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Wild Irish Rover 8 Day Tour of Ireland

An Unforgettable Activity Vacation in Ireland

This National Geographic award-winning, 8 day tour of Ireland is packed full of Irish history, culture, and bracing adventure activities, such as hiking, biking, horse-riding, sea kayaking, and surfing.

The Wild Irish Rover Tour takes the word ‘wild’ seriously, taking guests off the beaten path, showing you the real Ireland you can’t find in the guidebooks. You will stay in an authentic Irish castle, visit ancient Celtic forts, kiss the Blarney Stone, and take a boat trip around the Skellig Islands.

If you’re researching the perfect active vacation in Ireland with an itinerary lasting 8 days, then stop searching.

🌼 Make A Spring Break For It! Enjoy Discounted 8 Day Tours of Ireland in March/April 2023

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From €1,975.50 pps* Single Supplement €346.50
*Price displayed is the discounted price for Mar, Apr & Oct.
🚨 $USD Price SAME AS EURO! $1 USD = €1 EURO** 🚨
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Lots of Space! Limited Spaces (4 or Less) Sorry, Fully Booked!

2023

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Start:
Finish:
Price:
Single Supplement:
Spaces Status:
From €1,975.50* Per person sharing

*Price displayed is the discounted price for Mar, Apr and Oct.

If the date you want is full please contact us and we will do our best to accomodate you.

A €250 deposit per person is all we need to secure your tour online. All our departure dates are guaranteed.

**All tours are charged in EURO. Exchange rates quoted are online rates and may differ to the rate our payment partner Flywire and banks offer.

Single Supplements apply to Single Room Occupancy.

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BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
What's Included

All Vagabond tours are flexible. Your 8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Tour is no different.

Unmissable activities are included. Where there are great options, we’ve left the final decision up to you. Feel free to choose your evening meals and lunches. All additional tour options are marked clearly below.

What's Included In Your Trip
  • An off the beaten track adventure in 4x4 VagaTron tour vehicle
  • The services of a highly-trained and professional VagaGuide tour guide
  • 8 full days on tour
  • 7 nights' accommodation
  • 7 delicious and filling hot Irish breakfasts
  • Most daily activities and visits (see Tour Options below for extras)
  • Live like lords and ladies with a one night stay in a castle
  • Entrance into the magnificent Blarney Castle and Gardens
  • Entrance into the epic Rock of Cashel
  • A working sheep farm experience
  • Shannon ferry tickets

All details of prices and suppliers listed here are correct at time of publication. Our suppliers occasionally increase prices for optional tour activities during the touring season. This is a rare occurence. In the unlikely event of a major price increase, we will do our utmost to update you.

Flexible and optional activities on tour
  • Surf Lesson in Kerry
    €35.00
    2 hour surf lesson on Castlegregory beach in Kerry
  • Horse Riding Dingle
    €50.00
    Ride a horse along a beach or up a mountain in Dingle
  • Boat Trip in Dingle Bay
    €10.00
    Harbour cruise in Dingle Bay
  • Sea Kayaking Dingle
    €55.00
    A guided sea kayaking session around beautiful Dingle Bay.
  • Traditional Rowing
    €35.00
    Row a traditional Naomhóg boat in Dingle Bay
  • Golf in Dingle
    Variable
    Play 18 holes at Dingle’s links course. All day activity.
  • Cycling Tour in Killarney
    €35.00
    Guided bike tour of Killarney National Park on road and paths. 3 hrs.
  • Skellig Islands Cruise
    €50.00
    Cruise around Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. 2hr 30 mins.
Vagabond, Always going that extra mile
Our tour prices do not include flights, travel insurance or Dublin accommodation
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Reviews

