Please read the following information carefully before booking your tour.
All itineraries are considered tentative at the time of publication and may remain subject to change up until the weeks immediately preceding departure.
Some attractions and venues only release tickets for online purchase closer to the date of the visit. They may not accept provisional bookings or guarantee availability in advance, and certain attractions operate seasonally. As a result, it may occasionally be necessary to remove or replace a scheduled venue, attraction, or hotel due to availability or other circumstances beyond our control.
Secret Ireland Tours LLC is committed to providing memorable, well-organised tours featuring wonderful places to visit and carefully selected accommodation. We will always do our very best to secure suitable venues and hotels and, where changes are necessary, to provide appropriate alternatives. However, we cannot guarantee that every venue, hotel, or itinerary detail will remain exactly as originally advertised.
Accommodation in Europe: Please be aware that many hotels operate in historic or listed buildings where architectural or heritage restrictions may prevent the installation of elevators. Consequently, some properties may have multiple flights of stairs, and elevator access cannot always be guaranteed. If you have mobility concerns or difficulty managing stairs, please take this into consideration before booking and contact us to discuss your needs.
By booking with Secret Ireland Tours LLC, you acknowledge that itineraries, venues, and accommodation arrangements may be subject to change. If you require a completely fixed itinerary or guaranteed accommodation at specific properties, our tours may not be the best fit for you.
We appreciate your understanding and encourage all guests to consider these factors carefully before making a reservation. Our goal is always to deliver an enjoyable and memorable experience while being transparent about the practicalities of organising tours.
Thank you for choosing Secret Ireland Tours LLC. We look forward to sharing wonderful adventures with you!
The Sunny South of Ireland – 9 Days / 8 Nights
Come along with Secret Ireland Tours on an unforgettable 9-day, 8-night adventure through the beautiful Sunny South of Ireland! Discover a region filled with breathtaking coastal scenery, fascinating history, ancient wonders, and experiences that will stay with you long after you return home. Set out on an exciting whale-watching adventure, experience the magnificent art of falconry, explore spectacular underground caves, and step back in time with a visit to the historic Spike Island. Along the way, discover magnificent castles, charming towns, picturesque harbours, and some of Ireland's most beautiful landscapes. From the wild beauty of the coastline to the stories and secrets hidden within its historic places, this tour offers a wonderful blend of adventure, culture, nature, and Irish heritage. Join us for nine incredible days of discovery, laughter, and unforgettable memories in Ireland's sunniest region. The Sunny South is calling – come and discover its magic with Secret Ireland Tours!
Planning international travel — especially a multi-day trip to a new country — can be overwhelming. We know how important it is to choose a trusted travel company for your Ireland adventure, and we don’t take your investment of time, money, and energy lightly. That’s why, as an Irish-owned company, we’ve created a different kind of tour experience, built on transparency, comfort, and unforgettable moments.
One thing we want you to know, at the time of posting this itinerary, some venues might not have opened their booking system so we might not have confirmation until later in the year. We are very well known to most venues so the always pencil us in provisionally, which more or less guarantees us a slot for the day and time we require. But even though we are on the ball and book as early as we can, some parts of the itinerary are tentative and as soon as we have booked everything, I will let the group know. We do not anticipate any problems though.Ter
Here’s our commitment to you:
A thoughtful itinerary, not a packed checklist.
Many travel companies try to squeeze too much into each day. We don’t. Our small group Ireland tours are designed to give you room to breathe — with time to truly explore, connect, and appreciate the culture, not just take photos from a bus window.
Fewer hotel changes and no exhausting early starts.
You won’t be living out of a suitcase or waking up at 6 a.m. every day. Our stress-free tours prioritize relaxed pacing, multiple-night stays in key locations, and time to enjoy local pubs, music, and culture each evening.
Intentionally small group sizes.
We don’t believe in overfilling seats just because we can. Our tours are designed to stay small — not only for comfort and accessibility, but to create space for genuine connection, flexibility, and a more personal, meaningful experience for everyone.
