In many ways, this can be considered the best of our Ireland tours because it manages to fit so much into just five days.
If you’re only in our beautiful country for a short amount of time, then this Magical Southern 5-day Tour might be the perfect option for you.
As a Jewel Tour, it’s designed to move at a slower, smoother pace, but there are still plenty of wonderful experiences to enjoy.
Your guided tour of Southern Ireland will set out from Dublin. Leave the bustling streets and city noise behind as you journey towards the wonderful Wild Atlantic Way.
If this tour interests you, but you’re looking for something a little longer, check out our Ireland to Island 7-Day Tour (which includes an optional trip to Skellig Michael).
And if you’re looking for the trip of a lifetime, check out The Ultimate Ireland 10-Day Tour Package.
Overland Ireland’s expert local guides will ensure you have the best Ireland tour possible, exploring everything from bohemian Galway to the gorgeous Dingle Bay!
We get such impressive reviews for a good reason, primarily because our local guides have unmatched knowledge and know how to look after and entertain our guests.
You’re here to have the Irish vacation of a lifetime, and we do our best to ensure you get exactly what you want!
This 5-day Ireland tour is brimming with fun and interesting things to do.
Take in the jaw-dropping sights and sounds of the Ring of Kerry, a stunning part of Ireland. (For the complete Ring of Kerry experience, check out our Ireland to Island tour).
You’ll see some of Ireland’s most famous sights, such as Moll’s Gap, Ladies’ View, and Killarney National Park. You’ll even have the opportunity to kayak in Dingle Bay!
You will also visit one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks: The Cliffs of Moher. Standing on the precipice, you’ll feel like you’re at the edge of the world.
And you’ll get to revel in the fun atmosphere of the lovely coastal town of Dingle; don’t skip the local pubs for evening entertainment!
In just 5 days on this unforgettable Overland Ireland tour, we’ll pack in a diverse range of history, heritage, culture, scenery, castles, wildlife, and a few pints of the black stuff too!
From seafood to traditional music, and from Cork to Galway, this Irish tour promises to be utterly unforgettable and we can’t wait to welcome you to our beautiful ancient island.
If you want more information about this or any of our other Ireland tours, please get in touch with our friendly, helpful team.
There’s nothing we love more than helping you plan your dream vacation in Ireland!
Because of the size of our vehicles, the off-the-beaten-path locations we visit, and the fact that we cannot guarantee that every accommodation partner has elevators and ramps at their property, our tours are not wheelchair accessible.
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!
Overland Ireland is unique among tour companies. We go above and beyond to pack as much holiday fun and intrigue into your tour price.
We also don’t spring any hidden surprises or unexpected costs on you, so you can relax and enjoy yourself!
As you can see in the list of inclusions below, we cover all tour entrance fees as well as accommodation, transport, and activity costs.
Please note, if an experience or activity cannot go ahead due to adverse weather or reasons beyond our control, we do not issue refunds.
Do you have special dietary requirements or preferences? Please notify us as early as possible so we can make the necessary arrangements.
We can cater to pescatarians, vegetarians, and vegans.
If you’re looking forward to trying Ireland’s famous seafood, we’ve got good news — you will be served fish and more that aren’t just fresh, but also responsibly sourced.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Leave Dublin’s bright lights behind and start your epic journey across the magical south of Ireland!
The first stop is the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most spectacular ancient sites.
Discover the medieval round tower, cathedral, castle, and chapel, all of which are steeped in 1,000 years of history.
This first castle experience will truly blow you away!
The adventure continues as we travel south to Cork, one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and Ireland’s second largest.
And remember, the local Corkonians claim their city is Ireland’s TRUE capital!
Of course, when in County Cork, you have to kiss the Blarney Stone. How else will you get the “gift of the gab”?
There’s also plenty of time to wander around Blarney Castle and its beautiful gardens — the perfect way to work up an appetite for a delicious local lunch.
This eventful first day closes with an overnight stay in Kinsale, a gorgeous harbour town in West Cork.
Kinsale is equally famous for its dramatic landscapes and award-winning restaurants. This is a true paradise for lovers of seafood!
Our local friend Barry will show you around the town’s forts, castles, shops, and galleries.
Total Driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
After leaving Kinsale, we head toward one of Ireland’s most famous driving routes — the Ring of Kerry. (For the complete Ring of Kerry experience, see our Ireland to Island Tour).
