Day 1. Kenmare & The Rock of Cashel
We will make our way out of the city and head south west to the wonderful town of Kenmare in the country of Kerry. We will take you back in time to the 12th century when we visit the world famous 'Rock Of Cashel,' once the home of the King of Munster. Once we reach Kenmare you'll have time to stretch and relax in one of the most beloved towns in Ireland. Kenmare is a charming town filled with many great restaurants and traditional Irish music in the pubs will keep you entertained!
Highlight of the day: Visit the 12th century Rock Of Cashel
Overnight: Kenmare Village
Restaurant Suggestion: Mulcahy’s Wild Garlic Restaurant
Day 2. Castletownbare & Bare Island
After breakfast we will take a scenic drive to Castletownbere, a fishing village that looks like it's stuck in time on Ireland's secret Peninsula of Beara. This was the home of the last great Irish Chieftain, O'Sullivan Beara. From there, we will take a ferry to Bare island, a small inhabited island about 20 minutes boat ride from the mainland. It's a magical little island where time stands still and stress just doesn't exist. Feel all your worries melt away! You will take a spectacular bike ride through the island, taking another ferry back to the mainland. After a stop in the capital of the Beara Peninsula, Glengarriff, we return to the lovely Kenmare for more 'fun and frollicks'!
Highlight of the day: Cycle across Bare Island
Overnight: Kenmare
Restaurant Suggestion: The Mews
Day 3: Ring of Kerry & Skellig Michael
In the morning, we will travel along the world famous Ring of Kerry and stop at the port in Portmagee. From there we will take a ferry to Skellig Michael, one of Ireland's holiest places and one of only two UNESCO World heritage sites in Ireland. Here, you will find a most unusual monastery built in stone beehive huts. Centuries ago, monks were cut off from the mainland and spent their time here creating manuscripts and praying. If the weather doesn't permit us to take the ferry we will head into Killarney National Park and hike through one of the most beautiful valleys in the country at the Gap of Dunloe and take a boat ride through the lakes of Killarney. Tonight, we will stay in the vibrant town of Dingle.
Highlight of the day: Visit Skellig Michael - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight : Dingle Town
Restaurant Suggestion : Walkers Bar & Restaurant
Day 4: Swim with Fungi the dolphin & Slea Head
This morning, you get to do what everyone on the planet has on their bucket list (optional extra) - you'll swim or Kayak with Fungi the dolphin, who came to Dingle Harbour years ago with a school of dolphins but never left. In the afternoon we will cycle around the famous Slea Head and stop off at the many ancient sites along the way. After that, you'll need to warm up a little and no better place than at the Dingle Whiskey Distillery where you'll be shown the secrets of whiskey making and have the chance to sample a few tipples before you leave. Tonight, we stay for another night in this wonderful town. Make sure to check out Dick Macks Pub before you leave, it's an unreal experience!
Highlight of the day: Bike ride around Slea Head
Overnight: Dingle Town
Restaurant Suggestion: The Chart House Restaurant
Day 5: Kilkea adventure & Wild Atlantic Way
We really do hate to say goodbye to Dingle, but it's upwards and onwards! Literally, as we head north along the Wild Atlantic Way. We will take a short but interesting ferry ride from Tarbert - crossing the mouth of Ireland's longest river, the river Shannon. Further along the coast, we will make a stop at Kilkea where you will have the opportunity to try the new land/sea adventure activity called 'coasteering'. You will be taken along the base of the sea cliffs, where you can climb along the edge and jump into the sea & lagoons dotted along the way - fantastic fun and a real Wild Atlantic Way experience! Tonight we will stay in the village of Lahinch, Ireland's surfing capital!
Highlight of the day: Coasteering in Kilkea
Overnight : Lahinch Village
Restaurant Suggestion: Vaughan Lodge Seafood Restaurant
Day 6: Surfing at Lahinch & The Cliffs of Moher
After a hearty breakfast we will hit the waves and get some surf lessons on Ireland's most famous surf beach at Lahinch. Enjoy the surf! Once we’ve dried off, we will travel a short distance north to Ireland’s most iconic landmark, The Cliffs Of Moher. Thousands of visitors flock to these high cliffs every year. We will take a hike along the cliffs before we get back to our accommodation to freshen up. To finish this jam packed day of adventure we will take you to Doolin village to a traditional night of Irish music and 'craic‘ (means fun).
