This small group Ireland itinerary is 7 days packed full of incredible sights and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From the amazing panoramas of the South West to Jedi spotting on an optional trip to the other worldly Skellig Michael, see Ireland in all its glory at a leisurely pace. Without ever feeling rushed, we pack so many incredible sights and activities into this 7-day Ireland itinerary! For a different experience over the same timeframe, check out our Emerald Explorer 7-day Ireland Tour.
Say goodbye to the capital city and travel south to kiss the Blarney Stone – a great start to your magical adventure. Continue on to Cobh to see the last port of call for the Titanic as it set sail on its doomed maiden voyage.
Take a guided, leisurely amble across the jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher with the roaring Atlantic Ocean bellowing below.
Killarney National Park beckons. Muckross House and Gardens makes for a stunning stop-off point. A short boat trip across Galway Bay is next; here you’ll explore the Aran Islands where you will take a bike ride or optional jaunting cart to the ancient prehistoric ring fort of Dún Aonghusa.
From castles, culture, stately homes and fairy forts, it’s time to soak up the atmosphere in Bohemian Galway City. For more castles, read our guide to the best castles to visit in Ireland.
This 7-Day Ireland Itinerary offers a genuine and real experience of Ireland you wont find in the guidebooks or movies. Meet the locals, sample our delicacies and see many of our greatest wonders as you embark on the small group tour that packs in everything from gentle island hopping to a spot of city shopping.
So, what are you waiting for? Overland Ireland will help you plan your small group tour of Ireland. Any questions? Just get in touch today!
Due to our tours’ off-the-beaten-path locations throughout Ireland, 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 pride ourselves on including as many incredible sights and activities as we can in your tour price. This means you don’t have to worry about hidden charges while on your tour. All you need to do is enjoy yourself and make some memories!
We have provided a list of what’s included below in this 7-day Ireland itinerary. As you can see, it’s extensive and covers things like accommodation, attraction entrance fees, transport, and kayaking! Our aim is, and always will be, to keep prices down while pushing tour experiences up.
If you have any specific dietary requirements or preferences, please let us know as early as possible. We can cater this tour to vegetarians, vegans, and pescatarians. Read our guide to What Is Ireland Like For Vegetarian And Vegan Tourists.
Note: This is a dual tour, meaning it includes activities for both our zesty adventurers and our cool jewel travellers. If you don’t wish to partake in an activity, let us know! We are happy to accommodate everyone. It’s your vacation. Do it your way.
Note: This is our current itinerary for this year. If you’re booking for next year, the plan could change slightly. 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
Our Irish adventure begins as our small group tour leaves Dublin and heads south to Cobh, in County Cork – one of the world’s finest natural harbours and where the last 123 passengers boarded the doomed Titanic on her maiden voyage.
As we journey through County Cork with its wild beaches and jagged peninsulas, we’ll take in the 1000-year-old Medieval Rock of Cashel. Your expert local guide will bring you on a tour of the well-preserved round tower, Cormac’s chapel, and the breathtaking cathedral and castle! Take the first of many jealousy-inducing photos of this historical masterpiece!
After building up a thirst, we’ll make our way to the world-famous Midleton Distillery, dating from the 17th century and home to some of the best whiskies in the world. There is so much to taste and learn at this oldest distillery whiskey museum and visitor centre and we’ll enjoy lunch and a tour with a few cheeky samples!
The night will be spent in Cobh, soaking up the beautiful harbour views, colourful houses and bustling nightlife.
Total driving time: 3 hours 45 minutes, excluding stops
Before embarking on our small group tour of Kerry, you can tick off a very important item on your bucket list of Ireland – kissing the Blarney Stone! Here, you’ll receive the “gift of the gab” and will soon be talking like the loquacious locals.
We’ll then explore Blarney Castle with its beautiful grounds, gardens and rock close.
After lunch, we’ll enter the panoramic Kingdom of Kerry, where you can wander the streets, shops and delights of picturesque Kenmare. This is your gateway to the Ring of Kerry experience – Ireland’s most scenic and celebrated drive.
Tonight, we travel towards the little fishing village of Portmagee with its twinkling harbour lights to get ready for our first island trip to Skellig Michael. For those who prefer ‘terra firma’ and stay on the mainland, we have another excellent option up our sleeves.