Killarney National Park, our country’s first-ever national park, awaits! This special place includes stops at breathtaking overlooks like Ladies’ View and Molls’ Gap.
You will then enjoy a guided tour of Ross Castle. Your expert guide will bring the castle’s legends to life, helping you to imagine what life was like behind the imposing stone walls.
This amazing second day finishes in the cosy, celebrated coastal town of Dingle.
You’re free to spend the evening soaking up Dingle’s famous atmosphere, be it in a stellar restaurant, a quirky pub, or a traditional live music session.
Total driving time: 2 hours, excluding stops
The morning of day three gets off to a special start with an optional kayaking adventure in Dingle Bay.
You can view the wild and rugged coastline from a new perspective and explore the nearby sea caves.
Is kayaking not your thing? Not to worry. We also provide a morning walk to Eask Tower, a solid stone monument standing atop Carhoo Hill.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the rolling blue Atlantic Ocean and the lush greenery of the Dingle Peninsula.
If you’d prefer to indulge in some retail therapy, you’re free to take some time for yourself to explore the charming local shops. It’s your holiday, so you can do it your way!
In the afternoon, head out on a trip along the incredible Slea Head Drive with a local expert guide.
Some of the amazing sights you can expect to see are beehive huts, beautiful harbours, and quintessential Irish landscapes — perfect for those important Instagram photos!
We then return to Dingle for a second night, so you can find even more great spots for fun and food. And best of all, there’s no need to re-pack your bags!
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Your magical southern experience continues as we depart Dingle. Travelling north, soak in the jaw-dropping views of Connor Pass and Castlegregory.
We then stop off to watch a traditional sheepdog demonstration. The skill of the farmer and his furry friend consistently leaves our guests in awe.
This one-of-a-kind experience is easily one of the most popular on the tour.
Next, we board a ferry for the short ride to County Clare, home of the world-famous Cliffs of Moher.
We also visit the otherworldly landscapes of the Burren National Park, one of Ireland’s most unique and underrated attractions.
The only way to understand the grandeur and beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, and why they have captured imaginations for centuries, is to see them in person.
A guided hike, complete with the sound of the roaring Wild Atlantic below, is the perfect way to do this.
Your Overland Ireland guide is a local expert, so they take you off the beaten track, pointing out secret passages the average tourist simply won’t know about.
When you post your unfiltered photos from this natural wonder, your Insta followers will be green with envy.
We overnight in Doolin, the home of traditional Irish music, so get your dancing shoes on!
This most welcoming of quaint villages has lively bars scattered throughout, so you’re in for a treat.
Total driving time: 2 hours, excluding stops
The final day of this adventure through the south of Ireland begins with a journey to Galway.
The drive takes us through Burren National Park, so you can enjoy even more spectacular views.
Our route to Galway includes a stop at the visually striking Poulnabrone Dolmen, an unusually large portal tomb.
You will also have a photo opportunity at Dunguaire Castle, a 16th-century tower house in Kinvara, a charming fishing village.
Finally, we glide into Galway, the cultural capital of Ireland. Here, you join our local friends for the Walkin’ Talkin’ Tastin’ tour of Galway!
Tasting locally distilled gin, trying authentic Irish cuisine, and getting a local’s insight into the city’s culture and history — there’s no better way to discover Galway!
Fun and entertainment are easy to find in this artistic haven. The picturesque medieval streets are alive with street entertainers, performers, and musicians.
Visit the shops and restaurants that now occupy the beautiful historic buildings in the city centre.
There’s no better time to try on a Galway shawl or to see how a Claddagh ring looks on you.
And when you have finished shopping, pass through the Spanish Arch and continue to Claddagh, a wonderful fishing village.
After basking in the treasures of Galway, it’s time to head back to Dublin. If needed, your guide will help to arrange coach transportation back to the capital.
But, of course, you’re more than welcome to continue your adventure in any way you want!
Because of the size of our vehicles, the off-the-beaten-path locations we visit, and the fact that we cannot guarantee that every accommodation partner has elevators and ramps at their property, our tours are not wheelchair accessible.
Note: We are currently working on updating our itineraries for 2024. Please note that itineraries are subject to improvement for our ever-evolving amazing tours of Ireland! We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time
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.