8 Day Tour On Feefo

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Amazingly wonderful experience.
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Fantastic customer service. I had to change the date of my tour and it was super easy. I loved both our guides (lucky enough to have two!) and the entire trip was thoroughly planned, extremely enjoyable and well worth every penny.
Product : So many beautiful places and amazing experiences! The accommodations were fantastic, the activities were so fun, the people were friendly and the restaurants and pubs were fantastic. I’d recommend to anyone, and I’d do it all again!
Karilee, 3rd Oct 2022
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I loved the tour and Ireland! Both our tour guides, Joe and Ronan, we amazing and very helpful. They had lots of stories to share and kept the long drives very fun.
Product : I loved it! It was super fun and I never got bored. We got to see tons of cool places and experience lots of fun activities!
3rd Oct 2022
This taste of Ireland will make you beg for more!
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I want to thank Michael and Rob for an amazing tour! Everything from the website (which is what caught my eye 5 years ago for my first trip you Vagabond) to the email responses were perfect!
Product : I loved every minute of it!
I enjoyed visiting Blarney Castle's gardens, taking photos of the Rock of Cashel from the perspective of the abbey down below. My morning walk through Gougane Barra Forest Park was magical! So peaceful! The hospitality and food at the Inn were above and beyond! Michael took us to McCarthy's for lunch and Adriene (?) shared her father's WWII story that I will never forget. Since then, I've read the biography and watched the documentary. Thank you for that experience! I loved traversing on roa…
Suzi, 11th Aug 2022

8 Day Tour On TripAdvisor

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"YOU'D BE CRAZY NOT TO BOOK IT"

8 day tour group on bikes in Ireland

I can't even begin to describe how amazing this tour was...

This company is beyond excellent, the employees/guides are extremely dedicated to you.

The tour I took (8-day Vagabond Wild Irish Small Group Tour) is fast-paced and exciting without being rushed. You see many Ireland highlights ("touristy" places) and many hidden gems.

If you want a guided tour of Ireland, you'd be crazy not to book it with Vagabond, in my opinion.

PROMISEDLAND84, MARCH 2022

TripAdvisor RatingView on Trip Advisor
"HIGHLY RECOMMEND"

Energetic group jumping on an 8 day adventure tour of Ireland

Just the right amount of variety, fun, and adventure.

The tour included scenic hikes, excellent accommodations, great food, and fun all along the way. It was long enough to feel like we had "gotten away" for a bit, and there was so much variety in our activities we never tired of it.

Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, helping us all feel comfortable from the start.

I definitely recommend Vagabond, regardless of which if their tours you choose!

CURLYGIRLZMOM, JUNE 2022

TripAdvisor RatingView on Trip Advisor
"EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED"

8 day tour guest on a horse in Ireland

Our family (with adult children) just finished the 8 day Wild Irish tour with Eamonn as our guide - it was FANTASTIC!

Eamonn was so fun, kind, knowledgeable and worked hard to give us the the best, customized experience. He took great care of all of us! Accommodations, food, pubs, music and activities were fantastic. All our expectations were exceeded.

We loved the active part of the tour - all the walks, hikes, biking in Killarney National Park - plus members of group golfed, ocean kayaked and rode a horse.

The weather was beautiful - amazing countryside and amiable people.

ALICE, JUNE 2022

TripAdvisor RatingView on Trip Advisor
Photos
Group hiking in Annascaul valley, Dingle peninsula
Hike the steep glaciated valley of Annascaul on the Dingle Peninsula
Vagabond tour group on bikes and ready to go cycling in Killarney National Park, Ireland
Take a bike tour of Killarney National Park
A boat in front of Little Skellig island off the coast of Ireland
Cruise the remote and dramatic Skellig Islands
Scenic church and reflection of blue sky, clouds and mountains in the lake at Gougane Barra, Ireland
Discover hidden gems like Gougane Barra in West Cork
Vagabond VagaTron Tour Vehicle and group posing at Rossbeigh in Kerry
Go off road in your 4x4 VagaTron tour vehicle
Exterior of Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in Connemara
Stay in an Irish castle hotel deep in scenic Connemara
VagaTron tour vehicle at Lough Annascaul on the Dingle peninsula
Go off the beaten track on the Wild Atlantic Way in Clare, Cork and Kerry
Group of Vagabond tour guests looking satisfied at the summit of Diamond Hill in Connemara
Get ready for phenomenal views of Connemara from the summit of Diamond Hill
A group of kayakers paddling out of a sea cave in Dingle Bay, Ireland
Kayak across Dingle bay to meet dolphins
Hiking the Cliffs of Moher in Clare
Explore the stunning Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way
The exterior of the Rock of Cashel
Imagine saints and scholars on a self-guided tour of the epic Rock of Cashel.
Accommodation

A hot shower after a mountain hike. A real fire. A pint. We assure you that wherever you stay with us, you’ll love it.

