. Please also note that this tour runs in both directions. Both are exactly the same but if you have other travel plans or you plan to meet up with anyone along the way, please do check with Vagabond at the time of booking.
Day Two
Day one
Lots to see and do today as we travel through the greenest, least mountainous section of Irelands west coast, though south County Clare, across the might River Shannon and through North County Kerry, before the mountains of the Dingle Peninsula loom into sight. Cliffs of Moher – 700ft sea cliffs Take the ferry over the River Shannon Stop in the pleasant market town of Listowel and possible free tour of Listowel castle (subject to availability) (Drive time 25 mins to Listowel) Or Your guide can take you for a walk up in the mountains around Glanteenassig Lake Drive through Tralee town, home of the Rose of Tralee festival Watersport options in Castlegregory – Surfing, windsurfing or a fantastic walk along the beach Take Conor Pass, Ireland's highest road Walk and view over Dingle Bay Overnight in Dingle Town – a town of 2500 people and 54 pubs (Driving time for day 3hrs 30mins)
clare to dingle
Day four
It’s time to say goodbye to Dingle and head for the Ring of Kerry. Today we weave our way around Dingle Bay, exchanging the gently rolling mountains of the Dingle Peninsula for the majesty of McGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountains in Ireland as we head out onto the Iveragh peninsula, following the world famous ‘Ring of Kerry’. We join the Ring half way through the day, when all the coaches have gone, so we will have it to ourselves. (Drive time for day 2.5hrs) Drive along Inch Strand for fun and games or BBQ Take a guided cycling tour of Killarney National Park (optional extra, 2.5-3hrs, €30) Head for Iveragh Peninsula via Killorglin (Goat Fair) and Castlemaine (Wild Colonial Boy) Join Ring of Kerry scenic route on the Iveragh Peninsula Overnight in the fishing village of Portmagee (Average driving time for day 2hr 15mins – 2hr 45mins )
• Surf an Atlantic Wave on Inch Strand or in Castlegregory (Price: €35pp) • Kayaking in Dingle Bay – maybe even with Fungie the Dolphin (price €45pp for 3 hours session). Chill Out in Dingle • Go for a walk along the Dingle Way from the centre of Dingle town up into the hills • Wander the picturesque town of Dingle, with its brightly coloured street, numerous shops, excellent galleries, numerous local craftspeople, restaurants and of course pubs Overnight in Dingle Town (Average driving time: 1.15 – 1.45hours)
A great day spent enjoying Dingle town and the Peninsula, you can do as much or little as you like on day eight as we spend two nights here in the town. At some stage while we are in Dingle we normally take the group out on a tour of the Peninsula, to the most westerly point in Ireland that you can drive to and a selection of the stops we see along the way are below. Plus we can also organise other options for you if you would like something more active, or relaxing. The Dingle Peninsula Tour out to Slea Head: (Drive time 1hr 15 – 1hr 45mins) • Head out along the Slea Head Drive past Ventry beach • Stop at Europe's most westerly point with views over the Blasket Islands • Walk down to Coumeenoule Beach (Film set of Ryan’s Daughter) • Dunchaoin Harbour ‐ real old Ireland • Photo stop at Smerwick Head – views of back up the Dingle Peninsula and of Mount Brandon Optional Activities on day eight: • Boat trip to see Fungie the Dolphin or free time in Dingle town (Price: €20pp) • Go horse riding on Ventry Strand (Price: €35pp) • Rent Bikes and explore the area (Price: TBA €pp)
Dingle Day, Dingle to Dingle Barra, Cork.
