The Ultimate Southwest Of Ireland Adventure

We do our utmost to ensure that the tour style you choose matches your needs. Our team offer honest and professional customer service from the moment you first get in touch.

Read the following physical requirements to understand if your tour choice matches your abilities.

Is Driftwood Right For Me?

If you've chosen an easy-paced Driftwood Journey of Discovery, you should be able to:

• 🧍🏽 STAND FOR 45-60 MINUTES. You'll get more from the trip if you can stand for 45-60 minutes at a time.
• 👣 WALK APPROX 10k DAILY STEPS. On a Driftwood Journey of Discovery, guests can clock up to 10,000 steps daily. You'll enjoy your tour more if you can comfortably walk distances of 0.25 to 0.5 miles (0.4 to 0.8 km) at a time.
• 🚐 ACCESS THE BUS UNAIDED. You should be able to step in and out of the Drifter tour vehicle unaided. The step height is approx. 10 inches (25 cm) from ground level.
• 🏨 NAVIGATE HOTEL STAIRS. Most Driftwood hotels feature elevators. But access to your room will likely require the ability to walk up and down staircases.
• 🧳 CARRY YOUR LUGGAGE. Your VagaGuide will help with loading and unloading baggage from your tour vehicle. However, you carry your own luggage to your hotel room. We recommend choosing a compact suitcase and packing lightly.

Is Vagabond Right For Me?

If you've chosen an active Vagabond Cultural Adventures, you should be able to:

• 🚴 BE MODERATELY FIT. Vagabonders have the choice of various adventure activities. Typically, you will be an active person with at least a moderate level of fitness.
• 👣 WALK UP TO 30k DAILY STEPS. On a Vagabond Cultural Adventure, guests can clock up to 30,000 steps daily. The minimum, on a lower activity day, would be around 10,000 daily steps.
• 🥾 HIKE ON UNEVEN TERRAIN. Hikes on Vagabond Adventure can last up to 2.5 hours. Terrain may be steep and loose. The Irish climate is changeable. The marked trails where you’ll hike are often remote; there is usually no alternative activity if you choose to sit out a hike.
• 🧳 CARRY YOUR LUGGAGE. Your VagaGuide will help with loading and unloading baggage from your tour vehicle. However, you carry your own luggage to your hotel room. We recommend choosing a compact suitcase and packing lightly.

You'll need basic mobility to enjoy any of our small group tours of Ireland. Standing and walking for extended periods is required on both tour styles.

For Vagabond Cultural Adventures, the fitness requirement is considerably higher than on a Driftwood Journey of Discovery.

☘️ Driftwood - Basic Fitness & Mobility Required

On a Driftwood tour, the pace is easy. Driftwooders don't hike — they stroll!

Mobility is essential. Mobility aids must be pre-booked with our team. If you are planning to bring a foldable wheelchair or mobility aids, please email us using enquiries@vagabond.ie

We think you'll enjoy Driftwood Journeys of Discovery more if you match the following requirements:

• ✅ I CAN STAND UNAIDED FOR 45-60 MINUTES. Driftwood tours make lots of stops and offer guided tours of heritage sites. You'll get more from the trip if you can stand for 45-60 minutes at a time.
• ✅ I CAN WALK 10,000 DAILY STEPS. On a Driftwood Journey of Discovery, guests can clock up to 10,000 steps daily. You'll enjoy your tour more if you can comfortably walk distances of 0.25 to 0.5 miles (0.4 to 0.8 km) at a time.
• ✅ I CAN ACCESS THE VEHICLE UNAIDED. You should be able to step in and out of the Drifter tour vehicle unaided. The step height is approx. 10 inches (25 cm) from ground level.
• ✅ I CAN CLIMB STAIRS. Most Driftwood hotels feature elevators. However, access to your room is still likely require the ability to walk up and down staircases.
• ✅ I CAN CARRY MY OWN LUGGAGE. While your VagaGuide will help with loading and unloading baggage from your tour vehicle, porterage at our hotels is not guaranteed. You will be asked to carry your own luggage at some point on tour. We recommend choosing a compact suitcase and packing lightly.
• ✅ I HAVE GIVEN ADVANCE NOTICE OF ANY MOBILITY AIDS. Vagabond must be informed in advance if you plan to travel with a wheelchair or other mobility aid. In the interests of safety, our booking terms reserve the right to turn guests away if this condition is not adhered to. Space on Drifter tour vehicles is limited. All mobility aids must be foldable and safely fit into the rear luggage compartment after all all other guest luggage has been stowed. Mobility aids cannot be stored in the passenger area of the vehicle.
• ✅ I HAVE STAMINA FOR MY TOUR. Our longest Driftwood itinerary is 15 days long and our most popular itinerary is 11 days long. Althought Driftwood features a relaxed pace, each day is full of variety and activity. You will be checking out of a hotel on most mornings. Please consider this carefully and select one of our shorter itineraries if it would better suit your needs.

