Name: Wild Atlantic Way 7 days (Galway, Killarney & Dingle)
Location: Galway, Killarney & Dingle

Essential Ireland Tours & Travel Ltd.

46 reviews

Duration: 7 days

Group size: 2 - 18

Wild Atlantic Way 7 days (Galway, Killarney & Dingle)

Galway, Killarney & Dingle

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Essential Ireland Tours & Travel Ltd.

46 reviews

Duration: 7 days

Group size: 2 - 18

Join us for an action-packed week touring the beautiful West Coast of Ireland. You’ll enjoy the benefits of a true small group experience with an expert local guide, 16 people max led by Stephen McPhilemy or one of our team of 100% Irish and experienced guides.

This is the ideal tour to experience the Wild Atlantic Way.

You’ll stay in the charming and lively towns of Killarney, Dingle and Galway.

Enjoy music-filled pubs, meet the locals (and our Irish Wolfhounds!), sing our songs and learn the lively history of our proud land.

This is a fun, relaxed and VIP-style tour full of authentic Irish experiences.

The small group-size ensures wonderful personalised service.

All accommodation
Fine Irish hotels & guesthouses
All activities
No hidden extras, everything we do and visit is included in your tour price
All breakfasts
hearty Irish breakfasts each day
1 dinner
home-made meal, glass of wine included
prosseco toast
a prosecco toast at a scenic spot on the West Coast
whiskey tasting
an enjoyable whiskey tasting
The Guinness Storehouse
We include a visit to Ireland's #1 attraction
Welcome reception
A complimentary 'Dingle Gin cocktail' (or soft drink) as a 'weleome to Dingle'

Per person, sharing twin/double room

Deposit:€350

Per person, sharing twin/double room with a tour-guest you are travelling with.

€2,299

Deposit:€350

Solo traveller (one person in bedroom)

Deposit:€350

A private bedroom all to yourself. Solo traveller or travelling with friends or family and prefer to not share a bedroom, no worries.

(The single supplement fee is approximately €400 more than the regular 'twin/double-sharing price, due to the fact that in most hotels a single-occupancy room for 1 guest is the same price as a double/twin rooms for 2 guests)

€2,799

Deposit:€350

Day 1
Day 1
Dublin to Galway, from East to the West Coast
[9AM] Meet at the Leonardo Hotel opposite Christchurch Cathedral at 9am for departure.

First stop will be the epic Guinness storehouse.
We'll enjoy a tour of Ireland's most visited attraction. Our early visit helps to avoid the big crowds and is an efficient use of your valuable time.

Then its onwards for Galway via Clonmacnoise.
Well take a leisurely drive across the midlands of Ireland to the bogland of County Offaly.
Clonmacnoise is the ancient monastic city perched on the banks of the epic River Shannon.
Our Founder and Chief-Guide, Stephen, was a judge in the ‘Best Place in Ireland to Holiday’ competition for the National newspaper, the Irish Times, and recently lamented that travel in Ireland was a like a donut, all sweet around the outside with nothing in the middle.
We'll prove that theory wrong today.

Your 'Essential Ireland' guide will lead a concise and informative guided tour of the historic site (around 30-45 minutes) and afterwards ensure you have ample free time to explore the Celtic crosses and Round Towers and see where Pope John Paul II said Mass here in 1979.

Early evening: Arrive in lively Galway, checkin to hotel and later go for a nice stroll through the old town to hear the history and see sights.
Your 'Essential Ireland' Guide will suggest a pre-dinner meet-up in one of the funky and fun pubs in the latin-quarter.
Free for dinner. Great Irish music on offer.

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Day 2
Day 2
Galway to Killarney via The cliffs of Moher (& Shannon Ferry)
Depart Galway after a leisurely Breakfast

En route to the majestic Cliffs of Moher we'll enjoy a scenic drive through the Burren.
(advisable to pick up a sandwich in Galway to eat for lunch, the 2 cafes at the Cliffs of Moher are often very busy and lining up for lunch there is not an efficient use of your time)

Enjoy the majestic Cliffs of Moher with time to hike and explore one of Irelands most famous natural attractions.

We'll cross the River Shannon by Ferry (30 minutes scenic crossing) and enter the Kingdom of Kerry.