Dingle to Portmagee
Day three
Day five
An action packed day as we journey out on to the ‘undiscovered’ Beara Peninsula. It is an amazing coastline, wild and rugged and extremely scenic. And while we are there we have to option of some great walks, sea‐kayaking, castles and lunch in one of Ireland’s most famous pubs. There is also the option of some free time in the morning in Kenmare. Shopping in picturesque Kenmare Head out onto Beara Peninsula, the undiscovered Peninsula (Driving time for day 2.5 – 3hrs) Great views of the Caha Mountains and Sheepshead Peninsula Visit the ancient Uragh Stone Circle Quick pint at McCarthy's Bar in Castletownbere ‐ front cover of the book itself Take the Healy Mountain pass, Ireland’s bendiest road with great scenery north and south Special Vagabond shortcut over the mountains and through the old copper mines Arrive in the stunningly located village of Allihies and pick up lunch Bantry Bay Seal Spotting in Glengarriff Overnight in the stunning Gougane Barra Hotel or the Castle Hotel, Macroom(Average driving time for day 3hr 30mins)
Kenmare to Gougane Barra
POrtmagee to Kenmare
Day six
It’s our second day on the Ring of Kerry, as we follow the route around southern half of the Iveragh Peninsula to Kenmare. Not forgetting the option of a boat trip to the incredible Skellig Islands, which are truly breathtaking - though not for the faint hearted! There are also beaches, walks and stunning views across to the Beara Peninsula to enjoy along the way (Irish mist permitting!) (Drive time 2.5hrs for day) • Possible visit to the breathtaking Skellig islands – the best place in Ireland (Price E70pp). • An optional cruise around the Skellig Islands. Approx. 2 and half hours of stunning scenery. • Fabulous views down over Caherdaniel • Vagaball on Derrynane Beach • Walk amongst Macgillycuddy Reeks Mountains • Visit Staigue Fort (amazing views) • Views down over Killarney, the lakes and the national Park • Adopt a Sheep – see the running of a real Irish sheep farm (Price €7pp) • Walk the ‘Old Kenmare Road’ through the ancient oak forest of the Killarney National Park • Leave Ring of Kerry scenic route on the Iveragh Peninsula Overnight in the Coachman Inn or the Brass Lantern Guesthouse, Kenmare. (Average driving time for day 2hr 30mins – 3hrs) (Please note that if we visit the Skelligs Islands today then it affects the activities and itinerary for the rest of the day). The trip takes until about 3pm in the afternoon and we then have to drive around the southern half of the Ring of Kerry, so it does mean that activities like walking on the Old Kenmare Road or visiting the sheep farm may not be possible. Also if only some of the group want to go to the Islands, if you wish the guide will of course look after anyone staying on land and take you around the Portmagee area and across the bridge onto Valencia Island) m
Day seven
Sadly, it’s time to go home. After seeing more of Ireland than most Irish people will ever do, there are still a few ‘must-dos’ on the way home. No visit to Ireland would be complete without a visit to the Rock of Cashel (ask Queen Elizabeth II) and of course the Blarney Stone still needs kissing. Follow Lee Valley from the source of River Lee Kiss the World Famous Blarney Stone (1hr 15mins to Blarney) Pass through Cork, Ireland's 2nd city The Magnificent Rock of Cashel (1hr 20 mins to Cashel) Pass through the Curragh Racecourse – Braveheart film set Head home via Kildare. (2hrs to Dublin) Arrive Dublin, 5.30 - 6pm for tearful farewell hugs and a few pints (Average driving time for day 4hr 30mins)
7 day tour- sample itinerary clockwise
gougane barra to DUblin
Dublin to Gougane Barra
We’re off! Meet at Grand Canal Hotel 08.10am in Dublin and head for the south west of Ireland Pass through the Curragh Racecourse – Braveheart film set The Magnificent Rock of Cashel Pass through Cork, Ireland's second city Kiss the World Famous Blarney Stone Follow the Lee Valley to the source of the River Lee Walk in the forest park or along the Beara Way in Gougane Barra o Duration: up to 90 mins o Terrain: Path uphill from valley floor. Return same way. Views of lake, valley and hotel Overnight in the stunning Gougane Barra Hotel or the Castle Hotel, Macroom (Average driving time for day 3hrs 30mins – 4hrs)
kenmare to portmagee
After a relaxing start in Kenmare, one of the most picturesque towns in Ireland, we are off to join the world famous ‘Ring of Kerry’! We only have an hours driving all day, so there is loads of time to spend on walks, on the beach, visiting a working sheep farm or maybe a Celtic ring fort. And we then spend the night right out on the Ring of Kerry in one of our favourite locations, the remote fishing (and once upon a time smuggling!) village of Portmagee. Depart Kenmare after a free morning in the town Walk the ‘Old Kenmare Road’ through the ancient oak forest of the Killarney National Park. o Duration: 60 mins o Terrain: Path, uneven in places. Uphill to start, return same way. Watch out for Sika Deer and the thickest moss you will ever see. Join Ring of Kerry scenic route on the Iveragh