Compare Irish Highlights: Dublin, Killarney & Galway by Great Value Vacations vs Ireland to Island Tour by Overland Ireland
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 1,328 | $ 1,500 |
| Price Per Day | $ 190 | $ 214 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | NA | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description |
Explore the gems of the Emerald Isle for six nights! You'll start your travels in the capital city of Dublin, where you can explore castles built on Viking settlements, tour the factories of your favorite Irish drinks and even partake in the local nightlife. Included in this package is a pass for the Hop-On/Hop-Off sightseeing tour, which allows you to explore the highlights in a short period of time while also enjoying scenic views of the city aboard a double-decker bus. Next you'll make your way to Killarney, a popular starting point on the tourist driving route, The Ring of Kerry. Your included Ring of Kerry guided tour allows travelers to share in the history, geography, culture, stories and folklore of the enchanting Ring of Kerry. Over the centuries it has been the inspiration of poets and writers because of its magnificent coastal scenery and rugged countryside. Your adventure finishes in Galway, where you'll see the traditional Irish culture run rampant as well as hear Gaelic spoken by the locals. Explore the city or take the scenic route and visit the Aran Islands - the choice is yours! |
Get more from your small group tour with the Ireland to Island experience. Featuring Ireland and two of its most famous islands this tour never disappoints. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site and Puffin sanctuary, Skellig Michael, delve into Ireland’s past by visiting the Rock of Cashel steeped in 1000 years of history and explore the beautiful seaside village of Cobh, the final port of the marvellous Titanic. Explore Killarney National Park and visit the jaw dropping sights of The Cliffs of Moher. Sail across Galway Bay to the spectacular Aran Islands and soak up the atmosphere in the artsy city of Galway. Of course, no trip to Ireland is complete without a trip to one of our famous distillers, so let’s meet the makers of our beloved Jameson! |
Day 1 Welcome to Dublin!
Arrive in Dublin Airport (DUB) and pick up your rental car. Settle in at your hotel then begin exploring with your included Hop On Hop Off Pass. Consider celebrating your first night in Dublin by treating yourself to an authentic Irish meal at a restaurant that offers live music!
Day 2 Dublin
Today, you could explore the historical and spiritual highlights of the city, from the Christ Church Cathedral (also Dublin's oldest building) to the imposing St. Patrick's Cathedral. You could also experience Dublin's drinking culture; pay a visit to the Guinness Storehouse or the Teeling Whiskey Distillery and discover the magic behind brewing your favorite Irish sips and spirits.
Day 3 Dublin - Killarney
Make your way from Dublin to your next accommodation in Killarney. Time willing, explore the nearby Killarney National Park, Ireland's first national park. There you'll find picturesque lakes, polished gardens, exhilarating hiking trails, roaring waterfalls, and even castle ruins just waiting to be discovered. Killarney is known for its singing pubs, so spend your evening mingling with the locals and partaking in some true Irish craic!
Day 4 Killarney
Today, explore the majestic beauty of the spectacular mountain road, the Ring of Kerry, with a guided tour. Over the centuries it has been the inspiration of poets and writers because of its magnificent coastal scenery and rugged countryside. This motorcoach tour allows travelers to share in the history, geography, culture, stories and folklore of the enchanting Ring of Kerry. The tour will take a counter-clockwise path along the banks of the River Laune to Killorglin, via Glenbeigh, Kells, Caherciveen and the southern shores of Dingle Bay. The tour then continues to Waterville and along the coast via Coomakista Pass and Derrynane and on to Sneem. From Sneem you travel up the mountain road to Molls Gap, then via Ladies’ View and back to Killarney.
Day 5 Killarney - Galway
Make your way north to Galway today, an artsy city with an energy that crackles through the air. The streets of Galway are lined with vibrantly painted pubs, eclectic cafes and boutiques selling handmade wares. Galway is known for its oysters, so consider treating yourself to a freshly-caught meal for dinner tonight!
Day 6 Galway
Continue exploring the highlights of the city of Galway, or take the scenic route out to the Aran Islands today. This cluster of three limestone islands is home to a number of Celtic monuments and churches, diverse wildlife and scenic cliffs worth exploring. You'll hear Gaelic spoken by the locals and be exposed to the traditional Irish lifestyle as you explore the local villages and make your way from island to island.
Day 7 Depart Ireland
Make your way to Shannon Airport (SNN) in accordance with your departure flight. Be sure to drop your car off at the rental area before proceeding to check-in.
Day 1: Sunday – Dublin to Cobh, County Cork
The Rock of Cashel on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour
Our Ireland small group tour begins by leaving the capital of Dublin for the South of Ireland with our first destination being Cobh, County Cork – one of the world’s finest natural harbors and the last port of call for the Titanic.
As we journey to County Cork we will stop at the Medieval Rock of Cashel. The Rock dates back 1000 years. You will be treated to a tour of the round tower, chapel, cathedral and castle! Take the first of many jealousy inducing photos of your tour!
Once you have built up a thirst at Cashel we will make our way to the world-famous Midleton Distillery for lunch and a tour. There is so much to taste and learn at this whiskey museum and visitor center. This is the home of the best whiskeys in the world.
