With over 1,100km of rugged coastlines to explore, this 7-Day adventure tour of Ireland is packed full of zing as you journey from Kinsale to Westport.
This is an adventure tour designed for anyone seeking a mix of relaxed sightseeing and soft-adventure activities, such as cycling, hiking, kayaking and more!
Leaving our capital city behind, our small group tour will take you on The Great Atlantic Adventure with an itinerary spanning 7 days. From Dublin, we journey south, towards the Wild Atlantic Way.
As this is a Zest Tour, you can look forward to a plethora of exciting activities. Try kayaking with dolphins in Dingle Bay. Fall in love with some breathtaking sights on the Ring of Kerry, including Moll’s Gap and Ladies View.
You will also have the opportunity to cycle through Killarney National Park, which is surrounded by mountains and lakes and is home to our native red deer. This is the perfect opportunity to experience Ireland’s untamed natural landscape and to take some of the greatest photographs of your life!
Discover what it feels like to stand on the edge of the world at the Cliffs of Moher – Ireland’s most popular tourist spot! Then lose yourself in the bohemian city of Galway.
Allow yourself to be captivated by the rugged landscape of the Aran Islands. Challenge yourself to climb Ireland’s holiest mountain, Croagh Patrick.
Your 7-day adventure through Ireland is infused with activities, scenery, castles, adventure, history, heritage, culture and wildlife. And if you still aren’t sure whether or not this tour is right for you, check out our glowing customer testimonials.
We guarantee a fantastic week of active adventure, culture and stunning sights. Read the full itinerary and highlights to find out more, and please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions for us!
If you’re interested in exploring the full Ring of Kerry, check out our Ireland to Island tour.
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.
Ireland is top of its game in the culinary world. You will be well fed and watered on tour and if you have any special dietary requirements please fear not. We will make sure you are looked after. Vegans, pescatarians and carnivores alike are all welcome with open arms and will be delighted with the offerings on tour.
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
Your adventure tour of Ireland begins as we depart Dublin for County Cork, located in the stunning South West of Ireland. As we make our way to our first destination, we will stop on-route at the famous medieval round tower, chapel and cathedral at The Rock of Cashel.
Lonely Planet describes Cork as “at the top of its game, sophisticated, vibrant and diverse” and we completely agree. It is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and 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 gardens, castle and rock close.
Be guided through your Cork experience with a walking tour in the historic port and fishing town of Kinsale which is one of the most picturesque places on the south west coast of Ireland. The town is known for its castles, forts, galleries and shops, arts & crafts, and the recently launched Kinsale Gourmet Academy.
We will stay the night in this stunning harbour town which is also renowned for its award-winning restaurants and dramatic scenery. Kinsale is a great place to try new cuisine, or even get a taste of that fresh seafood.
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 choose 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 embraces 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 home-town of traditional Irish music.
Total driving time: 2 hours, excluding stops
We leave Doolin via the Burren National Park on-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 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 craft shops, fabulous restaurants with locally sourced produce and lively 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 street dancing and feel yourself toe-tapping to the pulse of pure Celtic music and dance.
Total driving time: 2 hours, excluding stops
Leave from the Galway docklands and sail across the bay to the Aran Islands. Arrive on rugged Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. Explore the island, meet the locals and pick up a few words in “Gaelic”.
We will cycle around the coastline of the island to the stone fort Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over the ocean before making our way back to the mainland.
The day continues with stunning views of the Connemara National Park on our way to Ireland’s favourite town – Westport. Visit Ireland’s only natural fjord and other hidden gems before settling into an unforgettable night in County Mayo.
The evening is spent unwinding with some local craft beers and excellent food in Westport Town. And a visit to Westport would not be complete without a bit of “craic” at a traditional Irish music session in Matt Molloy’s bar.
Note: The Aran Islands ferry crossings are weather permitting. If we feel it is unsafe to travel we will provide wonderful alternative plans for the group!
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Wake up fresh in Westport where your guide will challenge you to climb Ireland’s holiest mountain. Croagh Patrick. It is a rewarding hike for the experienced and novice alike. Learn about the man responsible for St. Patrick’s Day.
At its peak, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the 365 islands of Clew Bay. What a way to finish your Zest tour!
Our expert guides will send you back to our bustling capital city, Dublin, armed with recommendations of things to see and do if you have a little time left in 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.
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.
