Wild Irish Rover 8 Day Tour of Ireland

Go Wild On This Active Adventure Tour

We take the word ‘wild’ seriously at Vagabond. Explore the outer reaches of the west and southwest of Ireland in a 4x4 Mercedes mini-coach.

Experience a stay in a castle hotel, a bike tour of a National Park, Stone Age forts, Atlantic sunsets, hikes in Connemara and Kerry and a boat trip around the Skellig Islands.

Find out why National Geographic honoured this itinerary with a 'Tours of a Lifetime' award.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Horseback riding in Dingle was a dream for me and Dingle was one of our favorite places! The mussels and pubs were the best! The Skelligs were spectacular and our daily hikes were breathtaking ... My husband and I recommend Vagabond to everyone and know you will have the trip of a lifetime too if you book with them! We left a piece of our hearts in Ireland & know we will be back soon!" Guest Review - September 2023.

🔄 TOUR DIRECTION: This tour itinerary can run in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction around Ireland.

From €2,196.00 pps* Single Supplement €420.00

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

💵 Equivalent US$2,341 Price Estimated at $1 to €0.93

Rated 4.9/5

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Dates+Availability

Lots of Space! Limited Spaces (4 or Less) Sorry, Fully Booked!

2024

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Start:

Finish:

Price:

Single Supplement:

Spaces Status:

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*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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Itinerary Reviews Tour FAQs Hotels Inclusions Photos

Reviews

Genuine Guest Reviews

The 8 day Wild Irish Rover Tour was awesome!

The 8 day Wild Irish Rover tour was great! I was traveling solo but was quickly at home with our small group. Brian, our guide, was informative and incredibly entertaining. The tour was flexible and a wonderful way to experience amazing landscapes, culture and iconic sights. I definitely would recommend!!

Pennie, 16th Jul 2023

Great way to explore iteland. …

The tour guides are very informative and helpful. The whole experience was good, got to see a large variety of different places and things. A great way to explore Ireland for the first time.

It was an excellent way to explore the southern half of Ireland. The ability to be in a hotel each night is a benefit too since life doesn't stop just because we are on vacation. The accommodations were all pretty good, though I did have a room with no hot water one night.
But in general it was a great experience.

Thomas, 22nd Jul 2023

Aiden made our trip amazing

We expected our trip to Ireland to be great. It was an active group of 12 family members from 20 to 76 and although avid travellers, only one had been there before. The country, scenery and people are beautiful. We chose Vagabond Tours because of their great reputation, fun and easy website and very helpful planning support. We all agree the icing on the cake was our guide/driver Aiden who went above and beyond at every turn to make it so special for us. He is a wealth of knowledge and I don't think we stumped him once with our many questions. He even spent time with us in the evenings and on our hikes which we appreciated. The mini bus was perfect for us and so well kept. I really think we made the best choice choosing Vagabond Tours and highly recommend them to visitors of this beautiful country. Thanks again to Aiden.

Valued Customer, 12th Jul 2023

8 Day Tour On TripAdvisor

"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

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"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

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"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

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Tour FAQs

Find answers to questions about the 8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Tour itinerary.

When & Where Do Vagabond/Driftwood Tours Depart From?

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:

Who Guides The Tours?

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

We call them VagaGuides.

What Activities Have Weight Limits?

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.

Are There Any Luggage Restrictions?

Yes, we do operate a limit on luggage.

Owing to the compact nature of our small-group tour vehicles, your luggage limit is one suitcase per person (no bigger than 30” or 75cm along their longest side).

What Day Do Tours Return To Dublin?

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

Do All Hotels Provide Separate Bathrooms?

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

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

Where Is My Luggage Stored On Tour Vehicles?

The answer depends on which tour style you have chosen.

Driftwood vehicles have space for luggage onboard. Vagabond vehicles tow a trailer.

Hotels

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!

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel Connemara

Fan of champagne and history?

You’re about to experience both!