Peninsula Visit the family run Kissane sheep farm and witness first hand sheep shearing & sheep dog handling. It’s also a great opportunity to learn about farming life in Ireland (Included in tour price) o Non-sheep farm option: shopping stop at Avoca handweavers. Guiding Cycling Tour of the Killarney National Park (€30) o Duration: 2 – 2.5 Hours o Terrain: Path and paved road, mainly even but a level of fitness is advised Non cycling options: · Walk with your guide above Torc Waterfall · Explore the magnificent ruins of Muckross Abbey · Visit Muckross House (entrance fee €7) and gardens and grounds (free) · Free time in Killarney town Visit one of the many celtic ring forts found on the Iveragh Peninsula, including: Staigue Fort or Loher Fort Detour down to Derrynane Beach for a game of Gaelic Football or Hurling. And tide permitting you can walk across to the ruined church and graveyard on ‘Abbey Island’ Overnight in the picturesque fishing village of Portmagee(Average driving time for day 2hrs 30mins)
An action packed day as we journey down to the Atlantic coastline before heading out on to the ‘undiscovered’ Beara Peninsula. It is an amazing coastline, wild and rugged and extremely scenic. And while we are there we have to option of some great walks, castles and lunch in one of Ireland’s most famous pubs, before heading for Kenmare for some dinner and excellent music Meet Atlantic Coastline at Bantry Bay Seal Spotting in Glengarriff - 15 minute walk along the shoreline Head out onto Beara Peninsula, the undiscovered Peninsula Hike the Bullig Bay Coastal walk past the castles at Dunboy o Duration: 90 mins o Terrain: Path and paved road. Some uphill. Great coastal scenery Great views of the Caha Mountains and Sheepshead Peninsula Lunch at McCarthy's Bar in Castletownbere Shortcut via old copper mines and over Mountain pass Explore Beara’s stunning coastline, views across to Iveragh Peninsula Visit the ancient Uragh Stone circle Overnight in the Coachman’s Townhouse Hotel, The Lansdowne Arms Hotel or the Brass Lantern Guesthouse, Kenmare(Average driving time for day 2hrs 30mins – 3hrs)
gougane barra to Kenmare
Day two
dingle day
It’s the Dingle Bay day, as we follow the northern half of the Ring of Kerry around the Iveragh Peninsula and then we join up with the Dingle Peninsula. Not forgetting the option of a cruise around the incredible Skellig Islands, which are truly breath taking though not for the faint hearted! For more details on these amazing islands, you can look here: http://www.skelligsrock.com/ Skellig Cruise Please note that the cruise around the Skellig Islands is very weather dependent and also seasonal (open between mid-May and September) so we outlined below a daily itinerary for days when we can or can’t cruise around the islands. The cruise costs €35 and takes about 3 hours. You depart Portmagee at 10.30am and cruise out to and around Little Skellig and Skellig Michael with views up to the ancient monastery. A commentary of the islands, their amazing birdlife and fascinating history is given during the cruise before returning at approx. 1pm. For those not wishing to visit the Skellig Islands or if the trip is not available, the options include: · Visit the Skellig Chocolate Factory for a free tasting! · Walk to Bray Head on Valentia Island (60 minute walk) · Visit the Skellig Experience Centre for a taste of life out on the Skellig Islands (entrance fee applies) · Explore Valentia Island with your guide And either way, we then head for Dingle… Off-road adventure to the top of a mountain overlooking Dingle Bay Pass through Killorglin (home of the Goat Fair) and Castlemaine (home of the Wild Colonial Boy) Drive along Inch Strand – one of Ireland most impressive beaches Walk to waterfalls above Lough Annascaul o Duration: 60-90 mins o Terrain: Path, broken in places. Boots advised. Lunch or a drink in Tom Crean's ‘South Pole Inn’ Overnight in Dingle Town – a town of 2500 people and 54 pubs(Average driving time for day 2hrs 30mins)
Portmagee to dingle
A great day spent enjoying Dingle town and the Peninsula, you can do as much or little as you like on day five as we spend two nights here in the town. At some stage while we are in Dingle we normally take the group out on a tour of the Peninsula, to the most westerly point in Ireland that you can drive to and a selection of the stops we see along the way are below. Plus we can also organise other options for you if you would like something more active, or relaxing. The Dingle Peninsula Tour out to Slea Head: Head out along the Slea Head Drive past Ventry beach Stop at an ancient Beehive Huts – once the dwellings of 5th Century Monks Scenic stop at Europe's most westerly point with views over the Blasket Islands Walk down to Coumeenoule Beach (Film set of Ryan’s Daughter) Photo stop at Smerwick Head – views of back up the Dingle Peninsula and of Mount Brandon Visit Louis Mulcahy Pottery or a local crystal cutter and see some of Ireland most skillful craftsmen at work. Optional Activities on day five: · Boat trip to see Fungie the Dolphin (Price: E20 per person) · Sea