We put great effort into selecting accommodation on Vagabond tours. Your tour will overnight in locally-owned establishments (in some cases for generations). Receive a heartfelt welcome, often from the hoteliers themselves. No hotel chains here!

Border between sections

Abbeyglen Castle, Co. Galway

What makes Abbeyglen great is that it is a hotel that is marinated in character, charm, warmth and friendliness.
It offers hospitality second to none where all our guests are treated to real Irish traditional hospitality that is accompanied by luxury, comfort, great food and entertainment.

"Our warm and friendly staff are always at hand to make your stay special, guaranteeing you an unforgettable experience."
The exterior view of the stunning Abbeyglen Castle Hotel at dusk with water fountain
Family posing for a picture with woman sitting on the throne in front of Abbeyglen Castle

Armada Hotel, Clare

Named for the Spanish Armada — shipwrecked here in 1588 — and beautifully located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, a stay at the Armada Hotel is a sensory journey, with all the best sounds, sights and flavours of Ireland on offer. The village of Spanish Point, where the Armada is located, epitomises what the Wild Atlantic Way touring route is all about - vast skies, wild sandy beaches and breathtaking Atlantic sunsets. Taste locally-sourced food at the Armada, your perfect base for the nearby Cliffs of Moher and the rest of West Clare's attractions.

The exterior view of the Armada Hotel located on the Atlantic coastline with a beach at its front door
The interior design of a main room in the Armada Hotel with views of the beach

Dingle Skellig Hotel, Kerry

Located on the shores of Dingle Bay, enjoy breath-taking views across the countryside from Dingle Skellig Hotel. Just a short stroll from the town, you will enjoy the excellent facilities as well as the unique atmosphere. The perfect base to unwind after a long day exploring the Dingle Peninsula. Enjoy your breakfast or dinner whilst admiring the spectacular Dingle Bay.

"From the moment you arrive, our friendly staff will welcome you and ensure that your visit and time with us is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible."
An amazing view of the Dingle Skellig Hotel and Dingle Bay with mountains in the background
The view from the restaurant overlooking Dingle Bay

The Moorings Guesthouse, Co. Kerry

Nestled into the picturesque seafront of Portmagee, the Moorings Guesthouse overlooks the village’s busy working harbour. Just 30 seconds walk from the pier, where boats leave for the Skelligs every morning, and right at the heart of village life, there’s simply nowhere more convenient to base yourself when you stay in Portmagee. Gerard and Patricia Kennedy’s warm and genuine welcome is a great way to end a good day’s adventuring.

" The Moorings Guesthouse strives to deliver personal, attentive service while matching the very best standards in efficiency and hospitality."
The exterior front view of the Moorings Guesthouse directly across from the harbour
The interior design of a double room in the Moorings Guesthouse

The Coachmans Townhouse Hotel, Co. Kerry

The Jones family have been welcoming visitors to The Coachmans Townhouse Hotel for generations. Excellent location on Henry St, in the heart of day and nightlife where speciaity shops and award winning restaurants are plentiful. The Coachmans Bar is noted for its Irish Whiskey collection and is part of the Wild Atlantic Way whiskey trail. High class quality Irish music can be enjoyed during dinner in a casual setting.

"We feel honoured and privileged to be in such a fortunate position where we can help create wonderful memories for our guests."
The bar and restaurant of The Coachmans with traditional Irish instruments on show
The interior design of a double room in The Coachmans

Gougane Barra Hotel, Co. Cork

Gougane Barra Hotel is fifth generation family run hotel on the edge of Gougane Barra Lake run by Neil And Katy Lucey. They are tucked away in the mountains in a hidden and romantic glaciated valley in the South West of Ireland. The rooms either look out on the stunning lake or give great mountain views. The hotel is surrounded by forest with walking trails beginning at the front door.

