Compare Highlights of Ireland by G Adventures vs The Ultimate Tour by Overland Ireland

Day 1 Dublin

Arrive at any time.

We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this lively city. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

If you wish to explore Dublin before the tour begins, consider booking pre-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Dublin before Day 1 of this itinerary.

Day 2 Dublin

Take a free day to roam the cobblestone streets of this historic city.

Walk along the riverside, or marvel at the city's medieval castles and cathedrals. Don't tire yourself out too much - you'll want to get out later tonight and experience the nightlife that the Temple Bar area is known for.

Day 3 Dublin/Galway City

Travel to Ireland's west coast to Galway. Set off on a guided walking tour before enjoying a free afternoon to explore the city's colourful streets and bohemian atmosphere.

Day 4 Galway City

Travel to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. Hike the picturesque countryside along the cliffs. Gaze out at the splendour before returning to Galway for the evening. Opt for a night out at the local pub.

Spend a few hours following the Wild Atlantic Way from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher. Soak in the views as you hike the trail. Opt for a picnic along the way.

Day 5 Galway City/Killarney

Continue on to Killarney with free time to enjoy the town or explore the nearby national park.

Day 6 Killarney

Enjoy a day trip to experience some sights along the famous Ring of Kerry. Return to Killarney for another night in town.

Day 7 Killarney/Cork

Spend a morning in Killarney before traveling to Cork. Set out on a CEO-led orientation walk.

Cork is known for its many universities, theatres, art schools and general diversity and culture. With many immigrants settling in the inviting city, it's easy to find different types of foods, shops and cafés lining the streets. Make some time to hit up a traditional pub, listen to some music and drink a pint or two – Murphy's Irish Stout hails from Cork.

Day 8 Cork

Enjoy free time to see the sights of Cork.

Enjoy a final night out on the town with the group and raise a pint to this beautiful island!

Day 9 Cork/Dublin

Depart Cork after breakfast and return to Dublin. Trip will end upon arrival at a centrally located Dublin hotel where your CEO can help assist with onwards travel arrangements.

Travellers should plan all onward travel after 6pm on this day. If you wish to extend your stay in Dublin, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Dublin after your tour ends.

Day 1: Sunday – Dublin to Belfast

This extensive guided, small group tour of Ireland begins with an adventure to the magical stone age passage tomb at Newgrange, richly decorated by megalithic art.

After exploring this Neolithic structure we will travel north to Belfast for the full Titanic experience at Titanic Belfast. This splendid interactive visitor centre was voted the world’s leading tourist attraction in 2016. Prepare to be moved by the wonderful stories told about the world’s most famous ship.

We will finish the day with an enthralling black cab tour of Belfast. This tour is optional but highly recommended. Alternatively, if you just need to take a breath and chill, you can spend some time exploring the city’s coolest pubs, shops and restaurants.

Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Day 2: Monday – The Giant’s Causeway to Derry

Today will be both a test of mental strength and a celebration for your soul.

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most anticipated features in this small group tour of Ireland and never disappoints. The Causeway Coastal Route is breath-taking and while crossing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge you will feel the exhilaration of the air beneath your feet while the anticipation builds.

Game of Thrones fans will have officially landed in their spiritual home as we take a sneak peak of one of its most famous filming locations, The Dark Hedges.

Our next stop is London
, Northern Ireland’s second largest city, steeped in rich history. Explore the city by night and look forward to a tour of the walled city on day 3.

Total driving time: 3 hours

Day 3: Tuesday – Derry to the Hills of Donegal

Before leaving Derry, let our friends take you on a walking tour of the city. Understand the struggles of our past and the long road to current peaceful times in the North.

Now it is time to venture into the wild northwest – The Hills of Donegal. We continue our exploration of Northern Ireland and embark on a magnificent drive over the Glengesh Pass, and the Assaranca Waterfall. Our accommodation tonight is in the picturesque village of Ardara, County Donegal.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Day 4: Wednesday – Donegal to Connemara

Today’s small guided road trip will take you through William Butler Yeat’s County – Sligo and down towards Ireland’s favourite town – Westport!

Our time in Westport begins with a wonderful walking tour of the town and a fabulous lunch to set yourself up for an unforgettable journey through   National Park and the famous Famine Trail.

We will arrive at Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara in the afternoon. You will have time to roam the abbey and Victorian Walled Garden on this 1000 acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic Connemara National Park.

Stay in Clifden and discover some great bars, restaurants and nightly music and have a chat with the locals over a pint of the Black Stuff!

This year we have added the option of staying in Ballynahinch Castle!

Total driving time: 4 hours

Day 5: Thursday – The Aran Islands

Cylce The Aran Islands on your Ireland Tour

After a short drive cross country to Rossaveal Pier on Galway bay, our small group tour will board the ferry to the Aran Islands. We will land on rugged Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. We explore the Island by bicycle or by special request jaunting cart, if cycling is not for you.

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: 2 hours

Day 6: Friday – Galway to the Cliffs of Moher

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 and the 16th century Dunguaire Castle in the fishing village of Kinvara.

Our cliffs experience will take our small tour group by foot across its stunning natural features with the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves crashing in. 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

Day 7: Saturday – Doolin to Dingle

Meet the locals at a sheepdog demonstration

A trip to Ireland is not complete without seeing all the ancient structures. We will bring you to the most famous Dolmen at Poulnabrone. These Neolithic monuments are scattered throughout the country marking burial sites and passage ways dating back to 3000BC.

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 and his furry friend as they gather up their flock of sheep. This is something not to be missed on your tour.

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

Day 8: Sunday – Dingle Peninsula

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 before stopping at the famous Dingle Whiskey Distillery. At the distillery you will sample their award-winning whiskey and gin and get an education on the history of whiskey production around the world. 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

Day 9: Monday – The Ring of Kerry to Kinsale

Killarney National Park on your Spectacular South and West Small Group Tour of Ireland

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

Day 10: Tuesday – Cork: Kiss the Blarney Stone

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 and you will get to see 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 soak up all that you have experienced over the last 10 days.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes