Compare Ireland Biking by Butterfield & Robinson vs Emerald Explorer Tour by Overland Ireland
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 5,495 | $ 1,500 |
| Price Per Day | $ 916 | $ 214 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description |
Ride the land of saints & scholars Sweep through verdant hills, follow rocky coastlines and tip back a pint of Guinness. We have Connemara’s authentic landscapes, culture and music to ourselves. And if you’re a wee bit peckish? Fresh mussels, tender lamb, wild salmon and craft cheeses will sate your Irish appetite. |
Your small group tour experience begins here! Jewel tours are perfect for going at a smoother pace whilst enjoying some light activity. From Dublin you begin your wonderful journey along the Wild Atlantic Way. You will cover miles of rugged Irish coastline from Connemara to Kinsale. Expert local guides will ensure you have a memorable experience, exploring everything from the breath-taking sights on the Ring of Kerry and kayaking with dolphins in Dingle Bay (optional). Visit the Cliffs of Moher, fall in love with bohemian Galway City and the Aran Islands. This memorable journey of 7 days encapsulating and exploring Ireland with a diverse range of scenery, castles, adventure, history, heritage, culture and wildlife. You can enjoy light activity along your tour of a lifetime and yet glide through the days at a smooth pace. A week that you will never forget with lifelong memories! |
Day 1:
Ride through the spectacular limestone landscapes of the Burren National Park towards lunch at a legendary lobster bar. Tonight, we’re in for a treat with dinner at our hotel's award-winning restaurant.
Day 2:
Enjoy a morning of coastal cycling along the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way to the famous Cliffs of Moher. Tonight, we have a special medieval dinner planned in an intriguing historic location.
Day 3:
Explore the sleepy village of Roundstone on foot, then pedal along the coast to Clifden. Dinner this evening is accompanied by traditional Irish folk music at a characterful fisherman’s pub.
Day 4:
Catch the ferry to Inishbofin (keep your eyes out for dolphins!) and meet a local archaeologist for an informative walk around the island's rugged cliffs, Bronze and Iron Age ruins, and crumbling forts.
Day 5:
After a typical Irish breakfast, cycle your way through Inagh Valley and to a shellfish farm on the shores of Killary. Stop for a tour of the farm and a picnic overlooking the harbour, then enjoy some free time back at the hotel (fly fishing or massage anyone?).
Day 6:
After breakfast this morning, we’ll drive you just over an hour back to Galway in time for the Dublin train.
Day 1: Sunday – Clonmacnoise to Connemara
Sleep in Ballynahinch Castle
Your Emerald Explorer expertly guided, Ireland tour, will leave Dublin for the beauty and surroundings of the 6th century monastery at Clonmacnoise, located on the banks of the River Shannon. The monastery was a centre of excellence for learning and scholars created the finest of Celtic art and illuminated manuscripts over 600 years.
With a whetted appetite, our small group tour will cross the country into County Galway. Our next stop is Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara. The rugged landscape of Connemara come hail rain or shine is guaranteed to take your breath away. Spend time roaming the abbey and Victorian walled garden on this 1000 acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic Connemara National Park.
At the end of a busy day stay in Clifden – the largest town in Connemara surrounded by the Twelve Bens mountain range. Discover some great bars, restaurants, nightly music and have a chat with the locals over a pint of the Black Stuff!
If you feel like treating yourself we have added the option of staying in Ballynahinch Castle!
Total driving time: 4 hours
The Ultimate Tour of Ireland - Small Groups, Big Experiences on your Overland Ireland Ultimate Small Group Tour
Day 2: Monday – The Aran Islands
After a short drive cross country to Rossaveal Pier on Galway Bay, our small group tour of Ireland will take the ferry to the Aran Islands. We will land on rugged Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. We explore the Island by an easy cycle or by special request jaunting.
Our route will take in the stone fort of Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over the ocean before making our way back to the mainland. While you are there you might pick up a few words of “Gaelic” from the locals and maybe get an original Aran Sweater!
Our departure from Rossaveal is the start of our Galway adventure. We will hug the coastline into bustling bohemian Galway. Expect a great atmosphere, entertaining street performers and plenty of craic in this much celebrated town.
Total driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes
The Aran Islands on your Grand Tour of Ireland
Your Fully Guided Overland Ireland Small Group Tour Lets You Meet Friendly Locals
Day 3: Tuesday – Galway to Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher on your Grand Tour of Ireland
Galway is a city that has its Medieval history at its very heart.