Arrive in lively and charming Killarney.
A fun-filled evening of Irish music lies ahead. We have some great recommendations!
Free for dinner
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Day 3
Day 3
National Park, 'Mini Ring of Kerry' tour & Killarney free time
After a delicious breakfast and a leisurely morning, we’ll enjoy one of our trademark ‘Mini Ring of Kerry’ Tours.
Visit picturesque Kenmare, famous for it cute shops and colourful streets, maybe you'll take time to go and see it’s ancient stone circle, built by our ancient pre-Celtic ancestors and possibly used as a ceremonial sites by our Celtic Druids.
A place of strong spiritual energy.

Enjoy a photostop up at Molls gap and Ladies View on the Ring of Kerry and take in the breathtaking scenery, a real highlight.
Visit Torc Waterfall, we highly recommend the short hike through the native woodland and up to the falls in the middle of the forest, 15 minutes max walk and suitable for all walking abilities.

Then we'll visit Muckross House and Gardens. Plenty of time for a stroll though the gardens of Muckross House. You’ll enjoy free time in the lakeside lawns before and have time to tour the beautiful stately home.
[Late afternoon] Back in bustling Killarney with the evening free to to dine, dance, sing, shop or relax!

A recommendation for your free time: Consider a relaxing ‘Jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park, the local traditional horse & carriage experience for 150 years. The Jarveys, usually cabn only accept cash payment, and this is an optional activity not an official tour-activity, so any guests who wish to enjoy it simply pay themselves.

Free for dinner.
Excellent Irish music options.
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Day 4
Day 4
Killarney to Dingle peninsula & 'Slea Head Drive'
After a lovely breakfast we will take the 1 hour scenic drive to magical Dingle, one of Ireland's best loved fishing-villages and the epicentre of Irish traditional music.

On arrival we'll enjoy a short orientation drive around the streets of Dingle, our favourite Irish village. (population 1,671)

We'll visit the Dingle Crystal workshop and observe the Master Sean Daly at work (the former Master-cutter at Waterford Crystal), this family business has provided the crystal bowl of shamrock to the US President at the White House on St. Patricks Day for several years. At 'Essential Ireland' we're proud to support local small-businesses and traditional craft producers.

Free time in Dingle to find a nice lunch-spot and to enjoy the bustling streets and colourful shops. ‍Maybe enjoy an artisan coffee or maybe a Murphys Ice-Cream.

After lunch we'll depart on our scenic scenic drive around the Dingle peninsula.
Hold some baby lambs at the family farm of our friend, Aidan O'Houilihan, maybe even bottle-feed the wee rascals!
Checkout the amazing archaeology including original 'Beehive Huts' built by the early Christian monks.

The ocean views and scenery here are simply unreal. We'll provide a complimentary glass of Prosecco at a nearby beauty spot.

A big highlight of the afternoon is our included visit to the Blasket Islands Interpretive centre to learn of the Gaelic heritage of the local people.

We'll explore the 12th century ruins of Kilmalkeadar Church. View the ancient form of Celtic writing called 'Ogham' on the historic standing stones.

Then we'll checkin to our Dingle Hotel, our beloved Milltown House, right on Dingle Harbour, our historic landmark property is the former home of Hollywood star, Robert Mitchum and your Irish home-from-home for the next 3 nights, offering some incredible Irish experiences.
Our friendly team will offer a real VIP welcome.
We'll have our own private and cosy bar to enjoy, along with the resident Irish Wolfhounds.
Check in here is always a special event, with a remarkable warm hospitality that ‘Essential Ireland’ and all our team are renowned for.

Evening free for dinner and/or the pub-music, many fine choices on offer in Dingle

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Day 5
Day 5
Dingle in-depth, explore our favourite village & Falconry Experience
Today is a lovely bus-free day.

After a blissful breakfast in the waterfront conservatory at Milltown House, we'll enjoy a 'Welcome to Dingle' walking tour, exploring all areas of cultural and historical significance and also meeting the local characters. ‍
Note: It's very important for us to introduce our Tour-Guests to one of the most important hidden gems in Dingle, the 'Harry Clarke Windows'. Masterpieces of stained glass in a formerly private Church. We'll go inside and gaze in awe.

We'll end our walking tour by buying everyone a drink in the wonderful Dick Macks pub, the best pub in Dingle therefore the world!
Most days, our friend Aron the Belt Maker, is in the bar turning strips of leather into attractive and reasonably priced belts. If he's there, we'll introduce you. Always fun to watch a craftsman in action.