Get ready for a generous serving of real Irish hospitality at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel.

Enjoy complimentary bubbles as well as storytelling in the piano bar before an atmospheric dining experience.

In your well-appointed and castle-themed room, you'll relax and recuperate before another fun day of activities in the stunning Connemara region.

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

The Armada Hotel

Get ready for a beautiful sunset and a memorable stay.

The Armada Hotel is beautifully located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

Dine in full view of Spanish Point beach. The menu at Aileen's Restauarnt features local food, artisan food producers and dishes with herbs and vegetables from the Armada Farm.

After dinner, kick back in front of a roaring fire at Johnny Burke's, the traditionally-themed pub.

A view of the armada in spanish point during the sunset with a view of the sea

View to the ocean from Aileen's Restaurant at the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point

Dingle Skellig Hotel

Imagine waking up to a traditional Irish breakfast with spectacular views over Dingle Bay.

Now make that dream a reality at the Dingle Skellig Hotel.

Just a short stroll from the centre of Dingle town, this is the perfect base for enjoying the charms of Dingle and its wild and beautiful surrounding countryside.

The only dilemma facing you at the Dingle Skellig is whether to unwind in the bar first or soak in the rooftop hot tub!

Aerial view of Dingle Skellig Hotel in Ireland

Waiter and dining room with scenic view at Dingle Skellig Hotel in Ireland

The Moorings Hotel

Literally 30 seconds walk from the pier, The Moorings Guesthouse is well-named!

The Moorings lies at the heart of this tiny but characterful village in remote West Kerry.

Gerard and Patricia Kennedy’s warm welcome and delicious home-cooked food is a great way to end a day’s adventuring.

There’s simply nowhere better to base yourself when you are exploring the Ring of Kerry with Vagabond & Driftwood Small-Group Tours.

The exterior front view of the Moorings Guesthouse directly across from the harbour

The interior design of a double room in the Moorings Guesthouse

Coachman's Townhouse

You just can’t beat Irish hospitality!

The Jones family have been welcoming guests to The Coachmans Townhouse since 1969.

The Coachmans is located at the heart of the small town of Kenmare. When you stay here with Vagabond & Driftwood Tours, speciality shops, music venues and great restaurants are only a few footsteps away.

Music-lovers, take note that the pub in the Coachmans frequently hosts live performances by traditional musicians. Not to be missed!

The interior design of a double room in The Coachmans

Gougane Barra Hotel

Gougane Barra Hotel is a family-run establishment, spectacularly located in Cork, on the edge of a lake.

Rob discovered this magical place on the very first Vagabond tour, way back in 2002!

Neil and Katy Lucey's hotel has been delighting our tour guests ever since.

Many of our Vagabond and Driftwood Tours visit Gougane Barra when passing through the southwest.

A view of the gougane barra church from across the lake

A group of guests standing outside the church in gougane barra

Macroom Castle Hotel

Expect a warm Irish welcome at the Castle Hotel in Cork.

This comfortable hotel has been managed by the Buckley family for 3 generations.

It's a great place to unwind after a full day of adventures on Vagabond & Driftwood tours.

The exterior of Castle Hotel lit up as darkness falls on Macroom

The interior design of a triple room in the Castle Hotel with a breakfast displayed also in the room

Inclusions

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. Please read the Activities & Fitness FAQs for further information.

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 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.

** Cash is required for this activity. No card payment available.

Flexible and optional activities on tour

Surf Lesson in Kerry**
€35.00
2 hour surf lesson on Castlegregory beach in Kerry. Cash required.
Horseback Riding in Dingle**
€50.00
Ride a horse along a beach or up a mountain in Dingle. Cash required.
Boat Trip in Dingle Bay
€10.00
Harbour cruise around scenic 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. Cash required.
Dingle Sea Safari
€65.00
Guided sea safari around the Dingle Peninsula by high-speed open boat.
Golf in Dingle
Variable
Play 18 holes at Dingle’s links course. All day activity.
Bike Hire in Killarney**
€40.00
Explore Killarney National Park by bike on roads & paths. Cash required.
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

Guaranteed Booking Price

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Loads of Laughs

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

Explore the stunning Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way

Imagine saints and scholars on a self-guided tour of the epic Rock of Cashel.