Spend the night in Cobh soaking up the beautiful harbor views, colorful houses and great nightlife.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
The Ultimate Tour of Ireland - Small Groups, Big Experiences on your Overland Ireland Ultimate Small Group Tour
Day 2: Monday – Blarney & The Ring of Kerry
Before embarking on our small group tour of Kerry we will tick off a very important item on your bucket list of Ireland. This morning you will kiss the Blarney Stone where you will receive the ”gift of the gab”. While at Blarney we will also have time to stroll around its beautiful grounds and explore the gardens, castle and rock close.
After lunch we will enter the Kingdom of Kerry. Your guide will give you some time to wander the streets, shops and delights of Kenmare. This is your gateway to the Ring of Kerry experience – Ireland’s most scenic and celebrated drive.
Tonight we will stay in Portmagee in anticipation of our trip to Skellig Michael in the morning! Star Wars fans will be very familiar with this as this is where Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) used the powers of the force to pull a perfect of Guinness. It is the only time that Luke Skywalker has ever turned to the “dark side”.
Total driving time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Discover Portmagee
Your Fully Guided Overland Ireland Small Group Tour Lets You Meet Friendly Locals
Day 3: Tuesday – The Skellig Michael Experience
Climb Skellig Michael on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour
It is time to get excited. There are only a very select few places on this planet that can be described as “out of this world” and Skellig Michael is unquestionably one of these. Today we will embark on this hypnotic journey to the islands. You will feel like you have journeyed to a “galaxy far, far away”.
The island is naturally rugged, and the 599 steps will lead you up the 700ft climb to its peak. It is home to one of the world’s most treasured bird sanctuaries where you will see all types of wildlife and fauna in its untouched natural habitat. Your imagination will be captivated by one of the oldest and best-preserved monasteries in Europe. This is a sublime sanctuary, a place of peace and power where the presence of the monks can still be felt.
After you disembark from your epic journey to the past your afternoon is yours to enjoy in Killarney – The capital of Kerry.
Total driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Comfortable Accommodation on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour
Day 4: Wednesday – Killarney to Dingle
Our day begins with an adventurous 2 hour cycle through Killarney National Park. There are numerous trails to choose from so that you can take it at your own pace. Discover Muckross House and gardens, Torc Waterfall and many other beautiful spots along the way. There is always an option to go jaunting around the park if you feel like taking it easy today!
From Killarney we will make a short drive to Inch Beach to stretch our legs and refresh for an afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula.
Tonight we stay in the celebrated, cozy coastal town of Dingle. The evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs, fantastic restaurants and stumble across unforgettable traditional music sessions. This just might be the location for that perfect pint of Guinness.
Total driving time: 3 hours
Cycling Killarney National Park on your Ireland Adventure Tour
Comfortable Transport on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour
Day 5: Thursday – Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
Cliffs of Moher on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour
Today, before we leave the Kingdom of Kerry, we watch a local sheepdog show off his finely-honed skills, during a sheepdog demonstration. Next, we take the ferry to County Clare, home of the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and the natural beauty of the Burren National Park.
From Skellig to the Cliffs, we are spoiled for natural beauty. The cliffs are spectacular and need to be seen in person to be justly appreciated. We will explore the cliffs by foot with the roaring Wild Atlantic providing the perfect backdrop! Your Overland Ireland guide will take you off the beaten track and point some very special locations along the way. There are many secret passages that we will show you that are not on the typical tourist route. Friends at home will definitely be very envious when you share your snaps from this stunning landmark.
We will spend the evening in the most welcoming and colourful fishing village of Doolin, the home-town of traditional Irish music.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Traditional Food and Contemporary Cuisine on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour
Day 6: Friday – The Aran Islands
Jump from Ireland to Island on the Doolin ferry to Inishmore – the largest of the Aran Islands. The magnificent Aran Islands are romantically remote and have inspired many a poet and playwright! Sharpen your pencil before hopping aboard!
We will take our bikes and cycle around the coastline where we will see many ancient sites along the country roads. Jaunting and bus tours are an option for all guests. Landmarks include the medieval Christian ruins of the Seven Churches and Clochán na Carraige. We will visit the famous ring fort of Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over Galway Bay.
Learn a few words of Gaelic from the locals and treat yourself to a feast of seafood before making our way back to Rossaveal Pier in County Galway. From here we will take a short drive to the picturesque market town of Clifden which is nestled between the Twelve Bens mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean.
Total driving time: 1 hour
Cylce The Aran Islands on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour
Day 7: Saturday – Galway to Dublin
Galway on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour
Your final day on the Ireland to Island tour will not disappoint. Today you will travel through Connemara National Park on route to Ireland’s capital of culture – Galway City. Before you lose yourself on the bustling streets of bohemian Galway we will take a short hike on Diamond Hill in the heart of Connemara where you will be spoiled with panoramic views of the hills and valleys.
In Galway we will take a historic tour of the city and you will have some free time to soak up the atmosphere. Street performers, live music and dance and colourful locals will keep you entertained during your stay. Sit back and relax in one of their award winning cafes and restaurants and watch the world go by.
Late afternoon you will be taken back to Dublin City armed with recommendations of places to see and things to do if you have a couple of days left in the Emerald Isle. On the journey back over 40 shades of green, why not reminisce about your time on this best small tour group ever!
Total driving time: 4 hours
