Embrace the very best of Ireland across seven days with this private Emerald Explorer tour!
Overland’s private Emerald Explorer offers a bespoke 8-day Ireland tour brimming with remarkable sights, stories, and activities. This is the private version of our Emerald Explorer 8-Day Ireland Tour; choosing the private version gives you some privacy with your group of friends or family and more customization.
This Ireland tour is carefully designed to move at either a relaxed pace or with some light activities; the choice is completely up to you and your group. For a broader look at our private tour offerings, explore our entire collection of Private Tours of Ireland. And if you’d like to take your Irish adventure to another level entirely, consider our legendary Tailor-made Tours of Ireland.
Kick off your private 8-day Ireland vacation by departing the lively streets of Dublin and heading toward the Glendalough Monastery, on the Ancient East. From there, we will take you to the medieval charm of Kilkenny, a city rich in history and vibrant culture.
The next day, you will experience the legendary landscapes and wildlife of Connemara. If you’d like to know more about this enchanting place, read our guide: What Attractions Are In Connemara On The Wild Atlantic Way?
Also on this tour, you’ll enjoy the stunning Wild Atlantic Way. Experience Ireland’s rugged coastline, from Kilkenny to Connemara. Our expert local guides and planners will ensure you have a unique and unforgettable adventure on your private tour, delving into the culture, people history, and myths you won’t find in the guidebooks!
This tour also includes some of the most breathtaking sights along the Ring of Kerry, but it does not explore the entire legendary driving route. To experience the entire Ring of Kerry, check out our Ireland to Island Tour. And for those who prefer a bit more adventure, this private tour can be filled with some more activities, such as cycling and hiking. Just talk to us after you’ve made your booking, telling us what you’re looking for.
On this tour, you will marvel at Ireland’s most iconic landmark: The Cliffs of Moher. None of the photos or videos do it justice; there is nothing like standing right on the edge of Ireland, looking out over the Atlantic!
This 8-day private tour of Ireland promises an extraordinary journey, showcasing a diverse array of landscapes, castles, history, heritage, culture, and wildlife. You will engage in light activities while feeling as though you’re effortlessly gliding through the days. You will visit a working Irish farm, which many guests say is one of their favorite parts of the entire trip. Another big highlight for guests is the Slea Head drive — arguably the best stretch of road on the Wild Atlantic Way!
This is part of the magic of Overland Ireland: we do all the hard work behind the scenes to ensure each day is as packed with unforgettable experiences while also feeling as unrushed as possible. Private tours also allow for some customization on the fly, so talk to your tour guide and see what else you can see and do!
If you have any questions about this private 8-day Emerald Explorer Tour, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Come with us on this tour and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Due to the remote locations of some tour stops, the size of our vehicles, and the accessibility of our accommodation partners, unfortunately, our tours are not wheelchair accessible.
We take pride in the exceptional value woven into this 8-day private Ireland tour. Without ever rushing our guests, we’ve packed in as much fascination and passion as is humanly possible.
Overland Ireland constantly strives to enhance your tour experiences while keeping costs reasonable. It’s this balance that lets us shout from the top of Croagh Patrick: “We are the best value Irish tour company in Ireland!” With Overland, there are no unexpected charges or hidden fees. All you need to do is enjoy yourself and make memories!
We include as much as possible in your tour package, such as transportation, entrance fees, activities, and accommodation.
And if you have specific dietary needs or preferences, let us know as soon as possible. We cater to pescatarians, vegetarians, and vegans.
Note: This tour can be operated in reverse and combined with other tours along the same route for the ultimate guest experience.
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Total driving time: 2 hours 50 minutes, excluding stops
Your Emerald Explorer guided Irish tour will leave Dublin along the Ancient East. Visit Glendalough Monastery via the Sally Gap and the Military Road unveiling the amazing scenery of the Wicklow mountains.
Glendalough perches itself in the glacial valley of the two lakes. Your local guide will take you on a walk around the monastery and trails.
The next stop is Kilkenny Castle which proudly displays one of the largest and expertly maintained Irish castles. Roam the grand rooms where the lords and ladies lived and admire the architecture, artwork, and furnishings that were once owned by these great families.
Walk through the medieval quarter and rest your head in Kilkenny before continuing your tour of a lifetime.
Total driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes, excluding stops
‘It’s a long way to Tipperary….’ as the song goes but only a short journey from Kilkenny to the 13th century Cahir Castle standing proudly on a rocky island on the River Suir. Enjoy the tour of this ‘impregnable’ castle owned by the Butler family.
Now pucker up and get ready for your next stop – Blarney Castle and Gardens. Nobody should leave Ireland without giving the Blarney stone a big fat kiss and receive the treasured ‘gift of the gab’! Let us know if it works!
You will have plenty of time to enjoy the gardens, castle, dungeons, and surroundings. This evening you will stay in the capital of the Kingdom of Kerry – Killarney! The Kerry locals will keep you entertained with music, dancing, and a few tall tales.
