Land of Saints & Scholars
Take in the highlights of southern Ireland on this 7-day group tour which starts and ends in Dublin. Sample traditional Irish whiskey at the Kilbeggan and Jameson's distilleries and spend a night in lively Galway. Admire the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, take the ferry across the Shannon Estuary and explore the rugged Dingle Peninsula. See the birthplace of Irish nationalist Daniel O'Connell, hike to Torc Waterfall and visit Blarney Castle. Roam Waterford, Ireland's oldest city, explore Kilkenny and pass through the Wicklow Mountains on your way back to Dublin.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Dublin to Galway
Day 1 Dublin to Galway
Dublin - Galway. Welcome to Ireland! Departing Dublin, we drive west through the rural landscapes of County Kildare and Offaly, passing farmland and peat bogs. Our first stop is Kilbeggan Distillery, we can take a moment to unwind with a taste of their renowned whiskey.
After a tasty tipple (or two!) we journey onwards to the stunning ruins of Clonmacnoise Abbey, on the banks of the River Shannon. This holy site boasts an impressive collection of ancient stone crosses, churches, and remarkable round towers, giving you an insightful glimpse into Ireland's rich spiritual history.
There is free time for you to tuck into a traditional pub lunch in one of the pretty nearby villages before we head to our accommodation for the evening in Galway. Galway boasts plenty of excellent restaurants and bars, as well as quaint seafront views.
Please note: Check-in closes at 08:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:00) - Dublin Nassau Street Pick Up, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.
Accommodation: Ashgrove, Desota House B&B or similar
Day 2 The Burren & Shannon Estuary
Day 2 The Burren & Shannon Estuary
Galway - Kilfenora - Killarney. Just off the coast of Galway City lies the Burren, one of Ireland's iconic landmarks. As one of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland, it boasts broad limestone pavements and rare flora. After exploring the area, we head to Kilfenora, known as the "town of the crosses". We can see the ancient cathedral and enjoy lunch independently in the area.
Our next stop is the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. There is time for us to hike the dramatic cliff trails here and see seabirds soaring through the clear air. The nearby environmental exhibition provides insights into the unique ecosystem.
We then drive through County Clare, taking in the famous golf course before arriving at picturesque Lahinch Beach. From here we board a ferry across the Shannon Estuary to Killarney, a lively town and home for the next three nights. Killarney is known for its traditional pubs and live music - the perfect place for a Guinness or two!
Accommodation: Kingfisher Lodge, Ashville B&B, Algret House B&B or similar
Day 3 The Dingle Peninsula
Day 3 The Dingle Peninsula
Killarney - Dingle Peninsula - Killarney. Heading out for a day's activities from Killarney, we travel to the magnificent Dingle Peninsula. We stop first at Inch Beach, where we can stroll along the extensive sands.
Passing through Dingle town, our next stop is Slea Head. Here we admire the ancient forts and prehistoric dwellings amidst breathtaking views of the nearby Blasket Islands. If the weather is favourable, we will have the opportunity to explore the beaches and cliff tops to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.
We then return to Dingle to spend a few hours at leisure. We recommend you savour some of the town's famous seafood! In the early evening, we make our way back to Killarney.
Accommodation: Kingfisher Lodge, Ashville B&B, Algret House B&B or similar
Day 4 Wild Ireland & Derrynane House
Day 4 Wild Ireland & Derrynane House
Killarney - Carrauntoohil - Portmagee - Waterville - Derrynane House - Killarney. Today we take in the best of South West Ireland's wild side, exploring the popular Ring of Kerry route. The day starts with a visit to Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain. Snap some photos before we head along the picturesque coast road through Glenbeigh and Kells to Cahersiveen.
There is free time for lunch in the quaint fishing village of Portmagee, and there is also the opportunity for travellers to head to Valentia Island for the Skellig Experience. This waterfront centre showcases the history of the ancient community of monks who made the rocky islands their home.
Our tour continues to Waterville, where we make a short stop at Charlie Chaplin's "home away from home" before enjoying stunning views at the top of Coonmakista pass. We then visit Derrynane House, home to the O'Connell family. Daniel O’Connell was known as the "The Liberator of Ireland". This Irish nationalist led Ireland's Roman Catholic majority in the first half of the 19th century.
We make our way back to Killarney, stopping at Moll’s Gap and Ladies View, from where we can make the short walk to admire Torc Waterfall.
Please note: On some departures of this itinerary, days 3 and 4 are switched. All inclusions and sights visited remain the same.
Accommodation: Kingfisher Lodge, Ashville B&B, Algret House B&B or similar
Day 5 Blarney Castle & Jameson's Whiskey
Day 5 Blarney Castle & Jameson's Whiskey
Killarney - Blarney Castle - Kinsale. Leaving Killarney, we head east to Blarney Castle. There is ample time to explore the castle grounds and take a leisurely walk through the woods. For the adventurous, there's the opportunity to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone and gain the renowned gift of eloquence.
