Relax into your seat for a once-in-a-lifetime journey of discovery around Northern Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Visit the Cliffs of Moher, tour Northern Ireland and discover remote Donegal. Stay in an authentic Irish castle hotel. Enjoy 2 days in Connemara and 2 fun nights in Dingle.
This 11 Day Discover Ireland Tour is a complete culture trip of Ireland - the perfect way to get the most out of your Irish vacation!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The small group tour is the only way to go and Vagabond has it down to a science. We felt the pace was perfect and the sites selected were excellent.
I highly recommend the small tour van concept, the tour company and our guide for a once in a life time trip!" Guest Review APRIL 2024
🔄 TOUR DIRECTION: This tour itinerary can run in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction around Ireland.
Find answers to questions about the 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland 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 MoreEach of our small group tour departures travel around Ireland in one of two directions; clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Our most popular itineraries have departures in both directions. Apart from the direction, these itineraries are identical; both versions feature the same pool of hotels, activities, guide team, tour vehicles and pick-up/drop-off point in Dublin.
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 MoreThe short answer is: very, very little. Due to demand, we operate multiple weekly departures of our 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour, as well as a single weekly departure of our brand new 11 Day Driftwood Ring of Ireland Tour itinerary.
These tours largely follow the same itinerary. They are all easy-paced Driftwood tours. They all visit Northern Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way with 2 nights in Clifden (Connemara).
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 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 MoreWhile 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 MoreThe standard bed size in Ireland equates to a US Queen (60" x 80"). This may vary with hotel or room type.
Similar QuestionsYes, 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 QuestionsDonegal 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 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
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
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 MoreGarnish Island features a beautiful formal garden, warm microclimate and Martello Tower. This amazing destination is located in a sheltered bay near Glengarriff in deepest West Cork.
The following Driftwood Journeys of Discovery feature a Garnish Island Boat Trip Option:
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 QuestionsWe put great effort into selecting accommodation. Your 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour will overnight in locally-owned establishments (in some cases for generations). No hotel chains here!
🔄 Please note that your 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour itinerary may run in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Minor differences in accommodation exist between the two directions of the tour. Please contact us if you have any queries in this regard.
Ever stayed the night in a haunted castle? Now you can.
Sitting proudly on the scenic Northern Ireland coast, Ballygally Castle Hotel features a 400 year old tower house which is home to a friendly ghost. Spooky!
Ballygally is the only 17th century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland today.
This elegant and welcoming hotel has become a firm guest favourite on our small-group tours of Northern Ireland.
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!
Situated in the heart of the Moy Valley, the 4 star Mount Falcon Estate offers 100 acres of magical woodlands to add to the adventure of the day.
If you have time, make sure you experience the hotel's spa and a falconry experience
This Victorian Gothic manor house was originally built as a wedding gift.
It's widely recognised as one of the the most romantic historic hotels in Ireland; perfect if you have an anniversary while on tour.
The Ocean Sands is located in Sligo, in Ireland's northwest.
This modern hotel is nestled on a pristine beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The seaside Ocean Sands Hotel reflects the best of Irish hospitality.
After fun days on the road with Vagabond & Driftwood, you can enjoy delicious cuisine and breathtaking ocean views from the restaurant, bar or one of the comfortable guest rooms.
The Galway to Clifden railway first opened in 1895.
The original railway station buildings have been thoughtfully restored to house the Clifden Station House Hotel & Spa.
This charming, family-run hotel features a railway theme. The red-brick buildings incorporates many of the original Victorian features, including the old railway platform.
It’s a fantastic example of old world Ireland.
Sandwiched between gorgeous Spanish Point and the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch is perfectly placed for you to enjoy the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Lahinch Coast Hotel is a bright, spacious and contemporary space located only a stone's throw away from a beautiful sandy beach.
Dine on delicious Irish food, avail of the hotel swimming pool and then fall asleep in your cosy room to the sound of crashing Atlantic waves.
Rich heritage. Classic interiors. Award-winning food.
One of Dingle’s most venerated hotels, Dingle Benners, boasts heritage spanning 350 years.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by old world charm and modern comfort.
Centrally located, Dingle Benners is perfect after a day of relaxing adventures in beautiful west Kerry.
The Eccles Hotel is situated in the quaint village of Glengarriff overlooking Bantry Bay
A mix of authentic old world charm and modern comfort awaits you at the Eccles Hotel.
It's the perfect place to retreat to after exploring West Cork with Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland.
Vegans, veggies and vegetable-lovers — make sure you check out the fully vegan a la carte menu in the Eccles Hotel restaurant.
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 Driftwood tours are flexible. Your 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland 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.
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 tour from Dublin and travel to Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast via Belfast.
Accommodation tonight is at Ballygally Castle Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Start the day touring the Northern Ireland coastline before heading to Derry/Londonderry.
Accommodation tonight is at The Bishop's Gate Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Explore Derry/Londonderry before departing Northern Ireland, visiting Donegal and Sligo and ending the day in Mayo.
Accommodation tonight is at The Mount Falcon Estate & Spa or The Ocean Sands Hotel.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
Westward we go, moving from Mayo to Clifden, Galway.
Accommodation tonight is at The Clifden Station House Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours.
Dive deeper into the region of Connemara, starting and ending the day in Clifden.
Accommodation tonight is at The Clifden Station House Hotel.
The average driving time today is 2 hours.
Heading south, we'll leave Connemara and circuit Galway Bay to reach Clare by day's end.
Accommodation tonight is at The Lahinch Coast Hotel.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
Wake up in Spanish Point, explore the Clare coastline and then watch the sun set over Kerry.
Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Benners Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours.
Free time to explore Dingle or choose from a range of optional activities.
Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Benners Hotel.
The average driving time today is 1 hours 30 minutes.
Starting in Dingle, we'll take the scenic route to Glengariff in Cork, via Killarney.
Accommodation tonight is at Eccles Hotel Glengarriff.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Expect rugged roads and superb scenery as we explore the remote Beara Peninsula.
Accommodation tonight is at The Gougane Barra Hotel or The Castle Hotel Macroom.
The average driving time today is 1 hours 30 minutes.
Today we'll start to turn back towards Dublin — but not before seeing some of Ireland's highlights in Cork and Tipperary!
The average driving time today is 5 hours.