Ireland 9-Day Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Dublin - Aran Islands

Welcome to Ireland! Meet the group in Dublin on the morning of June 9th. Drive west from Dublin across the rolling green Ireland countryside to the west coast and the limestone topography of the Burren region of Ireland. Stop at Poulnabrone Dolmen, an ancient portal tomb used between 4200 BC to 2900 BC and iconic archaeological monument. Next stop in the village of Kinvara for lunch. After lunch take a tour of the 16th century Dunguaire Castle with it's 75 foot tower and defensive wall.

Continue to Galway and explore the largest city on the western coast overlooking the Galway Bay. Later in the afternoon take the ferry to Inis Oirr. Head to The Mermaids Garden B&B on the island with views overlooking the ocean. Welcome dinner included with pints of Guinness. After dinner relax or explore a castle, shipwreck, Bronze Age tomb, or roam the beaches of the mysterious island of Inis Oirr.

Meals Included: Dinner and Guinness!

Day 2: aran Islands

Wake up with an Irish Breakfast. Take a short ferry ride over to Inis Mor, the biggest of the three Aran Islands. Go on a pilgrimage with a local guide to different archaeological and sacred spots on the island such as Dun Aonghasa, Temple Ciaron, Dun Eochaill, and more Walk out to the cliffs over looking the ocean and maybe see cliff divers at the Worm Hole. Have lunch on the cliffs.

Later head back to the lively village of Kilronan and spend the afternoon. Bike rentals are available (not included) and are a great way to see even more of the island. Pedal the coast past stone walls, ancient ruins, cliffs, and lighthouses or maybe visit the rabbit village. Meet later in the afternoon for a pint, appetizers and to listen to traditional Irish music at Joe Watty's Bar & Restaurant, rated one of the 10 best places for Trad Music in Ireland. Take the ferry back to Inis Oirr that evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Aran Islands

After breakfast head out for the day on a Wild Atlantic Adventure sailing and island excursion aboard a traditional Galway Hooker. Wild Atlantic Adventure is owned and operated by the Ni Chualain family who have been sailing these traditional boats for generations. To read more about the family their history check out Topher’s blog he wrote when he first met the Ni Chualain family. Explore the Connemara Islands right off the coast by boat and learn about the fascinating history and culture of coastal life. Have fun and learn from the crew and take the rudder if you like.

*Wild Atlantic Adventure exploring Connemara*

After lunch get off the boat and explore the Connemara islands off the coast with one of the members of the Ni Chualain family who will tell stories about the history of the region and the connection between the land and the people who have lived there for generations. See ancient ruins that offer a glimpse into their lives. Later head back to Inis Oirr for dinner and relaxation. Enjoy your last night on the island.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Aran Islands - Dingle

Wake up, have breakfast and say goodbye to Inis Oirr and our hosts on the Aran Islands. Take the ferry back to the mainland and drive down the coast to the Cliffs of Moher. Go on a walking tour and explore these incredible and iconic cliffs on the edge of Ireland.

Continue south down the coast and stop in the town of Listowel for lunch, then take a 1 hour tour of Listowel Castle, constructed in the 15th century. Continue on to Dingle over Conor Pass, the highest mountain pass in Ireland. Spend the night in the lively town of Dingle. Get out there for some fun.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Dingle

After breakfast get ready to hit the road and spend the first half of the day on a driving tour of Slea Head Drive on winding roads through small villages and ocean views. We'll make stops along the way at old forts and ancient ruins such as; Dunbeg Promontory Fort, Beehive Hut and Fort, Slea Head Beach, Dunquin Harbour, Coumeenoole Beach, and Gallarus Oratory.

Spend the second half of the day exploring Dingle. This is a perfect chance to explore the town and check out the local culture. Take a tour of the Dingle Distillery or grab a pint at one of the a local pubs and listen to the live music. There's an endless list of things to do in this scenic port town overlooking the Dingle Harbour.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6: Dingle - Portmagee

Spend part of the morning in Dingle and get on the road before noon. Stop and see at the ruins of Minard Castle overlooking the ocean. Next we'll stop at Inch Beach for lunch then take some time to walk the coastline before getting back on the road.

After we'll drive onto the scenic Ring of Kerry. Take in the views. We'll make stops along the way at different ruins - the Glenbeigh Towers Castle, Ballycarbery Castle, Cahergall Stone Fort, and Leacanabuaile Stone Fort. Arrive in the coastal town of Portmagee in the late afternoon. Check into our B&B, get dinner in downtown Portmagee, then spend the evening enjoying the pub scene.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Portmagee - Kenmare

After breakfast board the ferry to the incredible island of Skellig Michael in downtown Portmagee. This lonely island on the Atlantic was once home to monks who lived here during the 16th century. Get off the ferry and hike the stairs up to these ancient ruins. See the beehive huts they lived in, the historic graveyard, and the temples they constructed when the used to occupy the island. Star Wars Fans might recognize this as Jedi Temple from the Last Jedi and the Force Awakens.

After the half day adventure to Skellig Michael we'll continue driving on the second half of the Ring of Kerry along the coast of Kenmare Bay to the colorful town of Kenmare. Stop at Staigue Stone Fort along the way and enjoy views on the scenic drive. Spend the evening in Kenmare, get dinner and enjoy the lively pub scene.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Kenmare - Killarney

Leave Kenmare in the morning and drive north to into Killarney National Park for some hiking and exploring the park. Photo stop on the way into the park and then stop at Muckross House Gardens & Traditional Farm where we'll get out and start a hike along Muckross Lake to Torc Waterfall, and then up Torc Mountain. The hike is optional. It is moderate to hard and has a section of stairs called Cardiac Hill. Grab lunch and a snack before we leave, the hike will take about 3.5 hours round trip.

After the hike head to the hotel in the town of Killarney and get cleaned up. Enjoy the evening walking the streets of the town that was voted tidiest in Ireland in 2011. There are a lot of great pubs in Killarney with good food, whiskey, and live music. Have fun with everyone in the group out on the last night of the adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9: Killarney - Dublin

Wake up and enjoy the last Irish Breakfast. Hit the road and drive to Dublin for a Ballad Tour with stories and and tales of Dublin's history and folklore with the legend and rebel Sean Fitzgerald. In our mind there’s no better way to end the trip!