8 Day Irish Castles & Coastal 2023/2024

      Dublin, Ireland

      IE
      Irish Experience Tours
      • Email address verified
      77 reviews
      Duration: 8 days
      Group size: 4 - 16
      8 Day Irish Castles & Coastal 2023/2024
      Dublin, Ireland

      Irish Experience Tours
      • Email address verified
      77 reviews

      Duration: 8 days
      Group size: 4 - 16

      About this trip

      RETURN HOME

      Your 10% discount on all March/April departures will be applied at checkout 


      For our easygoing experience tours of Ireland, we value slow travel so that you can truly feel at ease, and get to know your surroundings. This is one of our small-group tours from Dublin where we spend two overnights in three different towns, take the time to stop for that all-too-perfect sunset, and get off the beaten track wherever possible.

      Immersive experiences of Ireland – that’s what we do. Walk in the footsteps of Celtic legends at amazing castles that have stood the test of time! Explore the coastline along Ireland’s southwestern Wild Atlantic Way, and experience the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. This cultural and historical Irish castle experience is a truly authentic Irish experience at an easygoing pace. 

      TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:


      • Soak up the famous colorful atmosphere around the tribal city of Galway
      • Marvel at the incredible views overlooking Clew Bay and Westport
      • Enjoy a sheepdog demo on a working Irish sheep farm.
      • Feel the magic and see stunning sights on the world-famous Ring of Kerry.
      • Opt to take a boat trip to the Aran Islands
      • Travel back in time with visits to Dunguaire Castle, Westport House,  Kylemore Abbey and Blarney Castle & Gardens
      • Visit the impressive Cliffs of Moher with an optional scenic hike.
      • Discover Irish crafts and “the craic” in Dingle, a harbour town of great charm and superb traditional pubs.
      • Explore the ancient woodlands of Killarney National Park.
      • Embrace the art of Irish storytelling led by your Irish local tour guides.
      • Catch fantastic live Irish music performances and meet friendly locals.

      TOUR INCLUSIONS:

       

      • 8 Full days on tour
      • 7 nights in high quality guesthouses with cooked breakfast every morning. 
      • Overnights: Westport x 1 , Clifden x 2, Dingle x 2, Killarney x 1, Clare x 1
      • Services of a highly-trained and professional Irish Experience tour guide
      • 8 Full days in a luxury touring vehicle
      • Killarney National Park
      • Experience traditional Irish music sessions in local cosy pubs
      • Sheep Dog demonstration in a locally run family farm
      • Entrance fee to Westport House, Kylemore Abbey, Blarney Castle & Gardens and Cliffs of Moher
      • Ferry journey across the River Shannon
      • Leisure time to pursue independent interests
      • Easygoing walks or activities for all levels of fitness (optional)
      • All relevant taxes

      Available Packages

      Classic B&B/Hotel Double

      Double Room ( 1 Double Bed in 1 Room) 

      Enjoy a warm Irish welcome in a mix of charming and locally owned bed and breakfast & simple comfort-class hotels. All rooms include a private bathroom and you will be served a delicious breakfast, we also cater to vegetarians, vegans, and many more.

      • Private rooms 
      • 3* and above rating
      • Small, locally run, and independently owned accommodation
      • Low-cost, quality private accommodation
      • En-suite guaranteed
      • Breakfast provided
      €1,799
      Deposit: €150
      Classic B&B/Hotel Twin

      Twin Room (Two Separate Twin Beds, One room) 

      Enjoy a warm Irish welcome in a mix of charming and locally owned bed and breakfast & simple comfort-class hotels. All rooms include a private bathroom and you will be served a delicious breakfast, we also cater to vegetarians, vegans, and many more.

      • Private rooms 
      • 3* and above rating
      • Small, locally run, and independently owned accommodation
      • Low-cost, quality private accommodation
      • En-suite guaranteed
      • Breakfast provided
      €1,799
      Deposit: €150
      Classic B&B/Hotel Single

      Single Room (Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own room)

      Enjoy a warm Irish welcome in a mix of charming and locally owned bed and breakfast & simple comfort-class hotels. All rooms include a private bathroom and you will be served a delicious breakfast, we also cater to vegetarians, vegans, and many more.