Learn more about mobility requirements and wheelchair users

🥾 Vagabond - Moderate Fitness Required

Vagabond Cultural Adventures are centred around outdoor adventure activities. Extended hikes on hilly terrain are integral to the experience.

We think you'll enjoy Vagabond Cultural Adventures the most if you match the following abilities:

• 🚴 BE MODERATELY FIT. Vagabonders have the choice of various adventure activities. Typically, you will be an active person with at least a moderate level of fitness.
• 👣 WALK UP TO 30k DAILY STEPS. On a Vagabond Cultural Adventure, guests can clock up to 30,000 steps daily. The minimum, on a lower activity day, would be around 10,000 daily steps.
• 🥾 HIKE ON UNEVEN TERRAIN. Hikes on Vagabond Adventure can last up to 2.5 hours. Terrain may be steep and loose. The Irish climate is changeable. The marked trails where you’ll hike are often remote; there is usually no alternative activity if you choose to sit out a hike.
• 🧳 CARRY YOUR LUGGAGE. Your VagaGuide will help with loading and unloading baggage from your tour vehicle. However, not all of our hotels have elevators and porterage is generally not available. You will be carrying your own luggage to your room. We recommend choosing a compact suitcase and packing lightly.
• 🔋 ON THE MOVE. Our longest Vagabond Cultural Adventure itinerary is 12 days in duration. This tour style features an upbeat pace and each day is full of variety and activity. You will be checking out of a hotel on most mornings. Please consider this carefully and select one of our shorter itineraries if it would better suit your needs.

What Are Vagabond Hikes Like?

• Hikes can happen each day on some departures.
• The degree of difficulty and frequency of hikes will depend on your tour group's abilities and preferences.
• Hikes can last up to 2.5 hours.
• The terrain that you hike on can be rough, steep, wet or uneven. On rare occasions, the ground underfoot is all of the above!
• Hikes always happen on marked trails.
• You’ll frequently hike in remote and mountainous locations; there is usually no alternative activity if you choose to sit out a hike.
• Our VagaGuides will generally hike at a pace to suit the group.
• A typical day on a Vagabond adventure tour can clock up to 30,000 steps.

What Other Activity Options Are Available?

The following adventure activities are optional — you can choose to partake or simply opt-out:

• 🛶 Both sea kayaking and rowing can last for up to 3 hours. Expect to get wet! Waves, wind and rain are distinctly possible.
• 🚴‍♀️ Guided bike tours happen on traffic-free trails and roads with undulating — but rarely steep — terrain. They can last for up to 2.5 hours. E-bikes are not always available.
• 🐴 Both horseback-riding and sea kayaking carry personal weight limits. Please check the weight limits ahead of your tour to avoid embarrassment.

😎 KNOW YOUR PERSONAL TRAVEL STYLE. How do you want to travel? If it’s at an upbeat pace, with lots of fresh air and outdoor activities, Vagabond is for you. If you want to move at a more relaxed pace and enjoy free time strolling through gardens and villages, Driftwood Journeys of Discovery are for you.

All of our tours leave from our pick-up/drop-off point at the Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin.

