


Get set for 8 days of incredible Irish castles, culture, islands and villages. New for 2023, this 8 day off the beaten track itinerary is a fully-guided Driftwood Journey of Discovery, departing Dublin.
Highlights include the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, Kerry, Cork and Clare. Expect serene landscapes, such as the remote Beara Peninsula, mixed with cultural highlights, like Blarney Castle. In between, you'll encounter friendly locals, surprisingly delicious food and incredible natural landscapes.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "My favorite memory was in a small town called Portmagee ... We stayed at a hotel with a pub. That night, the towns people gathered, sang, and played instruments. I basked in that moment and I hope to never forget it. That is only one moment out of many on this trip that I hope to not forget." Guest Review, Aug 2023
🚐 Please note: this tour may use either a 13-seater or 15-seater tour vehicle. Learn more about the difference.
🛗 Please be aware that The Moorings Guesthouse in Portmagee (Day 3) does not have an elevator.
Take all the good feeling words and descriptions, put them together and that will describe this tour!
We traveled to small towns and locations we never would’ve found by ourselves ... I learned so much on this trip and saw so many beautiful sights.
Vagabond was excellent in communication from the very beginning ...Once we booked the tour, they emailed us to keep us informed along with sending helpful travel tips.
VERIFIED GUEST, AUGUST 2023
The tour was outstanding! I really liked the small size of the tour. I have been with larger tour groups, and this size of 13 was perfect!
We were able to experience so much of Ireland in such a short time. I really enjoyed the boat ride to see the Skellig Islands and the sheepdog farm.
There was lots of walking on our tour, but it wasn't overwhelming. It was the right amount of walking.
I am super happy I went to Ireland with Vagabond!
VERIFIED GUEST, AUGUST 2023
Accommodation was always high standard with a variety of eating options available.
For me as a first-timer to Ireland, this small group tour was a perfect overview of the rural side of the country and I got to go to places not on the main roads.
We got to experience the beauty of remote places as well as lots of small towns and charming byways including an amazing boat ride to Skellig Michael ...
Our driver and guide was very on the ball and aware of the needs of the individuals on tour.
DEIRDRE, JULY 2023
Find answers to questions about the 8 Day Driftwood Wild Atlantic Way Tour itinerary.
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:
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 structure.
The boats are roughly 9 metres / 30 feet long. Though powerful, they are open-decked vessels with little or no protection for our guests from rain, waves and 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 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
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).
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 MoreServiced laundry facilities are available on tours that stay 2 nights in the following towns:
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 QuestionsThe answer depends on which tour style you have chosen.
Driftwood vehicles have space for luggage onboard. Vagabond vehicles tow a trailer.
Read MoreGarnish Island features a beautiful formal garden, warm microclimate and Martello Tower. It is located in a sheltered bay near Glengarriff in Cork.
The following Driftwood Journeys of Discovery feature a Garnish Island Boat Trip Option:
Read MoreWe 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!
🛗 Please note there is no elevator available at The Moorings Guesthouse in Portmagee.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
All Driftwood tours are flexible. Your 8 Day Driftwood Wild Atlantic Way 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.
Depart Dublin at 8.30am. Board your vehicle and meet your VagaGuide for 8 days of magical touring on the Wild Atlantic Way!
Accommodation tonight is at The Gougane Barra Hotel or The Castle Hotel Macroom.
The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.
Sample the delights of West Cork, crossing the remote Beara Peninsula, to finish up in Kenmare, Kerry.
Accommodation tonight is at The Coachman's Townhouse.
The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.
The Ring of Kerry is one of the highlights of this Wild Atlantic Way tour. Start the day in Kenmare, circling the Ring, to finish in Portmagee.
🛗 Please be aware that The Moorings Guesthouse in Portmagee does not have an elevator.
Accommodation tonight is at The Moorings Portmagee.
The average driving time today is 3 hours.
Today, the Wild Atlantic Way really lives up to its name, with the option of an island boat trip. Sea legs definitely required!
Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Skellig Hotel.
The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Today is yours to design. Refresh yourself with downtime in Dingle and your choice of the following relaxed options:
Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Skellig Hotel.
The average driving time today is 1 hours 30 minutes.
Today we'll head north along the Wild Atlantic Way, bidding farewell to Kerry and arriving in Clare.
Accommodation tonight is at The Armada Hotel.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
You'll wake up in Clare and end the day in Connemara, having visited The Burren along the west coast of Ireland.
Accommodation tonight is at The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
Before we wave farewell on our final day touring together, there’s still time for some of our absolute favourites on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.