The Ireland to Island Tour is fast becoming one of our most popular Small-Group Tours of Ireland. And when you experience it for yourself, you’ll understand why! This 7-day tour has everything a keen explorer needs to discover Ireland, traveling from the mainland to mystical islands off the coastline.
Our small group Ireland itinerary is 7 days packed with incredible sights and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From the amazing panoramas of the South West to the otherworldly Skellig Michael, discover Ireland in all its glory. We combine the best of our Relaxed Small Group Tours of Ireland and our Adventure Small Group Tours of Ireland, providing the perfect balance between leisurely exploration and exciting activities.
This tour departs from Dublin and we are able to include so many incredible sights and experiences in just one week due to having the best Irish guides and trip designers. On top of cultural sights, you can look forward to outdoor experiences like cycling and hiking. Keep scrolling to learn more about this tour, and for a different experience over the same timeframe, check out our Emerald Explorer 8-day Ireland Tour.
On this 7-day Ireland itinerary, our adventure starts with a goodbye as we say so long to Dublin!
Travel south to Cobh, in County Cork, then along the county’s beautiful coastline and on to the medieval Rock of Cashel. With a thirst built up, it’s time to visit the famous Middleton Whiskey Distillery. This historic gem, dating back to the 17th century, offers a tour and of course, whiskey tastings! The next day, you will have the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone – the perfect start to your magical adventure.
Enjoy a full drive of the Ring of Kerry and get your feel for the land before we embark on our first island excursion to Skellig Michael. Go in search of puffins, gray seals, and Jedis at this jagged crag off the coast of Kerry. May the force be with you as you step onto one of the most dramatic filming locations in the recent Star Wars movies and tackle the 618 steps on the Skellig Michael Experience.
Rest your sea legs back in Killarney National Park, where you can embark on bike rides or kayak on the lake. If you prefer, you can take a guided tour of Ross Castle instead. We’ll then take a hike across the spectacular Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way and explore the intriguing Burren region. Depart for the ocean once again to tour the spectacular Aran Islands, where you’ll be immersed in Irish island life.
This 7-day Ireland itinerary offers an authentic experience of Ireland you won’t find in the guidebooks or movies. Meet the locals, sample our delicacies, and see many of our greatest wonders as you embark on the tour that packs in everything from island hopping to a spot of city shopping.
Check out the full itinerary below or get in touch with our team at Overland HQ to book the trip of a lifetime today!
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. However, we can accommodate your needs through our Tailor-Made Tours of Ireland.
At Overland Ireland, we pride ourselves on including as many incredible sights and experiences 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 more! Our aim is, and always will be, to keep prices down while pushing tour experiences up. However, this trip includes a fee of €135 payable directly to the local guide on the first day for your Skellig Michael Experience.
Naturally, unforeseen circumstances can always arise. In such cases, we may need to cancel some activities and experiences. But your tour guide will always find an alternative that you’ll love just as much. For this reason, we do not offer refunds for cancellations.
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 Ireland is like for vegetarian and vegan tourists.
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
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 Waterville 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 settle in and enjoy your evening in one of county Clare’s most charming villages. Your stay will either be in Doolin with its colorful houses and charm or Spanish Point with its breathtaking coastal location.
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 Inis Oirr – The magnificent Aran Islands are romantically remote. Our destination is the charming and rugged Inis Oirr, the most remote of the three Aran Islands.
Explore the island by cycling along its peaceful, winding roads, where you’ll encounter friendly locals and maybe even learn a few words of Gaeilge! Discover ancient ruins, and pristine beaches, and take in the island’s natural beauty.
On the return journey, we’ll sail directly across Galway Bay back to Doolin. From the water, you’ll have the chance to admire the majestic Cliffs of Moher, getting a sense of their towering height from the sea!
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
On your final morning, spend the morning getting to know the great bohemian city of Galway. Try on wool shawls, and Claddagh rings before picking up some last-minute gifts to bring back with you.
Learn about Galway’s Medieval history, culture, and traditions while strolling around the streets.
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.