Our pick-up times from the Grand Canal Hotel vary by tour:

Vagabond Tours

12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure: Monday at 08.20am

8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover: Sunday at 08.30am

7 Day Vagabond World Tour of Ireland: Sunday at 08.20am

7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Adventure: Sunday at 08.20am

6 Day Vagabond Epic Ireland Food Tour: Sunday at 08.10am

5 Day Vagabond Edge of the World Tour: Monday at 08.10am

Driftwood Tours

11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland: Tuesday at 08.10am

8 Day Driftwood Wild Atlantic Way Tour: Sunday at 08.30am

7 Day Driftwood Treasure Ireland: Monday at 08.10am

7 Day Driftwood Castles and Kingdoms: Sunday at 08.20am

6 Day Driftwood Ancient Ireland: Sunday at 08.10am

6 Day Driftwood Northern Island: Sunday at 08.10am

Booking Suitable Flight Times

We strongly advise that you book your flights arrive at least the night before your scheduled tour departure.

We aim to have you back in Dublin between 5-6pm on the final day of your tour. If you're planning to fly out on the last night of your tour, please do not book a flight that departs Dublin Airport before 10pm.

Find out more about how to get to Dublin from Dublin Airport.

You don't have to pre-book activities until you join your tour. While on tour, your VagaGuide will advise you when you need to book an optional extra.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: The only exception is the Skellig Michael Island landing option. This optional extra is only available on the 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour. It requires prior booking at least 45 days before you arrive in Ireland.

For all other optional activities, your VagaGuide tour guide will discuss what's available on Day 1 of your tour. They will gauge interest from the group for each experience and keep you informed as you tour about when you need to book and which activities require cash.

You can also check what optional activities are available on your itinerary.

Read more about the Skellig Michael Landing

There are two currencies used on the island of Ireland. Which one you need, depends on which part of Ireland you're visiting.

You'll use Euro (€) while visiting the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland's currency is the Pound sterling (£).

✌️ Two Countries & Two Currencies

The island of Ireland contains two countries; the Republic of Ireland (EU) in the south and northwest; Northern Ireland (UK) in the north and northeast.

The Republic of Ireland is the larger territory, taking up roughly 80% of the island.

If you're flying into Dublin or Shannon Airports, you'll need Euro.

Most Irish cities are located in the Republic of Ireland:

• Dublin
• Cork
• Galway
• Kilkenny
• Kerry
• Donegal
• Mayo
• Waterford

If you're visiting the Giant's Causeway or other destinations in Northern Ireland, you'll need Pound sterling (£).

Popular places in Northern Ireland include:

• Belfast
• Derry/Londonderry
• The Giant’s Causeway (Antrim)

🚐 Which Tours Visit Northern Ireland?

You will only need UK pound sterling (£) if your tour is visiting Northern Ireland.

The following tours visit Northern Ireland:

• 💷 15 Day Driftwood All Ireland Tour
• 💷 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure
• 💷 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour
• 💷 7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Tour
• 💷 6 Day Driftwood Northern Island Tour

Read our helpful guides to money and credit cards in Ireland

We recommend bringing a small amount of cash in euros to Ireland with you for our Ireland tours.

Around €300 euro should be more than enough to get you through your first days in Dublin.

🏧 Withdrawing Cash From ATMs

While in Ireland, you can withdraw cash from cash machines/ATMs as you need it.

You'll find cash machines/ATMs in most towns and gas/service stations on tour.

Just ask your VagaGuide tour guide for advice on when and where is best to withdraw cash.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: All ATMs in Ireland require a pin for your card. We recommend you arrange alternative card options prior to your tour if your card does not have a pin.

💳 Card Charges & Acceptance

Check how much the charges on your cards are for withdrawing foreign currency before you leave home.

Please note that American Express (AMEX) and Discover are not widely accepted in Ireland.

Our advice is stick to Visa or Mastercard, if possible.

⚠️ Let Your Card Provider Know You're Travelling

It's important to let your bank know you are travelling to Ireland before you leave your home country.

If you don't alert your bank, payments could be blocked on the grounds of suspicious activity.