Free for lunch.

[3pm] Dingle Falconry Experience! Hold and fly majestic Birds of Prey in this once in a lifetime experience. ‘Essential Ireland Tours’ has our very own Falconry School and we offer our Tour Guests a unique opportunity to experience the ancient Irish art of Falconry, which came to prominence in 12th Century Ireland with ancient Norman clans like the Fitzgeralds and Fitzmaurices.
We have our very own School of Falconry with 50 birds of prey and a Master Falconer and 2 other full-time falconers who will introduce you to a wide range of Birds of Prey as you slip on a long leather glove (very medieval!) and hold and fly Hawks, Falcons, Owls and Orla (our majestic Golden Eagle). All on the beautiful backdrop of Dingle Harbour, a great photo opportunity but an even greater travel experience…

[5pm] Complimentary Dingle Gin & Tonic cocktails in our very own ‘Robert Mitchum Bar & library’.

Free for dinner.
Some wonderful music options ahead.

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Day 6
Day 6
Dingle free day - evening meal & entertainment
Today is your 'holiday from your holiday.
Our tour-activities are in the evening.

Enjoy a delicious home-cooked and leisurely Irish breakfast.

[Free day in Dingle to enjoy a host of possible activities, or just relax and update your travel journal before our fun evening ahead.
Some guests enjoy a tour of the Dingle whiskey distillery or weather-permitting a Dingle Sea Safari. And some just prefer a day of shopping, snacking and trying out a few more of Dingle's 56 pubs!

Pre-dinner: We offer a complimentary Irish whiskey tasting with our resident expert.

This evening's activities are always a highlight for our Tour-Guests.
We'll provide a home-made meal of tasty Irish stew and fresh salads, we'll even provide the wine!
Afterwards we'll experience an enjoyable evening of traditional Irish music and entertainment. A wonderful 'farewell to Dingle'.

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Day 7
Day 7
Dingle to Dublin (via Adare & the majestic Rock of Cashel)
The Rock of Cashel and the golden Vale of Tipperary

Depart after a fine and early breakfast on Dingle Bay.

We'll take a break en route in beautiful Adare, Ryder Cup host 2027 and National winner of the Tidy Towns contest. Time to enjoy the picturesque thatched cottages and Norman history that this lovely Limerick village is famous for.

Onwards to Tipperary!

We'll enjoy a guided tour of the Rock of Cashel, following in the footsteps of St. Patrick himself. The Rock is where St. Patrick himself once preached and is one of Ireland's most glorious archeological sites.
Stunning vistas, rich history and deeply inspiring.

Depart for the Capital City.
[3pm approx] Arrive back in Dublins fair city, where we will say our goodbyes and drop you back to the exact same spot that we departed from.

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat / may the road rise to meet you.

* we can only drop off at the point that we departed from in central Dublin (for 2025 this is the Leonardo Hotel at Christchurch Cathedral). Due to understandably strict driver-hour legislation, under no circumstances can we drop tour-guests off anywhere else in Dublin city-centre and/or Dublin Airport hotels and/or Dublin airport. Occasionally a few tour-guests still ask if we can drop them off somewhere other than the designated drop-off point, but the answer will always have to be a polite 'no'. Taxis are easy to hire from the drop-off point.
Many thanks for your understanding. :)
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Day 1

Dublin to Galway, from East to the West Coast

[9AM] Meet at the Leonardo Hotel opposite Christchurch Cathedral at 9am for departure.

First stop will be the epic Guinness storehouse.

We'll enjoy a tour of Ireland's most visited attraction. Our early visit helps to avoid the big crowds and is an efficient use of your valuable time.

Then its onwards for Galway via Clonmacnoise.

Well take a leisurely drive across the midlands of Ireland to the bogland of County Offaly.

Clonmacnoise is the ancient monastic city perched on the banks of the epic River Shannon.

Our Founder and Chief-Guide, Stephen, was a judge in the ‘Best Place in Ireland to Holiday’ competition for the National newspaper, the Irish Times, and recently lamented that travel in Ireland was a like a donut, all sweet around the outside with nothing in the middle.

We'll prove that theory wrong today.

