Experience amazing castles and historic kingdoms along Ireland’s southwestern Wild Atlantic Way. Tour the Ring of Kerry. Stay in an Irish castle hotel. Visit the Cliffs of Moher. And so much more!
Get ready to discover the ancient beauty of the Emerald Isle. This is a cultural and historical tour of Ireland like no other. As part of our range of relaxed Driftwood Ireland Tours, Castles & Kingdoms offers an immersive but easy-going experience, making it the perfect Ireland tour for anyone, young or old, who prefers a relaxed pace with flexible activities.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Outstanding trip! Fun, relaxed but adventurous, with an amazing guide, Ronan, and a group of people that fast became friends... The people, food, hotels, towns and visits were all wonderful. Hard to pick a favorite!" Guest Review, August 2022
All Driftwood tours are flexible. Your 7 Day Irish Castles & Kingdoms Tour is no different.
Unmissable activities and full days on tour 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.
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.
It was our first tip to Ireland and we chose the absolute best touring company and were lucky enough to be blessed with a fantastic tour guide.
I would rate the Vagabond experience a solid 15 stars and our guide Tim 15 plus stars. We appreciated his energy, knowledge of Irish history and even his singing voice.
When asked if he knew the song Seven Drunken Nights he not only knew the song but sang very verse! As a citizen of Ireland by descent he helped me feel that I truly belonged in the land of all my four grandparents. In a way I felt I was "home".
Vagabond is the BEST tour company in Ireland and their guides are also the BEST. My next tour will be with Vagabond. They are the only way to go!
TOM, OCT 2021
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The tour was awesome! It was affordable, inclusive, and took me to some truly amazing parts of Ireland.
Our tour guide Jason was very knowledgeable, organized, and fun. I learned so much from him about the history of Ireland.
I highly recommend this tour company and look forward to returning to Ireland soon.
Cheers!
GWENN, JULY 2022
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Just returned from the Castles & Kingdoms small-group tour. An excellent mix of activity with travel.
Andrew our guide was great . He went out of his way to make sure our expectations were exceeded.
The itinerary was flexible enough so adjustments could be made to expose us to the best Ireland had to offer.
Accommodations were spotless and friendly. The scenery was spectacular. Loved the small group aspect.
Vagabond staff was very responsive to any questions and planning assistance. Would highly recommend. The people of Ireland were wonderful.
JJones2200, JUNE 2022
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A hot shower after a woodland stroll. 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 Driftwood 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!
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 stunning Ballyseede Castle in Kerry is one of the finest 4-star castle hotels in Ireland. It is Kerry's only castle hotel. Situated close to the town of Tralee, on the famous Ring of Kerry, Ballyseede Castle is a favourite with every generation. When you pass through the gates of Ballyseede Castle, you know you are entering a special world steeped in history and splendour.
The Jones family have been welcoming visitors to the Coachmans Townhouse Hotel for generations. Located on Henry Street at the heart of Kenmare, where speciaity shops and award winning restaurants are plentiful. The Coachman's 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.
Gougane Barra Hotel is a 5th-generation family-run hotel, stunningly located on the edge of a lake in the West Cork mountains. The hotel is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team, Neil and Katy Lucey. Romantically tucked away in a hidden, glaciated valley in the south west of Ireland, the hotel boasts views across the stunning lake to an ancient chapel. Further up the valley is Gougane Barra Forest Park, with walking trails beginning at the hotel front door.
The Buckley family extend a warm Irish welcome to the Castle Hotel in Macroom. This charming establishment has been in their capable hands for over 70 years (spanning three generations). The traditional market town of Macroom is nestled midway between Cork city and Killarney in Kerry. It offers the ideal base to explore southwest Ireland.
Actons Hotel is situated at the heart of Kinsale. This colourful and historic harbour town is often referred to as the gourmet capital of Ireland. Over the years, Actons of Kinsale has established a well-earned reputation for its exceptional location, highly personal levels of guest care and breathtaking maritime views.
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Embark on an unforgettable cultural tour of Ireland with Driftwood Tours. Experience amazing Irish culture, ancient castles, and beautiful islands on a relaxing jaunt along Ireland's southwestern Wild Atlantic Way.
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Your historical journey of discovery through Ireland kicks off from Dublin. We head for Clare via Galway, at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way.
The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.
Today we're headed south along the Wild Atlantic Way, exploring Clare and Kerry.
The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Today we're touring the scenic Ring of Kerry route, circuiting the Iveragh peninsula from Tralee to Kenmare.
The average driving time today is 3 hours.
Wandering scenic highways and byways, we'll sojourn from Kenmare to West Cork.
The average driving time today is 3 hours.
A relaxing day exploring West Cork, finishing in Kinsale.
The average driving time today is 1 hour 30 minutes.
Unwind in Ireland’s gourmet capital with free time to soak up the crafts and culture of Kinsale.
The average driving time today is 1 hour.
Time to say slán with some amazing sights on your final day exploring from Kinsale to Dublin.
The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.