      • Private rooms 
      • 3* and above rating
      • Small, locally run, and independently owned accommodation
      • Low-cost, quality private accommodation
      • En-suite guaranteed
      • Breakfast provided
      €1,999
      Deposit: €150
      Premium Hotel Double

      Double Room (1 Double Bed in 1 Room)

      We work with a collection of unique owner-run hotels located in Ireland’s most outstanding destinations. Specially selected for both quality and location and with an average rating of 4 stars. All rooms include a private bathroom and you will be served a delicious breakfast, we also cater to vegetarians, vegans, and many more.

      • Private rooms 
      • 3* and 4* rating
      • On-site amenities
      • Breakfast provided
      • En-suite guaranteed
      €2,259
      Deposit: €150
      Premium Hotel Twin

      Twin Room (Two Separate Twin Beds, One room)

      We work with a collection of unique owner-run hotels located in Ireland’s most outstanding destinations. Specially selected for both quality and location and with an average rating of 4 stars. All rooms include a private bathroom and you will be served a delicious breakfast, we also cater to vegetarians, vegans, and many more.

      • Private rooms 
      • 3* and 4* rating
      • On-site amenities
      • Breakfast provided
      • En-suite guaranteed
      €2,259
      Deposit: €150
      Premium Hotel Single

      Single Room (Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own room) 

      We work with a collection of unique owner-run hotels located in Ireland’s most outstanding destinations. Specially selected for both quality and location and with an average rating of 4 stars. All rooms include a private bathroom and you will be served a delicious breakfast, we also cater to vegetarians, vegans, and many more.

      • Private rooms
      • 3* and 4* rating
      • On-site amenities
      • Breakfast provided
      • En-suite guaranteed
      €2,589
      Deposit: €150


      Itinerary

      DAY 1 :
      DUBLIN TO WESTPORT

      Venture forth from the grand citadel and embark upon a picturesque odyssey towards the splendid realm of Westport, nestled in the verdant West of Ireland. 


      As the sun ascends on this morn, your trusted guide shall convey you on a 3.5-hour sojourn across Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, regaling you with tales of unspoiled wilderness that lay ahead.


      Upon your arrival in Westport and the completion of your noble check-in, you will have time to meander through the cobbled streets of the town, partake in the mirthful gatherings at the local alehouses, savor the brews of quaint cafes, and peruse the emporiums of artisans.


      Alternatively, should it please your fancy:

      • Consider a leisurely stroll amidst the idyllic gardens and estates of Westport House. Situated alongside the babbling river, these meticulously groomed grounds bestow panoramic vistas of Clew Bay and the venerable Croagh Patrick, known as Ireland's Sacred Peak.
      • Elect to embark on a 90-minute voyage, where you shall explore the World Famous Clew Bay, its multitude of 365 isles, a congregation of seals, and the luminous beacon of Inishgort Lighthouse. Gaze upon the revered Croagh Patrick and John Lennon's Islet from the comfort of your vessel.
      • By e-bike, you can choose to traverse the magnificent Great Western Greenway, a route that extends from Achill Island to the very heart of Westport. You may tailor the journey's length to your liking, though the grand 45-kilometer passage shall certainly be a testament to your mettle.
      • Opt for the Old Railway Line Loop Walk, a 5-kilometer circuit commencing at the town's epicenter, meandering through the old railway corridor to Westport Quay, and concluding at Westport House & Gardens.

      Within the town of Westport, you shall find an abundance of taverns, as vast as the starry expanse. From the frequented halls of Matt Molloy's to the concealed alcoves of Toby's, there exists an establishment to tantalize every discerning palate.

       

      The next morning, after a full Irish breakfast, you will be brought on a wonderful tour of one of Ireland’s most scenic regions – Connemara..



      Rest your weary soul in the embrace of Westport this eve.

