Authentic Ireland Safari,11-Day Budget Tour from €1,030

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Point 1: Belfast to Inishowen Peninsula

We set out to explore the Antrim coastline, stopping to view Ess-na-Larach Waterfall in Glenariff Forest Park. Test your head for heights on Carrrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, before walking along the Causeway Coast to the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After crossing over Lough Foyle, we spend the night on the spectacular Inishowen Peninsula.

Point 2: Inishowen Peninsula to Donegal

We begin our day by exploring Inishowen – a rugged corner of Ireland offering great opportunities for cycling and walking. Alternatively, opt to take a horse ride along the beach! We arrive in Derry (Londonderry) for lunch, and explore the city with a tour of the historic city walls and Bogside area. We complete our day with a drive through spectacular scenery, to our accommodation in Donegal, stopping at Grianan of Aileach Fort.

Point 3: Donegal to Sligo

A visit to Glenveagh National Park and Castle offers great walking and cycling routes by the lake. We visit the weaving village of Ardara, before walking or cycling Mullaghmore Headland. In the afternoon, climb up Knocknaree Mountain to the mythical burial place of legendary queen Maeve. If this doesn’t appeal to you, why not opt to catch Atlantic waves on a surfing excursion, or relax as you sink into a homeopathic seaweed bath.

Point 4: Sligo to Connemara

We begin our day with an exploration of The National Museum of Country Life, followed by a visit to the beautiful heritage town of Westport. After lunch, walk or cycle the stunningly desolate Doolough Valley, into Connemara, where we will end our day with a visit to the Gothic fantasy of Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. Tonight, we sleep in atmospheric Connemara.

Point 5: Connemara to The Aran Islands

Morning brings a leisurely walk alongside Killary Fjord, or you can opt to kayak in its pristine waters. The afternoon takes us through the middle of Connemara, with an option to cycle the stunning Inagh Valley, before we take to the waves and sail across Galway Bay, where Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, awaits us. This night sees us heading out to mingle with the locals, enjoying some hearty fare, creamy pints and traditional tunes!

Point 6: Aran Islands to Galway

The best way to experience the arid stone landscape of Inis Mór is by foot or bike, along the island's stone-clad trails. We visit Europe’s most impressive promontory fort, Dun Angus, an ancient structure perched perilously on an awe-inspiring, 100-foot cliff edge. In the afternoon, we sail back across Galway Bay, where you’ll have the evening to explore the vibrant medieval city of Galway, with its historic buildings, lively street entertainers and colourful pubs.

Point 7: Galway to Ennis

We depart Galway City at 9am, with a scenic drive along Galway Bay, into the moon-like landscape of the Burren, stopping at Kinvara’s farmer’s market. Cycle the Black Head Coastal Route or walk along the Burren Way. There is an optional ‘pub-grub’ lunch in musical Doolin, before we head up to the Cliffs of Moher for a stroll along Ireland’s most spectacular cliffs. The night is spent in medieval Ennis, with an optional excursion to a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle.

Point 8: Ennis to Dingle

Visit the pretty, thatched cottages of Adare and learn about Irish history at the Kerry Kingdom History Museum, before arriving in Dingle, where keen cyclists can tackle the Conor Pass. In the afternoon, stunning walks and cycles take us out to the most westerly point in Europe, followed by an optional evening boat trip to spot the famed dolphin Fungie. Tonight, we stay on the Dingle Peninsula, where you’ll find traditional music in the curious 'hidden pubs’.

Point 9: Dingle to Ring-of-Kerry

An action-packed day in Killarney National Park begins with a walk or cycle along the shores of Muckross Lake, to Torc Waterfall. Alternatively, take an optional visit into 19th century Muckross House, or opt to experience the magical lakes by kayak. After a scrumptious picnic lunch, we join our open boats to cross the magical lakes over to Lord Brandon’s Cottage. In the afternoon, walk through the stunning Gap of Dunloe. We end the day with a scenic drive to our accommodation on the Ring of Kerry.. 

