Explore history, culture and active adventure in stunning natural scenery on a fast-paced, full circuit of the island of Ireland.
This 12-day round trip is a comprehensive Ireland and Northern Ireland tour, including: The Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coast.
Journey to deserted beaches and horse-ride up scenic mountains. Take a deep breath and get ready - this is the ultimate Irish adventure tour!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Daily hikes , castle tours , biking , horseback riding , boating and traditional rowing were a few of the activities we participated in. We even managed to get in a bit of shopping!!!
Our tour took us around the perimeter of Ireland in the 12 days . Such a beautiful green country and so many friendly people . Would highly recommend this tour" Guest Review JUNE 2024
Find answers to questions about the 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour itinerary.
We do our utmost to ensure that the tour style you choose matches your needs. Our team offer honest and professional customer service from the moment you first get in touch.
Read the following physical requirements to understand if your tour choice matches your abilities.
Read MoreYou'll need basic mobility to enjoy any of our small group tours of Ireland. Standing and walking for extended periods is required on both tour styles.
For Vagabond Cultural Adventures, the fitness requirement is considerably higher than on a Driftwood Journey of Discovery.
Read MoreWhether you're planning to land on Skellig Michael or simply cruise around both Skellig Islands, the boats you travel on will be similar in size and oceangoing ability.
They measure roughly 9 metres or 30 feet in length. Though they have powerful engines, they are open-decked vessels with little or no protection from rain, waves and water spray.
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 MoreYou don't have to pre-book activities until you join your tour. While on tour, your VagaGuide will advise you when you need to book an optional extra.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: The only exception is the Skellig Michael Island landing option. This optional extra is only available on the 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour. It requires prior booking at least 45 days before you arrive in Ireland.
Read MoreWe love introducing our guests to the wonderful cities and surprisingly wild coastline of Northern Ireland.
The following four small-group tour itineraries visit Northern Ireland:
Read MoreThere are two currencies used on the island of Ireland. Which one you need, depends on which part of Ireland you're visiting.
You'll use Euro (€) while visiting the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland's currency is the Pound sterling (£).
Read MoreWe recommend bringing a small amount of cash in euros to Ireland with you.
Around €300 euro should be more than enough to get you through your first days in Dublin.
Read MoreThe industry standard in Ireland is €15 per person, per day. But this is, of course, at your discretion.
Our team of VagaGuide tour guides really appreciate any tips that come their way after leading a Vagabond or Driftwood small-group tour.
Read MoreTo make everyone's tour run smoothly, we operate strict limits on baggage size. Plan to bring 1x compact suitcase as well as 1x daypack or backpack, per guest booking.
Your single large piece of luggage should weigh no more than 51lb (23kg) and measure no longer than 31” (79cm) along its longest side. This 31 inch (79cm) limit includes any wheels that may protrude from the suitcase or bag.
Read MoreOnly 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:
Read MoreTravel light.
That's the one travel tip that we hear again and again from guests who have experienced our tours.
Read MoreServiced laundry facilities are available on tours that stay 2 nights in the following towns:
Lunches and dinners are not included on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours. You are free to choose your own lunches and dinners.
Your VagaGuide tour guide will recommend their favourite cafes, restaurants and shops. We find that this flexible approach to included meals allows us to cater for diverse tastes, budgets and diets.
All hotel breakfasts are included in your tour price.
Similar QuestionsMost hotels in Ireland do not have air conditioning.
The climate in Ireland usually isn't hot enough to warrant air conditioning.
In periods of prolonged warm weather, hotels that don’t have air conditioning will normally install fans in the bedrooms.
Find out more about Irish weather and the best time to visit Ireland
Similar QuestionsAll of your hotel rooms on tour provide hairdryers.
Please note that, in some cases, Irish hotel hairdryers may not be the most powerful models.
Similar QuestionsAll of our hotels offer double, twin and single room types. Doubles have 1x bed, twins have 2x separate beds and singles have 1x bed.
When booking with us, please select a room requirement for each passenger listed. Choose your room type based on each person sharing.
Read MoreThe standard bed size in Ireland equates to a US Queen (60" x 80"). This may vary with hotel or room type.
Similar QuestionsWhile travel insurance is not a requirement for our tours, we strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance cover before your trip to Ireland.
Your policy should cover all medical costs associated with travel.
Read MoreYes, there are regular comfort stops along the tour route where you can avail of restroom facilities.
Simply ask your VagaGuide if you're unsure when the next stop is coming
Similar QuestionsThere are no wifi or charging points available on Vagabond & Driftwood tour vehicles.
We recommend bringing a cellphone with you on tour in Ireland to take pictures and to stay in touch with loved ones back home.
Talk to your cellphone provider about international data roaming before you depart. Alternatively, purchase a sim card on arrival in Ireland to help you get online.
If you think you'll need it, pack a lightweight power bank in your daypack or backpack.
Even better, take a digital detox while exploring Ireland with us!
