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.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Excellent tour and guide, Edwina. Van was clean and comfortable, enjoyed all the many outstanding places in the beautiful country of Ireland. Friendly people, great food and amazing scenery. Small group a plus." Verified Guest Review, August 2023.
🚐 Please note, this tour may use either a VagaTron (13-seater) or Drifter (15-seater) tour vehicle. Learn more about the difference.
An amazing experience. Small group is the way to tour. The country is beautiful.
I got to know everyone on the tour and made some lasting friendships.
Andrew, our tour guide was the best. He was so accommodating to everyone and took care of our needs. His sense of humor can’t be beat.
I highly recommend Vagabond Tours. I hope to do it again someday.
KATHY, SEPTEMBER 2023
Probably the best mix of Ireland I could ever imagine.
Our guide Tim Orr was fantastic beyond my wildest dreams..
Take this trip!!!
DRIFTWOOD GUEST, SEPTEMBER 2023
I just finished the Treasure Ireland Driftwood tour and it was fantastic!
We had an amazing guide, Andrew, who was experienced, knowledgeable, funny and kind. I definitely felt like I was in good hands.
The other people on the tour were great company and we enjoyed many meals together, but there were opportunities to branch out on our own as well.
I would absolutely recommend Vagabond!
TONYA, MARCH 2023
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
Find answers to questions about the 8 Day Driftwood Wild Atlantic Way Tour itinerary.
All 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 MoreYes, 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 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.
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.