Visit includes Portmagee with our Southern Ireland Discovery Tour

Escape to the South West Tour- 5 Days

Name: Best Escape to The South West Tour
Price: 99.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

INQUIRE BOOKING

Add to wishlist

Category: Ireland Small Group Tours

Duration: 05 days/04 nights
Destinations: South West Ireland
Starting and Ending Points: Dublin
Tour Size and Guests: Maximum of 16

Escape to the South West Tour- 5 Days

Indulge in a captivating five-day Escape to the South West Tour and discover the enigmatic and secluded magnificence of Ireland’s West Coast. Delve into one of the most awe-inspiring regions in Ireland on this journey.

Witness the tremendous power of the Atlantic waves as they collide against the jagged cliffs. Marvel at the sight of imposing castles towering over ancient monasteries, and immerse yourself in cities brimming with mythical stories and enigmas.

This tour is tailored for those who relish majestic mountains, cheerful melodies, and remarkable recollections. Join us on this adventure, and let us take you on a journey you will cherish forever.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Dublin – Kilbeggan Distillery – Clonmacnoise – Galway City

Embarking westward through the lush farmlands and peat bogs of County Kildare and Offaly, your first stop is Kilbeggan Distillery. Here, you can unwind with a glass of their renowned whiskey.

After indulging in a drink or two, you proceed to the banks of the formidable River Shannon and visit the ancient Clonmacnoise abbey. With its assortment of stone crosses, archaic churches, and one-of-a-kind round towers, this holy site offers an illuminating glimpse into Ireland’s spiritual past.

Following a hearty meal at a traditional pub in one of the charming villages, you travel to Galway City, your home for the night. The city boasts a vibrant atmosphere, with excellent restaurants and bars.

Day 2: Burren – Kilfenora – Cliffs of Moher – County Clare

The Burren, one of Ireland’s most precious natural wonders, is a short drive along the coast from Galway City. The area is home to one of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland, as well as extensive limestone pavements and rare flora.

After exploring the area, you head to Kilfenora, known as the “town of the crosses”. You can visit the town’s impressive ancient cathedral before stopping for lunch in one of the picturesque villages nearby.

Next, you visit the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. Take a stroll along the magnificent cliff trails while seabirds soar through the clear air above you. You can also learn about the unique ecosystem in the excellent and award-winning environmental exhibition nearby.

Continuing south through County Clare, you pass by its renowned golf course on the way to the picturesque beach at Lahinch. From there, you take a ferry across the Shannon Estuary to the lakeside town of Killarney, your base for the next three nights. Take your time exploring the vibrant area and enjoying its superb collection of traditional pubs and live music.

Day 3: Dingle Peninsula – Slea Head – Inch Beach

On day three, you embark on a tour of the stunning Dingle Peninsula. Your first stop is Inch Beach, a vast expanse of sand stretching out into the Atlantic. As you venture down the narrow roads away from the beach, you pass through the charming town of Dingle.

You continue towards Slea Head, an area brimming with ancient forts and prehistoric dwellings. The spectacular views of the nearby Blasket Islands make this an excellent spot for panoramic photos. If the weather is pleasant, you can take a leisurely walk along the beaches and cliff tops to appreciate the incredible vistas fully.

Arriving back amidst the brightly coloured houses and jolly harbour of Dingle, you can spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying delicious seafood in this idyllic setting. In the evening, take a stroll in the National Park surrounding the town.

Day 4: Carrauntoohil – Derrynane House

Today’s adventure takes you on a breathtaking journey through the Ring of Kerry, showcasing some of Ireland’s most visually stunning areas. The journey begins in the morning, where you’ll make your first stop at Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. With its rugged majesty, you’ll want to capture some photos before joining the scenic coast road through Glenbeigh and Kells on the way to Cahersiveen. Along the way, various stops exist, including the birthplace of “The Liberator of Ireland,” Daniel O’Connell, and an impressive ring fort outside Portmagee.

For lunch, you’ll visit the quaint fishing village of Portmagee, or you can head to the island of Valentia to visit the Skellig Experience. This excursion teaches you about the ancient community of monks who made the outcrop of rocky islands their home. In the afternoon, enjoy a photo stop in Waterville, which Charlie Chaplin once called his “home away from home” before taking in the magnificent views at the top of Coonmakista Pass.

As you wind down from the peaks, you’ll head to Derrynane House, home of the O’Connell family, where you’ll learn about the strong bond Daniel O’Connell, “The Liberator of Ireland,” had with this place. Explore the scenic gardens, walk along the beach, and tour the main house.

Continuing along the Ring, stop at Moll’s Gap and the Lady’s View. Take a short stroll to the Torc Waterfall before heading back to Killarney. (Note: On some tours, days three and four are switched).

Day 5: Blarney Castle – Kilkenny Castle – Dublin

On day five, head east through the mountains of West Cork, weaving along the Lee Valley until you reach Blarney Castle. You’ll have ample time here to take in the castle grounds, and there may even be a chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and receive the “gift of the gab”! In the afternoon, the tour heads to the heritage town of Cahir, where a distinctive island castle is situated in the River Suir.

The tour’s final stop is Kilkenny, a bustling city with a fine castle, a thousand-year-old round tower, and an impressive National Craft Centre. Take advantage of the opportunity to have one last Guinness before heading back on the road for the last leg of the journey. You’ll arrive back in Dublin in the evening.

NOTE: The itinerary’s estimated duration and travel distance are based on each day’s starting and ending points for direct routes. These estimates do not include possible detours or sightseeing stops. Actual journey times may vary due to traffic, road conditions, or unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, if our chosen hotels are fully booked, we will book another hotel with the same star rating and facilities. We are also unable to customise the tour itinerary.

Tour Inclusions

Highlights of Escape to the South West Tour:

Savour the sights and tastes of the oldest licensed distillery on Earth at the Kilbeggan Distillery
Revere the magnificent 1,500-year-old abbey of Clonmacnoise
Delve into the hubbub of Galway City’s bustling bars and lively restaurants
Roam the Burren, home to some of Ireland’s most profound spiritual and natural experiences
Marvel at the steep Cliffs of Moher and the stunning 700ft drop into the waves of the Atlantic Ocean
Relax with traditional Irish music in the atmospheric pubs and bars of Killarney
Traverse the Dingle Peninsula, famous for its scenery and Gaelic culture
Wander ancient forts and religious sites of the past at Slea Head
Stroll the beautiful length of Inch Beach on your way to Dingle
Tour the world-renowned Ring of Kerry, hailed globally for its incredible scenery and cultural heritage
Try to kiss the famed Blarney Stone within the walls of the medieval stronghold of Blarney Castle
Visit the gardens of Kilkenny Castle and roam the city’s medieval lanes