In many ways, this can be considered the best of Ireland tour because it manages to fit so much into just 5 days. If you’re only in our beautiful country for a short amount of time, then this Magical South 5-day Tour might be the perfect option for you.
As a Jewel Tour, it is designed to move at a smoother pace while allowing you to enjoy some light activity. Your guided tour of Southern Ireland will begin in Dublin’s busy streets; leaving the noise behind, you will embark towards the wonderful Wild Atlantic Way.
And if this tour interests you, but you’re looking for something a little longer, then check out our Ireland to island 7-Day Tour (which also visits Skellig Michael). 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 historic Rock of Cashel, and gorgeous Dingle Bay!
There’s a good reason we get such high reviews, and we think it comes down to our local guides and how they 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 absolutely 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 full Ring of Kerry, please check out our Ireland to Island tour.)
You’ll see some amazing gems such as Moll’s Gap, Ladies’ View, and Killarney National Park. And you’ll even have the opportunity to kayak! You will also visit Ireland’s most famous landmark: The Cliffs of Moher. You’ll stand on the precipice and you’ll feel like you’re at the edge of the world.
Within just 5 days on this unforgettable Overland Ireland tour, we’ll pack in a diverse range of scenery, castles, history, heritage, culture and wildlife, and a few pints of the black stuff too.
So, 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 have any questions for us about this tour or any of our other Ireland tours, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Start planning your dream Ireland adventure with Overland!
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: 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!
We are one of the only tour companies to include as much as we can into your tour price. So, there are no hidden surprises on your tour, and this takes away the hassle about thinking of unexpected charges.
You will notice the list of what’s included is very abundant and covers entrance fees, transport, accommodation and kayaking to name a few! If due to weather conditions or reasons beyond our control and activity or experience is not going ahead, we do not issue refunds.
Our quest is to bring your price down and your tour experience up… to the max!
If you have any special dietary requirements or preferences, please let us know; we can cater this tour to vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians. It’s also worth noting that all of the fish served to our guests is responsibly sourced and as fresh as it gets!
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Leave the bright lights of our capital behind and get ready to experience the Magical South of Ireland!
Our first stop will bring us to the Rock of Cashel. Here, you will get to visit the medieval round tower, chapel, cathedral, and castle steeped in 1,000 years of history. Be blown away by the beauty of your first castle experience.
Travel south to one of Europe’s most vibrant cities: Cork. Cork is Ireland’s second-largest city but people from Cork refer to it as the nation’s TRUE capital.
Our visit to County Cork begins with the obligatory kiss of the Blarney Stone where you will be bestowed with the “gift of the gab”. You will also have time to explore Blarney castle and the gardens, before enjoying a delicious local lunch.
Our first day ends with a night in West Cork’s stunning harbour town of Kinsale. Kinsale is renowned for its award-winning restaurants and dramatic scenery. Seafood lovers will be spoilt for choice. Have our local friend Barry show you around this town known for its castles, forts, galleries, shops, and arts & crafts.
Total Driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Our route out of Kinsale will bring us towards the Ring of Kerry. (For the full Ring of Kerry please see our Ireland to Island Tour)
Our visit to Killarney National Park includes stops at stunning overlooks like Molls’ Gap and Ladies’ View before a tour of Ross Castle where you will discover what life was really like behind the stone walls. Let a guide bring these castle stories to life!
The day ends in the celebrated, cosy coastal town of Dingle. The evening is yours to experience the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs, fantastic restaurants, and to stumble across unforgettable traditional music sessions.
Total driving time: 2 hours, excluding stops
A special start to the morning as we venture out on an optional kayaking adventure
around Dingle Bay to explore the sea caves. If kayaking is not your thing, we will take you on a walk up to Eask Tower where you will be rewarded with views of the Great Atlantic on either side of the Dingle Peninsula.
And if some retail therapy is what you’re after, you can also choose to take some time out and visit the local shops. It’s your holiday, do it your way!
Your expert local guide will take you on a breathtaking trip along the Slea Head Drive — expect amazing scenery, beehive huts, and beautiful harbours for those all-important Instagram photos.
Spend a second evening really getting to know Dingle and find more hotspots for food and entertainment. The best thing is you do not have to re-pack your bags. Just relax and enjoy!
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Your magical southern experience continues as we leave Dingle and travel north, taking in spectacular views of Connor Pass and Castlegregory along the way.
Prepare to be awestruck at a traditional sheepdog demonstration. The skill of the farmer and his furry friend will leave you flabbergasted. This is one of our guest’s favourite experiences on tour.
Next, we take the short ferry ride to County Clare, home of the world-famous Cliffs of Moher and take in the Burren National Park.
To understand the true beauty and obsession with the Cliffs of Moher, you must see them for yourself. A guided hike with the roaring Wild Atlantic provides the perfect soundtrack. Your Overland Ireland guide will take you off the beaten track and point out secret passages that you won’t find on the typical tourist route.
Your Insta followers will be green with jealousy when you show off your ‘unfiltered’ photos at this stunning landmark.
Tonight get your dancing shoes on and tap out a few steps in the hometown of traditional Irish music – Doolin. You are in for a treat in the lively bars nestled throughout the most welcoming little village in Ireland.
Total driving time: 2 hours, excluding stops
You will travel through the Burren National Park and take a leisurely drive to Galway. Our route takes in a visit to the portal tomb, Poulnabrone Dolmen. You are in for a treat this morning as we stop for a quick photo-op at the 16th Century Dunguaire Castle in the quaint fishing village of Kinvara.
Glide into Galway and meet one of our local friends for a Walkin’ Talkin’ Tastin’ tour of Galway! Have them point out all their favourite spots while trying traditional Irish cuisine, tasting locally distilled gin and learning about the rich history of Galway.
This city is a destination for both tourists and Irish people, where entertainment is always high on the agenda. Its quirky medieval streets are alive with street entertainers and musicians all day. Its historic buildings are now home to many wonderful shops, bars, and restaurants.
You can try on Claddagh rings, Galway shawls, and pass through The Spanish Arch to take in the famous Claddagh fishing village.
Once you have spent ample time soaking up all the treasures of Galway, it is now time to make your way back to Dublin. Your guide will help organise coach transportation for your trip back, or feel free to continue on your own journey from Galway!
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: We have finalised the itinerary above for this year only. If you are planning to book for next year, we may make changes, if only slight ones, to the schedule.
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.