      Your Organizer


      IE
      Irish Experience Tours
      77 reviews
      Small group tours Ireland

      Reviews

      The 11-Day Irish Experience tour was outstanding. Our guide, Kieran, was a patient, trustworthy, and calm presence throughout the trip. It was wonderful to able to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery (especially the Wild Atlantic Way) knowing that he was looking out for our safety and welfare. He regularly asked the group if anyone needed to make a pit stop and gave us tips while we were in any given place. For example, he recommended the Reel Inn in Donegal, so I went. It was an incredible evening of traditional Irish music and dance. In Dingle, he suggested we attend another traditional Irish music concert that took place in St. James' Church. It was fantastic. On the whole, the small tour group experience met my expectations: seeing as much of Ireland as possible within a short period of time. In addition to the spectacular scenery, we visited many cultural sites where we provided with a guide. There was enough time to hike in some of the national parks, and to walk through other sites. The accommodations were consistently good, if not excellent. In some respects, I felt this trip was a reconnaissance venture: it would be wonderful to return to some of the places we visited and spend more time there. I highly recommend Irish Experience tours -- if you want to immerse yourself in what Ireland has to offer, albeit relatively briefly, you will be well rewarded by booking a trip with them.
      By Caryn D for 11 Day Ultimate Irish Experience 2024/2025 on Jul 18, 2024
      We had a wonderful time touring with Sean, who pointed out all the best pubs for music and best places to eat. He even arranged a birthday cake surprise for our granddaughter.
      By Ronald M for 8 Day Irish Castles & Coastal 2023/2024 on Jul 18, 2024
      The tour was great! Kieran was our driver/guide and shared his vast knowledge of the sites we visited, as well as Irish history...and he skillfully navigated the narrow roads! We did a LOT in 11 days. I might suggest omitting the Aran islands visit, as it added 4 hours onto an already long day. More time at the Cliffs of Moher and an earlier arrival in Galway would have been really nice. I was disappointed that our e-bike tour in Galway was going to be self-guided since Kieran had to drive the 7-day folks back to Dublin. The 4 of us who would have done it canceled. As it turned out, the weather was way too raw and drizzly to endure, so that worked out ok. The megalithic passage tomb sites at Carrowmore & The Hill of Tara, Slea Head Drive, & Giants Causeway were some of our favorite experiences. Blarney Castle and gardens were amazing! The weather was a tad sketchy. Glad I packed gloves, hats, lightweight jackets, sweatshirt,and base layers! I wore gloves on July 4th!! Future travelers should definitely pack for various weather conditions! We chose the premium hotel option and were thrilled with the accommodations, but disliked being away from the other people on the tour. It might be nice to have everyone stay at the same hotel or B & B for cohesiveness. Prior to this experience, we had never been on a tour and overall were elated! We give this 4.9/5 stars.
      By Sarah H for 11 Day Ultimate Irish Experience 2024/2025 on Jul 10, 2024
      We had a marvelous time. Not the usual hectic tour that leave you exhausted half way through, yes a lot of walking but not rushed. Sean, our tour manager was knowledgeable of the area, history and music of Ireland. Group was mixture of youth and mature and people of all backgrounds. Recommend this tour, truly a full 8 day program.💕
      By eleanor D for 8 Day Irish Castles & Coastal 2023/2024 on Jul 09, 2024
      LR
      We had a great time. Wonderful people, tasty food and comfortable accommodations. This Irish Experience is definitely for those who are active as there were some great hikes planned throughout the trip.
      By Laurel R for 13 Day Full Irish Experience 2023/2024 on Jun 27, 2024
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      References

      Lee goes above & beyond as a tour guide - has formed good relationships with accommodation & service providers along the way & as such is greeted warmly everywhere he goes . It was an absolutely wonderful time touring Ireland for 10 days in the sunshine, a great ‘taste’ to form a longer self tour at another time. Lee helped a person in our group find her ancestral home & stopped for a photo opportunity & a little moment for reflection. ‘Mr google’ - knows so much about all the places we went & could answer all manner of questions. I travelled solo on this trip & he always checked I was okay with my luggage - I had made sure I was able to carry what I had, but appreciated his assistance. Accommodation was mostly B & Bs located close walking distance to the town we were staying in. Often a few stairs to get to your room. Lee would do a loop of each new destination town & give us suggestions of eating places, live music, activities etc When people on our tour sadly became ill this was managed exceptionally well. Lee’s personal stories & general high energy kept everyone bouncing through the day. Our group was an extremely lovely group of people & we would gather to have a drink & dine together. We were blessed with amazing sunny weather & warm days. Ireland is a beautiful country to be exploring. This was my first time ‘touring’ & I seemed to have completely lucked in with Lee & my fellow travellers. Buses are clean & well maintained. Lee is an experienced driver & can park the bus quickly & efficiently in the tightest of spots. Highly rate Irish experience tours. The travel App is terrific to get all the Day to Day information. So many wonderful highlights & experiences along the way. If you're booking, read carefully the suggested age group & the pace of the tour. When you travel pack your happy face, so everyone enjoys the tour.
      By JACKIE M on 23 Jun, 2023