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 adventurer needs to discover Ireland, from bike rides around Killarney National Park to tackling the 618 steps on the Skellig Michael Experience.
Our adventure starts with a goodbye as we say so long to Dublin! The medieval Rock of Cashel awaits before we head to Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic. Of course, you will get the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone along the way and receive the ‘gift of the gab’ (the ability to talk the legs off a stool!)
We’ll then take a hike across the spectacular Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way. Experience your first island hop as you go in search of puffins, grey seals, and Jedis at Skellig Michael, a jagged, other-worldly pinnacle 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.
Check out the full itinerary below, including captivating stops at Inishmore, Galway, and Connemara. Get in touch with our team at Overland HQ to book the trip of a lifetime today.
Note: This is a dual tour, meaning it includes activities for both our zesty adventurers and our cool jewel travelers. Let us know if you don’t wish to partake in an activity! We are happy to accommodate everyone. It’s your vacation. Do it your way.
For more Irish travel inspiration, view our full range of Zest tours in Ireland and Jewel tours in Ireland.
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 are proud to be different. This is why we are one of the only tour companies that includes as many amazing experiences as possible in your tour price. Our mission is, and always will be, to provide the most fun-filled tour of Ireland for the lowest price possible.
Vacations are for fun and relaxing, so we ensure there are no hassles, unexpected charges, or hidden surprises.
One look at the list below shows you just how much we cover in your tour price. This includes accommodation, transport, entrance fees, and many fun and exciting daily activities.
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.
Ireland is at the top of its game in the culinary world, so you will be well-fed and watered on tour.
If you have any dietary requirements, fear not! We will make sure you are looked after at each stop.
Do you have any queries about the inclusions and exclusions on this Ireland tour? Please feel free to get in touch and we’ll provide all the information you need.
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
As we journey through County Cork, with its jagged peninsulas and wild beaches, we take in the 1,000-year-old majestic, medieval Rock of Cashel. Your expert Overland guide will lead you on a tour of the remarkable, well-preserved round tower, Cormac’s chapel, and the breathtaking cathedral and castle! This historical masterpiece is your first opportunity to take jealousy-inducing photos!
After building up a thirst, it’s time to head to the world-famous Middleton Whiskey Distillery. Not only is this distillery home to some of the world’s finest whiskies, but it also dates back to the 17th century! There’s so much to taste and learn at this charming distillery whiskey museum and visitor center. We’ll take a tour, enjoy some lunch, and, of course, sample some delicious whiskey!
This memorable first day ends in Cobh, where we spend the night. Here, you can admire the colorful houses and beautiful harbor views before enjoying the lively nightlife.
Total driving time: 3 hours 45 minutes, excluding stops
Before our small-group tour of Ireland arrives in the Kingdom of Kerry, there’s an Irish bucket list experience to tick off – kissing the Blarney Stone! This will give you the “gift of the gab”, AKA the ability to talk the legs off a chair. While we’re at Blarney Castle, we will also explore its beautiful grounds and gardens, as well as the mystical rock close.
In the afternoon, we enter one of Ireland’s most picturesque counties – Kerry! Here, you can stroll the streets of Kenmare, pop into quaint shops, and admire the stunning views. Kenmare is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry – Ireland’s most celebrated and scenic driving route.
The evening’s destination is Portmagee, a small fishing village with twinkling harbor lights. This is where we prepare for the tour’s first island trip to the otherworldly Skellig Micahel. If the thought of terra firma is more reassuring, we have plenty of fantastic options for mainland adventures up our sleeves!
Total driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes, excluding stops
Feel the excitement build as we start our first island experience! Only a select few places on Earth can accurately be described as “out of this world”. There’s absolutely no doubt that Skellig Michael is one of these.
