Day 1: Kenmare & The Rock of Cashel

Your adventure starts in the heart of Dublin from the Molly Malone Statue on Suffolk Street, at 8:00am. Jump aboard our comfortable coach and meet your fellow adventurers for the next 12 days!  Once your guide introduces himself and gets everyone settled, 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 pass through spectacular countryside throughout the midlands. Sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. 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. Your tour there will take you through centuries of fascinating history. Enjoy the lovely architecture and take in the charming scenery for miles around. A sea of green fields awaits you - Ireland's well-known trait is her vibrant greenery. This first visit at Cashel will give you plenty to talk about for the rest of the trip south. 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: Castletownbere & 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 - 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:

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: 

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:  

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: 

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:

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!

DAY 1

ROCK OF CASHEL was the seat of the High King of Munster before being signed over to the church. The ruins are quite well-preserved and are a fine example of Celtic Romanesque construction. Enjoy this historical site which is surrounded by picturesque scenery.

DAY 2

BARE ISLAND is situated off the coast of the beautiful Bantry Bay. Its population is about 200 people today, but pre-famine, it was 2000. The island has many archaelogical sites dating from bronze age to medieval times including standing stones, wedge tombs and burial sites.  

DAY 3

THE RING OF KERRY is an awe-inspiring scenic route of 180km. The whole journey is picture perfect with beautiful scenery and historic attractions along the way, including Ogham stones, Muckross Abbey and Skellig Michael. Come along and see why the Ring of Kerry is considered one of the the best scenic routes in Ireland.

SKELLIG MICHAEL is a monastic island accessible by ferry. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 7th century, it was occupied until the 12th century, before falling into disrepair. It is comprised of numerous beehive cells, larger oratories and St Michael's Church.

DAY 4

SLEA HEAD takes you on a circular route beginning and ending in beautiful Dingle. It takes in a large number of attractions, including Dunbeg Fort, Reask Monastic site and Gallarus Oratory. Enjoy dramatic views of South Kerry and the Blasket Islands.

DINGLE DISTILLERY is a new venture launched in 2012, with its first whiskey to be released in 2018. It is the first purpose built whiskey distillery in 200 years and aims to produce a high grade single pot, single malt whiskey.

DAY 5

LAHINCH is a beautiful town and is renowned as one of the top surfing locations in Ireland, attracting thousands of surfers all year round. Its smaller waves close to the beach are perfect for beginners to learn to surf or stand on the board! 

DAY 6

POULNABRONE DOLMEN is a megalithic portal tomb dating to around 3600 BC. It has a twelve foot capstone supported by two slender portal stones 1.8m from the ground. Archaelogical excavations found that between 16-22 adults and 6 children are buried at this site.

THE CLIFFS OF MOHER are Ireland's most visited tourist attraction. They rise 120m above the Atlantic Ocean and stretch for 8km along the coast. They afford spectacular views, with the Aran Islands, Galway Bay and The Twelve Bens visible from this vantage point on a clear day. They are a truly mesmerising sight and an experience like no other to witness the wild beauty of nature as the ocean crashes against the cliffs below.

DAY 7

CLIFDEN CASTLE is a ruined manor house built by John D'Arcy in the gothic revival style in 1818. The famine of 1845-1849 was disastrous for the tenants, and the D'Arcy landowners went bankrupt due to lack of rent coming in. The house was then used as a holiday home by the Eyre family before falling into disrepair in 1894.

CORCOMROE ABBEY is an early 13th century monastery built of local limestone. You will see detailed stone ornaments and carvings throughout the stucture, something quite rare for this period. It is also the last resting place of King Conor Na Suidane ua Brian with his tomb effigy.

DAY 8

DOO LOUGH, meaning black lake, is a beautiful yet tragic area which was ravaged by famine in the 1840s, along with horrendeous treatment of the starving by the ruling classes. The monument in Doo Lough has an inscription from Gandi: "How can men feel themselves honoured by the humiliation of their fellow beings."

KILLARY HARBOUR is one of only three fjords in Ireland and creates a natural boundary between Galway and Mayo. Its northern shore has Connaught's highest mountain, and its southern shore is comprised of the Twelve Bens and the Maumturks Mountains. The scenery is spectacular!  

