👋 Hi, I'm Rob, founder and managing director at Vagabond & Driftwood Tours.
It’s hard to believe this year is nearly at an end. What an incredible 12 months it has been.
This year, we welcomed 1000s of Vagabonds and Driftwooders to Ireland. Your incredible support continues to help our independent business grow better and stronger — THANK YOU!
Mark your diaries! Our first Ireland tours of 2026 depart in the first week of March.
Hopefully you can join us…
Read on to discover what's new for 2026 at Vagabond & Driftwood Tours of Ireland.
🚐 New Tour
Our 2026 small-group tours of Ireland are selling like pints on St Patrick’s Day!
In 23 seasons of exploring, we’ve never seen such demand.
To help you keep exploring off the beaten track, we’ve added an epic new adventure tour for you to enjoy:
🧭 Vagabond 12 Day Due South Adventure Tour
You asked for a new active Vagabond adventure tour and here it is!
Our brand new 12 Day Vagabond Due South Adventure Tour features four two night stays, less driving time and more adventure.
Visit previously-unexplored destinations in the south of the country, venture to the most south western point of Ireland, experience 3 amazing National Parks, 4x4 around the Aran Islands and canoe down the River Barrow.
Travelling slowly, you'll have more time to hike, bike, kayak and surf your way through some of Ireland's wildest landscapes on this epic tour.
🚴♀️ New Activities
We are continually striving to make our 5-star rated small-group tour itineraries even better.
Each year, we hunt for new activities and exciting new suppliers.
⛯ Mizen Head Signal Station
In the extreme southwest of Ireland is Mizen Head, a remote corner of the country offering incredible coastal views.
Walk 99 steps down one of Ireland's most spectacualr coastal paths, and cross the bridge from the mainland.
Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and humpback whales in the Atlantic waters below.
🌊 4x4 On The Aran Islands
Journey from Doolin to Inis Mór (Inishmore), one of the iconic Aran Islands for the adventure of a lifetime.
Once you land, locals will take you on a 4x4 trip to see the sights, hear the history and learn about the culture of the islanders.
Travelling in special 4x4 vehicles, you will go where others can't and with local guides you can be sure you'll have a tour to remember.
🚲 Biking On The Waterford Greenway
Enjoy breathtaking views of rolling countryside and the beautiful Copper Coast while riding along Ireland’s longest off-road cycling route.
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, this trail offers an unforgettable way to experience the best of Ireland’s southeast.
🧊 The Shackleton Experience
Learn all about Irish polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and his Antarctic expeditions.
Inspire your own adventures with original artefacts and rare film footage of one of Ireland's premier adventurers in the vibrant town of Athy.
Housed in the beautifully restored 300 year old Town Hall, this is an experience not to be missed.
🛶 Take A Guided Canoeing Trip
Canoeing on the River Barrow is the perfect way to experience the beauty of this serene waterway.
Paddle through tranquil stretches of the river, surrounded by lush landscapes, charming villages, and local wildlife.
This chilled out experience is the perfect way to soak in the beauty of the Kilkenny countryside.
😎 Meet Our New Team
As more and more guests are realising Vagabond is Ireland's No.1 small-group tour operator, our support team has grown too.
Meet some of the newest faces and roles who help bring your Ireland tour to life and keep our wheels moving.
Who's New for 2026?
Vagabond’s Digital Marketing Assistant Seán hails from Wexford and is a self-professed sports nut. Having won an All Ireland hurling medal with his local GAA team and a keen runner he is bringing his winning ways and plenty of energy to Vagabond HQ.
This ex retail assistant has left a life of tending tills and packing shelves behind for the bright lights of Vagabond. Seán likes to gently remind the rest of the office crew that he was born in the 21st century. While he might be the youngest member of the team, his marketing wisdom reaches far beyond his years.
Film and drama graduate Jade is in a starring role at Vagabond HQ. Joining the Vagabond cast as Sales & Reservations Executive, this Wicklow native is putting in Oscar-winning performances. As a keen traveller, skier and yoga enthusiast, she loves all things adventure and does it all with her beloved dogs by her side.
Jade has travelled all over Ireland but is most at home in the wild rugged landscapes of Connemara and Donegal. To relax and unwind, she likes nothing better than a dip in the chilly waters of the Irish Sea.
Hailing from Belgium, Léa is swapping frites, Belgian waffles and beer, for chips, potato pies and Guinness. Vagabond’s Sales & Reservations Executive moved to Ireland in 2021 and has made Wicklow her new home. She’s even adopted the local accent!
With a passion for two-wheeled adventures and a need for speed, Léa can often be found pedalling through the trails in the Wicklow hills. As an avid traveller, she has a wealth of knowledge to share with our guests and is certain to steer you to the right tour for you.
🏨 New Hotels
We reckon that your small-group tour of Ireland is only be as good as the hotels you stay in.
For that reason, we are continually seeking new, high quality accommodation options around Ireland.
The following hotels will each add hospitality and comfort to our famous small-group Ireland itineraries.
New Hotels for 2026
The luxury 4 star castle hotel is situated in County Roscommon in a secluded corner of the idyllic West of Ireland.
Built in the 18th century, the Kilronan Castle resort welcomes its guests through a set of magnificent medieval gates at the top of a meandering driveway through an ancient forest.
The Grace is inspired by two iconic women connected to Mayo, Grace O'Malley, the 16th-century Pirate Queen, and Hollywood icon Grace Kelly..
Set just minutes walk from the vibrant town of Westport within Westport Estate’s 430-acre grounds, the hotel will offer an atmosphere of slow luxury, a place to unwind in style.
Overlooking the stunning Atlantic Ocean on the Mizen Peninsula, The Schull Harbour Hotel is a welcoming coastal escape in the heart of West Cork.
Located in the charming village of Schull, the hotel is surrounded by sweeping sea views and rugged shoreline.
This beautiful hotel is nestled among 300 acres of breathtaking scenery and ancient forests.
Enjoy true luxury in a lovingly restored 19th-century castle and feel like royalty.
Located in County Leitrim on the shores of Lough Rynn, you will be totally immersed in nature.
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is one of Ireland’s most exclusive and tranquil coastal retreats.
Nestled just outside Clonakilty and on the Wild Atlantic Way, this award winning hotel sits amid breathtaking scenery, with sweeping beaches and rugged shoreline waiting to be explored.
💚 Sustainability Accolades In 2025
At Vagabond we are committed to our sustainability goals for the future and we continue to improve how we do business.
In 2025, we were awarded Gold Certification by Sustainable Tourism Network. This certification celebrates our deep commitment to sustainability in the office, on the road and everywhere in between.
This is just one more step in our journey to a more sustainable future. We are super excited to continue progressing with our sustainability efforts in the 2026 season.
🏆Voted One Of The World's Best Tour Operators By T+L
Travel + Leisure selected Vagabond & Driftwood Tours as one of the 15 best tour operators in the world in 2023. In 2025, we have been again announced as one of the world's best.
We are over the moon to receive this distinguished award for the second time.
This award means so much to us because we were nominated baced on 100s of votes from our incredible past guests.
We want to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to reccomend us to Travel + Leisure.
As always, we look forward to welcoming you to Ireland again soon.
Thanks for being part of the Vagabond story.
Exciting times at VagaHQ...