Itinerary

View Itinerary

8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Tour Intro & Highlights

Connemara to Clare; Kerry to West Cork, this tour visits highlights of the southwestern Wild Atlantic Way touring route.
Take a guided, open ocean boat trip around the Skellig Islands to experience wildlife and an ethereal monastic story.
Get blown away by the beauty of three National Parks; Connemara, Killarney and the Burren.
Flexible adventure options abound, such as horseback-riding, sea kayaking, trail biking and even coldwater surfing.
Discover secluded and secret destinations, such as Annascaul, a remote glaciated valley on the beautiful Dingle peninsula.
Experience bucket-list attractions like the Cliffs of Moher, the Rock of Cashel and the Blarney Stone.
Prepare to wonder at the depth of Irish history. Stand inside ancient stone circles, castle ruins and celtic-era ring forts.
Catch traditional Irish music performances in lively and authentic towns like Kenmare.
TOUR DIRECTION: This is the counter-clockwise tour itinerary. It also runs in a clockwise direction around Ireland.

Day 1: Connemara Castle Hotel & Hike

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

Guided tour of medieval Athenry Castle (Fee Included).
Sheep shearing and sheepdog demo on the hilly shores of Killary Harbour (Fee Included). This experience may have happened earlier in tour, dependent on time.
Hike in Connemara National Park area for phenomenal views.
Enjoy a quick photo stop at Kylemore Abbey – one of Ireland’s most scenic historic buildings.

Accommodation tonight is at The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel.

The average driving time today is 5 hours.

VagaTron tour vehicle going offroad in Connemara

Hiking group on top of Diamond Hill mountain in Connemara

Day 2: Cliffs Of Moher & The Burren

We aim for ‘the city of the tribes’ this morning; — Galway situated where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean.

You'll have a perfect photo opp at coastal Dunguaire Castle.
Marvel at dry stone walls and ancient dolmens in the Burren National Park.
Visit the world famous Cliffs of Moher (Fee Included). Take in the stunning views and snap a few selfies to prove that you were really here!

Accommodation tonight is at The Armada Hotel.

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

A panoramic view of the Burren Black Head

Day 3: Hiking, Surfing & Sheep Farm Tour

Arrive in Kerry by taking a ferry across the broadest, longest river in Ireland (Fee Included).
Visit a working Irish sheep farm (Fee Included). This experience occurs on Day 1 for some departures.
Option for a surf session on one of Ireland's most gorgeous beaches (Tour Option).
Hike the steep, glaciated valley of Annascaul and hear the extraordinary tale of local explorer Tom Crean.

Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Skellig Hotel.

The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.

A Vagabond group hiking in Annascaul Valley

Dingle Bay Hotel in a colourful line of buildings

Day 4: Horseback Riding or Kayaking

Get set for jaw-dropping natural scenery this morning on the Slea Head Drive.

The afternoon is yours to design. Relax and soak up Dingle’s charms with quality downtime or the following optional activities.

TOUR OPTIONS (Choose A, B, C, D or E)

A. Go horseback-riding on a beach or up a mountain.
B. Tour scenic Dingle Bay on a boat trip.
C. Guided sea kayaking on Dingle Bay.
D. Guided rowing experience in a traditional Naomhóg boat.
E. Golfers will enjoy Dingle’s 18-hole links course. All day activity.

Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Skellig Hotel.

The average driving time today is 1 hours 30 minutes.

Fishing boats docked in Dingle harbour in the sunshine

Vagabonds horse riding in a straight line on Ventry Beach in Dingle.

