8 Day Wild Atlantic Way Tour
Southwest Ireland Here We Come!
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.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "We have traveled quite extensively and appreciated letting someone else get us to the places we wanted to visit and share information about the history of Ireland. The hotels were lovely, the hosts worked hard to please and the itinerary was what we'd hoped for. You will not be disappointed." Verified Guest Review, Dec 2022.
🚐 Please note, this tour may use either a VagaTron (13-seater) or Drifter (15-seater) tour vehicle. Learn more about the difference.
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.
- A journey of discovery in a super-comfy, slick Mercedes mini-coach
- 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 essential daily activities and visits
- A 1 night castle stay at majestic Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
- 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.
- Garnish Island Boat Trip€19.00
Scenic boat trip to Garnish Island plus admission to botanical gardens - Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride€15.00
Scenic horse-drawn carriage ride around Killarney National Park - Derrynane House€5.00
Self-guided tour of Daniel O'Connell's historic home. - Skellig Islands Cruise€50.00
Cruise around Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. 2hr 30 mins. - Skellig Experience€5.00
Learn the story of Ireland's island treasures at this visitor centre. - Boat Trip in Dingle Bay€10.00
Harbour cruise in Dingle Bay - Golf in DingleVariable
Play 18 holes at Dingle’s links course. All day activity.
What Driftwooders Think...
Not enough words to describe the tour and if I could give 10 stars I would.
Our guide Andrew took us places we wouldn't have known about and gave us a comprehensive history of Ireland.
The small tour was perfect for us and our fellow Driftwooders were all compatible.
I can't say enough positive things about this company except that you should do yourself a favor and book a tour with them.
DIANE, OCTOBER 2022
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This was a trip of a lifetime.
Alan, our tour guide, was knowledgeable, fun, and flexible.
Many little stops along the way to experience the culture off the beaten path.
It’s hard to come home knowing such a beautiful place is out there.
DRIFTWOOD GUEST, OCTOBER 2022
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We went on the 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland tour.
It was an exceptional trip with a great guide Damien, wonderful fellow travelers.
The trip was a nice slow pace never in the van very long any day and we visited spectacular places.
From small villages to the coast, everywhere was magical.
PATRICE, SEPTEMBER 2022
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How Fair Is Vagabond Service?
Even though I haven't traveled with Vagabond, I have to let everyone know that they have been exceptional to work with.
My booking and payment was easy, I have called them on two occasions and my phone calls were returned promptly the next day.
They gave me a full refund (minus deposit which is waived if I rescheduled next year).
I could not ask for better service during what I know is also a difficult time for their company.
I appreciate it and definitely recommend them!
BRONCOFAN82, APRIL 2020
The service of this company is outstanding. Anybody and everybody I communicated with was superb and very quick to respond.
Our guide Tim Orr was the best guide I ever had on any of my trips and I travel a lot. All the people of that country made an imprint on me.
In the 11 Day Discovery Driftwood tour, we saw the most beautiful parts of that wonderful country. The expected sites but also some off the usual path places that I fell in love with. I also loved the fact that we did not stay in "chain" hotels so the service was much more personal.
Go to Ireland, it's worth it...
MARIETTE, MAY 2022
Originally booked for 2020, Vagabond allowed us to rebook, applying our deposit to our 2021 trip.
Over the past 18 months, owner Rob sent regular emails with general updates regarding the current situation in Ireland so we always had accurate, and up-to-date information regarding our ability to travel.
Back in the office, Emma kept us informed about our specific tour, travel requirements and forms...
We received an immediate response to every email, answered all of our questions professionally, and was a huge help to us during the pre-trip planning phase.
You won't be disappointed!
MERLE, SEPT 2021
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!
🛗 Please note there is no elevator available at The Moorings Guesthouse in Portmagee.
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.
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 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.
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!
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's gorgeous beach.
Or kick back in front of a roaring fire at Johnny Burke's, the traditionally-themed pub at the Armada Hotel.
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.
View Itinerary
8 Day Driftwood Wild Atlantic Way Tour Intro & Highlights
- Experience amazing bucket-list destinations like the famous Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry.
