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Vagabond Van

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.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "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, Sept 2023

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

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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
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Start:
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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 accommodate 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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Reviews

Genuine Guest Reviews

Trustpilot Heading Image
I had the pleasure of traveling through Ireland with Vagabond Tours, and it was simply fantastic! From start to finish, there wasn’t a single dull moment, yet everything was perfectly balanced.

The group consisted of wonderful, relaxed people, and it was amazing how well we all connected. Every moment was accompanied by a great atmosphere, and our guide was simply phenomenal. He led us to hidden gems not necessarily found in guidebooks, known only to locals.

The selection of hotels and restaurants was excellent, contributing to an all-around enjoyable experience. The journey was comfortable, and the constant changes in seating gave us the opportunity to spend time with everyone in the group.

The diversity of excursion possibilities and options was impressive. It truly was a trip that exceeded all expectations. I’m already looking f…
Caro La, 24th Jan 2024
The driver David was fun and…
The driver David was fun and informative. I always felt comfortable on the ride and never crowded
Hugh Hauser, 5th Dec 2023
Wild Irish Rover
Our adventure this Fall was our third expedition with Vagabond and we are hoping for a fourth. That alone could be the best review possible. Great guides are enhanced by great fellow travelers. The Vagabond experience showcases the wonderful hospitality of the Irish people. For us, the island is beauty upon beauty in all ways. We are very appreciative of the Vagabond community and look forward to another adventure!
Patricia Leonard, 4th Dec 2023

8 Day Tour On TripAdvisor

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"the trip of a lifetime"
Review Image

We left a piece of our hearts in Ireland & know we will be back soon!

Horseback riding in Dingle was a dream for me and Dingle was one of our favorite places! The mussels and pubs were the best!

Brian W. celebrated our birthdays with champagne and cake on top of a hill and it was a major surprise!

My husband and I recommend Vagabond to everyone and know you will have the trip of a lifetime too if you book with them!

MEGAN, AUGUST 2023
"wonderful adventures"
Review Image

Wonderful adventures, excellent food and a very compelling leader full of interesting stories

The views were truly breathtaking. We loved the adventures like riding e-bikes, riding horses, and watching the border collies herding sheep.

Matt was our group leader and he did an excellent job of giving us information about Ireland while driving.

He worked overtime to ensure that everyone was happy.

BILL, SEPTEMBER 2023
"real feel for ireland"
Review Image

This trip was truly a trip of a lifetime. The small group made it so easy getting on and off the van in a timely manner.

Our tour guide Brian was the greatest. Keeping our adventure interesting, fun, and telling so much of the history of each place we stopped.

Our nightly accommodation couldn't be better.

Staying in small towns and fishing villages let us get a real feel for the Irish way of life. Loved every minute of the tour!!

LANDI, AUGUST 2023
Tour FAQs

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

What Small Group Tours of Ireland Visit The Skellig Islands?

Only guests on the 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour get to land on Skellig Michael.

The following Vagabond & Driftwood tour itineraries can take a boat trip around both Skellig Islands:

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Is My Small Group Tour of Ireland Clockwise or Counter-Clockwise?

Our most popular small group tours travel around Ireland in two directions; clockwise and counter-clockwise.

Apart from the direction, the itineraries are identical; both versions feature the same hotels, activities, guides, vehicles and pick-up/drop-off point in Dublin.

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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:

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Who Guides The Tours?

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

We call them VagaGuides.

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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.

 

Similar Questions

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).

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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

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What Tours Visit Dingle?

Dingle is one of our favourite small towns in Ireland. We know you'll love it too!

The following 8 tour itineraries stop in Dingle.

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Where Can I Do Laundry On Tour?

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

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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.

Similar Questions

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.

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Which Small Group Tours Visit The Wild Atlantic Way?

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.

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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!

Border between sections

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 Coachman's Townhouse exterior
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 Optional 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
  • Guided E-Bike Tour Connemara
    €60.00
    Tour wild Connemara on e-bikes. Duration: 2.5 hours
  • 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.
  • 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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Amazing VagaGuides! Read More
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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
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.
Itinerary
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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 e-bike tour of scenic Lough Mask in Connemara (Optional Extra)
  • Alternatively, hike in woodlands near Lough Mask.
  • Soak up the spectacular Connemara scenery before heading for Clifden.

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 Galway before crossing into Clare.

  • Guided tour of 16th century Aughnanure Castle (Fee Included).
  • 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
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
A panoramic view of the Burren Black Head

Day 3: Hiking, Surfing & Sheep Farm Tour

Wake up in Clare before crossing the River Shannon to arrive in Kerry.

  • Visit a working Irish sheep farm for a sheepdog demo (Fee Included).
  • Option for a surf session on one of Ireland's most gorgeous beaches (Optional Extra).
  • 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
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.

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

Day 5: Killarney National Park

Discover 'The Kingdom' of Kerry, from Dingle to Portmagee via Killarney.

  • 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 on top of a viewing point overlooking Rossbeigh Beach
Vagabond guests cycling through ancient woodlands in Killarney National Park
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 (Optional Extra). 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
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
Vagabond guests hiking on the Bullig Bay Loop on the Beara Peninsula
A panoramic view of the Healy Pass taken from a height
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
Two women and two men crossing the bridge in Blarney Gardens with Blarney Castle in the background
Dates+Availability
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Lots of Space! Limited Spaces (4 or Less) Sorry, Fully Booked!
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 accommodate 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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