Your 'Essential Ireland' guide will lead a concise and informative guided tour of the historic site (around 30-45 minutes) and afterwards ensure you have ample free time to explore the Celtic crosses and Round Towers and see where Pope John Paul II said Mass here in 1979.

Early evening: Arrive in lively Galway, checkin to hotel and later go for a nice stroll through the old town to hear the history and see sights.

Your 'Essential Ireland' Guide will suggest a pre-dinner meet-up in one of the funky and fun pubs in the latin-quarter.

Free for dinner. Great Irish music on offer.

My daughter and I had a wonderful trip and our guide Stephen was so knowledgeable on the history and culture. Stephen answered all our questions about history and Ireland. The sites and museums were interesting and we never felt rushed. Everything just flowed at an enjoyable pace. The accommodation was clean and lovely and food was available nearby giving us a hassle free trip. I recommend this company because they are honourable and deliver exactly what you hope for in a holiday. We hope to use Essential Ireland for future trips and recommend them without hesitation. Communication was clear and fantastic.

By Rhonda C for 'True North' - Northern Ireland & Donegal, 5 days/4 nights on Nov 14, 2024

Essential Ireland Tours, Wild Atlantic Way 7 days (Galway, Dingle and Killarney) was fantastic. I was very appreciative of the no minimum traveler limit as a solo traveler, and the small group tour maximum limit. Our "group" was small and quaint to say the least, which made the trip feel customized to our travel styles. I loved all the historical knowledge Christopher has (if I didn't know better, I would think he was a history teacher, which I later found out he is!), making the history engaging. I loved the ample downtime to explore the towns on our own, with time to explore, dine and shop, or go on amazing excursions on our own. The accommodations were perfectly quaint, clean and comfortable, with wonderful breakfasts each morning. I do not feel there was anything lacking from this 7 day introduction to Ireland and would definitely be interested in looking into other Essential Ireland Tours in the future. I was very satisfied

By Amie R for Wild Atlantic Way 7 days (Galway, Dingle & Killarney) on Nov 11, 2024

We had a fabulous time, saw so much in a whirlwind week! Our guide Chris was great ,he is very knowledgeable about Irish history and explains the sights on the tour well! At the same time he has a good sense of humor and had great tips on where to eat and which pubs had good live music. The accommodations were very good especially Milltown House ,very homey and lovely Seamus the resident Wolfhound! 5 stars all around for this tour and company!!! Dingle itself is magical! Can't wait to return.

By Raymond B for Wild Atlantic Way 7 days (Galway, Dingle & Killarney) on Nov 10, 2024

We rated this 4, but we’re being generous. Our tour guide, Chris, is a wonderful person with a kind disposition and hearty laugh. Generally, we think this is a good tour, but our particular week had a number of disruptions and disappointments. Our Guinness tour never happened, and we weren’t told why or in advance, so we could have gone on our own. We went to Ashford Castle when the town of Cong was essentially shut down for the season, so there wasn’t much to do. The biggest issue was we had to move hotels in Dingle due to a scheduling issue, which was a real hassle and killed half of our “free day”. It did not feel like a luxury tour. Ireland is wonderful and the itinerary hit a lot of key attractions. The Milltown House and the experiences there (falconry, Irish dancing) were great, but we only had 2 days there. Finally, the bus was not comfortable. There was only Chris to be driver and tour guide except one day when Stephen joined us. Having two people is referenced in other reviews, and would have been a lot better. Poor Chris had to spend so much time handling luggage, which ended up having to be stored in several rows of seats, which again detracted from the comfort of the ride. We could add several suggestions, and really appreciate the efforts and intentions of the tour team. We suspect this particular week was not up to their usual standards as the other reviews are all so positive.

By Reed S for Castles & Classics - The luxury tour of Ireland on Nov 01, 2024

This is one of the best tours I’ve taken. Stephen is the magic that makes this such a memorable vacation. Loved the Ashford Castle, the Hilltown Hotel in Dingle, Stephen’s staff , and of course the falconry. You also get to meet Seamus. If you go on the Essential Ireland website, you can find out who Seamus is. Great trip Stephen - thank you.

By Bruce B for Castles & Classics - The luxury tour of Ireland on Oct 01, 2024

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Wild Atlantic Way 7 days (Galway, Killarney & Dingle)

Wild Atlantic Way 7 days (Galway, Killarney & Dingle)

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