💷 Money In Northern Ireland

Remember that you'll need British pound sterling (£) in cash if your tour is visiting Northern Ireland:

The following tours visit Northern Ireland:

  💷 15 Day Driftwood All Ireland Tour

  💷 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure

  💷 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour

  💷 7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Adventure Tour

  💷 6 Day Driftwood Northern Island Tour

💶 Exchanging Dollars for Euros/Pounds

If you're travelling with dollars, you can exchange them for Euro (€) or Pounds (£) at Dublin Airport or any currency exchange.

⚠️ It’s strongly recommended to convert your money into euros before travelling to Ireland. Once you arrive, especially if you are visiting rural areas, currency exchange options are very limited. In fact, Irish banks now generally only exchange money for customers with an Irish bank account and most post offices won’t exchange foreign cash.

You will find desks at airports or in major cities but beyond that it can be difficult to exchange currency during your tour.

🐎 Cash For These Optional Activities

• Black Cab Tour in Belfast
• Dingle Folk Concert
• Kinsale Walking History Tour
• Slieve League Boat Trip
• Surf Lesson in Spanish Point
• Horseback Riding in Dingle
• Traditional Rowing in Dingle
• Bike Hire in Killarney
• Guided E-Bike Tour in Connemara
• Surf Lesson in Donegal
• Sea Kayaking in Donegal
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
• Walking Tour of Derry/Londonderry
• Horseback Riding in Mayo

Read our full guide to money, budgeting and credit cards in Ireland

The industry standard in Ireland is €15 per person, per day. But this is, of course, at your discretion.

Our team of VagaGuide tour guides really appreciate any tips that come their way after leading a Vagabond or Driftwood small-group tour.

How Much Should I Tip My VagaGuide Tour Guide?

Drivers/tour guides are usually tipped at the end of a tour. Sometimes this happens as a communal tip, collected from all guests on tour.

The amount that you tip will depend on the length of the tour and the quality of the service you feel you received.

Tipping In Ireland

Tipping is not as deeply-rooted a custom in Ireland as it is in the US or Canada.

Read general tips about tipping in Ireland

To make everyone's tour run smoothly, we operate strict limits on baggage size. Plan to bring 1x compact suitcase as well as 1x daypack or backpack, per guest booking.

Your single large piece of luggage should weigh no more than 51lb (23kg) and measure no longer than 31” (79cm) along its longest side. This 31 inch (79cm) limit includes any wheels that may protrude from the suitcase or bag.

When full, your daypack or backpack should be light enough to easily carry on your back. It should be compact enough to fit into the space at your feet and measure no larger than the following:

• ↕️ Height: 18.5" (48cm)
• ↔️ Width: 13" (33cm)
• 🎒 Depth: 8" (20cm)

Because your tour with us will be small-group, your tour vehicle will be compact in nature and have limited space for luggage.

Travelling as a couple? You can bring along one larger suitcase instead of two compact suitcases. This single piece of luggage should weigh no more than 51lb (23kg).

Soft-sided bags work better than hard shell luggage.

🎒 Day Pack

Besides your larger bag, we recommend bringing a small day pack or backpack with you.

This allows you easy access to essentials such as your wallet or purse, your phone, a reusable drinks bottle, snacks and any medications you might need throughout the day.

Larger luggage is difficult for your VagaGuide to access between hotels. On a Driftwood Journey of Discovery, it's stacked in the trunk. On Vagabond Cultural Adventures, large luggage is towed behind the tour vehicle in a locked trailer.

A fannypack or bumbag can also come in handy for smaller items, but is non-essential.

🧳 Left Luggage

Most Dublin hotels offer a left luggage service.

You can leave luggage at the hotel while you tour and return to it when your tour is complete.

🧺 Laundry

Will you need to do laundry while on tour?

Your hotel can organise laundry facilities on tour if your tour stays for 2 nights in any of the following towns:

• Dingle
• Clifden
• Kinsale
• Westport

Just ask your VagaGuide tour guide in advance.

Travel light.

That's the one travel tip that we hear again and again from guests who have experienced our tours.

Your Ireland trip will run smoother if you pack these essentials.

👣 Footwear

Are you taking an active Vagabond Cultural Adventure?

Comfortable trainers/sneakers work fine for our hikes.

However, lightweight hiking boots are even better because they...