Day 5: Bike Trails in Killarney National Park

Self-guided cycling tour of spectacular Killarney National Park (Tour Option).
Alternatively, explore Killarney National Park on foot, including elegant Muckross House and Gardens.
Go offroad in your 4x4 VagaTron tour vehicle to a secret panoramic viewpoint above the Ring of Kerry.
Capture crystal clear views of the Milky Way in Kerry's International Dark Sky Reserve.

Accommodation tonight is at The Moorings Portmagee.

The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.

Vagabond guests on top of a viewing point overlooking Rossbeigh Beach

Vagabond guests cycling through ancient woodlands in Killarney National Park

Day 6: Skellig Islands Cruise or Island Hike

Have your sea legs? Weather behaving? Then seize the opportunity for a boat trip around the natural wonders of the Skellig Islands (Tour Option). Departures are weather dependent and seasonal (mid-May to mid-Sept). The boats are small, cabin conditions are rough and wet; sea legs are definitely required.

Alternatively, hike Valentia Island for stunning Atlantic Ocean views.

Catch authentic traditional Irish music and outstanding local food in lively Kenmare.

Accommodation tonight is at The Coachman's Townhouse.

The average driving time today is 2 hours.

Smiling tour group on board a boat trip to the Skellig Islands, Ireland

Two Vagabond guests hiking Bray Head on Valentia Island with the Skellig Islands in the background

Day 7: Beara Peninsula Wilderness

This morning, we head out onto the Beara, a wild peninsula split between the counties of Cork and Kerry.

Explore the mysteries an ancient stone circle.
Gaze down over the scenic Healy Pass – Ireland's twistiest mountain road.
Hike Bullig Bay for views of Bere Island and picnic opportunities at historic Dunboy Castle.

Accommodation tonight is at The Gougane Barra Hotel or The Castle Hotel Macroom.

The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.

Vagabond guests hiking on the Bullig Bay Loop on the Beara Peninsula

A panoramic view of the Healy Pass taken from a height

Day 8: Blarney Stone & Rock of Cashel

Turning homeward, your tour will visit Cork and Tipperary before returning to Dublin.

Discover pure tranquility on a hike through Gougane Barra Forest Park.
Kiss the Blarney Stone amidst the lush surroundings of Blarney Castle Gardens (Fee Included).
Self-guided tour of the monastic site at Rock of Cashel (Fee Included).

The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.

The Rock of Cashel taken from a distance

Two women and two men crossing the bridge in Blarney Gardens with Blarney Castle in the background

Dates+Availability

Lots of Space! Limited Spaces (4 or Less) Sorry, Fully Booked!

2024

March 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

April 2024

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891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930

May 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031

June 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930

July 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031

August 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031

September 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30

October 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031

Start:

Finish:

Price:

Spaces Status:

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.

Wild Irish Rover 8 Day Tour of Ireland

Go Wild On This Active Adventure Tour

2024

March 2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

July 2024

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024

Genuine Guest Reviews

8 Day Tour On TripAdvisor

When & Where Do Vagabond/Driftwood Tours Depart From?

Who Guides The Tours?

What Activities Have Weight Limits?

Are There Any Luggage Restrictions?

What Day Do Tours Return To Dublin?

Do All Hotels Provide Separate Bathrooms?

Where Is My Luggage Stored On Tour Vehicles?

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel Connemara

The Armada Hotel

Dingle Skellig Hotel

The Moorings Hotel

Coachman's Townhouse

Gougane Barra Hotel

Macroom Castle Hotel

8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Tour Intro & Highlights

Day 1: Connemara Castle Hotel & Hike

Day 2: Cliffs Of Moher & The Burren

Day 3: Hiking, Surfing & Sheep Farm Tour

Day 4: Horseback Riding or Kayaking

Day 5: Bike Trails in Killarney National Park

Day 6: Skellig Islands Cruise or Island Hike

Day 7: Beara Peninsula Wilderness

Day 8: Blarney Stone & Rock of Cashel

2024

March 2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

July 2024

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024

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