8 Day Irish Castles & Coastal 2023/2024

      Dublin, Ireland

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

      Irish Experience Tours
      • Email address verified
      58 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
      58 reviews
      Small group tours Ireland

      Reviews

      Great small group tour. We had 16 people that all got along great and became friends. Our tour guide (Lee) was fantastic. He was informative and entertaining. He gave us different options along the way- so folks didn't all have to do the same things. There was plenty of free time in the evenings to do your own exploring in each town. I would definitely recommend this company- especially if you are not sure exactly what you want to see. They show you a great variety of places and sights.
      By Brendan M for 10 Day Wild Irish Experience 2023/2024 on Oct 29, 2023
      What a trip! Our tour guide, Lee, went above and beyond to make sure everyone was happy, well informed, and always laughing. Lee brought his all and we were so thankful he was our guide! This tour covered so much, from amazing scenery to history, and yet we still had time to slow down and enjoy the local experience. There were many extra options available and also suggestions from Lee to let us experience what interested us most.
      By Barbara R for 10 Day Wild Irish Experience 2023/2024 on Oct 20, 2023
      I highly recommend this tour! If you’re looking for an authentic feel of Ireland and all this beautiful country has to offer, this is the tour for you. This tour has a perfect balance of a well planned itinerary to experience the history, culture and beauty of Ireland, yet plenty of free time to explore on your own or book activities with the many options available. Sean was very entertaining while sharing his vast knowledge about history, culture and legends. He had loads of great stories and music. I valued all his recommendations for restaurants, music venues and activities. Sean went out of his way for us and was the perfect guide! Awesome experience and great craic!
      By Claudette C for 13 Day Full Irish Experience 2023/2024 on Sep 29, 2023
      We enjoy traveling and like a mix of learning the history and culture of a place, experiencing the outdoors, and digging into the local cuisine. Our trip with Irish Experience Tours gave us 13 days of opportunities to live this adventure in Ireland. The daily schedule was always complemented with plenty of time to choose an extra activity, and recommendations for the best places to eat. Each Bed and Breakfast accommodation was always friendly and comfortable, with lots of options for breakfast. Their small group tour bus allowed us to go on the backroads and see places that are amazingly beautiful and would have been missed otherwise. It was a great trip and Irish Experience Tours has set the standard for what we’ll look for in our next tour group. Thanks so much Sean.
      By Vicki M for 13 Day Full Irish Experience 2023/2024 on Sep 28, 2023
      We had a great trip. Our guide, Lee was amazing, he was thoughtful, funny and had a wealth of knowledge. I looked at many tours for this trip and we were hoping this would good as we normally do trips on our own. But we were so happy we booked with this company as tour was so stress free and we loved the smaller group which gave greater flexibility in visiting locations. Loved it and would recommend without hesitation.
      By Helen N for 10 Day Wild Irish Experience 2023/2024 on Sep 22, 2023
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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