Take the road less traveled with this immersive 1-week itinerary in Ireland!
On this tour, you’ll journey from Kinsale, County Cork, to Westport, County Mayo. Explore over 1,100 km of rugged coastline on this 7-day adventure tour in Ireland that is packed full of excitement, culture, and history. This is part of our Active Small Group Tours of Ireland, which are designed for anyone seeking a mix of relaxed sightseeing with a focus on culture along with soft adventure activities, such as cycling, hiking, kayaking, and more!
Leaving the capital city behind, our 7-day trip to Ireland starts from Dublin and journeys southwest, towards the Wild Atlantic Way.
This is one of our adventure holidays in Ireland, which means you can look forward to a plethora of exciting activities! Start imagining what it will be like to kayak with dolphins in Dingle Bay, or fall in love with some breathtaking sights on the Ring of Kerry, including Moll’s Gap and Ladies View. And if you’re interested in exploring the entirety of the Ring of Kerry, check out our Ireland to Island tour which spends even more time in the legendary Ring of Kerry.
On this 7-day Ireland trip, you will also have the opportunity to cycle through Killarney National Park — a beautiful natural area surrounded by mountains and lakes that is home to our native red deer. This is the perfect opportunity to experience Ireland’s untamed natural landscape and to take some of the greatest photographs of your life!
Discover what it feels like to stand on the edge of the world at the Cliffs of Moher – Ireland’s most popular tourist spot! Then lose yourself in the bohemian city of Galway or allow yourself to be captivated by the rugged landscape of the Aran Islands. Then challenge yourself to climb Ireland’s holiest mountain: Croagh Patrick.
Your 1-week Ireland itinerary is infused with activities, scenery, castles, adventure, history, heritage, culture, and wildlife. And if you still aren’t sure whether or not this tour is right for you, check out our glowing customer reviews. We guarantee a fantastic week of active adventure, culture, and stunning sights! And if you’d like to raise your trip to the next level, you might like to consider both our Ireland Private Guided Tours and our Tailor-Made Tours of Ireland.
Read the full itinerary and highlights below to find out more, and please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions for us! Due to our tours’ off-the-beaten-path locations, the size of our vehicles, and the fact that we cannot guarantee that all accommodation partners have ramps/elevators, unfortunately, our tours are not wheelchair accessible.
At Overland Ireland, we include as much as we possibly can in your tour price. This means you can enjoy your experience without worrying about unexpected charges or hidden surprises. You can see below that the list of inclusions is packed full of goodness, covering everything from transport and entry fees to optional kayaking and various accommodation options.
It’s important to note that if an activity or experience cannot go ahead because of weather conditions or any other reasons beyond our control, we do not issue refunds.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please fear not. We will make sure you are looked after.
We pride ourselves on giving the best guest experience possible. This tour can be operated in reverse and combined with other tours that follow the same route for the best guest experience.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Note: Booking 2025 or 2026? As we constantly strive to bring you the very best experience please be aware that our tour route and inclusions may slightly change from this year to next. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about this or our other tours!
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Your Ireland adventure tour begins as we depart Dublin for County Cork, nestled in the stunning southwest corner of Ireland.
En route, we make our first stop at the famous Rock of Cashel. Here, you can explore its well-preserved medieval round tower, cathedral, and chapel.
Then it’s back on the road to Cork, which Lonely Planet describes as “at the top of its game, sophisticated, vibrant and diverse”.
We’re here for one of Ireland’s most quintessential experiences — kissing the Blarney Stone!
According to legend, if you kiss this ancient stone, you may get “the gift of the gab“. There’s only one way to find out!
The Blarney Stone is in Blarney Castle, a striking medieval stronghold set in beautiful grounds. We explore the picturesque gardens and the mysterious Rock Close.
The Rock Close is a special, mystical spot with waterfalls, a fairy glade, and rocks names for druids and witches.
Your Cork experience continues with a guided walking tour through one of southwest Ireland’s most picturesque places — the historic port and fishing town of Kinsale.
Kinsale is home to castles, forts, shops, galleries, and an array of arts and crafts. It’s also where you can find the recently launched Kinsale Gourmet Academy.
We spend the first night in this stunning harbour town. The good news is that Kinsale is also renowned for having award-winning restaurants, not to mention dramatic scenery.
There’s no better place to enjoy a delicious meal (consider the fresh seafood!) and take an evening stroll.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
We say a fond farewell to Kinsale and get back on the road, this time towards Killarney National Park.
This part of the journey is filled with spectacular sights and hidden gems, with highlights including Ladies’ View and Moll’s Gap.
When we arrive in Killarney National Park, you can hop on a bike and enjoy a two-hour ride around the wonderful surroundings.
Some of the sights to take in include Muckross House and Gardens, Torc Waterfall, and Ross Castle!
Cycling through the park is a joy, especially for nature lovers. You have a choice of trails to follow, but each one is fantastic and offers its own splendor.
