The Best of Ireland Drive & Hike

9 Days & 8 Nights 4.8 Read 12 reviews

The freedom of the open road combined with stops to enjoy great suggested walks
Driving the famed Ring of Kerry and exploring Killarney National Park
Following Ireland’s classic national trails—the Wicklow, Kerry and Burren Ways
Listening to live music and chatting with the locals in traditional Irish pubs
The opportunity to take optional boat trips to Skellig Michael and the Aran Islands
Visiting cultural and historic gems—Glendalough, Newgrange, Blarney Castle, Clonmacnoise

Discover the best of Ireland on a rewarding circular drive and hike tour from Dublin through the counties of Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, and Galway. See countless castles and historic highlights, unspoilt lakes and mountains, and meet friendly locals. With some great suggested walks, there’s time built-in to stretch your legs and explore on foot. This fast-paced itinerary really does offer the chance to take in some of Ireland’s top highlights. Since there is so much to see and do here you’ll need to pick your choices wisely! As well as Dublin’s extensive delights, you’ll experience iconic Cashel Rock, Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher, with the opportunity to take boat trips out to the magical Skellig and Aran Islands. Plus you’ll be walking along some of the Emerald Isle’s beloved national trails—the Wicklow Way, Kerry Way and Burren Way. Our Best of Ireland drive & hike tour includes 8 nights hand-picked accommodation in high-quality bed and breakfasts and guesthouses whose hosts always go the extra mile to share their top tips and recommendations. We also include a road map, guide book and walking route notes so you’re all set for your Ireland adventure! Car hire is not included as standard, but just let us know if you’d like us to book it for you as an optional extra (pick-up/drop-off Dublin).

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What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

This fast-paced self-drive tour checks off multiple historic, cultural and natural icons that you won’t want to miss, combined with some great walks and suggested excursions —you don’t want to spend all your time behind the wheel after all! Covering the best of Dublin and south west Ireland, you’ve the freedom and flexibility of the open road—a perfect drive-hike combination.

Tour Type:

Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!

Activity:

Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Activity Level & Terrain

This trip is graded easy to moderate overall, although the walking does vary a lot from one day to the next. Please view the itinerary for an overview of the suggested walks for each day. You can generally choose between easier and more difficult walks; some days have 1 or 2 options whilst others may only have 1. The trails follow footpaths, bridleways, coastal trails, open fields, and some minor country roads.

The walks may involve some relatively steep ascents and descents should you choose to take the more difficult walks. Please remember that all walks are of course optional, and you can choose to explore by car instead if you wish. The beauty of this itinerary is that you have the flexibility to fill your days exactly how you want to! We recommend having a general plan, so you are prepared.

Navigation

All walks are available in the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app. Download the walks for offline use, then you can simply set off and follow the blue dot. Most of the walks have turn-by-turn walking directions, and just a few have GPS tracks only because they can be easily navigated this way. If you follow the little blue dot, it is difficult to get lost.

Accommodations

This is a multi-centre Discovery tour as you will stay in multiple locations exploring the most iconic regions of Ireland by car and on foot! You will stay in Dublin for two nights conveniently at the start and at the end of your trip. You will spend one night in Kilkenny, three nights in Killarney, and two nights in Galway. We carefully select family-run B&B’s, small hotels, and quirky guesthouses where a warm welcome is guaranteed as well as traditional Irish hospitality and a delicious breakfast.

We will be happy to accommodate your party with single rooms if requested this trip is also available to solo walkers. 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 cafe. Dinner is available in pubs or restaurants close to your accommodation.

Included

8 Nights in B&B’s, small hotels, and guesthouses
8 Breakfasts
Detailed Trip Information Pack
The Lonely Planet Ireland guidebook and OS Ireland Road Atlas
Access to maps, GPX tracks, and daily route information via the Macs Adventure navigation app
24/7 telephone support in the event of an emergency

Excluded

Travel to/from Dublin
Car hire (available to book)
Travel Insurance
Taxi transfers or public transport
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Boat trips and other optional excursions or entrance fees

Extras

Car Hire
Extra nights

When To Go

This tour is available between mid-March and Mid-October.