DAY 9

THE DESERTED VILLAGE at Slievemore is comprised of about 100 windowless stone cottages, rectangular in shape. The village was inhabited in 1838 but deserted ten years later. It was, however, used by farmers from Pollagh and Dooagh who came to graze their cattle for the summer months. This practice continued until the 1940s. 

KEEM BAY is located past Dooagh village. It is a perfect horseshoe bay with a beautiful sandy blueflag beach. It is a hidden gem and is the top ranked beauty spot by visitors to Achill.

DAY 10

SUP - Stand Up Paddling is a great fun activity and is the fastest growing water sport worldwide. It originated in Polonesia, but has spread worldwide, even to the west coast of Ireland. You paddle a wide board, similar to a surfboard, and TRY to keep your balance!

DAY 11

DONEGAL CASTLE is situated in the heart of Donegal town. It was extensively restored in the 1990s, and is constructed with locally sourced limestone and sandstone. It was the stronghold of the O'Donnell Clan, one of the most powerful Gaelic clans from the 5th to the 16th centuries. 

DAY 12

THE SLIEVE LEAGUE SEA CLIFFS are on the Atlantic coast of Donegal. Towering at 1972ft, they are some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe - three times higher than their famous cousin the 'Cliffs Of Moher'. Enjoy beautiful dramatic vistas of Donegal Bay from this amazing vantage point.

Amazing 12 Day Wild Atlantic Way - Epic Tour!!

My wife and I chose to do the 12 day Wild Atlantic Way - Epic Tour with Extreme Ireland for our honeymoon! It was a perfect way to spend our time getting lost in the fun/adventurous country of Ireland. We did everything! We did many great hikes, multiple adventurous bike rides, got wet in coasteering, got more wet paddle boarding, listened to awesome local music, ate amazing meals with good company, and learned about the true local culture. This trip was not a big tour bus, there were only 5 clients and 1 guide for 6 days, then 4 other people joined in for the second half (2 of which were my parents and the other was my wife's friend). So we had a great group of people to finish the trip off with. The guide was the highlight to the trip. Noel made the experience what it was and gave us so many awesome memories to take back home to Alaska. I would recommend this trip to anyone that wants to get off the beaten path and only has a couple weeks to do it. This way you aren't on a big bus with 50 other people battling the crowds at the main attractions. I can't say enough good things about the company, the people we worked with to set this up, and of course our guide!!

12 day adventure tour - the wild Atlantic way

This trip was amazing- I've done a bit of traveling all over the world in the last two years and this tour was my favorite.
The accommodation was clean, comfortable, and super friendly. It actually exceeded my expectations and the included breakfasts are DELICIOUS DELICIOUS DELICIOUS. Esp the lemon honey pancakes from the B&B in Sligo OMG. Many of the rooms were newly renovated and there was always a soft bed to fall into and a luxuriously hot shower at the end of a great day outdoors.
The food in Ireland is super awesome. Don't be afraid of the cafeterias in visitor centers or little cafes and bars because it's really fresh and almost everything is homemade. A real treat!!!
This tour was excellent value- there's no way in hell I could have paid for transport, rooms, and all the included activities for what extreme Ireland will do it for!!! Plus our guide was invaluable. He took us to off the beaten path hikes and was really knowledgeable about Ireland's history. Overall just a great guy who was very passionate about Ireland and showing us a great time. I really can't say enough about how great a value this tour was.
The activities on the tour range from bicycling to kayaking to horseback riding, and there's lots of beautiful hikes! My favorite activity was kayaking in a bioluminescent lake near Baltimore, and I have to say bicycling around slea head was super hard and a little frustrating (it was god awful windy that day) but it wound up being one of the funniest days for my group bc we had a great laugh about it and naturally we called tony when we couldn't take it anymore and he came and got us. (Our guides name was tony). 
Brilliant, brilliant tour. i would take this tour again in a heartbeat, and I certainly plan to come back to Ireland! Thanks for an awesome adventure extreme ireland!!!

Trip Advisor May 2015