We do our very best to book early and make sure that if it is on the itinerary, it is confirmed.
No vague placeholders or broken promises. Every listed stop or experience on your Ireland tour package is going to happen unless there is something beyond our control that happens.
If plans change, you’ll be the first to know.
Travel can be unpredictable, but we’re upfront and communicative. If weather or local conditions force a change, we’ll replace it with something of equal or higher quality — and we’ll explain why. Honest travel experiences are the only kind we offer.
Real time at real places — no drive-bys.
Unlike some tours that rush through each location, we provide time to explore and enjoy each stop. When we say we're visiting a destination, it’s not a 10-minute drop-off. (But yes, we still leave room for those spontaneous roadside stops when the moment calls for it.)
Clear, consistent communication.
We believe in accountable travel planning and responsive customer support. You’ll always know where to turn if you have questions, and we’re right there with you — not just behind a desk.
This is more than a vacation. It's a journey we’re taking together — and we’re here to make sure it’s one you’ll never forget.
1 The company requires non-refundable deposits to be paid as per tour in a timely manner. By paying a deposit you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Company.
2 Our tours are all based on double occupancy. There will be an additional supplement for single travelers which will depend on tour taken.
3 Payment for deposit will hold your place, final balance payment will be 60 days before the start of your choice of tour. If paying by credit card you might incur bank charges.
4 Installment plans are available for anyone who would like to avail of them.
5 Travel insurance is something that the company strongly suggests all clients purchase to protect their travel investment. Please find a package that covers you if you have to cancel close to the tour time because we do not refund if you have to cancel for any reason.You can find links for Insurance companies on our website www.SecretIrelandToursLLC.com
6 Due to limited capacity on coaches, there may be a limit of one suitcase per passenger.
7 Participants are responsible for all their property, luggage, backpacks, phone's, laptops etc.
8 The company tour guide will give all participants phone no's of tour guides and driver at the start of the trip or in an email before the start of the trip, it is vital that you keep these in a safe place.
9 At the start of each day your tour guide will tell you what time you should be ready, or to be on the bus for the next day's journey, it is up to you to contact your guide if you missed announcements on times.
10 We strongly suggest you to purchase travel insurance to cover your travel investment in the event that you have to cancel your trip closer to the travel date.
11 Some of our trips require walking over stony roads and pathways, it is advised to always bring strong waterproof walking shoes, and waterproof/windproof outer coats/jackets also.
12 We also advise all participants to let us know of food allergies they have. We also state that if there are walks on rough surfaces or up hills, if you don't think you can take part please let us know and you can stay on the bus with the driver.
13 Each participant is responsible for their baggage being brought from the Coach to their accommodation except in the case where the company have booked porterage. The group will be advised where porterage will take place.
14 Conditions, availability, or contractual obligations may warrant for dates, venues, lodging, talent/celebrity headliners/hosts/guests. Ambassadors, tour guides or transportation modes to be changed or cancelled. It is our intent and obligation, within the best of our ability, to substitute and /or accommodate equal or enhanced alternatives. We will not refund any deposits or payments towards the tour due to these conditions.
15 There is a certain fitness level required for this tour, if you feel that you cannot walk up hill or long walks, we will ask you to stay on the bus.
16 Secret Ireland Tours operates on an 8 to 9 hour day policy. When we depart early, usually around 9 AM, we generally return to our accommodations between 6 PM and 7 PM. If we have evening excursions, we leave later in the day to comply with legal driving time regulations for our driver.
17 We do not hire additional drivers to extend the length of our tours. While some people may prefer tours lasting 10 to 12 hours, the majority do not.
18 We reserve the right to refuse service.
19 This tour is based on 20 participants booked.
Hotels to be confirmed. When we have all hotels pinned down, I will list them here and put links so you can check them out.
We ask you to book your flight to come into Cork Airport before 9 am the morning of the first day. Please allow for baggage and security checks. Book your return home flight for after 12 noon.