In our opinion, one of the most beautiful times to visit this region is in spring when colourful wildflowers burst through the cracks of the landscape, forming a beautiful contrast. Travel between May and June to be in the best chance of seeing puffins on the Cliffs of Moher. Puffin nesting season is from late May to Mid-July when they return to shore. July and August are the busiest months and accommodations tend to fill up fast. Clonmacnoise and Newgrange are busy tourist attractions, particularly during the summer months when visitor numbers peak. For a quieter experience, the ideal months are May/June and September. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment, especially when travelling in a group.

Weather and Climate

Irish weather is typically unpredictable year-round so be prepared for any conditions and you will be pleasantly surprised. At the start and towards the end of the season the conditions may be wet and windy. The saying “'there's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes” has never been truer. Please make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen too to protect your skin against harmful sun rays and make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. Relevant safety information for each walk can be found in the Macs Adventure navigation app.

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 which might be useful if you are planning to take your car from the UK.

From Dublin Airport there is a frequent bus service (line 747) into Dublin city centre. Find out more about the service timetables and ticket prices at DublinBus.

There are multiple carriers that fly between North America and Dublin too, Skyscanner and Rome2Rio are helpful tools when searching for flights or planning your journey.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance to cover cancellation or curtailment of your trip.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Dublin Day 2 Fairy Castle Walk on the Wicklow Way 6 miles / 10 km

Set out on a lovely, easy drive through the gentle countryside to the charming town of Kilkenny. If you are itching to stretch your legs, then you can opt to walk to the cairn atop Fairy Castle in the Dublin mountains, following the Wicklow Way; a lovely national trail with panoramic views over Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Hills from the Three Stones.

Back behind the wheel, the 6th century the Monastic City of Glendalough in the Wicklow mountains is a fascinating stop en route to Kilkenny. As well as being Ireland’s smallest, Kilkenny is also known as the ‘Marble City’ thanks to its black polished limestone (‘marble’) that was quarried there. Wander the beautifully-preserved old streets and soak up the medieval culture—the city dates back more than 1,500 years.

Fairy Castle Walk: Distance 10km | Ascent/Descent +331m/-325m

Overnight Kilkenny

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Zuni Hotel | Hotel

Zuni Hotel Kilkenny is located in the heart of 400-year-old Kilkennys Medieval City centre. Each boutique room is stylish and elegant with en-suite facilities and all the amenities you require for a comfortable overnight stay. The hotel has award-winning gourmet cuisine, a tapas bar, and a deli-café. Fine dining is offered in the strikingly decorated restaurant, serving modern Irish cuisine made from the finest local ingredients. The chic bar has comfortable leather sofas and provides a tapas menu and a wide range of drinks.

Zuni Townhouse | Bed and breakfast

Bed and Breakfast Zuni Townhouse in Kilkenny is a B&B with 10 Rooms. Rooms have a TV, wardrobe, desk and tea and coffee facilities. An en suite shower has a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Newpark Hotel | Hotel

The 4-star Newpark Hotel rests on the edge of medieval Kilkenny city, a cultural gem of festivals and historical sites.

Day 3 Rock of Cashel & Blarney Castle

After a delicious Irish breakfast, courtesy of your friendly B&B hosts set off to the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. The Rock dominates the surrounding plains and was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster prior to the Norman invasion. This picturesque complex of medieval architecture boasts a remarkable collection of Celtic art, making it well worth a visit.

Continue your drive southwest and enter County Cork. Perhaps divert via Blarney Castle for a popular ‘rite of passage’ and kiss the Blarney Stone—said to bestow the gift of eloquence! Head to County Kerry and the charming small town of Killarney with its excellent bars and restaurants; it’s a great place from which to explore Killarney National Park and you’ll spend the next three nights here.

