This Zest, Spectacular South & West extravaganza is one of our zingiest Ireland Adventure Tours to date! So, if you want the perfect mix of culture and adventure, then look no further.
This small group tour along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way has everything we could possibly fit into a 5-day Irish itinerary. And because we use local guides, you’re guaranteed to have a genuine Irish experience.
This tour of Ireland begins in the Viking capital of Dublin, and it carries you all the way to the wonderful Wild Atlantic Way, but first, we stop to kiss the Blarney Stone — because no trip to Ireland is complete without receiving “the gift of the gab”.
You will visit some of the most stunning sights of the Ring of Kerry (for the full Ring of Kerry, see our Ireland to Island tour), with highlights like Moll’s Gap and Ladies View. Put some zing into your tour with kayaking in Dingle Bay.
This really is an action-packed adventure in Ireland, and we can’t wait for you to experience our country’s stunning natural beauty first-hand.
Cycle through the lakes and mountains of Killarney National Park and go off the beaten path on the Dingle Peninsula. For a similar active Ireland tour that lasts a little longer, check out our 7-day Great Atlantic Adventure.
Take a hike along the stunning Cliffs of Moher on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Soak up the unique atmosphere in the bustling bohemian city of Galway with a walking tour to round out your spectacular trip.
This 5-day active tour of Ireland is jam-packed with experiences, scenery, castles, history, heritage, culture, and wildlife and will leave you with memories to last a lifetime!
Read the entire 5-day itinerary below and please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Start planning your dream Ireland trip with Overland 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.
We are one of the only tour companies to include as much as we can in your tour price. So, there are no hidden surprises on your tour, and this takes away the hassle of 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!
We can cater this tour to vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians. All of the fish served to our guests is responsibly sourced and as fresh as it gets!
Tours can also be operated in reverse and combined with other tours that follow the same route for the best guest experience.
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
The zingiest of our Zest Overland Ireland Adventure Tours will leave Dublin and travel to County Cork which is in the stunning Southwest of Ireland. As we make our way to our first destination, we will stop en route at the famous medieval round tower, chapel, and cathedral of The Rock of Cashel.
Lonely Planet describes Cork as “at the top of its game, sophisticated, vibrant and diverse” and we completely agree. Locals would argue that it is the REAL capital of Ireland.
Begin your Cork experience with a kiss of the Blarney Stone and may you be granted “the gift of the gab”. Then take the time to explore the stunning gardens, castle, and rock up close.
Let our local expert guide you through your Cork experience with a walking tour in the historic port and fishing town of Kinsale. The town is known for its castles, forts, galleries and shops, arts & crafts, and the recently launched Kinsale Gourmet Academy.
We will spend the first night of our Ireland Tour in this stunning harbour town, which is also renowned for its award-winning restaurants and dramatic scenery. Kinsale is a place where boredom is an impossibility.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
We depart from Kinsale where our route will take us towards the Ring of Kerry. The trip is filled with many hidden gems as we journey through Moll’s Gap and Ladies’ View.
Enjoy a two-hour cycle around Killarney National Park taking in the sights of Torc Waterfall, Ross Castle, and Muckross House & Gardens! Your cycle through the park is a nature lover’s dream and you will have a choice of trails to follow, each offering its own unique splendour.
Tonight, we stay in the celebrated, cosy coastal town of Dingle. The evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs, fantastic restaurants, and stumble across unforgettable traditional music sessions.
This just might be the location for that perfect pint of Guinness.
Total driving time: 2 hours, excluding stops
Choose your activity this morning by either paddling amongst the marine life in Dingle Bay or e-biking around Dingle Peninsula!
Take a kayak around Dingle Bay with one of our friends at Irish Adventures. Or alternatively, you can choose to take an e-bike tour, led by our guide around the Slea Head loop. E-bikes are such a treat, and you can cover a great amount of ground with light exercise.
If you chose to go kayaking, you can enjoy the Slea Head Drive experience by bus in the afternoon. Our guests who cycled the route can spend the afternoon enjoying all Dingle has to offer – quirky craft shops, great cafes, pubs and much more. It’s your holiday and we want you to enjoy every second.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Our adventure continues as we leave Dingle and travel North, taking in spectacular views of Castlegregory along the way. You are in for a treat this morning.
Our local farmer will amaze you with a sheepdog show! Watching the border collies work with the farmer is fascinating and a true taste of Irish heritage.
We cross the River Shannon by ferry, to leave the South West behind. The ferry brings us to County Clare which is home to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher.
Today we will explore the cliffs by foot on a two- and half-hour breath-taking hike while the fresh air and dramatic coastline embrace us! We take you off the beaten track and our local guide will show you all the secret passages that truly outshine the main tourist hot spots.
Capture this experience with envy-inducing photos. The views are steeped in myth and wonder, and hear the roar of the Wild Atlantic Ocean echo your name on the waves of bliss.
Spend the evening in the most welcoming and colourful village of Doolin, the hometown of traditional Irish music.
Total driving time: 2 hours, excluding stops and trip back to Dublin
We leave Doolin via Burren National Park en route to Galway. As we travel to Galway we will have a quick photo-op at the 16th Century castle, Dunguaire Castle which is located in the quaint fishing village of Kinvara.
Galway is known globally as a city of festivals and culture. In 2020 the city was voted the official European Capital of Culture, a celebration of all that Galway is famous for.
This medieval city is true living history as many buildings date back hundreds of years and now serve as shops, restaurants and bars. Brightly-painted pubs heave with live music, while cafés offer front-row seats for observing street performers, musicians and local characters.
Enjoy a historical walking tour and explore the cultural town. After discovering Galway’s hidden gems you are free to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, great food and craic in this much-celebrated city. Watch Irish dancing and feel yourself toe-tapping to the pulse of pure Celtic music and dance.
It’s time to say our goodbyes, transport back to Dublin is provided.
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.