Starting trip, 3 nights in Cork, 3 nights in Killarney, 1 night in Limerick, returning to cork for 2 nights.
All entry fees are covered for venues on the itinerary
We cover any boat rides, except Skillig Micheal. That is an add-on for people who want to do it. You need to be fit and not afraid of heights. We need at least 5 participants for this to happen.
We have a great tour manager who will look after you while you are on tour. If you have any problems, he is the person you go to. Please do not go the the ambassador with your concerns.
We work with a great bus company in Ireland and they look after us well. The bus is air-conditioned and comfortable.
We have some great drivers who are all expert drivers, and know Ireland's roads very well. They are all about Safe and good practices.
Aaron Sagers is amazing on these tours and you will get to hang out with him for 10 days in Ireland.
We supply snacks and soft drinks on the bus for long journeys in case you get hungry.
9 breakfasts, farewell evening meal.
All hotel and bus related taxes and charges are covered by us
We don't cover flights. If you intend to come in the first morning of the tour, please book to be there to meet our tour manager at 9 am. Please account for luggage and security delays.
We do not cover lunches and evening meals. As stated above we do treat the group to a farewell evening meal the night before you leave.
We will enquire from some of the hotels about laundry services and when we have that confirmed I will send out a group email letting you know which hotels we can avail of those services.
If you use the room phone or if there is a mini bar in your room, you are required to pay charges.
Any venue that you might like to visit that is not on our itinerary, you cover your own entry fee.
Titanic museum:
The Titanic Experience Cobh is located in the original White Star Line Ticket Office at 20 Casement Square in Cobh, Ireland. It is from this exact historic building that the ship's final 123 passengers boarded.
Interactive Boarding: Upon entry, every visitor is handed a boarding card bearing the name of a real passenger who boarded the ship in Cobh.
Cabin Reconstructions: You can walk through reconstructions of first and third-class cabins to see the stark differences in conditions.
Survivor Reveal: At the end of the tour, visitors use an exhibition database to learn the fate of their assigned passenger.
Spike Island:
Spike Island is a 104-acre historic site located in Cork Harbour, Ireland, often called "Ireland's Alcatraz". Over its 1300-year history, it has served as a 6th-century monastery, a vast Victorian-era prison, and an imposing British fortress.
Notorious Prisons: Visitors can explore 19th-century punishment blocks, the modern 1990s prison section, and even a children's prison.
Museums and Exhibitions: Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including the Irish Independence Museum, military history, and an artillery gun park.
Nature Trails: Outside the fort, over 80 acres of the island are dedicated to scenic walking trails, convict cemeteries, and peaceful beaches.
Midleton Distillery:
Operations: The modern New Midleton Distillery opened in 1975 to consolidate the production of John Jameson, Cork Distilleries Company, and John Power & Son. It operates adjacent to the Old Midleton Distillery (established in 1825), which has been converted into a major visitor center.
Whiskey Portfolio: The distillery is the birthplace of seven renowned Irish whiskey brands: Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, Midleton Very Rare, Spot Whiskeys, Method and Madness, and Knappogue Castle.
Production Capacity: As one of the most advanced distilleries globally, it can produce up to 64 million liters of spirit annually and houses the world's largest whiskey store.
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Itinerary subject to change depending on weather, availability and other conditions beyond our control.
Blarney Castle:
Blarney Castle is a 15th-century medieval stronghold in County Cork, Ireland, famous globally for the Blarney Stone. Kissing the stone—while leaning backward over a sheer drop—is said to grant the "gift of the gab" (eloquence). The grounds feature 60 acres of expansive gardens, tranquil walking trails, and natural rock formations
Charles Fort:
Charles Fort is a classic 17th-century, star-shaped military fortress located in Summer Cove, just 3km outside of the coastal town of Kinsale, County Cork. Completed in 1682, it was designed by Sir William Robinson to defend the strategic Kinsale Harbour and remained in active military use by the British Army until 1922
Kinsale explore:
Architecture: The fort features a classic trace italienne (star-shaped) bastion design, with two bastions looking out to the sea and three facing inland.
