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 group’s exclusive 8-day tour of Ireland will leave Dublin along the Ancient East. We travel in a comfortable private vehicle along the Military Road and Sally Gap, unveiling the amazing scenery of the Wicklow mountains. Our first stop is at Glendalough Monastery, perched in a glacial valley of two lakes. Led by your group’s dedicated local guide, take a walk around the monastery and its trails for stunning views.
The next stop is Kilkenny Castle, one of the largest and most well-preserved 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.
In the town of Kilkenny, you can walk through the medieval quarter before resting your head in the comfortable, tried-and-loved accommodation handpicked by the Overland team.
Total driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes, excluding stops
‘It’s a long way to Tipperary…’, or so the song goes. But it’s only a short, comfortable journey in your group’s private transport from Kilkenny to the 13th century Cahir Castle. Standing proudly on a rocky island on the River Suir, enjoy a 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’! You will have plenty of time to enjoy the gardens, castle, dungeons, and surroundings.
This evening, your group will stay in the capital of the Kingdom of Kerry — Killarney! The Kerry locals will keep you entertained with music, dancing, and stories.
Total driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes, excluding stops
Today will blow your mind with a private guided trip around some of the hotspots on Ireland’s most famous ring road — The Ring of Kerry. The morning is yours to wander the streets of Killarney, indulge in some retail therapy, and unwind before embarking on your adventure.
Your group’s dedicated 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 has 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 group’s guide to let you out to take photos! You’ll be smiling your way to your next destination — Dingle.
The evening is yours to absorb the lively atmosphere in Dingle’s 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 on the fourth morning of this private Ireland tour and explore the wonderful craft, crystal, pottery, art, and boutique shops in Dingle. Grab a coffee and a slice of cake and watch the world go by! If you feel like stretching your legs, your group’s guide will take you out on a stroll to Eask Tower for beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and Dingle Bay.
After lunch, your expert Overland guide will then take you on an impressive trip along one of Ireland’s most scenic roads — the Slea Head Drive.
You will spend another night in the buzzing town of Dingle and our wonderful, handpicked accommodation, 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 as we visit one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. Begin your day with a breathtaking journey in your group’s private transport along the Wild Atlantic Way, followed by a delicious lunch at the Vandeleur Walled Garden restaurant.
Your highlight of the day is an afternoon spent at the famous Cliffs of Moher — which some might say is the Eighth Wonder of the World!
Tonight, your group will stay at carefully selected accommodation in Spanish Point. Enjoy tranquil 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. Your group’s private guides will share their 200-year family history in the Burren and 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.
Experience the diverse flora and fauna of the Burren National Park en route to Galway City, where you will have the afternoon to explore its many quaint shops and diverse culture. 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 before heading out to explore the dramatic Connemara region! The journey to the Galway Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area) in your group’s exclusive transport will take us past Ireland’s biggest lake, Lough Corrib. You will then enjoy a private tour of Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, located on a 1,000-acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic Connemara National Park. For lunch, we stop in Leenaun and take in the views of Ireland’s only fjord!
The cherry on the cake today is an exclusive sheepdog show in the heart of Connemara. You will be truly amazed watching the skills of the farmer and his loyal companion round up the sheep! Previous guests on this private tour of Ireland consistently rate this as one of their top experiences as it offers real insight into Irish traditions. If you are lucky enough, you might get to meet and pet a couple of our local fluffy friends… baby lambs!
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. You will have plenty to chat about over dinner and drinks tonight back in bustling Galway!
Total driving time: 2 hours 40 minutes, excluding stops
Don’t panic, there is still a full day left to soak up some Irish history and learn new skills! With a whetted appetite, we will stop in Kilbeggan for a private masterclass Irish Coffee Experience. You will return home with a party trick to impress your friends!
Your group’s dedicated guide will journey back with you to our bustling capital city, Dublin. Here, they will arm you with great recommendations of things to see and do if you have a little time left in the Emerald Isle. Perhaps this is just the perfect opportunity to sit back and reminisce about the incredible 8-day private trip to 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.