Now that you have a “feel” for Galway, our guide will take you down the narrow medieval streets where you can duck in and out of brightly coloured shops.
Try on Claddagh Rings, Galway shawls and pass through The Spanish Arch to take in the famous Claddagh fishing village.
This day just keeps on giving. We will now travel south west towards The Burren National Park and the jaw dropping Cliffs of Moher. On this adventure we will visit Corcomroe Abbey, a 13th century Cistercian Monstary, the 16th century Dunguaire Castle in the fishing village of Kinvara.
Our cliffs experience will take us by foot across its stunning natural features with the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves crashing below. The cliffs are one of the most spectacular natural features in Ireland and are sure to leave you lost for words. Our evening is spent in the most welcoming and colourful village of Doolin – the hometown of traditional Irish music.
Total driving time: 2 hours
Comfortable Accommodation on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour
Day 4: Wednesday – Doolin to Dingle
A trip to Ireland is not complete without seeing all the ancient structures. We will bring you to the most famous Dolmens at Poulnabrone. These Neolithic monuments are scattered throughout the country marking burial sites and passage ways dating back to 3000BC.
A short journey from the Dolmen, the farmers at Caherconnell will treat you to a spectacular sheep dog trial. Prepared to be awestruck by the skill of the farmer’s furry friend as they gather up their flock of sheep. This is something not to be missed on your tour.
We will leave the west behind for the spectacular southern counties of Kerry and Cork. Next stop is Dingle. Finish off a perfect day at the Dingle Whiskey Distillery. There you will sample their award-winning whiskey and gin and get an education on the history of whiskey production around the world.
This evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs and fantastic restaurants. Why not sit in Foxy John’s hardware store, order yourself a drink and strike up a conversation with a colourful local!
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Poulnabrone Dolmen on your Grand Tour of Ireland
Day 5: Thursday – Dingle Peninsula
Kayaking with Fungie the Dolpbhin on your Grand Tour of Ireland
Our morning begins on Dingle Bay where we take our kayaks to visit the town’s biggest celebrity – Fungie the Dolphin and explore the caves in the bay. Alternatively, if kayaking isn’t your thing we will take you on a hike up Mount Brandon where you will be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Castlegregory. If you would like a more relaxed start to your day why not choose a stroll around the town for some retail therapy, a coffee and watch the world go by. It’s your holiday – Do it your way.
After lunch your expert Overland guide will take you on an impressive trip along one of Ireland’s most scenic roads – The Slea Head Drive. If you are lucky enough you might get to meet a couple of our local fluffy friends – baby lambs!
We spend another night in the buzzing town of Dingle, so you don’t need to repack your suitcase. Just relax and enjoy.
Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Traditional Food and Contemporary Cuisine on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour
Day 6: Friday – The Ring of Kerry
Say a fond farewell to Dingle and journey towards the Ring of Kerry. Our first stop takes us to Killarney on the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is the very definition of the word scenic and you will discover many hidden gems including Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle in Killarney National Park. We will bring you on a tour of Ross Castle where you will learn what life was really like behind the stone walls.
We will stop for some shopping and lunch in the beautiful heritage town of Kenmare. For your last night on tour we are excited to bring you to coastal Kinsale which is famed for its culinary culture, delivered by its many award winning restaurants. The town also has a great tradition of poetry, silver, gold and glassware manufacturing which can be seen throughout its local shops and galleries – boasting local talented artists.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Ring of Kerry on your Grand Tour of Ireland
Traditional Music Sessions and Local Craft Beers on your Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour
Day 7: Saturday – Cork – Kiss the Blarney Stone!
Kiss the Blarney Stone on your Grand Tour of Ireland
Wake up refreshed and ready to be taken on a guided walking tour through the narrow streets of Kinsale. Before leaving Cork – which is often referred to as Ireland’s REAL capital we will bring you to Blarney Castle. Nobody should leave Ireland without giving the Blarney stone a big fat kiss! Kissing the Blarney Stone is said to give the kisser the treasured “gift of the gab”. You can let us know if it works!
Our final stop is the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is over 1000 years old. You will take in its medieval round tower, chapel, cathedral and castle. A fantastic end to your trip.
Our guides will journey back with you to our bustling capital city, Dublin, armed with recommendations of things to see and do if you have a little time left. Perhaps this is just the perfect opportunity to sit back and reminisce about this best tour of Ireland, that you’ve just experienced.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
