Wild Atlantic Way Tours

Let your airport transfer take you to your city centre hotel where you can settle in, relax and get accustomed to Irish time. Spend the afternoon exploring Ireland’s second city which has kept its traditional feel while embracing the trendy youthful vibe. Expect snug pubs, live music, local food produce and friendly people all within a compact walking distance. 

Really get to know Cork city today and perhaps take the open top city tour or simply discover for yourself the churches and museums the city is famous for. The highlights include the Cork city Gaol, Butter museum, the gothic St. Fin Barr’s Cathedral and the beautiful University College cork. Don’t miss the English Market where you will see the local food produce being sold in Cork’s traditional food market. Enjoy dinner in a city restaurant and taste the best of gourmet Cork.

Make an early start and head for the picturesque Kinsale, make sure to buy some artisan chocolate at the local artisan chocolate shop! Along the first stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way from Kinsale to the tiny fishing village, Baltimore. Learn about piracy and the old Irish Clans in the Baltimore Castle visitor’s centre and weather allowing, go on a whale watching boat trip or sea safari. Continue on the coastal road and head for the beautiful Cork & Kerry mountains. Stop at the 18th Century Bantry House and visit the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry where their descendants still own and live. Head over the mountains and enjoy the amazing view! Settle into your luxurious Kerry hotel and relax after your long day.

This morning take a stroll through Killarney town or visit the world famous Killarney national park on a horse and buggy. A visit to Ross Castle and a short boat trip on the lakes are all a must do.  Take the guided tour of the historical Muckross house.

Today drive the world famous Ring of Kerry. Experience the raw beauty of 179kms (111 miles) of the country’s most scenic peninsula routes. The combination of rugged sea, spectacular mountains and small traditional villages will not fail to impress.

The second of the Kerry peninsulas, this day drive is beautiful. This remote place is steeped in history and the sightseeing is stunning. The area is a “Gaeltacht” region where the people speak the Irish language as their first language. Stop in Dingle town for a fish lunch and some shopping. 

Make an early start this morning and head out of Kerry towards Co. Limerick. Visit the restored Bunratty Castle to experience life in mediaeval Ireland. Drive out to the coast and drive through the Burren, this rocky nature reserve has unique flora and fauna and many archaeological sites. Head for the coast and the awesome Cliffs of Moher. The magnificent Cliffs are the top of the list of sights to see in Ireland. Soaring 702 ft above the sea the view is fantastic. On to your luxury accommodation to settle in and rest.

Make your way to Galway city for the morning and some lunch. Take a guided tour and discover this colourful city. Galway has a fascinating trading history and was the principal Irish port for trade with Spain and France in the middle ages. The compact city is famous for its pubs and restaurants and you will be certain to experience some traditional music and fun. On to your luxury Galway accommodation.

Take the ferry to the Aran Islands. Inishmore is the biggest of the islands and most popular. Hire a bike and cycle across the island to Dun Aonghasa, a semi circle stone fort overlooking the Atlantic. This famous archaeological site has had people living here since 1500BC. The island beautiful and is definitely worth a visit. 

Make an early start and head north along the Wild Atlantic Way through the scenic Connemara landscape. This rocky plateau is scenic and beautiful. Enjoy quiet roads winding around lakes and barren hills.  Head for Clifden and on to the Sky road taking in the rugged Atlantic sea views. Watch the kite surfers on the waves and take a walk on a windswept beach. Further on highlights such as Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey founded by Benedictine nuns fleeing Belgium in World War 1 on your way to your Mayo Hotel.

Driving from Mayo to Donegal take the direct route and get to your Donegal hotel early. Relax, and refresh before the last leg of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Travelling around County Donegal takes in the stunning Malin Head and Fanad Head. Drive the southern loop and take the whole day. Fall in love with the rugged coastline. Highlights include the Slieve Lag cliffs, standing 600m tall (1968 ft). No trip to Donegal is complete without exploring its miles of golden, sandy beaches. One particular highlight is Ballymastocker Bay, voted the second most beautiful beach in the world by Observer Magazine. Don’t forget to pick up a Donegal tweed blanket to bring home to remind you of your vacation.

Head back to the east towards Dublin but make a few highlight stops along the way. First visit Newgrange (c 3,200 B.C.), it is the best-known monument of the World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, predating the ancient pyramids by 400 years and Stonehenge by 1000. The fantastic visitors centre will fascinate you. Visit Monasterboice, an early Christian site with a round tower and 10th Century High Cross, the Hill of Tara (seat of the high kings of Ireland) or Trim Castle, the largest Anglo- Norman castle in Ireland and part of Braveheart’s film set. Settle into your hotel outside Dublin for a good night sleep before your flight home.

Let your airport transfer bring you the 30 min drive to the airport for your flight home.