Similar QuestionsIf you’re a confirmed 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure guest and you want to land on Skellig Michael island, you must pay the €130 fee at least 60 days in advance of your tour departure date. If you haven't received a payment link, let us know: enquiries@vagabond.ie
The fee for the Skellig Michael Landing is non-refundable if you decide against the activity less than 60 days before your tour. If the landing is cancelled due to bad weather, a full refund will be made.
Read MoreWe offer two boat-based Skellig Islands activities.
Choose to land on Skellig Michael (€130 - 5 hour duration) or take a cruise around both Skellig Islands (€50 - 2 hour duration).
Read MoreDonegal is one of our favourite places to visit in Ireland. We know you'll love it too!
The following tour itineraries explore Donegal.
Read MoreAll of our tours are fully guided by our team of expert driver guides.
We call them VagaGuides.
Read MoreYes, there are limited toilet facilities on Skellig Michael Island. Due to lack of running water, the single toilet available is a 'dry' toilet with no flush capacity.
Please be aware that, if you are planning to land on Skellig Michael or to take our Skellig Islands cruise, you may not have access to a toilet for long periods of time.
Some boats do have toilet facilities, but this is not guaranteed. Please check in advance with your VagaGuide.
Similar QuestionsWe 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
Our regular touring season in 2025 runs from March 9th until October 21st.
Some activities and attractions do not operate year-round. March and October departures are particularly affected. Where possible, we will offer a suitable replacement activity.
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 MoreDingle is one of our favourite small towns in Ireland. We know you'll love it too!
The following 8 tour itineraries stop in Dingle.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreAll of our tours pick-up and drop-off from the same point in Dublin - the Grand Canal Hotel.
The Grand Canal Hotel is located just south of Dublin city centre.
Read MoreIt's difficult to access your main luggage or suitcase while on tour. Luggage is securely packed in our tour vehicles. As a result, it's not easy for your driver guide to access individual items of baggage during the day.
However, you can easily access your luggage at each hotel. So that you have your travel essentials close at hand, we recommend bringing a daypack, or backpack, that you can keep beside you in the tour vehicle.
Read MoreYes, all hotel rooms on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland are ensuite.
Expect your own separate bathroom with toilet, sink and shower unit and/or combined shower and bath.
Similar QuestionsA 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!
A warm welcome awaits you at the Londonderry Arms Hotel, once owned by none other than Winston Churchill.
Ideally situated midway between Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway, the Londonderry Arms is an ideal base for exploring this beautiful region.
Sit back and relax in front of an open log fire, bask in breathtaking scenery and a unique atmosphere of warmth and comfort.
Originally built in 1899, Bishop's Gate occupies an historic building in the centre of Derry/Londonderry.
Our lucky Vagabond and Driftwood guests who stay here tend to love the blend of stunning Edwardian architecture with stylish rooms.
Historical Derry/Londonderry is a fully walled city in Northern Ireland.
It is famous for its intact walls, featuring 7 gates; hence the name Bishop's Gate!
Enjoy the charms of Donegal town at the comfortable Abbey Hotel.
Relax in superbly appointed bedrooms before savouring delicious food and lively traditional Irish music performances.
You're guaranteed a warm Irish welcome at the Abbey!
Enjoy spectacular views of 5km of golden sandy beaches laid out in front of you at Waterfront House.
This independent hotel has been a popular stop on our northwest tours for many years.
Situated on the water’s edge overlooking Killala Bay, you can often hear the waves crashing on the shore as you drop off to sleep.
Relax with delicious food and drink in the restaurant with Enniscrone’s famous sunsets happening right in front of the hotel.
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 12 Day Vagabond Great Irish Adventure 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.
Fasten your seatbelt! Your Vagabond Cultural Adventure starts from Dublin and heads for Northern Ireland.
It's Day 1, so let's hike! Slieve Gullion mountain features Ireland's highest passage tomb at the summit.
In Belfast, choose from the following activities:
OPTIONAL EXTRAS (Choose A, B or C)
Accommodation tonight is at The Londonderry Arms.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
Accommodation tonight is at The Bishop's Gate Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours.
Crossing from Northern Ireland into Donegal, we'll head truly off the beaten track.
Accommodation tonight is at The Abbey Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours.
Wandering southward, your tour will explore Donegal further and complete the day in Sligo.
Accommodation tonight is at The Waterfront House Enniscrone.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
Today brings incredible scenery and fascinating culture from Sligo to Connemara via Mayo.
Accommodation tonight is at The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
Journey through the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, from Connemara to Clare via Galway city.
Accommodation tonight is at The Armada Hotel.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
Start your day off in Clare, reaching Kerry and the Dingle peninsula by the afternoon.
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.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS (Choose A, B, C, D, E or F):
This evening, don’t miss a traditional Irish music session in one of Dingle's many pubs.
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.
You have incredible options today on and around the Ring of Kerry.
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.