History: It played a major role in significant historical events, including the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil War in 1922.
Facilities: The site includes a visitor center, an interpretive exhibition, guided tours, and a small café.
Lusitania Museum :
The Lusitania Museum and Old Head Signal Tower in County Cork is located at the closest landward point to where the RMS Lusitania was torpedoed in 1915. Housed in an 1804 Napoleonic signal tower, it features original newspapers, recovered artifacts, panoramic roof views, and an adjacent memorial garden.
Activity Level: Moderate:
Itinerary subject to change depending on weather, availability and other conditions beyond our control.
Atlantic Whale and Wildlife Tours:
Operates out of Courtmacsherry and Kinsale, Ireland. They offer 3-4 hour offshore whale watching tours and 2-hour coastal dolphin trips along the Wild Atlantic Way. Adult tickets are €65, and family passes are €200. Sightings include humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and basking sharks.
Cork Pub Crawl:
Cork City’s history is built over ancient graveyards and plague pits, making it a hotspot for ghostly lore. Three of the most famous and famously haunted pubs in the city include The Oval, Coughlans Bar, and The Franciscan Well, each offering excellent pints and a brush with the supernatural.
The Oval
(South Main Street)Built in 1918 on a site dating back centuries, this beloved pub is instantly recognizable by its flat-iron shape and traditional wood interior. It is infamous for the ghost of an armed soldier who has been spotted walking through the bar before sitting on a couch near the fireplace and silently vanishing. Staff have also reported seeing eerie, unexplained figures when the pub is locked up at night.
Coughlans Bar
(Douglas Street)Dating back to the 1800s, this legendary live music venue sits on land that once served as a doctor’s surgery and a mortuary, and is reportedly near medieval cemeteries and famine pits. It gained international attention in October 2020 when security cameras captured a full bottle of gin mysteriously flying off a shelf by itself, narrowly missing a barman.
Franciscan Well Brewery & Brewpub (North Mall)Located on the grounds of a 13th-century Franciscan monastery, this popular pub and brewery is said to be haunted by a ghostly monk. In the 1990s, the resident landlord reported unexplained hot and cold spells, mysterious footsteps, and items moving on their own. You can grab a pint of their locally brewed beer on-site today, and perhaps share a drink with the resident specter.
They are just a few pubs that you can visit, but the time is your own and you might just visit some others along the way.
Activity Level: Moderate
Itinerary subject to change depending on weather or other conditions beyond our control.
Flaconry experiene :
Join us for a one-of-a-kind falconry adventure in Killarney. Experience the thrill of “the sport of kings” and immerse yourself in a tradition that spans over 4,000 years.
Whether you prefer the outdoors or simply love wildlife, you’ll be captivated by the chance to interact up close with these majestic birds. Don’t miss this unforgettable, hands-on experience!
Muckross House;
Muckross House is a magnificent Victorian mansion situated on the shores of Muckross Lake in Killarney National Park. Built between 1839 and 1843, it famously hosted Queen Victoria in 1861. Today, you can take self-guided tours of the elegantly furnished principal rooms and the bustling servant quarters in the basement.
Ross Castle;
Ross Castle is a beautifully restored 15th-century tower house on the shores of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park. Built by the O'Donoghue clan, it later became a Browne family stronghold and was one of the last bastions to fall to Cromwell’s forces in 1652.
Activity level: Low/Moderate
Itinerary subject to change depending on weather, availability and other conditions beyond our control.
Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland's most spectacular scenic drives, winding through dramatic mountains, sparkling lakes, rugged coastlines, and charming villages. Along this unforgettable journey, step back in time at the Kerry Bog Village, where traditional thatched cottages and fascinating exhibits offer a glimpse into rural Irish life during the 18th and 19th centuries. Stop in the picturesque seaside town of Waterville, a favorite retreat of Charlie Chaplin, where breathtaking Atlantic views, colorful streets, and welcoming cafés create the perfect place to relax. Experience the warm hospitality of Fox's Pub, renowned for its delicious traditional Irish cuisine, lively atmosphere, and genuine Irish welcome. Continue through the breathtaking beauty of Torc Waterfall, where crystal-clear waters cascade through ancient woodland at the foot of the mountains in Killarney National Park. Finally, marvel at the panoramic views from Moll's Gap, one of the most iconic viewpoints on the Ring of Kerry, offering sweeping vistas of rugged peaks, tranquil lakes, and rolling valleys. Every stop along the Ring of Kerry reveals another chapter in Ireland's rich history, stunning landscapes, and timeless charm, making it an unforgettable highlight of any visit to the Emerald Isle.
Activity Level: Low to Moderate:
Itinerary subject to change depending on weather, and other conditions beyond our control.
Dingle Peninsula:
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, where every winding road reveals dramatic Atlantic cliffs, golden beaches, rolling green hills, and some of Ireland's most spectacular coastal scenery. Rich in history and Gaelic tradition, this unforgettable region is home to ancient stone forts, beehive huts, charming fishing villages, and the vibrant town of Dingle, renowned for its colorful streets and warm Irish hospitality. While exploring this magical corner of County Kerry.
Dingle Foodie Tour:
Indulge in a Dingle Foodie Tour, a delicious journey through the town's award-winning restaurants, artisan producers, cozy cafés, and traditional pubs. Sample locally caught seafood, handcrafted cheeses, homemade chocolates, artisan ice cream, and other regional specialties while hearing the stories behind the people who make them. Combining breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and exceptional local flavors, the Dingle Peninsula and its Foodie Tour offer an authentic Irish experience that will delight every traveler.
Add-on Skellig Micheal:
Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, Skellig Michael is one of Ireland's most extraordinary and unforgettable destinations. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a remarkably well-preserved 6th-century monastic settlement perched high above the sea, where monks once lived in isolation on the rugged island. More recently, Skellig Michael gained worldwide fame as the breathtaking filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. Reaching the summit is an adventure in itself, requiring visitors to climb over 600 ancient stone steps carved into the steep mountainside. This excursion is recommended only for those with a good level of fitness and who are comfortable with heights, as there are no handrails along much of the climb and the descent can be particularly challenging. For those willing to make the journey, the reward is nothing short of spectacular—panoramic views of the wild Atlantic, incredible seabird colonies, and the unforgettable experience of standing atop one of Ireland's most iconic and awe-inspiring landmarks.
This experience is an add-on, meaning that you would have to pay for it on our WeTravel page, because it is not included in your package.
We are aware that some people would not be able to climb the 600 steps to the top and be able to come down again.
We need a minimum of 5 people to take this tour if it is to go.
If we do not get the required number, we will refund your money.
Activity Level: Low/Moderate
Activity Level: for Skellig Micheal: High
Itinerary subject to change depending on weather, availability and other conditions beyond our control.
Craig Cave:
Hidden beneath the rolling countryside of County Kerry lies the remarkable Crag Cave, one of Ireland's most spectacular underground attractions. Step into a magical world where millions of years of nature's artistry have created breathtaking limestone formations, glittering stalactites, towering stalagmites, and winding crystal-filled passageways. As you journey through this ancient cave system, expert guides reveal the fascinating geology, history, and legends that make Crag Cave such a memorable experience. A visit here offers a unique glimpse into Ireland's hidden natural wonders, making it an unforgettable stop for travelers of all ages—rain or shine. Whether you're captivated by natural beauty, Irish folklore, or simply looking for an extraordinary adventure beneath the Emerald Isle, Crag Cave is an experience you won't want to miss.