Point 10: Ring-of-Kerry to West Cork

Explore the Ring of Kerry, with a walk along the old Mass Path to Derrynane beach. A scenic drive takes us to the heritage town of Kenmare for lunch. Later, we learn about and sample Irish cheese making traditions, before heading out onto Sheep’s Head for tranquil walks and bike-rides. In the evening, you can opt to join us on a starlight kayaking trip, where, if we’re lucky, we may experience the beauty of bio-luminescence as the waters glow with a thousand tiny lights!

Point 11: West Cork to Cork City

Walk or cycle romantic, rural Ireland through many colourful towns and villages to the picture-perfect town of Kinsale. Known as the gourmet capital of Ireland, you can explore the pretty town and enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading up to visit the magnificent Charles Fort. We end the day in vibrant Cork City, known as “the Venice of Ireland”.  You can opt for an evening paddling tour of the city from the River Lee.

We Include ~ No Hidden Extras!

• 11-day budget adventure tour, with an experienced tour leader
• 10 nights' hostel accommodation in shared room
• All entrance fees for guided visits, as outlined in the itinerary
• Bike hire, with fully equipped bicycle, helmet and accessories
• Stunning walks each day, with route notes & maps
• Exhilarating bike-rides each day, with route notes & maps
• Picnic lunch in Killarney National Park
• Breakfast each day
• All our buses are fitted with drinking water tanks to refill your water bottles, as well as a fruit basket and cookie jar to refuel along the way!
• All ferries, tolls and taxes
• Heaps of fun along the way!

Included Activities & Excursions ~

• Visit Ess-na-Larach Waterfall in Glenariff Forest Park
• Visit to Carrig-a-Rede Rope Bridge
• Walk Causeway Coastal Path
• Visit Giant's Causeway (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Visit Mussenden Temple
• Ferry across Lough Foyle to Inishowen Peninsula
• Cycle or walk Malin Head
• Guided walking tour of Derry City walls & Bogside
• Visit Grianan of Aileach Fort
• Visit Glenveagh Castle
• Walk or cycle in Glenveagh National Park
• Visit weaving mills in Ardara
• Cycle or walk Mullaghmore Headland
• Hike up Knocknaree Mountain
• Visit the National Museum of Country Life
• Kylemore Abbey visit
• Walk or cycle Doo Lough Valley
• Walk Killary Fjord
• Cycle Lough Inagh Valley
• Return boat to Aran Islands
• Dun Aengus Fort visit
• Walk or cycle Inis Mor, Aran Island
• Cycle Black Head Coastal Route or walk the Burren Way
• Walk or cycle Salthill Promenade, Galway
• Visit Kinvara Farmers Market
• Visit the Cliffs of Moher and entrance into the Atlantic Edge Exhibition Centre
• Slea Head walk or cycle
• Open boat ride across Killarney Lakes to the Gap of Dunloe
• Visit Torc Waterfall
• Walk or cycle Muckross Lake, Killarney National Park
• Walk the Gap of Dunloe
• Ring of Kerry
• Valentia Island
• Mass path walk in Derrynane Park
• Kenmare heritage town
• Irish Farmhouse Cheese tasting
• Walk or cycle on Sheep's Head Peninsula
• Walk or cycle the back roads of west Cork
• Visit 17th Century Charles Fort Kinsale

We Don't Include ~ Giving You The Choice!

• Optional* activities, as outlined below
• Lunch & dinner, as outlined in the itinerary
• Transport to tour meeting point
• Any additionally requested pre- or post-tour services
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Optional Activities & Excursions ~

• Horse ride in Inishowen = €45
• Surfing in Strandhill €45
• 3-hour kayak in Killary Fjord, with a kayaking supplier = €50
• 3-hour kayaking tour of Killarney Lakes = €50
• Medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle, including dinner, wine and entertainment = €60
• Dolphin boat trip, Dingle = €16
• Starlight kayaking in west Cork = €50

Frequently Asked Questions

This tour is available on the following dates:

All of our tours are subject to a minimum amount of bookings - if you can see a green tick to show the tour is guaranteed to run, this means we have already met the minimum amount of bookings required.