Compare Wild West and North Tour by Overland Ireland vs A Week In... Ireland 2024 by Tauck

Day 1: Sunday – Dublin to Belfast

Titanic Experience Belfast on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

We begin the first day of your adventure with a visit to the magical stone age passage tomb at Newgrange which is richly decorated by megalithic art. After exploring this Neolithic structure we will travel north to Belfast.

Next up this afternoon is the full Titanic experience at Titanic Belfast. This splendid interactive visitor centre was voted the world’s leading tourist attraction in 2016. Prepare to be moved by the wonderful stories told about the world’s most famous ship.

We will finish the day with an enthralling black cab tour of Belfast. This tour is optional but highly recommended. Alternatively, if you just need to take a breath and chill, you can spend some time exploring the city’s coolest pubs, shops and restaurants.

Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes

The Ultimate Tour of Ireland - Small Groups, Big Experiences on your Overland Ireland Ultimate Small Group Tour

Day 2: Monday – The Giant’s Causeway to Derry

Today will be both a test of mental strength and a celebration for your soul. The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most anticipated features of this tour and it never disappoints. The Causeway Coastal Route is breath-taking and while crossing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge you will feel the exhilaration of the air beneath your feet while the anticipation builds.

Game of Thrones fans will have officially landed in their spiritual home as we take a sneak peak of one of its most famous filming locations, The Dark Hedges.

Our next stop is Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s second largest city, steeped in rich history. Explore the city by night and look forward to a tour of the walled city on day 3.

Total driving time: 3 hours

Carrick-a-Rede Bridge on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

Traditional Music Sessions and Local Craft Beers on your Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 3: Tuesday – Derry to the Hills of Donegal

Londonderry on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

Before leaving Derry, let our friends take you on a walking tour of the city. Understand the struggles of our past and the long road to current peaceful times in the North.

Now it is time to venture into the wild northwest – The hills of Donegal. We continue our exploration of Northern Ireland and embark on a magnificent drive over the Glengesh Pass, on to Maghera Beach and by Assaranca Waterfall.

One of our highlights today will be the stunning views and a walk along one of the highest cliffs in Europe – Slieve League which stands over 600m above the Wild Atlantic Ocean. Our accommodation tonight is in the picturesque village of Ardara, County Donegal.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Comfortable Accommodation on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 4: Wednesday – Westport to Connemara

Today’s road trip will take you through William Butler Yeat’s County – Sligo and down towards Ireland’s favourite town – Westport!

Our time in Westport begins with a wonderful walking tour of the town and a fabulous lunch to set yourself up for an unforgettable journey through Connemara National Park and the famous Famine Trail.

We will arrive at Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara in the afternoon. You will have time to roam the abbey and Victorian Walled Garden on this 1000 acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic Connemara National Park.

Stay in Clifden and discover some great bars, restaurants and nightly music and have a chat with the locals over a pint of the Black Stuff!

This year we have added the option of staying in Ballynahinch Castle!

Total driving time: 4 hours

Experience Westport on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

Your Fully Guided Overland Ireland Small Group Tour Lets You Meet Friendly Locals

Day 5: Thursday – The Aran Islands

Aran Islands on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

After a short drive cross country to Rossaveal Pier on Galway Bay we take the ferry to the Aran Islands. We will land on rugged Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands.

We explore the Island by bicycle or by special request jaunting. Our route will take in the stone fort of Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over the ocean before making our way back to the mainland. While you are there you might pick up a few words of “Gaelic” from the locals and maybe get an original Aran Sweater!

Our departure from Rossaveal is the start of our Galway adventure. We will hug the coastline into bustling bohemian Galway. Expect a great atmosphere, entertaining street performers and plenty of craic in this much celebrated town.

Total driving time: 2 hours

Its Your Holiday, Do It Your Way - Your Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 6: Friday – Galway to Dublin

Galway is a city that has its Medieval history at its very heart.

Now that you have a “feel” for Galway, our guide will take you down the narrow medieval streets where you can duck in and out of brightly coloured shops.

Try on Claddagh Rings, Galway shawls and pass through The Spanish Arch to take in the famous Claddagh fishing village.