kayaking in Dingle bay (€45 pp for a three hour session) · Go horse riding on Ventry Strand (Price: E35 per person) · Surf an Atlantic Wave on Inch Strand or in Castlegregory (Price: E35 per person) · Go for a walk along the Dingle Way from the centre of Dingle town up into the Hills Chill Out in Dingle Town - Explore the picturesque town of Dingle, with its brightly coloured streets, numerous shops, excellent galleries, numerous local craftspeople, restaurants and of course pubs Dingle Brewing Company - visit one of Ireland’s leading craft breweries (Price: €7 including a pint of beer). Golf – Play a round on The Dingle Golf Links (fee’s would apply and you there may be a transfer fee one way by taxi if the guide and vehicle are busy with other group members) Galleries and shops – there are several excellent galleries and numerous local artisan craftsmen and women Walks from town - Go for a self-guided walk along the dingle way from the centre of town up into the hills or along the coast Overnight in Dingle Town(Average driving time for day 1hr 15mins – 1hr 45mins)
On day six we leave Dingle and the mountains of the south west behind and start travelling North. We pass through the agricultural region of North County Kerry before crossing the River Shannon into County Clare. Clare is an area known for its music, magic and folklore, not to mention the almost unique Burren Landscape and the Cliffs of Moher. Drive to the top of the Conor Pass, Ireland's highest road or walk above Lough Anascaul Watersport options in Castlegregory – Surfing, windsurfing, kayak rental or a fantastic walk along the beach (Surfing Lesson: €30 for two hours including tuition and equipment) Or Your guide can take you for a walk up in the mountains around Glanteenassig Lake Possible lunch stop in Tralee, home of the Rose of Tralee beauty pageant, or in the pretty town of Listowel, including a free tour of Listowel Castle Take the Ferry across the River Shannon into County Clare Cliffs of Moher – Breath taking 700 ft sea cliffs Overnight in the Liscannor Harbour Hotel, Liscannor(Driving time for day 3hrs 30mins)
clare to dublin
dingle to clare
It’s the last day of the tour, but there is still plenty to see and do as we make our way up through north county Clare and towards Galway. We then spend a couple of hours in Galway, enjoying the atmosphere of the culturally rich city before heading back to Dublin. (Driving time 3.5 -4hrs or train journey) Depart Liscannor Drive up and through the Burren Region, and its Limestone Lunar landscape Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen, an ancient Megalithic tomb and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures Kinvara village with: o Dunguaire Castle – ancient seat of the High Kings of Munster o Hookers – Traditional Sailing boats Galway city for lunch Head East Through counties Mayo, Roscommon, Longford and Meath Travel back to Dublin for 5.30-6pm arrival, for tearful hugs and farewell hugs. (Average driving time for day 4hr 30mins) (Please note that on some departures the journey between Dublin and Galway,has been replaced with a train journey. This is included in the price and organised for you and allows the groups to spend more time in the really scenic parts of Ireland. In this case the ticket also includes the bus or tram fare from the main train station into Dublin city centre. If the tour is running in the reverse direction to the above, then the train journey is at the start of the tour, but we will keep you fully informed if that is the case. If you would like further details please do not hesitate to contact Vagabond).
pricing & whats included
Whats Included:
Whats not included:
• Off the beaten track adventure in a Vagabond 4X4 tour vehicle. • Services of highly trained professional Vagabond tour guide • 7 FULL days on tour • 6 nights’ accommodation • 6 Full Irish breakfasts • Most daily activities and visits • Entrance fees to Blarney Castle ,The Rock of Cashel and a visit to a working sheep farm • Shannon ferry tickets • All relevant taxes • Guaranteed tour price from the moment you make your deposit• Loads of laughs
• Lunches and evening meals • Some optional entrance fees and additional activity options, for example: o Horse riding – €35 for an hour o Sea kayaking – €45 for three hours o Bike touring or mountain biking in Killarney National Park - €30 o Boat trip to the Skellig Islands – €70 o Cruise around the Skellig Islands - €35 o Surfing - €30-35 for a two hours lesson, including all equipment hire We try and keep any additional costs to a minimum and these activities account for only a small part of the daily activities on tour. Most of the places we visit are free to enter. The additional activities we do offer are ones that have proved to be a big success with customers over the years
Booking Information: For more information or to book a tour please contact us using the details below or check out our website at www.vagabondtoursofireland.com Tel Ireland +353 (0) 1 442 8559 USA 870 619 4059 Email: gillian@vagabond.ie
€1499 per person sharing €200single supplement
