Day 1. Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle and Kinsale
We begin your journey by travelling southwest through the Golden Vale, one of the richest agricultural landscapes in the country.
Rock of Cashel
Our first major stop is the Rock of Cashel, one of the most impressive heritage sites in Ireland. This hilltop complex contains early medieval chapels, towers and high crosses, along with spectacular views over County Tipperary. Cashel was once the seat of the Kings of Munster, and its stories weave together saints, Vikings, invasions and royal power. It is an extraordinary introduction to Ireland’s ancient past.
Blarney Castle and Gardens
From here we continue to Blarney Castle, home of the world famous Blarney Stone. You are welcome to climb the castle, explore the gardens and wander through the unique Poison Garden. The grounds are full of history, native planting and quiet corners that offer beautiful views across the estate.
Evening in Kinsale
We end the day in the harbour town of Kinsale, known for its colourful streets, maritime history and excellent local dining. It is one of the most charming places to spend an evening in Ireland.
Overnight. Kinsale.
Day 2. West Cork Coast, Garnish Island or Healy Pass and Arrival in Killarney
Option 1. Garnish Island and the West Cork Gardens
If you love gardens, architecture or peaceful landscapes, we can take a boat across to Garnish Island. The journey itself passes a resident seal colony and offers beautiful views of Glengarriff Harbour. The island is famous for Italian style terraces, exotic planting and sheltered walking paths that feel a world away from the mainland.
Option 2. Healy Pass and the Beara Peninsula
If you prefer a scenic drive, we can explore the twisting mountain road of Healy Pass, one of the most dramatic routes in Ireland. This journey takes you through the Beara Peninsula, passing remote valleys, coastal views and quiet villages. Fans of film will recognise locations used in productions such as Star Wars and Ryan’s Daughter.
Evening in Killarney
We finish in Killarney, a lively town surrounded by lakes and mountains. You will have your choice of excellent local restaurants and traditional pubs with live music.
Overnight. Killarney.
Day 3. Dingle Peninsula, Beehive Huts and the Blasket Centre
Slea Head Drive
Today we explore the Dingle Peninsula, one of my favourite places in Ireland. Slea Head Drive follows the coastline along clifftops, coves and old stone walls. You will see sweeping Atlantic views, offshore islands and some of the most photographed landscapes in the country.
Beehive Huts
We visit the ancient beehive huts built from stone without mortar. These structures date back thousands of years and offer a remarkable insight into early settlement on the peninsula.
Optional. Hold a Lamb
Many guests enjoy a short stop at a small local farm where you may have the opportunity to hold a lamb during lambing season. It is a simple but memorable experience.
Blasket Centre
The Blasket Centre tells the story of the Great Blasket Island, once home to a unique community known for its literature, survival skills and way of life. It is a fascinating and deeply moving part of Irish heritage.
Overnight. Return to Killarney.
Day 4. Ring of Kerry, Kerry Cliffs and Killarney National Park
Ring of Kerry
Today we drive the full Ring of Kerry, a route known worldwide for its mountains, coastal cliffs and traditional villages. The scenery changes constantly as we move around the peninsula.
Kerry Cliffs
We visit the Kerry Cliffs for towering ocean views and an unmatched perspective over Skellig Michael. For many visitors this is a highlight of the day.
Skellig Visitor Centre
A chance to learn about the extraordinary monks who once lived on the remote Skellig Rocks in the Atlantic Ocean.
Ladies View
A viewpoint named after Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting who visited in the nineteenth century. It remains one of the most beautiful vistas in Ireland.
Torc Waterfall
A short walk brings you to this impressive waterfall set within ancient woodland.
Overnight. Killarney.
Day 5. County Clare, Spanish Point and the Cliffs of Moher
Tarbert Ferry to Clare
We take the ferry across the Shannon Estuary which saves time and offers a pleasant break in the journey.
Spanish Point
This windswept location takes its name from Spanish Armada soldiers who were lost here in 1588. It is a dramatic and historically significant stop.
Cliffs of Moher
We continue north to the Cliffs of Moher. Towering 700 feet above the Atlantic, the cliffs deliver unforgettable views of sea cliffs, birdlife and rugged coastline. I will guide you to less crowded vantage points depending on the weather and visibility.
The Burren Coastal Route
We follow the coast through the Burren, a landscape of limestone pavements, wildflowers and sweeping sea views. This region feels almost lunar in places and is unlike anywhere else in Ireland.
Overnight. Galway City.
Day 6. Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, Sky Road and Sheepdog Demonstration
Connemara Mountains
We travel west into Connemara, a region of lakes, bogs, peaks and stone walls. The scenery here is wild, open and incredibly peaceful.
Kylemore Abbey
A nineteenth century lakeside castle later home to Benedictine nuns. The Victorian Walled Gardens are beautifully restored and well worth exploring.
Sky Road
One of the most scenic coastal routes in Ireland, offering views across bays, islands and Atlantic headlands.
Sheepdog Demonstration
A visit to a local shepherd provides insight into the remarkable skill of trained sheepdogs. It is one of the most authentic experiences on the route.
Overnight. Galway City.
Day 7. Clonmacnoise, Birr Castle and Return to Dublin
Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
We begin our return east with a visit to Clonmacnoise, one of the most significant early Christian settlements in Ireland. Founded in the sixth century, it contains high crosses, round towers, churches and spectacular riverside views.
Birr Castle and Science Centre
Next we visit Birr Castle, still occupied by the Parsons family. The estate includes beautiful gardens and the historic Leviathan Telescope, once the largest in the world. The science centre tells the story of how this family contributed to astronomy and invention.
Sean’s Bar, Athlone
If time allows, we stop at Sean’s Bar, believed to be the oldest pub in Ireland. Its walls and artefacts trace over a thousand years of local history.
Return to Dublin
We finish by returning you to your accommodation in Dublin where your seven day journey comes to an end.