As we venture out into the Atlantic Ocean toward these awe-inspiring islands, you will feel as though you are arriving in a “galaxy far, far away”. Skellig Michael, a rocky crag rising out of the ocean, boasts one of Europe’s oldest preserved monasteries. 618 steps lead to the 700 ft-high peak. The stone beehive huts that the monks used for prayer and quiet contemplation are truly impressive. But so too is the incredible array of wildlife and fauna, including razorbills, gannets, grey seals, and much more.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a unique blend of peace and power. You can still feel the presence of the monks – and a certain Jedi knight.
When you return to the mainland (modern-day reality), you have a free afternoon to enjoy the capital of Kerry – Killarney.
Total driving time: None!
Day four doesn’t just begin in the spectacular surroundings of Killarney National Park – but also with a kayaking adventure on the Lakes of Killarney! From the seat of your own personal kayak, you will explore magical caves and thick woods, all while taking in some of the park’s most incredible views.
This slower pace in Killarney is the perfect mid-tour downtime after the excitement and adventure of the first three days. You then spend the afternoon back in the town. This is the perfect chance for some retail therapy, to listen to traditional Irish music in a pub, or to join a brewery tour!
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Your day starts with one of our guests’ favorite experiences on this tour. Prepare to be amazed by a traditional sheepdog demonstration! The farmer and his furry friend will show you skills that leave you in awe.
But this is only a warm-up for the main event. That’s because we make our way by ferry to County Clare, home of the world-famous Cliffs of Moher and the Burren National Park.
From Caherdaniel to the cliffs themselves, this area is a goldmine of natural beauty. For all the photos you may have seen of the Cliff of Moher, nothing will prepare you for the real deal. Seeing them with your own eyes is an unforgettable experience, and so too is hiking over them with the roar of the wild Atlantic Ocean in your ears.
At Overland Ireland, we love getting off the beaten track, so that’s exactly what we do here.
Your guide will give you a more local experience, pointing out secret passages that you won’t find on the standard tourist route.
When your Insta followers see your ‘unfiltered’ photos at this spectacular landmark, they’ll be green with envy.
And this incredible day continues into the night as we head to Doolin, the home of traditional Irish music. We head to the vibrant bars and pubs in this charming and welcoming village, so put on your dancing shoes and tap out some steps!
Total driving time: None!
It’s back to island adventures again on day six as we make the short ferry ride from Doolin to Inishmore. This is the largest of the breathtaking Aran Islands. These islands are romantically remote, and you’ll soon understand why they have inspired many poets and playwrights to put pen to paper! Be sure to sharpen your pencil before leaving Doolin!
Cycling around Inishmore is truly wonderful as you can watch the changing landscape slowly unfold. You can also cover more ground on two wheels, giving you time to see the island’s fascinating ancient sites.
Inishmore’s landmarks include the medieval Christian ruins of Clochán na Carraige and the Seven Churches. But the star of the show is the ring fort of Dún Aonghasa. These ruins stand on a cliff edge 100m above the open expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
Before you leave Inishmore, consider picking up a genuine Aran sweater and learning some Gaelic words from the locals.
Back on the mainland, we make the short drive to Galway, the City of Tribes. Known as Ireland’s cultural capital, and the European Capital of Culture in 2020, Galway has a bohemian atmosphere and a thriving artistic scene. With poets, dancers, and musicians showing off their talents, it’s always Friday night in this city! You’ll find locals, students, and tourists enjoying the electric atmosphere in Galway’s narrow streets.
Total driving time: 2.5 hours, excluding stops
There’s one last adventure to enjoy before we say our sad goodbyes. In the morning, you will join our brilliant partners at WeWheel for a memorable e-bike tour around the city of Galway.
Whizzing around the streets while learning about Galway’s culture, traditions, and medieval history is a great way to wrap up your adventure.
In the late afternoon, you will transfer back to Dublin. We will send you off with a whole host of recommendations of must-see sites and must-do activities if you’re staying in the Emerald Isle for a few more days.
The journey back over 40 shades of green is the perfect moment to relax and reminisce about the memories you’ve made on this amazing small-group tour of Ireland!
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.