Overnight Killarney

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Larkinley Lodge | Bed and breakfast

Toni and Danny look forward to welcoming you to Larkinley Lodge situated just a 2 minute walk from the town centre of Killarney in County Kerry. The B&B has elegant ensuite guestrooms furnished with LCD flat screen TV, crisp linen, power showers, and luxury breakfasts. Guests will also be able to make use of complimentary wifi, and free parking. The B&B also run Killarney Private Tours which is a service provided by the accommodation taking guests on very bespoke tours of the region. Please contact the B&B direct if interested.

Abbey Lodge | Guest House

Abbey Lodge is a family run, newly refurbished B&B located just a 3 minute walk from the town centre.

St Anthony’s Lodge | Bed and breakfast

St Anthony's Lodge Killarney B&B is a charming, family run accommodation which offers true Irish Hospitality in Killarney. It is a modern detached house with four en-suite rooms all offering digital TV (with multi tv and radio channels) tea/coffee hospitality tray and hair drying facilities.

Day 4 Drive the Ring of Kerry Day 5 Choice of walks or visit the Skellig Islands 7 miles / 11 km

You’re spoilt for choice today with two suggested walks or the option to take a boat trip to the Skellig Islands.

The jewel in the crown of Killarney National Park is Muckross House and Gardens, a magnificent Victorian mansion with a serene lake and Torc waterfall. Perhaps take an optional 6-mile walk around this delightful area. ‘Jaunting cars’ (horse-drawn carriages) also run here from Killarney.

If you’d prefer to stretch your legs somewhere a little more remote, then opt to walk a section of the Kerry Way on the ‘Windy Gap’ hike, starting and ending at pretty Glenbeigh. The path offers wonderful views over Dingle Bay and the Caragh Valley and Lough, framed by Ireland’s highest peak; 3406ft Carantoohil.

Alternatively, depart early and drive 75km/1h15 to Portmagee, from where you can take an optional boat trip to the Skellig Islands (payable locally, seasonal, and weather-dependent). Established in the 6th century, the monastery on Skellig Michael was inhabited for around 600 years, and you’ll climb the 600 steep steps to reach it! The Skelligs and surrounding waters are home to Europe’s largest gannet colony, puffins, seals, and whales - this is a remarkable place.

Choice of walks
Muckross Lake & Torc Mountain Walk: Distance 20km | Ascent/Descent +549m/-546m
Muckross Lake & Torc Waterfall (shortened version): Distance 13km | Ascent/Descent +132m/-151m
Windy Gap Walk from Glenbeigh: Distance 12km | Ascent/Descent +342m/-365m
Kerry Way Loop Walk in Black Valley: Distance 12km | Ascent/Descent +126m/-126m

Overnight Killarney

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Larkinley Lodge | Bed and breakfast

Abbey Lodge | Guest House

Abbey Lodge is a family run, newly refurbished B&B located just a 3 minute walk from the town centre.

St Anthony’s Lodge | Bed and breakfast

Day 6 The Cliffs of Moher, the Burren & Galway 6 miles / 10 km

You have a long and rewarding day ahead as you bid a fond farewell to County Kerry and make your way towards Limerick and then the coast of County Clare. Reaching the famed Cliffs of Moher you’ll enjoy views across the wild Atlantic Ocean to O’Brien’s Tower. Take time to explore and revel in the superb views along the cliffs to the distant Moher Tower on Hag’s Head. You can now check the Burren Way off your list of national Irish trails to have followed (albeit in part!) as the path by the cliffs follows the original route.

Choice of walks
Cliffs of Moher Loop Walk: Distance 6km | Ascent/Descent +83m/-91m
The Burren Loop Walk: Distance 18km | Ascent/Descent +439m/-439m

Overnight Galway

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The House Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

Following a full refurbishment in June 2014 they have now have 40 beautifully decorated rooms. All rooms are uniquely designed in a contemporary style with bespoke furnishings and bright palates. Each room also has comfortable beds with crisp white sheets, sound proof windows and complimentary WIFI.