• Are usually waterproof or water-resistant
• Offer improved grip over steep and/or loose terrain
• Support your ankles on uneven ground and when descending

There are no long walks or hikes on Driftwood Journeys of Discovery so you don't require specialised footwear.

However, comfort is the order of the day. But make sure you pack shoes suitable for light walking.

You'll enjoy lots of free time to stroll around cute little towns and take guided tours of sheep farms.

💡 TOP TIP: Make sure you wear-in your chosen footwear for at least a few days BEFORE you come on tour.

📱Phone

We highly recommend you bring a WiFi-enabled mobile phone with you to Ireland.

All of our hotels have free internet access so you can keep in touch with loved ones at home.

A phone will also come in very handy if you are delayed or need to contact a local number while you are here, for any reason.

If you do plan on bringing a phone, please share your number with us before the trip: enquiries@vagabond.ie

👚 Clothing

One of the things that makes Ireland so much fun is the exciting climate.

Sun. Wind. Rain shower.

Then, 5 minutes later, sun again...

Here are our tips for what clothes to pack for your tour:

• 🧅 Pack Layers. We suggest packing flexible and lightweight layers (under a waterproof outer shell). Layers will allow you to quickly adapt to unexpected changes in weather or temperature.
• 🪩 Think Casual: Formal wear is not required for dining and nightlight in Ireland. The dress code is casual at 99% of pubs, restaurants and venues.
• 🧥 Waterproof Shell. Beat sudden rain showers and gusts of wind by packing a lightweight waterproof shell jacket. Make sure you buy from a reputable brand. You'll thank yourself later!
• 🧢 Head First. You'll never regret packing a hat. Either a soft 'beanie' or a peaked baseball cap will come in handy at some point.
• 👖 Trousers. Are you taking an active Vagabond Cultural Adventure? Lightweight waterproof or water-resistant trousers can be handy for longer hikes. Quick-dry walking trousers are another great option.
• 🌤️ Protect Your Eyes & Skin. Pack sunglasses/shades and protective sun cream. Yes, it can get sunny in Ireland! What's more, when sun and wind combine, you may not notice your skin burning; which won't be fun for anyone.
• 🛶 Towel: Are you taking an active Vagabond Cultural Adventure? Watersport options like sea kayaking or surfing require a light towel. Towels are supplied by all our hotels but you may wish to bring your own.
• 🩳 Swimsuit/Trunks: Pack a swimsuit/trunk for watersports (see above), for cheeky dips in the sea or for accessing hotel spas, where available.

🧳 Luggage

Guest luggage on Vagabond & Driftwood Tours is restricted to one suitcase per person (no bigger than 30” or 75cm along their longest side).

Soft-sided bags work great.

🎒 Daypack/Backpack. A smaller bag where you can store your daily essentials will also prove convenient.

Learn more on this luggage FAQ.

🤭 Facecloths

You might think we are joking here...

However, some hotels in Ireland do not provide facecloths.

If you like to have a facecloth to hand while travelling, we'd suggest bringing one or two along with you!

Read our blog about packing for Ireland

Serviced laundry facilities are available on tours that stay 2 nights in the following towns:

• 🧺 Dingle - Check which tours visit Dingle
• 🧺 Kinsale - 7 Day Driftwood Castles & Kingdoms Tour & 12 Day Driftwood Wild Coasts & Clover Tour
• 🧺 Westport - 15 Day Driftwood All Ireland Tour & 12 Day Driftwood Wild Coasts & Clover Tour
• 🧺 Waterford - 6 Day Great Southern Ireland Tour
• 🧺 Clifden - 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour
• 🧺 Lahinch - 12 Day Driftwood Wild Coasts & Clover Tour
• 🧺 Parknasilla - 12 Day Driftwood Wild Coasts & Clover Tour

If your Vagabond or Driftwood tour does not visit one of these towns, your VagaGuide will advise you on where best to access laundry facilities.

Lunches and dinners are not included on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours. You are free to choose your own lunches and dinners.

Your VagaGuide tour guide will recommend their favourite cafes, restaurants and shops. We find that this flexible approach to included meals allows us to cater for diverse tastes, budgets and diets.