Total driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes, excluding stops
There are only a very select few places on this planet that can be described as “out of this world” and Skellig Michael is unquestionably one of these. Today we will journey to a “galaxy far, far away” and go Jedi Spotting. But before it was Luke Skywalker’s sanctuary, it was home to monks who used its perfectly preserved beehive huts to pray and contemplate.
This is a sublime sanctuary, home to much wildlife and natural fauna; a place of peace and power where the presence of the monks can still be felt.
However, if you’d rather stay on dry land, your guide will take you to visit the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, the great Irish liberator, orator, lawyer, politician and statesman. Derrynane House, near the white dunes of Caherdaniel Strand, is a 19th-century residence which is home to many of our famous patriot’s personal artefacts.
And if the walls could talk, they’d tell of debates, rebellions, United Irishmen, nearby fairy kingdoms to explore, beach walks to undertake and an Ogham Stone, featuring the oldest form of Irish writing. After this cultural extravaganza, it’s off for a gentle walk around Bray Head where you’ll be treated to an oceanic panorama of the rugged beauty of the Skelligs and nearby Valentia island. After a great day of sightseeing on land or at sea, it’s off to enjoy Killarney – The capital of Kerry.
Total driving time: None!
Our day begins in the spectacular Killarney National Park by kayak! You’ll explore the park and enjoy Ross Castle and magical woods and caves all from the seat of your own personal kayak.
You will also be able to venture deeper into the Ring of Kerry by exploring Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and more!
After all the excitement and activities on your tour, you will appreciate some downtime in Killarney. Spend the afternoon listening to traditional Irish music, doing a bit of shopping or maybe even signing up for a brewery tour and a nice pint!
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
A visit to a traditional sheepdog demonstration will leave you feeling awestruck. Seeing the skill of the farmer, not to mention his furry friend, is a truly jaw-dropping experience.
For many of our guests, this is one of the most memorable activities of the entire trip.
After this, we hop on a ferry to County Clare, home of the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, and explore the Burren National Park.
From Caherdaniel to the cliffs themselves, we are surrounded by spectacular natural beauty at every turn.
Seeing the Cliffs of Moher in all their glory, with the roaring Wild Atlantic as the perfect soundtrack, is a memory that will stay with you forever.
Your Overland Ireland guide will take you on an off-the-beaten-track hike over the cliffs.
Along the way, they will point out secret pathways and passages that you can’t find in guidebooks.
When you share your ‘unfiltered’ photos at this otherworldly landmark, your Insta followers will turn green with jealousy!
And when the sun sets, it’s time to slip on your dancing shoes. Doolin is the home of traditional Irish music, so it’s the perfect place to start-up a jig.
With lively bars nestled here and there in this most welcoming of Irish villages, you’re in for a treat!
Total driving time: None! You will be transported to the Aran Islands by ferry.
It’s only a short trip on the Doolin ferry to Inishmore – the largest of the Aran Islands. The magnificent Aran Islands are romantically remote and have inspired many a poet and playwright! Sharpen your pencil before hopping aboard!
The best way to traverse the island is by bicycle, taking in the many ancient sites as they unfold. Landmarks include the medieval Christian ruins of the Seven Churches and Clochán na Carraige and the ring fort of Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over Galway Bay.
Learn a few words of Gaelic from the locals and maybe pick up a cosy Aran Sweater before making our way back to the mainland.
From here we will take a short drive to the City of the Tribes – Galway – Renowned for its culture, medieval history and bohemian atmosphere. Every night is a Friday night in Galway City.
Tourists, locals and students alike flock to the city to enjoy the electric atmosphere along the narrow streets where musicians, poets and dancers show off their boundless talents. This is a city well deserving of its award as The Culture Capital of Europe 2020.
Note: The Aran Islands ferry crossings are weather permitting. If we feel it is unsafe to travel we will provide wonderful alternative plans for the group!
Total driving time: 2.5 hours, excluding stops
We have one final adventure for you before we say our tearful goodbyes. Meet our fantastic partners at WeWheel who will take you on a memorable E-Bike tour of Galway City. Learn about Galway’s Medieval history, culture, and traditions while whizzing around the streets.
If you prefer to spend the morning getting to know the great bohemian city of Galway, you can opt for some free time. Try on wool shawls, and Claddagh rings before picking up some last-minute gifts to bring back with you.
Late afternoon you will be taken back to Dublin City armed with great recommendations of places to see and things to do if you have a couple of days left in the Emerald Isle. On the journey back over 40 shades of green, why not reminisce about your time on this best small tour group ever!
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.
