


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.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The experience was incredible. There were 10 people on our tour and it never felt crowded. We were able to do things on our own or as a group... Our tour guide was knowledgeable, personable, very accommodating, and flexible with the schedule... It was nice not having to plan transport or food for most of the trip. We were able to sit back and enjoy Ireland." Guest Review - October 2022.
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
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
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
Find answers to questions about the 8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Tour itinerary.
Travel light.
That's the one travel tip that we hear again and again from guests on our tours.
Read MoreAll 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:
Read MoreAll of our tours are fully guided by our team of expert driver guides.
We call them VagaGuides.
Read MoreWe 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.
Similar Questions
Each day on tour, you will be on the road and checked out of your hotel between 8.45am-9.30am.
That time will vary and depend each day on a number of factors.
Read MoreYes, 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).
Read MoreTo 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
Read MoreYes, 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.
Similar QuestionsThe answer depends on which tour style you have chosen.
Driftwood vehicles have space for luggage onboard. Vagabond vehicles tow a trailer.
Read MoreA 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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Begin your cultural adventure from the Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin at 8.30am.
Accommodation tonight is at The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel.
The average driving time today is 5 hours.
We aim for ‘the city of the tribes’ this morning; — Galway situated where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Accommodation tonight is at The Armada Hotel.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Skellig Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
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)
Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Skellig Hotel.
The average driving time today is 1 hours 30 minutes.
Accommodation tonight is at The Moorings Portmagee.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
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.
This morning, we head out onto the Beara, a wild peninsula split between the counties of Cork and Kerry.
Accommodation tonight is at The Gougane Barra Hotel or The Castle Hotel Macroom.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Turning homeward, your tour will visit Cork and Tipperary before returning to Dublin.
The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.