Highlight of the day: Surfing on Lahinch Beach
Overnight: Lahinch
Restaurant Suggestion: The Cornerstone
Day 7: Burren walk & Galway city
This morning we will take you to one of Ireland's iconic tombs, the dolmen at Poulnabrone which sits in the heart of the Burren, one of Ireland's National Parks. This dolmen is a burial site and most likely the last resting place of a local Chieftain. Your knowledgeable guide will then take you on a hike through the rocky Burren region and tell you about the flora and fauna exclusive to this area of Ireland. It is a ground fertile with flowers and plants, regardless of its rocky appearance. It's like taking a walk on the moon! We will take a hike along the top of the cliffs which rewards us with amazing views. We then head to the city of Galway where you will sadly have to say goodbye to some friends who have completed the Wild Atlantic Way South and meet up with some new travelling companions joining us for the northern adventure. Tonight we will stay in picturesque Clifden.
Highlight of the day: Hike along The Cliffs Of Moher
Overnight: Clifden
Restaurant Suggestion: Ardagh Restaurant
Day 8. National Park & Kylemore Abbey
Connemara is the heartland of Ireland for many. It holds the dreamy image of Ireland many picture in their minds before they set foot on her soil. This is a place of outstanding beauty - it mesmerises you as we explore the region. We will visit Connemara National Park and make some photo stops along the way including at Kylemore Abbey, a romantic and sprawling abbey set among the mountains and lakes. The backdrop is stunning and is one of the most photographed in Ireland. After visiting the immaculate gardens, we will visit a mountain sheep farm to introduce you to the working man's view of Connemara. You will be given a sheep dog demonstration and perhaps have the chance to shear some sheep! Afterwards, you will do the famous 'Famine Walk' along Killary Harbour where Irish families were ordered to build paths during the famine years in exchange for food.
Highlight of the day: Hike the famous Famine Walk
Overnight: Clifden
Restaurant Suggestion: Guy’s Bar & Snug Restaurant
Day 9. Achill Island & Western Greenway Cycle
Today we will take you to two fascinating sites, firstly a megalithic tomb that still stands 5000 years on, complete with carvings visible on the walls and the deserted village of Slievemore. A whole community was forced to leave their homes during the 1840's because of crippling high rents imposed by their landlords. Then, we discover one of Ireland's most hidden treasures at Keem Bay. You can either swim in the bay or walk along the high sea cliffs with amazing Atlantic views. Afterwards, we will leave Achill by bike and you will experience the Western Greenway, an old railway line used by the English gentry. Today it’s a bike trail which we will cycle from Mulranny to Newport, where we will collect and transfer you to Westport town.
Highlight of the day: Cycle along The Great Western Greenway
Overnight: Westport Town
Restaurant Suggestion: The Olde Bridge Restaurant
Day 10. SUP'ing & Guided Coastal Walk
On this morning's first adventure you will try SUPing, or 'Stand Up Paddling', along what is known as Ireland's Amazon River. From there, we will visit the Victorian seaweed baths at Enniscrone before we meet Auriel Robinson, a marine historian who is passionate about the area. She will bring you on a fascinating guided walk explaining the history of the area and the fate of the Spanish Armada. Then we head for Mullaghmore where you are free to explore the beach and have a swim. Be astounded by the impressive Ben Bulben mountain which dominates the horizon. You will be staying in Mullaghmore for the next two nights.
Highlight of the day: Stand Up Paddling along Ireland’s Amazon
Overnight: Mullagmore
Restaurant Suggestion: Eithna’s by the Sea
Day 11. Donegal Castle & Slieve League Cliffs
Today we head along the coast to the long beach at Rossnowlagh. The beach spans 3km, so we'll walk to the end and back to get some fresh sea air in our lungs. If anyone feels like a quick dip in the ocean, we're happy to join you. We then move further North to Donegal town where you will visit Donegal Castle. This spectacular castle was once home to a local 'Chieftain' called ''Red" McDonnell and was built in 1474. Your charming guide will then take you to one of the signature stops of the whole tour. Your Wild Atlantic Way tour will end on a high when you are taken to see the highest sea cliffs in Europe at Slieve League. Marvel at the amazing views from the top of these giant cliffs and enjoy the fresh air. What an exhilirating end to this fantastic tour!
Highlight of the day: Slieve League Cliffs
Overnight: Mullagmore
Restaurant Suggestion: The Quay Bar
Day 12. Strokestown House - Return to Dublin
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and today we are heading back to Dublin. We have one last treat for you as we make a stop at Strokestown House, where you will be given a guided tour of this stately home. From here it is only another hour and a half until we say our final farewell back in Dublin. This is an experience not to be missed!
Highlight of the day: Strokestown House
End of Services: Thank You!