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.
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.
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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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.
Are you a fan of champagne and history? You’re about to experience both alongside a generous serving of real Irish hospitality at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel. Enjoy complimentary bubbles and storytelling about the hotel and local area in the piano bar before an atmospheric dining experience. Later, you’ll feel like royalty in historical castle rooms while you recuperate before another fun day of activities in Connemara.
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.
Located on the shores of Dingle Bay, enjoy breath-taking views across the countryside from Dingle Skellig Hotel. Just a short stroll from the town, you will enjoy the excellent facilities as well as the unique atmosphere. The perfect base to unwind after a long day exploring the Dingle Peninsula. Enjoy your breakfast or dinner whilst admiring the spectacular Dingle Bay.
Nestled into the picturesque seafront of Portmagee, the Moorings Guesthouse overlooks the village’s busy working harbour. Just 30 seconds walk from the pier, where boats leave for the Skelligs every morning, and right at the heart of village life, there’s simply nowhere more convenient to base yourself when you stay in Portmagee. Gerard and Patricia Kennedy’s warm and genuine welcome is a great way to end a good day’s adventuring.
The Jones family have been welcoming visitors to The Coachmans Townhouse Hotel for generations. Excellent location on Henry St, in the heart of day and nightlife where speciaity shops and award winning restaurants are plentiful. The Coachmans 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 fifth generation family run hotel on the edge of Gougane Barra Lake run by Neil and Katy Lucey. They are tucked away in the mountains in a hidden and romantic glaciated valley in the southwest of Ireland. The rooms either look out on the stunning lake or give great mountain views. The hotel is surrounded by forest with walking trails beginning at the front door.
The Buckley family extend a warm Irish welcome to the Castle Hotel, their charming establishment which has now been in their capable hands for over 70 years (spanning three generations). The traditional market town of Macroom is nestled midway between Cork city, Blarney, Killarney and West Cork's beautiful coastline. It offers the ideal base to explore this amazing region with Vagabond & Driftwood Tours.
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Experience the stupendously scenic Wild Atlantic Way touring route with 8 days of fun, friendship and laughter. Sample our winning mix of less-known destinations and headliners, like the Cliffs of Moher.
Depart Dublin at 8.30am. Board your vehicle and meet your VagaGuide for 8 days of magical touring on the Wild Atlantic Way!
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.
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.
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!
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:
The average driving time today is 1 hour 30 minutes.
Today we'll head north along the Wild Atlantic Way, bidding farewell to Kerry and arriving in Clare.
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.
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 and 30 minutes.