"We like what we do and aim to look after you as best as we can, be welcome to make our home yours in Gougane Barra"
View of Gougane Barra Hotel and the chapel on the side of the lake with the mountains in the background
A stunning view of the Gougane Barra Chapel on the Lake with mountains in the background

West Cork Hotel, Co. Cork

Overlooking the Ilen River, the West Cork Hotel is located on the Wild Atlantic Way and in the heart of Skibbereen. Deeply rooted in the community, it’s the warmth of The West Cork Hotel’s staff, relaxed charm and town centre location that reveal the true heart of this hotel. Established in 1902, The West Cork Hotel was owned and operated by the Murphy family for 104 years. In 2006, it was acquired by Skibbereen residents Tim and Marian Looney who pledged to continue the hotel’s ethos of old fashioned hospitality and value.

The exterior of the West Cork Hotel
The interior of the restaurant in the West Cork Hotel
Itinerary
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Wild Irish Rover Ireland Tour Highlights

Introducing our National Geographic Travellers Choice – 50 Tours of a Lifetime Winner! Find out more about this incredible activity holiday in Ireland.

  • Connemara to Clare, Kerry to West Cork – this 8 day tour of Ireland visits the incredible highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way.
  • The choice is yours! Options for horse-riding, sea kayaking, biking and even surfing.
  • Be amazed by Irish history. Visit ancient stone circles, castle ruins and Celtic ring forts.
  • 1st time visitors to Ireland will love experiences like the Cliffs of Moher and a visit to Blarney Castle, to kiss the Blarney Stone.
  • Take a boat trip around the magical Skellig Islands and enjoy a castle hotel stay. This 8 day tour is guaranteed to be an unforgetable Ireland holiday!

⬇️ SCROLL DOWN TO DISCOVER WHAT HAPPENS EACH DAY ON THE COUNTER-CLOCKWISE DIRECTION ⬇️

Five Vagabond guests posing with the Cliffs of Moher
Explore highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way like the Cliffs of Moher
Vagabond group waving at a scenic location
Travel in a rugged VagaTron 4x4 tour vehicle to our favourite secret spots

Day 1: Connemara Stay & Panoramic Hike

Begin your cultural adventure from the Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin at 8.30am.

  • Sheep shearing and sheepdog demo on the mountainous shores of Killary Fjord (sheep demo may happen later in tour).
  • Hike the Diamond Hill area for phenomenal views of Connemara.
  • Enjoy a quick photo stop at Kylemore Abbey – one of Ireland’s most scenic historic buildings.
  • You'll feel like royalty with a sumptuous dinner and atmospheric overnight stay at Abbeyglen Castle Hotel.

The average driving time today is 5 hours.

VagaTron tour vehicle going offroad in Connemara
All aboard your 4x4 VagaTron tour vehicle!
Hiking group on top of Diamond Hill mountain in Connemara
Hike Diamond Hill for phenomenal views of Connemara

Day 2: Galway City, The Burren & Cliffs of Moher

Our tour follows along the Wild Atlantic Way from Connemara down to Clare.

  • Guided tour of 16th century Aughnanure Castle.
  • Galway is ‘the city of the tribes’ - Galway; atmospheric, buzzy and it full of tasty food options.
  • Marvel at dry stone walls and ancient dolmens in the Burren National Park.
  • We'll have a perfect photo opportunity at coastal Dunguaire Castle, just outside the pretty village of Kinvara.
  • See the world famous Cliffs of Moher.
  • Accommodation tonight is at Spanish Point House.

The average driving time today is 4 hours.

Two women with their hands in the air laughing with the Cliffs of Moher in the background
Stand in awe at the world famous Cliffs of Moher
A panoramic view of the Burren Black Head
Marvel at the Burren National Park

Day 3: Guided Farm Tour & Dingle Hike or Surfing

Starting the day in Clare, we'll reach Kerry and the Dingle peninsula by the afternoon.