We then head to the celebrated, cozy coastal town of Dingle, where we stay overnight.
The evening is yours to sample the atmosphere in the town’s famous quirky pubs and to enjoy dinner in one of its fantastic restaurants.
You may even stumble across an unforgettable traditional music session!
And if you’re looking to enjoy that perfect pint of Guinness, this just might be the place!
Total driving time: 2 Hours, excluding stops
Choose your activity this morning by either kayaking amongst the marine life in Dingle Bay with our friends at Irish Adventures or e-biking around Dingle Peninsula!
The e-bike tour is self-guided and takes you around the Slea Head Loop. Riding these bikes is a breeze — you can cover plenty of ground with only minimal effort!
If you can’t say no to kayaking, you can still enjoy the Slea Head Drive experience on our bus in the afternoon.
Those who cycled the route in the morning have an afternoon of visiting Dingle’s great cafes, quirky craft shops, inviting pubs and more to look forward to!
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Our grand adventure continues as we travel north. While we have to leave Dingle behind, you can marvel at the incredible views of Castlegregory as we go.
But that’s not the only treat in store this morning!
One of our local farmer friends will astound you with a sheepdog show! Watching the border collies work in tandem with their master is truly fascinating and a taste of Irish heritage.
We then take the ferry across the River Shannon, landing in County Clare, home to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, on the other side.
The cliffs are one of Ireland’s most iconic attractions, and we explore them on foot during a two-and-a-half-hour hike!
The dramatic coastline and fresh sea air will reinvigorate you!
Your guide will take you off the beaten path, showing you secret passages away from the main tourist hot spots.
The cliff views are steeped in myth and wonder. If you listen carefully, the Wild Atlantic Ocean’s roar may echo your name on the waves of bliss.
This is the perfect place to take jaw-dropping photos to show everyone at home!
Spend the night in either Doolin or Spanish Point. Each locality is equally spectacular, Doolin with its colourful houses and charm and Spanish Point with its breathtaking coastal location. Indulge in some Irish music and craic during your stay!
Total driving time: 2 hours, excluding stops
In the morning, we leave Doolin and head for Galway, via the Burren National Park.
Along the way, we will have a quick break and photo-op at the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle, located in the quaint, charming fishing village of Kinvara.
Galway is known around the world as a city of festivals and culture. In fact, the city was the European Capital of Culture in 2020, a year-long celebration of all that Galway is famous for.
Galway is a medieval city with true living history. Many of its buildings date back hundreds of years, now serving as fabulous restaurants with locally sourced produce, lively bars, and craft shops.
Pubs painted in bright colours heave with live music, while cafés provide front-row seats for watching street performers, musicians, and a whole host of local characters.
Enjoy a walking tour through this historical and cultural city. And after discovering Galway’s hidden gems, you have a free afternoon.
This is the perfect time for shopping in the city’s many wonderful shops. And when you’ve had your fix of retail therapy, you can explore Galway’s great food, entertainment, and craic.
You may just find yourself watching Irish street dancing while tapping your feet to the pulse of pure Celtic music.
Total driving time: 2 hours, excluding stops
This morning you will journey the coast road back to Rossaveel pier where you will sail to the famous Aran Islands.
On arrival, we do what we do best — explore!
This spectacular island has awe-inspiring landscapes and friendly locals who will teach you a few words in “Gaelic”.
We cycle the island’s rugged coastline, heading toward Dún Aonghasa, a ruined stone fort standing on a clifftop 100m above the ocean.
When we return to the mainland, the stunning views continue. This time, it’s those of Connemara National Park.
Our ultimate destination is Ireland’s favourite town — Westport.
This the perfect base to explore nearby Killary Harbour, the only natural fjord in Ireland, and other hidden gems in the area.
It’s then time to ease into an unforgettable night in County Mayo. Unwind in Westport with some local craft beers and mouthwatering food.
And no trip to Westport is complete without a visit to Matt Molloy’s bar where you can enjoy a traditional Irish music session and some good old craic.
Note: Ferry crossings to the Aran Islands are weather permitting. If it is unsafe to travel, we provide wonderful alternative plans for the day!
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
The final morning of this 1-week Ireland itinerary comes with one last challenge: climbing Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain.
This is a rewarding hike for novices and experienced hikers alike. It’s also one of the best places to learn about St Patrick himself.
At the summit, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the 365 islands in Clew Bay. What a perfect way to finish your Zest tour!
Before you head back to Dublin, our expert guides will give you their favourite recommendations of things to see and do if you’re staying in Ireland for a while longer.
Due to our tours’ off-the-beaten-path locations, the size of our vehicles, and the fact that we cannot guarantee that all accommodation partners have ramps/elevators, unfortunately, our tours are not wheelchair accessible.
Note: To confirm your booking, you are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 per person for Small-Group tours.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this tour or any others we operate. We may have already answered your question on our frequently asked questions page.
