Ultimate Ireland Discovery

15 Days & 14 Nights 4.7 Read 3 reviews

Visiting top historic attractions—Dublin’s Trinity College to megalithic Newgrange
Walking to the Giant’s Causeway, and crossing the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge
A collection of fantastic walks at your disposal, including several national trails
Driving the famed Ring of Kerry and staying in both Killarney and Dingle towns
Time to wander around Dublin’s Trinity College and visit the Book of Kells

Travel the length and breadth of Ireland on a two-week scenic drive and hike tour which takes in all the iconic sites. Encounter such must-sees as Dublin, the Giant’s Causeway, Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Croagh Patrick, Belfast’s Titanic Experience and megalithic Newgrange. Become well-acquainted with the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland as you take to the road on a loop drive which starts and ends in Dublin. Enjoy some excellent walks as you pass through most of the island’s counties; including Co. Wicklow, Tipperary, Cork, Kerry, Galway, Donegal and Antrim!

What To Expect

Spend a fortnight exploring the length and breadth of Ireland, starting in Dublin and driving a full circle around the Emerald Isle. With great suggested walks along the way, you’ll have the chance to visit all the cultural and natural highlights, whilst also exploring the peaceful beauty of the countryside arguably the best way possible; on foot.

Trip Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent active holiday.

Activity:

Drive & Hike | Enjoy the best of a large region by car and on foot. Day hikes in the best places. Itinerary usually inn to inn, with mapping provided. No bag transfer. Car hire offered as an option or included.

This trip is suitable for:

Families, Multi-Generational

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Historical Journeys
Coastal & Island

Grade & Terrain

This tour is graded easy to moderate and is suitable for fit travellers. The walks are all optional, therefore you can choose how much or little you wish to do each day. The route comprises of hill and mountain tracks, minor roads and rural paths.

Navigation

The suggested walks are not usually way-marked throughout and certain sections may follow indistinct trails across boggy, rough and remote ground. You will be provided with route notes however you should be a competent navigator with map and compass.

A road atlas will be provided so that you can easily find your way on Ireland’s roads and highways.

Accommodation Information

One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. We specifically choose the B&B’s and guesthouses to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food.

Accommodation Location

We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in your itinerary. Occasionally, because of limited availability, we may have to accommodate you at an alternative location. In the unlikely event that we have to accommodate you elsewhere we will advise you of this before confirming your booking.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

We will be happy to accommodate your party with single rooms if requested, and a single supplement applies. This trip is also available to solo walkers, and a supplement is again payable (as some costs are not shared). Please note that singles may not be of the same standard as twins/doubles.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Alternatively you can buy lunch at local shops or stop in a café. Dinner is available in pubs or restaurants close to your accommodation.

Included

14 Nights accommodation in en suite rooms wherever possible
14 Breakfasts
A detailed info pack, guide book, road atlas and route notes
24-7 Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of any issues

Excluded

Travel to/from Dublin
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Travel Insurance
Personal Equipment
Taxi transfers or public transport
Car hire (available as optional extra)
Entry fees/boat trips/optional excursions
Cross border fee (Ireland to Northern Ireland), to be paid locally

Extras

Additional nights
Car Hire

When To Go

This trip is available from mid-March to mid-October. You can start your tour on any date in the season. Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Getting to the Start

Dublin Airport is easily accessible from the UK with several low-cost airlines covering the route as well as scheduled international carriers. Irish Ferries also operate from Holyhead to Dublin.

There are multiple carriers that fly between North America and Dublin, including: American Airlines—Chicago, San Diego, Dallas, New York, Austin; Aer Lingus—Orlando, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston; Delta—Atlanta; United Airlines- Dallas; Delta—Atlanta, US Airways—Philadelphia, Charlotte,; Air Canada—Toronto.

From the airport there is a good bus service into Dublin city centre.

Getting from the End

The tour also finishes in Dublin, so you can use the Getting to Start directions in reverse.

General Information

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Car Hire

Car hire is not included in your trip, however, it can be added on as an additional extra. Your collection and drop off point is Dublin Airport or city centre.

Important: Please note that your car rental would be subject to a cross border fee when driving into the Republic of Ireland. This fee is not included in the car rental and is to be paid locally (roughly €45).

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance helps protect your travel investment, your belongings and most importantly you, from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip

Can I book car hire?

Should I add extra nights to my tour?

How fit do I need to be?

What personal equipment do I need?