Transportation is provided with the GoBus, a direct bus from Galway to Dublin city centre or Dublin Airport in case you need to catch a flight home.

Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Day 1 Arrive Shannon

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Dromoland Castle. A transfer is included from Shannon Airport to Dromoland Castle, your royal home for two nights. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner in the castle. Please note: Airline schedules and arrival airport details may fluctuate; ask at time of booking.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Dromoland Castle

PORTOFCALL : Shannon, Ireland

Day 2 Spirits Soar at the Cliffs of Moher

Make your way today through The Burren, an eerie landscape of limestone outcrops, en route to the Cliffs of Moher. Over five miles long and towering up to 660 feet, the cliffs reign unrivaled over the Atlantic Ocean coastline, offering amazing views. Sample a taste of country life during lunch in Ennis; return to Dromoland Castle for a day spent as you please.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Dromoland Castle

PORTOFCALL : Liscannor Ireland

Day 3 Blarney Castle & a Concert in Cork

Your travels take you to County Cork today for a two-night stay in an elegant manor house hotel and an in-depth discovery of all things Irish – including a visit to legendary Blarney Castle; get ready to pucker up for the "gift of gab" if you climb its ramparts to kiss the magical stone. After time to explore Blarney's castle and village and enjoy lunch on your own, continue on to Cork and the Hayfield Manor Hotel, your stately home for the next two nights. This evening, you're invited to a private recital at St. Fin Barre's Cathedral before returning for dinner at your hotel.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Hayfield Manor Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Blarney Ireland

Day 4 Seaside Kinsale & Cork as your Please

This morning, head out from your manor house accommodations to coastal Kinsale, where you'll visit historic Charles Fort, one of the finest examples of a 17th-century fortification in Ireland; spend some time exploring and have lunch on your own in this lovely harborside village. Return to Cork for an afternoon spent exploring the city as you wish. Dinner tonight is à la carte at your leisure at one of the hotel's fine restaurants.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Hayfield Manor Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Kinsale, Ireland

Day 5 Cook Up Some Fun & Irish Fare

Today you are in for a tasty treat! This morning, drive to Ballyknocken for a stop at the Ballyknocken Cookery School. Nestled between lush herb, vegetable and fruit gardens, Ballyknocken House and Cookery School is the fulfilled dream of Wicklow native and Irish celebrity chef, Catherine Fulvio. Discover an infectious passion for good food (using fresh & quality ingredients) and develop new skills during a culinary experience with one of the school's tutors. Drive to your hotel in Dublin and get ready for an Irish evening experience tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

PORTOFCALL : Dublin, Ireland

Day 6 A Day of Dublin Delights

Experience an in-depth introduction to Dublin on a sightseeing tour that includes lively O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and beautiful parks. This afternoon, take some time to enjoy the city as you wish, perhaps wandering along eclectic Grafton Street, strolling along the River Liffey, exploring St. Stephen's Green (on which your hotel is situated), or experiencing the grandeur of Merrion Square; laid back and laden with charm, Dublin is small, compact and made for walking. Have dinner on your own tonight; Dublin restaurants – of which there are many to choose from close to your hotel – and Irish cuisine have earned high marks on the European culinary scene.

MEALS : B

LODGING : The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

PORTOFCALL : Dublin, Ireland

Day 7 A Look at 10th-Century Glendalough

Extend your Ireland travel outside Dublin into the hills of Wicklow to the monastic settlement of Glendalough, founded in the 6th century, via Tauck's scenic Yellow Roads. Most of the ruins and sites date from the 10th century and are remarkably preserved; see some of the most significant ones on a guided tour. Return to Dublin midday for more time to explore this legendary city at your leisure. Please join us tonight for a farewell reception followed by dinner at your stately hotel on St. Stephen's Green; your Irish eyes will be smiling as you celebrate the new friendships you've made and the fun you've had on the Emerald Isle!

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

PORTOFCALL : Dublin, Ireland

Day 8 Journey home

Tour ends: Dublin. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection to Dublin Airport; allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Dublin, Ireland