All hotel breakfasts are included in your tour price.

Most hotels in Ireland do not have air conditioning.

The climate in Ireland usually isn't hot enough to warrant air conditioning.

In periods of prolonged warm weather, hotels that don’t have air conditioning will normally install fans in the bedrooms.

Find out more about Irish weather and the best time to visit Ireland

All of your hotel rooms on tour provide hairdryers.

Please note that, in some cases, Irish hotel hairdryers may not be the most powerful models.

All of our hotels offer double, twin and single room types. Doubles have 1x bed, twins have 2x separate beds and singles have 1x bed.

When booking with us, please select a room requirement for each passenger listed. Choose your room type based on each person sharing.

Triple rooms are available on all Vagabond and Driftwood Tours

Triples are usually one double and one single bed. They suit families best. However, we can request 3 single beds in a room, where possible. Please note that 3 single beds may not be guaranteed in some hotels on tour.

For example, if you and your travel companion need separate beds, both of you should choose TWIN.

If you would like to share a bed - then choose DOUBLE for both guests.

Please note: most TRIPLE ROOMS are comprised of 1x double + 1x single bed.

If you require 3 separate beds in a TRIPLE ROOM, simply let us know in advance: enquiries@vagabond.ie

While travel insurance is not a requirement for our tours, we strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance cover before your trip to Ireland.

Your policy should cover all medical costs associated with travel.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Even though the risk is small, make sure your insurance cover includes costs associated with one of your party testing positive for COVID-19 while in Ireland.

Ensure your policy also covers issues arising from:

• Flight cancellation
• Personal accident cover
• Lost/stolen personal luggage
• Lost/stolen money
• Public liability

Vagabond Tours Ltd. can accept no responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings or liability for personal injury/death while on tour with us.

Your insurance company must be notified in advance if you are taking part in adventure activities like hiking, biking, kayaking and surfing during your travels.

Better safe than sorry!

Vagabond will earn a small commission if you purchase travel insurance via the link on this FAQ.

The standard bed size in Ireland equates to a US Queen (60" x 80"). This may vary with hotel or room type.

Yes, there are regular comfort stops along the tour route where you can avail of restroom facilities.

Simply ask your VagaGuide if you're unsure when the next stop is coming

There are no wifi or charging points available on Vagabond & Driftwood tour vehicles.

We recommend bringing a cellphone with you on tour in Ireland to take pictures and to stay in touch with loved ones back home.

Talk to your cellphone provider about international data roaming before you depart. Alternatively, purchase a sim card on arrival in Ireland to help you get online.

If you think you'll need it, pack a lightweight power bank in your daypack or backpack.

Even better, take a digital detox while exploring Ireland with us!

Our tour prices include:

• Your hotel for each day on tour except the final day;
• Hot and filling Irish breakfasts from Day 2 onwards;
• Entrance fees to unmissable attractions;
• Most daily activities and visits;
• All taxes and VAT (Irish sales tax);
• A guaranteed booking price;
• The personalised services of a highly-trained VagaGuide tour guide;
• Full days on tour — we guarantee your tour will run from 9am on Day 1 until at least 5pm on your final day.

Tour Options

For added flexibility, you are free to choose your own:

• Flights to and from Ireland;
• Pre/post tour hotels and activities in Dublin
• Optional activities on each tour, including Vagabond adventure activities (such as kayaking and biking);
• Lunches and evening meals on tour.

Read more about budgeting and money in Ireland  

We always put guest safety first on Vagabond Cultural Adventures.

For this reason, when engaging in kayaking and horseback-riding activities, the following personal weight limits apply:

🐴 Horseback-Riding

Male weight limit: 238lbs / 17 stone / 108kg

Female weight limit: 225lbs / 16 stone / 102kg

🛶 Kayaking

Per person Double Kayak weight limit: 110kg / 17.5 stone / 245lbs

Total Double Kayak weight limit for 2 guests: 190kg / 30 stone / 420lbs

Per person Single Kayak weight limit: 92kg / 14.5 stone / 200lbs.

Our tour prices do not include accommodation nor activities in Dublin.

