Compare Wild West and North Tour by Overland Ireland vs Ireland by Under30Experiences

Day 1: Sunday – Dublin to Belfast

Titanic Experience Belfast on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

We begin the first day of your adventure with a visit to the magical stone age passage tomb at Newgrange which is richly decorated by megalithic art. After exploring this Neolithic structure we will travel north to Belfast.

Next up this afternoon is 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

The Ultimate Tour of Ireland - Small Groups, Big Experiences on your Overland Ireland Ultimate Small Group Tour

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 of this tour and it 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 Londonderry, 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

Carrick-a-Rede Bridge on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

Traditional Music Sessions and Local Craft Beers on your Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 3: Tuesday – Derry to the Hills of Donegal

Londonderry on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

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, on to Maghera Beach and by Assaranca Waterfall.

One of our highlights today will be the stunning views and a walk along one of the highest cliffs in Europe – Slieve League which stands over 600m above the Wild Atlantic Ocean. Our accommodation tonight is in the picturesque village of Ardara, County Donegal.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Comfortable Accommodation on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 4: Wednesday – Westport to Connemara

Today’s 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 Connemara 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

Experience Westport on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

Your Fully Guided Overland Ireland Small Group Tour Lets You Meet Friendly Locals

Day 5: Thursday – The Aran Islands

Aran Islands on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

After a short drive cross country to Rossaveal Pier on Galway Bay we 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 bicycle 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: 2 hours

Its Your Holiday, Do It Your Way - Your Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 6: Friday – Galway to Dublin

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.

Transportation is provided with the GoBus, a direct bus from Galway to Dublin city centre or Dublin Airport in case you need to catch a flight home.

Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Day 1: Arrival in Ireland & Howth Cliffs

We highly recommend booking pre-trip accommodations if you'd like to fully immerse yourself in Dublin's vibrant atmosphere.

Morning

Arrive at the Dublin International Airport (DUB) before 7:00 am and take included transportation to Howth village with your fellow group travelers (~30 min drive).

Start the day with a good Irish breakfast and go for an incredible cliff walk on the Bay of Dublin.

Spend your first morning exploring the lighthouses, shops, and cafes of Howth. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to spot some seals!

Afternoon

Travel to Kilkenny, an Irish medieval town famous for its castle, witch legends, and its outstanding hurling team (~1.5 hour drive).‍

Explore Kilkenny with your Trip Leader on a short walking tour before dinner.

Evening

Have dinner in an Irish pub and spend the evening listening to live Irish music and dance.

Day 2: Kilkenny Cultural Experience

Morning

Enjoy an Irish breakfast at your hotel/guesthouse.

Take a city cycling tour with an Irish guide and learn about Kilkenny's history and legends.

Afternoon

Explore Kilkenny and the surroundings with a wide range of optional activities.

Suggestions: Play Hurling, Ireland's national sport with a professional; Climb to the top of St. Canice Cathedral and the Round Tower constructed in the year 1250 for a view of the city; experience the Smithwicks Brewery; or visit the Dunmore caves.

Evening

Enjoy a delicious dinner in the historic Kilkenny.

Optional night out and experience Ireland's unique river dancing at a local pub.

Day 3: Rock of Cashel & Galway

Morning

Enjoy another full Irish breakfast right at your hotel/guesthouse.

Depart early in the morning for your next adventure in Ireland at the famous Rock of Cashel (~1 hour drive).

Spend the morning visiting the historic site, marveling at the Celtic art and experiencing the medieval architecture.

Afternoon

Take a cross country drive to beautiful the west coast city of Galway (~2.5 hour drive)

Arrive in Galway in the afternoon and take a walking tour of the city with your Trip Leader.

Evening

Have dinner in a local Galway restaurant with your group.

Optional night out in an Irish pub.

Day 4: Connemara National Park

Morning

Breakfast right at your hotel/guesthouse.

This morning, you will visit a traditional Irish Farm in the Connemara region. (~1 hour drive from Galway).

Partake in a dog herding demonstration, learn about the importance of Irish Turf cutting, and hang out with the friendly animals on the farm!

Afternoon

Have lunch in Leenane, a picturesque village that overlooks Ireland's only fjord.

After lunch you will go for a moderate hike where you'll see incredible views of the beautiful Connemara National Park.

If you're feeling extra active today you can climb to the summit of the mountain for even better views. Good footwear is recommended.

Evening

Return to Galway and have dinner in another restaurant in Galway. (Not Included)

Optional night out with your group.

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher

Morning

Breakfast at your hotel/guesthouse.

Travel to the Burren region and visit the Cliffs of Moher, rising 390 ft above the Atlantic Ocean. (~2 hour drive)

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Cliffs of Moher and hiking around the surreal landscape.

Learn more about how the Cliffs of Moher is a place of conservation and sustainability.

Evening

In the evening, immerse yourself in Galway's famous live Irish folk music and join in for a dance!

Have dinner in a restaurant in Galway and get ready for your next adventure in Dublin!

Day 6: Explore Dublin

Morning

Depart early in the morning for Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland, located on the East Coast of the country. (~3 hour drive)

Arrive at your hotel/guesthouse before lunch.

Afternoon

Explore Dublin, a UNESCO City of Literature.

Enjoy a walking tour with your Trip Leader for approximately 2 hours where you'll learn about Dublin's rich history.‍

Make your own adventure in Dublin with the help of your Trip Leader.

Suggestions: Trinity College, Guinness StoreHouse, Old Jameson Distillery, Book of Kells, St Stephen’s Green Park, Dublin Castle...etc.

Evening

Enjoy your last dinner in Ireland with your new friends and a pint of Guinness!

Day 7: Relaxation & Departure

Morning

Depart at any time of the day with instructions from your trip leaders on how to take taxis, busses, or even Uber to the airport.

Be sure to ask your Trip Leaders for suggestions on what to do if you choose to spend more time in Dublin.