Next, we visit the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, where we learn about the origins of the drink, the distillation process and even sample a taste for ourselves. In the afternoon, soak in the stunning coastline while en route to the charming fishing village of Kinsale, where we spend the night.
Please note: After the distillery visit, we change tour guides, and you will have a new guide for the rest of your trip.
Accommodation: Friars Lodge B&B, White House or similar
Day 6 Cobh, Copper Coast, Waterford & Kilkenny
Day 6 Cobh, Copper Coast, Waterford & Kilkenny
Kinsale - Cobh - Waterford - Kilkenny. In the morning, we depart Kinsale and head towards Cobh, a historic port town. It is well known for being the last stop of the Titanic on its maiden voyage, which ended in tragedy.
Continuing, we travel along the Copper Coast, a UNESCO-listed Geopark renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich histories. We stop in Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland, which was built by the Vikings during the 9th century. You can visit the Waterford Crystal factory to appreciate the exceptional craftsmanship, explore the fascinating museums or stroll around the Viking Triangle. Later in the day, we drive to Kilkenny, a bustling town with a thriving restaurant and pub scene. Spend the evening here to experience the warmth and hospitality that earned it the title of Ireland's friendliest city.
Accommodation: Bregah House, Bridge View B&B or similar
Day 7 Wicklow Mountains National Park
Day 7 Wicklow Mountains National Park
Kilkenny - Wicklow Mountains National Park - Dublin. This morning, there is free time for you to explore the various attractions that Kilkenny has to offer, including its famous castle. It's then time to climb aboard the bus as we journey north towards the Wicklow Mountains to admire the impressive steep granite cliffs in the national park.
The winding pathways of Wicklow Mountains National Park will take us to the awe-inspiring 6th century monastery located in Glendalough, presenting an opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the lush natural surroundings and the monastery's iconic round tower. The next leg of our journey involves travelling through the national park's central region, crossing the renowned Sally Gap and heading back to Dublin.
Please note: This tour ends at 18:30 - Dublin Nassau Street Drop Off, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Accommodation
On this tour, you will stay in bed and breakfast properties (B&Bs). These are usually smaller residential properties, with just a handful of guest rooms. You’ll have a bedroom, bathroom and often, access to a communal dining room for breakfast. Rooms will always be clean and comfortable, with a private bathroom. Bathrooms are usually en-suite, but on rare occasions, access may be via a communal hallway. This means that the bathroom will still be private and only for your personal use, but it is not en-suite (located in the room). You will need to leave the room to use the bathroom.
This informal B&B is located 1.2 km from the city centre and a 15-minute walk from Galway railway station. The simple, contemporary rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, tea and coffee-making facilities, and en suite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy complimentary use of a computer, as well as a full Irish breakfast and a continental breakfast buffet served in the modern dining room.
Just a 5-minute walk from the town centre and a 10-minute walk from Killarney train station, this modest guesthouse offers straightforward accommodation. The unfussy rooms include en suite bathrooms, tea and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. A full breakfast is provided, and additional amenities include a drying room for gear and clothing, as well as a garden.
This unpretentious hotel is a 5-minute walk from Kinsale's waterfront and 3.2 km from the historic Charles Fort. The traditional rooms are equipped with TVs, iPod docks, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Guests can enjoy a complimentary full Irish breakfast and Wi-Fi in public areas. Additional amenities include a guest lounge with a fireplace and a drying room for golf equipment.
At Bregagh Guesthouse, all 15 of the en suite bedrooms are comfortably furnished and decorated to the highest standards, each featuring a TV, hairdryer, and Wi-Fi. Guests also have access to a conservatory and garden.
Tour Reviews
Land of Saints & Scholars - 7 daysTake in the highlights of southern Ireland on this 7-day group tour which starts and ends in Dublin. Sample traditional Irish whiskey at the Kilbeggan and Jameson's distilleries and spend a night in lively Galway. Admire the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, take the ferry across the Shannon Estuary and explore the rugged Dingle Peninsula. See the birthplace of Irish nationalist Daniel O'Connell, hike to Torc Waterfall and visit Blarney Castle. Roam Waterford, Ireland's oldest city, explore Kilkenny and pass through the Wicklow Mountains on your way back to Dublin.Handpicked77665We had two guides, one after the other, and although they had very different styles, we were very happy with them. The tour covered half of Ireland so we covered a lot of ground. It turned out we were on another providers tour and the others on the tour had received emails from them with useful information and advice. We didn’t receive any of that. Consequently we didn’t know about our accommodation ahead of time. Some of the places we stayed were quite good but some were very basic and one landlady was extremely unpleasant! Most of the other clients had selected their own accommodation, consequently it was a better standard. We were very happy with On the Go tours organisation of our trip, especially the small group size.