You are free to book Dublin hotels and attractions before or after your tour.

This gives you the power to select accommodation to suit your group's taste and budget.

We are happy to recommend a list of hotels in Dublin that are convenient for your tour pick-up/drop-off point.

Read our blog about the best areas to stay in Dublin (includes our favourite hotels + average prices)

All of our tours are fully guided by our team of expert driver guides.

We call them VagaGuides.

Our VagaGuides are the most passionate, talented and professional tour guides in Ireland, if not the universe!

They'll masterfully guide your tour vehicle.

They'll organise your daily activities and answer all of your questions.

....They've even been known sing!

More About Our Highly-Trained VagaGuides

The cornerstone of any good vacation is the tour guide.

We invest painstaking time and resources in guide recruitment and training.

All VagaGuides are continually assessed and trained with the following skills/qualifications:

• Driving - our spotless company safety record is upheld by in-house driving instructors;
• First Aid - all VagaGuides are trained in emergency response;
• Leave No Trace - all VagaGuides are trained in responsible outdoor practices.

What VagaGuides Do

Stunning scenery. Magic moments.

Your VagaGuide mixes it all together to give you a unique and extraordinary tour experience.

As you travel through Ireland's wild and rugged landscapes on a Vagabond or Driftwood tour, your VagaGuide will keep you informed and entertained, while also providing a snapshot of life in Ireland today.

Maybe it's time to meet our VagaGuide team?

Our regular touring season in 2025 runs from March 9^th until October 21^st.

Some activities and attractions do not operate year-round. March and October departures are particularly affected. Where possible, we will offer a suitable replacement activity.

Mid-May to Mid-September Only

• 🛥️ Skellig Michael Landing (Only Available on the 12 Day Giant Irish Adventure)
• 🐬 Skellig Islands Cruise (Available on the Following Tours)

April to October Only

• 🌼 Garnish Island Boat Trip - The gardens on Garnish Island are closed each March. For the tours featuring Garnish Island as an Optional Extra that depart during the month of March, a boat tour of Glengarriff Bay is available instead of the Garnish Island Gardens trip.

To help you plan your return flights, here are the days and times that our tours return to Dublin.

The return point for all tours is Dublin's Grand Canal Hotel

Your tour will arrive back in Dublin between 5-6pm on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Here are the return days for each of our tours:

Thursdays

• 💚 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour (Monday departures)

Fridays

• ☘️ 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour
• 💚 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour (Tuesday departures)
• ⚔️ 6 Day Driftwood Great Southern Tour
• 🐑 6 Day Driftwood Northern Island Tour
• 🏴‍☠️ 5 Day Vagabond Edge of the World Tour

Saturdays

• 🏰 7 Day Driftwood Castles & Kingdoms Tour
• 🌍 7 Day Vagabond World Tour of Ireland
• 🛶 7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Tour

Sundays

• 🌄 8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Tour

• 🌊 8 Day Driftwood Wild Atlantic Way Tour

• 🌊 7 Day Driftwood Treasure Ireland Tour

Check departure days and times for our tours

Puffins are one of Ireland's most iconic wild birds. You can see them only during their summer breeding season.

Puffins can be seen in many coastal areas around Ireland such as

• Skellig Michael (Kerry)
• Cliffs of Moher (Clare)
• Saltee Islands (Wexford)
• Blasket Islands (Kerry)
• Rathlin Island (Antrim)

Visit Skellig Michael on our 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour & The Cliffs of Moher on our 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour

When Can I See Puffins In Ireland?

You can see puffins in Ireland from early April to early August, with the most likely viewing time being May through mid-July.

Puffin Season In Ireland

Arrival: Late March/Early April
Puffins begin to return from the open ocean to breed.

Peak Viewing: May to early July
This is when puffins are most actively nesting and feeding their chicks.

Departure: Late July to early August
Puffins leave Northern Europe and head south for warmer weather during winter.

What Are Puffins?

Puffins are small seabirds known for their bright orange beaks with a black and white feather coat. They can be found in Ireland, Scotland and other parts of Northern Europe during summer seasons.

Where Do Puffins Go Beyond Ireland?