- Visit Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone to gain the gift o’ the gab
- Overnight in an atmospheric castle hotel in the beautiful Connemara region
- Meet craftspeople and discover handmade Irish crafts in open studios
- Meet lambs and sheepdogs on a real Irish farm tour including a sheepdog/sheep-herding experience
- Visit stately homes, gardens and castles, like Bantry House - owned by the same family since the 18th century
- Tour spectacular Killarney National Park in a horse-drawn ‘jaunting’ carriage
- Spot seals and other wildlife as you board a boat for the short ocean crossing to Garnish Island
- Taste the best of Ireland’s food and drink offering in lively restaurants and authentic pubs
- Encounter friendly Irish locals, natural scenery and Irish culture at every step
Day 1: Blarney Stone & Rock of Cashel
Depart Dublin at 8.30am. Board your vehicle and meet your VagaGuide for 8 days of magical touring on the Wild Atlantic Way!
- Take a self-guided tour of the Rock of Cashel, perched above Tipperary on a spectacular rocky outcrop.
- Kiss the Blarney Stone to gain the "gift o’ the gab" or explore the lush gardens of Blarney Castle.
- Trace the valley of the River Lee upstream, crossing stone bridges and passing through pretty countryside.
Accommodation tonight is at The Gougane Barra Hotel or The Castle Hotel Macroom.
The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.
Day 2: House Tour, Boat Trip & Island Garden
Sample the delights of West Cork, crossing the remote Beara Peninsula, to finish up in Kenmare, Kerry.
- Wander from room to wonderful room on a self-guided tour of Bantry House, an historic Irish home.
- Take a scenic boat tour to Garnish Island and its beautiful gardens (Tour Option).
- Expect livestock traffic jams as we explore one of the most remote parts of the Wild Atlantic Way; the Beara Peninsula.
Accommodation tonight is at The Coachman's Townhouse.
The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Day 3: Horse Carriage Ride in Killarney
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.
- Pay a morning visit to Killarney National Park for a spectacular horse-drawn carriage ride (Tour Option).
- Stop by 19th century Muckross House & Gardens or take a short but scenic hike to Torc Waterfall.
- Visit Derrynane House, home of Daniel O’Connell (Tour Option), or ramble to the nearby Derrynane beach.
Accommodation tonight is at The Moorings Portmagee.
The average driving time today is 3 hours.
Day 4: Skellig Islands Boat Trip
Today, the Wild Atlantic Way really lives up to its name, with the option of an island boat trip. Sea legs definitely required!
- Experience the seabirds and history of the Skelligs with a guided Wild Atlantic Way boat tour (Tour Option).
- Alternatively, learn about the Skelligs safe on dry land at the Skellig Experience (Tour Option - €4 per person).
- Raise a glass to Antarctic explorer, Tom Crean, at the South Pole Inn.
Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Skellig Hotel.
The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Day 5: Free Time in Dingle
Today is yours to design. Refresh yourself with downtime in Dingle and your choice of the following relaxed options:
- Take a scenic boat ride around gorgeous Dingle Bay (Tour Option).
- See a master craftsman in action on a guided tour of Sean Daly's Dingle Crystal workshop.
- Stroll Dingle's streets for a quirky mix of craft studios, lively pubs, fantastic food, and traditional Irish music.
- Jaw-dropping scenery and knife-edge drops are guaranteed on a leisurely drive around Slea Head.
Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Skellig Hotel.
The average driving time today is 1 hours 30 minutes.
Day 6: Guided Farm Tour & Sheepdog Demo
Today we'll head north along the Wild Atlantic Way, bidding farewell to Kerry and arriving in Clare.
- Tour a working Irish sheep farm with charming old-style cottages for a live sheepdog demo.
- Ferry across the mouth of the Shannon - the longest river in Ireland - to County Clare.
- Soak up the views and listen to waves crashing against the spectacular Kilkee Cliffs.
Accommodation tonight is at The Armada Hotel.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
Day 7: Castle Stay & Cliffs of Moher
You'll wake up in Clare and end the day in Connemara, having visited The Burren along the west coast of Ireland.
- Hold onto your hat! It’s the majestic and dazzling 214m (700ft) high Cliffs of Moher.
- Enter The Burren, a magical landscape where it seems hobbits might emerge from behind a dry stone wall at any moment!
- Look out for dark-hulled sailing boats and picturesque towerhouse castles on the shores of Galway Bay.
- Guided tour of Aughnanure Castle, home to the O’Flaherty clan and pirate queen, Grace O’Malley.
Accommodation tonight is at The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
Day 8: Sheepdog Demo & Farm Tour
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.
- Grab a photo at Kylemore Abbey – one of Ireland’s most scenic historic buildings.
- Watch sheepdogs in action at Tom Nee’s farm above Killary Harbour (on some departures, this experience happens earlier in the tour).
- Explore the 15th century ruins of Ross Errilly Friary or the village of Cong, location for the John Wayne classic, The Quiet Man.
The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.