  • Take a ferry across the mouth of the Shannon – the longest river in Ireland.
  • Optional surf session on one of Ireland's most gorgeous beaches (Tour Option - €40 per person).
  • Hike a steep, glaciated valley at Annascaul for gorgeous views.
  • Refresh yourself with an ice cold pint at the historic South Pole Inn.
  • Your overnight stay is at the ​Dingle Skellig​ Hotel .

The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.

A Vagabond group hiking in Annascaul Valley
Hike the steep, glaciated valley of Annascaul
Dingle Bay Hotel in a colourful line of buildings
Roll into bustling Dingle

Day 4: Boat Trip, Horseback-Riding Or Sea Kayaking

Discover Dingle, one of Ireland's most exciting small towns, with plentiful activity options and down time.

The average driving time today is 1 hour 30 minutes.

Vagabonds horse riding in a straight line on Ventry Beach in Dingle.
Horse ride along a beach or up a mountain near Ventry.
Fishing boats docked in Dingle harbour in the sunshine
Explore Dingle Bay

Day 5: Guided Bike Tour of Killarney National Park

Move from Dingle to Portmagee across the Iveragh peninsula.

The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes

Vagabond guests on top of a viewing point overlooking Rossbeigh Beach
Go offroad in your 4x4 VagaTron tour vehicle
Vagabond guests cycling through ancient woodlands in Killarney National Park
Explore the nature and history of Killarney National Park on a guided bike tour.

Day 6: Skellig Islands Boat Tour Or Scenic Hike

Explore amazing adventure options off the Iveragh peninsula before ending an active day in Kenmare.

The average driving time today is 2 hours.

Smiling tour group on board a boat trip to the Skellig Islands, Ireland
Boat trip around the Skellig Islands
Two Vagabond guests hiking Bray Head on Valentia Island with the Skellig Islands in the background
Hike Valentia Island for stunning Atlantic ocean views

Day 7: Wilderness & Offroading On the Beara

Expect rugged roads and superb scenery today as you journey from Kenmare to West Cork.

  • Dance around a mysterious stone circle on the wild Beara peninsula.
  • Put your tour vehicle through its paces while offroading at an abandoned copper mine.
  • Wind up the scenic Healy Pass – Ireland's bendiest road.
  • Unearth the incredible history of ruined Dunboy Castle on a coastal hike.
  • Accommodation tonight is at either the ​Gougane Barra Hotel​, or ​the West Cork Hotel.

The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.

Vagabond guests hiking on the Bullig Bay Loop on the Beara Peninsula
Superb scenery and hiking on the wild Beara peninsula
A panoramic view of the Healy Pass taken from a height
Wind up the scenic Healy Pass

Day 8: Kiss The Blarney Stone & Rock of Cashel

Before we say goodbye back in Dublin, we'll catch some tour highlights travelling from Cork via Tipperary.

  • Trace the River Lee passing through scenic Irish countryside.
  • Kiss the Blarney Stone amidst the lush surroundings of Blarney Castle Gardens.
  • Imagine saints and scholars on a self-guided tour of the epic Rock of Cashel.
  • Lush rolling hills and patchwork farmland as we traverse Ireland's Hidden Heartlands towards Dublin.
  • Farewells for your new Vagabond friends back in Dublin between 5-6pm.

The average driving time today is 4 hours and 30 minutes.

The Rock of Cashel taken from a distance
Imagine saints and scholars on a self-guided tour of the epic Rock of Cashel.
Two women and two men crossing the bridge in Blarney Gardens with Blarney Castle in the background
Kiss the Blarney Stone amidst the lush surroundings of Blarney Castle Gardens.
Dates+Availability
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Lots of Space! Limited Spaces (4 or Less) Sorry, Fully Booked!
Start:
Finish:
Price:
Spaces Status:
From €1,975.50 Per person sharing
Enquire Now

*Price displayed is the discounted price for Mar, Apr and Oct.

If the date you want is full please contact us and we will do our best to accomodate you.

A €250 deposit per person is all we need to secure your tour online. All our departure dates are guaranteed.

**All tours are charged in EURO. Exchange rates quoted are online rates and may differ to the rate our payment partner Flywire and banks offer.

Single Supplements apply to Single Room Occupancy.

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