Puffins only come to land to breed, spending the rest of the year out at sea. During this short window, they nest in burrows along cliffs and islands, making them easier to spot for visitors.

Read more on our favourite islands off the coast of Ireland where puffins can be spotted!

Kilkenny is a charming little city in the southeast of Ireland. Known as the "Marble City", Kilkenny has so much to offer!

The following 3 tour itineraries stop in Kilkenny.

Driftwood Journeys of Discovery That Visit Kilkenny

• 🍀 12 Day Wild Coasts & Clover Tour
• 🌊 8 Day Wild Atlantic Way Tour *
• 🏰 6 Day Great Southern Tour

*As of 2026, the 8 Day Wild Atlantic Way Tour will visit Kilkenny

Find out about the other cities in Ireland 

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of our favourite routes to tour.

Here are all of the small-group tour itineraries that explore the Wild Atlantic Way.

Gently-Paced Wild Atlantic Way Tours

🌊 15 Day All Ireland Tour

🏞️ 11 Day Discover Ireland Tour 

💍 11 Day Ring of Ireland Tour

🎻 8 Day Jigs & Reels Music Tour

🌄 8 Day Wild Atlantic Way Tour

🚐 7 Day Treasure Ireland Tour

🏰 7 Day Irish Castles & Kingdoms Tour

🧭 6 Day Northern Island Tour

Active Vagabond Wild Atlantic Way Tours

⛰️ 12 Day Giant Irish Adventure Tour

🎻 8 Day Wild Irish Rover Tour

🗺️ 7 Day World Tour of Ireland

🌊 7 Day Magnetic North Adventure Tour

🥾 5 Day Edge of the World Tour

Learn more about Ireland's geography on our Wild Atlantic Way blog

All of our tours pick-up and drop-off from the same point in Dublin - the Grand Canal Hotel.

The Grand Canal Hotel is located just south of Dublin city centre.

Find a map of the Grand Canal Hotel's location [Google Maps]

Grand Canal Hotel Address & Contact Details

🏨 Postal/Street Address: Grand Canal Street Upper, Dublin, D04 X5X7, Ireland

☎️ Telephone Number from outside Ireland: +353 1 646 1000

📞 Telephone Number from within Ireland: 01 646 1000

📧 Email Address: reception@grandcanalhotel.com

Public Transport To The Grand Canal Hotel Dublin

Grand Canal Dock train station is 5-10 minutes walk from the front door of the Grand Canal Hotel.

See a map of Grand Canal Dock train station [map]

It's difficult to access your main luggage or suitcase while on tour. Luggage is securely packed in our tour vehicles. As a result, it's not easy for your driver guide to access individual items of baggage during the day.

However, you can easily access your luggage at each hotel. So that you have your travel essentials close at hand, we recommend bringing a daypack, or backpack, that you can keep beside you in the tour vehicle.

Where Is Luggage Stored?

All luggage/baggage is stored either:

A) Inside your tour vehicle. On Driftwood Journeys of Discovery, all of your luggage/baggage travels in the trunk/boot of your Drifter tour vehicle. It is not accessible from the passenger area.

B) In a secure trailer. On Vagabond Cultural Adventures, your main luggage/baggage travels in a securely locked and weatherproof trailer, pulled behind the tour vehicle.

Bring The Essentials In A Backpack

A backpack helps you store the essentials you'll need quick access to during each day on tour.

These essentials might include:

• 💶 Wallet - Cards, to pay for souvenirs and lunch, and cash, as required for activities on the day (your tour guide will advise daily)
• 🤳 Electronic Devices - Smartphone, camera, tablet or other devices
• 🍪 Refreshments - Such as water, gum, snacks etc.
• 🥪 Lunch - Your VagaGuide may plan a picnic and advise you where to pick up supplies in a deli/supermarket
• 💊 Medication - If required.
• 🧥 Lightweight Clothing - A warm hat and lightweight layers of clothing such as a waterproof rain jacket and sweater

Find out more about our tour vehicles

Yes, all hotel rooms on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland are ensuite.

Expect your own separate bathroom with toilet, sink and shower unit and/or combined shower and bath.