Adare:
Welcome to Adare, County Limerick—a picture-perfect Irish village often described as one of the most beautiful villages in Ireland. With its charming thatched cottages, colorful shopfronts, winding streets, and historic stone buildings, Adare feels like a step back in time. Wander through this enchanting village and discover its rich heritage, from the medieval ruins of the Desmond Castle and the ancient Augustinian, Franciscan, and Trinitarian monasteries to the elegant beauty of Adare Manor. Surrounded by lush countryside and steeped in stories, Adare offers a perfect blend of history, hospitality, and timeless Irish charm. Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a traditional Irish welcome, browse local shops, and soak in the atmosphere of a village where every corner tells a story. A visit to Adare is a true taste of the heart and soul of Ireland.
Activity level: Low/Moderate
Itinerary Subject to change depending on weather, availability and other conditions beyond our control.
King John's Castle:
Standing proudly on the banks of the River Shannon, King John’s Castle in Limerick is one of Ireland’s most impressive medieval landmarks. Built in the early 13th century by order of King John of England, this mighty fortress has witnessed over 800 years of dramatic history, from battles and sieges to the rise and fall of powerful rulers. Explore the castle’s towering walls, ancient courtyards, and fascinating exhibitions that bring medieval Ireland to life through interactive displays, stories, and artifacts. With breathtaking views over the river and the historic city of Limerick, a visit to King John’s Castle is a journey through Ireland’s turbulent past—a place where legends, royalty, and history come together to create an unforgettable experience.
Bunratty Castle:
Step into Ireland’s past at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, one of the Emerald Isle’s most beloved heritage attractions. Rising majestically from the heart of County Clare, Bunratty Castle is a beautifully restored 15th-century medieval fortress where visitors can wander through grand halls, climb ancient stairways, and imagine the lives of the noble families who once lived within its walls. Surrounding the castle, Bunratty Folk Park brings Ireland’s history to life with charming thatched cottages, traditional farmhouses, village shops, and costumed characters recreating the sights and sounds of rural Irish life from centuries past. Stroll along winding lanes, meet friendly farm animals, explore historic homes, and experience the warmth of Ireland’s traditions. A visit to Bunratty is more than a sightseeing stop—it is a magical journey through time where castles, culture, and stories create memories that last a lifetime.
Aillwee Caves:
Discover a hidden world beneath the rugged beauty of County Clare at Aillwee Caves, one of Ireland’s most fascinating natural wonders. Located in the heart of the stunning Burren landscape, these ancient limestone caves take visitors on an unforgettable journey deep underground through winding passageways carved over millions of years. Marvel at incredible rock formations, underground waterfalls, and the dramatic chambers that reveal the hidden beauty of Ireland’s geological heritage. Guided tours share the fascinating story of how these caves were formed and the secrets they have preserved beneath the earth. Surrounded by the wild beauty of the Burren, Aillwee Caves offers a unique adventure where nature, mystery, and Irish legend come together—an experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the wonders hidden beneath the Emerald Isle.
Activity Level: Low/Moderate
Itinerary subject to change depending on weather, avalibility or other conditions beyond our control.
Cork City:
Discover the vibrant heart of Ireland’s “Rebel County” with a visit to Cork City, a lively destination where rich history, colorful streets, delicious food, and welcoming Irish hospitality come together. Wander through the charming city center, explore historic landmarks, and soak up the atmosphere of a place known for its independent spirit and friendly locals. Cork is a shopper’s delight, offering everything from elegant boutiques and unique Irish craft shops to popular brands and charming markets. Stroll through the famous English Market, one of Ireland’s oldest and most beloved food markets, where you can browse local delicacies, artisan products, handmade gifts, and authentic Irish treasures. Whether you’re searching for the perfect souvenir, a beautiful piece of Irish wool, local crafts, or simply want to enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the shops and cafés, Cork City offers a wonderful blend of culture, character, and unforgettable experiences.
Today Adrian will leave you back to the airport for your return journey home. We wish you a very safe flight and hope to see you again soon. We will welcome you back with open arms if you decide to come back with us.
Thank you for trusting Secret Ireland Tours to take care of your journey.