Ardilaun Hotel | Hotel

Ideally located amongst spacious private grounds, this luxury 4-star hotel boasts a superb location in the leafy suburb of Taylors Hill, 0.6 miles from Galway city centre. A haven of peace and tranquillity, Ardilaun Hotel features a superb leisure club with a 20-yard pool, spa bath, sauna, steam room and high-tech gym. Furthermore, the Avalon Health and Beauty Salon offers a range of beauty treatments, including relaxing hot stone massages. The bedrooms are all luxuriously furnished and offer a homely atmosphere. Their superb beds and tranquil setting ensure that you have a good night’s sleep and awake refreshed.

Harbour Hotel | Hotel

A warm welcome awaits you at this modern, comfortable, family owned hotel. With a fantastic waterfront location in the heart of Galway, where just a 3-minute stroll from the hotel will take you to Eyre Square and the city centre. With secure parking and easy to find from the city centre this is the ideal stopover in Galway.

Day 7 Connemara & The Aran Islands 6 miles / 10 km

With the freedom of Ireland’s open roads (and footpaths!), the rugged beauty of County Connemara is the backdrop to your adventures today.

If you’re feeling active, then a lovely walk is ‘Máméan’; the Pass of the Birds, which looks onto the Twelve Bens of Connemara and the Inagh Valley. A tiny chapel, altar, and cave-like recess called St Patrick’s Bed are to be found at the pass, and many locals believe that St Patrick did indeed forge this pilgrim’s route.

If you’d prefer to take to the water, then the Aran Islands are located in the heart of Galway Bay. A ferry service (seasonal, weather dependent) operates from Ros a’ Mhíl on the mainland (approx. 35km/42 mins drive from Galway City).

Choice of walks
Máméan Pilgrim Path: Distance 10km | Ascent/Descent +229m/-309m
Inishmore Island Loop Walk: Distance 16km | Ascent/Descent +98m/-107m

Overnight Galway

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The House Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

Harbour Hotel | Hotel

Saltlake Guest House | Guest House

A purpose built guesthouse with exquisite views of Lough Atalia (inlet of Galway Bay). This guest house offers luxurious accommodation within easy reach of Galway City Centre

Day 8 Drive to Dublin via Clonmacnoise & Newgrange

Cross the width of the country as you set off towards Dublin; this is a day filled with historic landmarks.

Your first highlight is the enchanting ancient monastic settlement of Clonmacnoise. Founded on the banks of the River Shannon in the 6th century by St Ciaran, this early Christian site comprises of multiple ruined towers and a cathedral.

A slight detour to Newgrange is certainly worthwhile; incredibly, these megalithic tombs predate Stonehenge, Mycenae and the Pyramids! It’s not long before you’re then back in the modern world and the bustling city of Dublin.

Overnight Dublin

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Temple Bar Inn | Hotel

The Temple Bar Inn is located in the heart of Dublin City, in the busting Temple Bar district. Located a stone’s throw away from all major attractions such as Trinity College, the National Museum of Ireland, Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle. Making this the ideal location for exploring Dublin.

Sandymount Hotel | Hotel

This family-run hotel is located next to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Each stylish room features an en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, modern artwork and designer bed throws. The property has been awarded Eco-Label certification by the Green Hospitality Programme.

Full Irish breakfasts are served at Whitty's Restaurant. For dinner you can enjoy the delicious food at Line Out Bar with a stunning terrace overlooking private gardens.

You can enjoy free access to the hotel's business centre, which includes Wi-Fi and printing facilities.

Harding Hotel | Hotel

The Harding Hotel is ideally located in a central and convenient part of historic Old Dublin. The Harding Hotel boasts 52 well appointed bedrooms. All rooms are equipped with TV, Fridge, Iron & Board, Tea/Coffee making facilities, Telephone, Free Wi-Fi, In-room Safe, and AC Unit.

Day 9 Onward Travel