Overview
From the moment you arrive in Dublin, you will feel the Ireland’s inherent sense of warm humor and welcome—with great food, delicious beer, and even better music. Enjoy a journey across the southern counties with unforgettable hiking—and historical sites—in the Wicklow Mountains, Killarney National Park, and along the rugged coast of the Dingle Peninsula and the Cliffs of Moher.
Days: 9
Best time to visit: April-October
Ideal for: Couples, Families
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Dublin Walking Tour
Arrive in Dublin and start your Irish adventure with a walking tour led by a local historian. Visit some of the city’s main landmarks and monuments like the Spire of Dublin, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and the grounds of Trinity College—a tour that blends history and humor in true Irish fashion. Stroll through the riverfront Temple Bar area and stop in for a pint and delicious Irish cuisine.
Day 2 – Brewing & Revolution
Tour the Guinness Storehouse at the heart of the St. James’s Gate Brewery, once a fermentation house and now a 7-story monument to this world famous beer. Head over to Kilmainham Gaol for a stirring glimpse of Ireland’s revolutionary struggle, and then visit the modern art collection in the historic Royal Hospital. End the day with dinner and live music back in downtown Dublin.
Day 3 – The Wicklow Mountains
Pick up your rental car and head into the Wicklow Mountains, a beautiful national park just south of Dublin. Join a local guide at the 6th-century monastic site of Glendalough for a day of hiking in the glacial valley and surrounding hills. Walk in the footsteps of St Kevin, the monastery’s founder, and learn about Ireland’s Ancient East before driving to Kilkenny to spend the night.
Day 4 – Kilkenny & the Rock of Cashel
Wander the cobbled streets of Kilkenny with a local guide to help you navigate the town’s long history, stretching all the way back to a 6th-century ecclesiastical settlement. Visit the 13th-century castle, St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower, and then stop by the Rock of Cashel, the historic seat of Irish Kings. Save time for a visit to the public gardens and to shop the town’s renowned craft and design workshops before driving to Killarney.
Day 5 – Killarney National Park
Spend the day exploring the mountains, waterfalls, and woodlands of Killarney National Park. Journey across the three Lakes of Killarney in a traditional wooden craft towards the Gap of Dunloe, a stunning pass through Ireland’s highest peaks, and then spend the day hiking through the valley. Or you can hike part of the Kerry Way long distance trail up to the summit of Torc Mountain. Throw some history into the mix with a visit to Muckross Abbey and Muckross House on the lakeshore.
Day 6 – Dingle Peninsula
Today you head to the Dingle Peninsula, a mountainous finger of land that juts out into the Atlantic, dotted with windswept sand beaches and rugged cliffs. Join a local hiking guide to explore the dynamic landscape of Dunmore Head which looks out over the Blasket Islands, or for a rigorous hike up Mount Brandon. End the day in Dingle, which is home to a vibrant music scene and some of the country’s best seafood.
Day 7 – Cliffs of Moher
Driving northwards along the Wild Atlantic Way, crossing the mouth of the River Shannon by ferry, continue onward to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Spend the afternoon hiking on a less-traveled route along the cliffs that offers stunning views, without the bustle surrounding the visitor center. Stop into the small town of Doolin for dinner and live music before driving to Ballyvaughan for the night.
Day 8 – The Burren
Spend the day with a local guide traversing the other-worldly, glaciated karst landscape of the Burren. Imprinted with unique geologic and prehistoric human history, this stark and rugged setting is thought to have inspired JRR Tolkien on visits as he was writing the Lord of the Rings novels. Hiking through this landscape of surreal stone formations, you will also have amazing views over the ocean. Spend another night in Ballyvaughan before heading to Shannon in the morning.
Day 9 – Departure
It’s time to head home! Drive the short distance to Shannon and catch your flight back stateside.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
What’s next?
Whether this itinerary is exactly what you are looking for or isn’t even close…
Meet with a Consultant
The first step is to call or email us with your desired travel dates, the number of people in your group, your price range, and whatever other information you want to share to get us started. One of our consultants will then reach out to you to set-up an in-person meeting or phone consultation.
Keep on Looking
Together we can discuss your travel options, customize your trip and narrow in on your ideal journey. Once we know exactly what you want, we will send you a detailed-itinerary with hotel options, activities, transportation logistics and a total trip price.
Get a Detailed Itinerary
With your seal of approval, we’ll book your Remarkable Journey. From there, you can sit back and relax while we arrange all of the services, prepare the final documents and present you your trip before you go.