Total driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes, excluding stops
Today will blow your mind with a trip around some of the hotspots on Ireland’s most famous and stunning ring roads.
The morning is yours to wander the streets of Killarney, do some retail therapy, and unwind before embarking on your adventure.
Your guide will bring you to Killarney National Park to explore everything it has to offer. Take in the views of Killarney Lakes and stretch your legs making your way to Muckross House. This 19th-century home is full of Kerry history and a wonderful viewpoint to enjoy the park. Make a short walk for some Insta-worthy photos of Torc Waterfall.
Your Kerry experience will include stops at The Gap of Dunloe for some jaunting and a few tall tales! Around every corner, you will be yelling at your guide to let you out to take photos!
Smile your way all the way to your next destination – Dingle.
The evening is yours to absorb the lively atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs and many award-winning restaurants! Why not sit in Foxy John’s hardware store, order yourself a drink, and strike up a conversation with a colorful local!
Total driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes, excluding stops
At last, a bit of free time! Relax this morning in Dingle and explore the wonderful craft, crystal, pottery, art, and boutique shops. Grab a coffee and a slice of cake and watch the world go by!
If you feel like stretching your legs, your guide will take you out on a stroll to Eask Tower View for beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and Dingle Bay.
After lunch, your expert Overland guide will take you on an impressive trip along one of Ireland’s most scenic roads – The Slea Head Drive. If you are lucky enough, you might get to meet and pet a couple of our local fluffy friends…baby lambs!
You are guaranteed awesome views and photo opportunities around every corner of this scenic route.
You will spend another night in the buzzing town of Dingle, so you don’t need to repack your suitcase. Just relax and enjoy. Maybe tonight you can grab some fish and chips and eat al fresco on the pier!
Total driving time: 4 hours, excluding stops
This morning, we will leave the Kingdom of Kerry via the Conor Pass and cross the River Shannon to County Clare! We are cliff-bound today.
Begin your day with a breathtaking journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, followed by a delicious lunch at the Vandeleur Walled Garden restaurant. See how the other half lived!
Your treat for the day is an afternoon spent at the famous Cliffs of Moher – The Eight Wonder of the World. Here we will take a leisurely hike along the cliffs and discover what all the hype is about! The Cliffs of Moher never disappoint! Just pray the WIFI is strong in Doolin so you can make everyone green with jealousy back home by sharing your pics!
Stay at Spanish Point and enjoy serene coastal views, where history and natural beauty come together.
Total driving time: 1 hour 40 minutes, excluding stops
Goodbye, Clare – Hello Bohemian Galway!
Today we will take you for a traditional ‘Irish Farm Safari’ with our friends at the Burren Farm Experience. Bronagh and Cathal will take you on a stroll around the distinctive UNESCO landscape to taste, feel, and walk your way through this 500-acre farm. It is fascinating to see how farming thrives in this harsh stony landscape. They will share their 200-year family history in the Burren.
Experience the diverse flora and fauna of The Burren National Park en route to Galway City. Arrive in the bohemian and culturally diverse Galway City. You will have the afternoon to explore Galway and its many quaint shops.
Tonight, you spend the night in the heart of The City of the Tribes and will certainly enjoy the eclectic nightlife, award-winning restaurants, and even the odd street performer entertaining you with Irish music and dance.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Wake up this morning in Galway City! It’s time to explore the dramatic Connemara region! Our journey to the Galway Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area) will take us past Ireland’s biggest lake Lough Corrib.
A tour of Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, located on a 1000-acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic Connemara National Park awaits.
Leenaun is our next stop for lunch and one of the best photo opportunities on tour at Ireland’s only fjord! The sights are breathtaking – INSTAperfection!
Your exciting loop back to Galway City will take you to Cong Village – The film set of the famous ‘Quiet Man’ movie starring the one and only John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara.
The cherry on the cake today is a sheepdog show in the heart of Connemara. You will be truly amazed watching the skills of the farmer and his furry friend round up the sheep! This is one of our guest’s favorite experiences on tour. A real insight into Irish traditions.
You will have plenty to chat about over dinner and drinks tonight in bustling Galway!
Total driving time: 2 hours 40 minutes, excluding stops
Don’t panic there is still a full day left on tour to soak up some Irish history and learn new skills!
Your new family and friends will leave Galway for the beautiful architecture and natural surroundings of the 6th-century monastery at Clonmacnoise, located on the banks of the
River Shannon. The monastery was a center of excellence for learning and scholars; it created the finest Celtic art and illuminated manuscripts for over 600 years.
With a whetted appetite we will stop in Kilbeggan for a masterclass Irish Coffee Experience. You will return home with a party trick to impress your friends!
Our guides will journey back with you to our bustling capital city, Dublin, where you’ll be armed with great recommendations of things to see and do if you have a little time left. Perhaps this is just the perfect opportunity to sit back and reminisce about the incredible tour of Ireland you’ve just experienced!
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 €300 per person for Private tours.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this tour or any other tour we operate. We may have already answered your question on our frequently asked questions page.
