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Dublin · Ireland
5 Day Small Group Escape to the South West from Dublin
Starting From
From $1,652.26 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Explore one of Ireland’s most spectacular regions on this five-day tour of Ireland. You’ll capture Atlantic waves crashing against rugged cliffs, impressive castles looming over ancient monasteries, and cities bursting with myth and mystery. This is a tour that’s perfect for people who like their mountains mighty, their music merry, and their memories magnificent.
Highlights
Why travelers choose this experience
- Clonmacnoise scholars from all around Europe once visited this hugely influential abbey
- See stone clad buildings line the winding lanes and medieval walls of Galway Town
- Cliffs of Moher Behold an aweinspiring 700ft drop into the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean
- The Burren national park is home to some of Ireland’s most profound spiritual and natural culture
- Ring of Kerry is Ireland's famous coastal route boasts some of the wildest views in Europe
- The Wild Atlantic Way discover the rugged beauty of one of the longest defined coastal routes
- Try to kiss the famed Blarney Stone amidst the walls of this gorgeous medieval stronghold
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Dublin
Leaving Dublin. You head west through the farmlands and peat bogs of County Kildare and Offaly.
Continued
Dublin
Local Flavor. Kilbeggan Distillery is your first stop, and here you have time to relax with a glass of their famed whiskey.
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Dublin
Sightseeing at Clonmacnoise. After a drink (or two!), you head to the banks of the mighty River Shannon and the ruined abbey at Clonmacnoise. Home to a large collection of stone crosses, ancient churches and inimitable round towers, this holy site offers an insightful glimpse into Ireland’s spiritual past.
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Dublin
You then lunch at a traditional pub in one of the area’s pretty villages before travelling to Galway City, your home for the first night. It’s a city with a lively atmosphere and excellent restaurants and bars.
Day 2
Galway
Sightseeing. A short drive along the coast from Galway City lies the Burren, one of Ireland’s national treasures. It’s home to one of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland and broad limestone pavements and rare flora.
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Kilfenora
Local Flavor. After time to explore the area, you travel to Kilfenora, the “town of the crosses”. You can visit the town’s fabulous ancient cathedral before we stop for lunch in one of the area’s charming villages.
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Lahinch
Nature Walks at Cliffs of Moher. You then head to the incredible Cliffs of Moher. Walk the stunning cliff trails as seabirds swoop through the clear air above you. And learn about the unique ecosystem in the excellent and award winning environmental exhibition nearby.
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Dublin
Sightseeing. The tour then moves south through County Clare, passing its famous golf course on the way to the picturesque beach at Lahinch. From here you board a ferry across the Shannon Estuary to the lakeside town of Killarney.
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Dublin
This energetic, charming area will be your base for the next three nights, so take your time sampling the superb collection of traditional pubs and live music.
Day 3
Dublin
Sightseeing at Dingle Bay. Today, your tour explores the fabulous Dingle Peninsula. Your first stop is Inch Beach, a vast expanse of sand stretching out into the Atlantic. Venturing down the narrow roads away from the beach leads you through the town of Dingle.
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Dingle
Sightseeing at Slea Head. You continue towards Slea Head, an area loaded with ancient forts and prehistoric dwellings. The impressive views of the nearby Blasket Islands make this an excellent spot for panoramic photos. If the weather is pleasant, you can ramble along the beaches and cliff tops to fully appreciate the incredible vistas.
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Dingle
Leisure. Arriving back amidst the brightly coloured houses and jolly harbour of Dingle, you can spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying delicious seafood in this idyllic setting.
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Dublin
In the evening, you head back to Killarney, with time for an evening stroll in the National Park that envelops the town.
Day 4
Dublin
Sightseeing at Carrauntoohil. You head out in the morning, navigating the roads about the valleys, towns, and villages, and through the foothills of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, home to Ireland's highest mount, Carrauntoohil. Next you join the scenic coast road through Glenbeigh and Kells on the way to Cahersiveen. Possible stops include the site of “The Liberator of Ireland” Daniel O’Connell’s birthplace and an impressive ring fort outside Portmagee.
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Portmagee
Local Flavor. You stop for lunch in the quaint fishing village of Portmagee. Alternatively, you can have a quick snack and head to the island of Valentia for a visit to the Skellig Experience. This excursion teaches you about the ancient community of monks who made the outcrop of rocky islands their home.
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Waterville
Sightseeing. In the afternoon, there’s a photo stop in Charlie Chaplin’s “home away from home” at Waterville, before enjoying fine views at the top of Coonmakista pass.
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Dublin
Sightseeing at Derrynane House. Winding down from the peaks, you head to Derrynane House, home of the family O’Connell. Daniel O’Connell, 'The Liberator of Ireland’, had a very strong bond with this place and you’ll understand why when you visit. Here, you can enjoy a walk in the scenic gardens or along the beach and explore the main house.
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Dublin
Sightseeing at Torc Waterfall. Continuing along the Ring, you stop at Moll’s Gap and the Ladies View. Stroll a short way from here to the Torc Waterfall before heading back to Killarney.
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Dublin
Overnight in Killarney.
Day 5
Dublin
Sightseeing at Blarney Castle. Heading east through the mountains of West Cork, you weave along the Lee Valley until you reach Blarney Castle. You have time here to take in the castle grounds, and maybe kiss the famous Blarney Stone and receive the “gift of the gab”!
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Dublin
Sightseeing. In the afternoon, we'll pop into the historic port and fishing town of Kinsale for lunch. Here you'll have time to grab a bite to eat and explore this colourful and historic destination, from the scenic harbour to the ruins of the Charles Fort.
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Dublin
Sightseeing at Rock of Cashel. The final stop of this tour is the incredible Rock of Cashel. Imposing, enormous, iconic. Perched dramatically on an outcrop of limestone, this remarkable cluster of medieval buildings is famous around the world. You have free time to explore here before we hop back on the bus and head for Dublin, where we arrive in the early evening.
Planning Details
Before you go
Included
All road tolls and the Killimer - Tarbet ferry Transport in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach Air conditioning as standard The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide Admission to Cliffs of Moher If your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
Not Included
Entry fees to visitor attractions unless specified Food and drinks unless specified Tips
What to Bring
Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
Restrictions
To retain the integrity of the tour and try to ensure that all our customers have the best possible experience, we do cap bookings from any one party to 8 passengers. For groups larger than 8, please submit an inquiry for a private tour.
Meeting & Pickup
Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Dublin Nassau Street Pick Up, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin,
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 5 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
Traveler Impressions
What travelers are saying
2026-01-04
5.00 / 5
The 5-Day Small Group Escape to the South West from Dublin was absolutely worth every penny! The group size was perfect—I loved traveling in a comfortable 16-passenger van instead of a massive tour bus. It made the experience so much more personal; I truly got to know everyone, and the smaller size allowed us to visit more unique spots that big buses simply can’t reach. Our guide, Stevey, was phenomenal—knowledgeable, fun, and full of great stories. This trip completely changed my perspective: if you visit Ireland and don’t explore the Wild Atlantic Way, you’re missing out on some of the most breathtaking beauty the country has to offer. I laughed so much during this adventure—it felt like true medicine for the soul. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
2025-09-11
5.00 / 5
My Client loved it and loved the Tour Guide.
2025-08-26
5.00 / 5
We had a wonderful trip. Our tour guide, Colm Sweeney, was very knowledgeable and courteous. Colm went above and beyond on several occasions. I cannot say enough good things about Colm. We were very impressed with the lodging. Having breakfast included was a plus. The stops were all great except for the Blarney castle where about 3,000 other tourists were there at the same time. (Cruise ship, etc) Once again we had a great tour and great tour guide.
2025-07-18
5.00 / 5
Loved the guides! Learned so much and had such a great time!
2024-05-30
5.00 / 5
Our guide Peter O’Conner was excellent - knowledgeable, personable and flexible. The planned sites were all worthwhile stops and we managed to squeeze in a few extras. Was v pleased with our accommodations though a few of our travel companions less pleased. Bus was nice and overall schedule was full but not taxing
2024-05-23
5.00 / 5
Excellent tour guide. Very knowledgeable and able to answer any question.
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