Compare Emerald Explorer Tour by Overland Ireland vs Family Adventure Paddling and Pirates by Wilderness Ireland
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 1,500 | $ 2,910 |
| Price Per Day | $ 214 | $ 416 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Description |
Your small group tour experience begins here! Jewel tours are perfect for going at a smoother pace whilst enjoying some light activity. From Dublin you begin your wonderful journey along the Wild Atlantic Way. You will cover miles of rugged Irish coastline from Connemara to Kinsale. Expert local guides will ensure you have a memorable experience, exploring everything from the breath-taking sights on the Ring of Kerry and kayaking with dolphins in Dingle Bay (optional). Visit the Cliffs of Moher, fall in love with bohemian Galway City and the Aran Islands. This memorable journey of 7 days encapsulating and exploring Ireland with a diverse range of scenery, castles, adventure, history, heritage, culture and wildlife. You can enjoy light activity along your tour of a lifetime and yet glide through the days at a smooth pace. A week that you will never forget with lifelong memories! |
On this family tour on the Wild Atlantic Way, uncover the geology, wildlife, history and culture of this fascinating region through a range of fully guided activities. Your personal guide will impart their local knowledge to ensure that your family gets the very best from their time in Ireland, learning through interaction with landscape and local people. Each evening, relax at fun, family-friendly accommodation with amenities for the whole family! This family tour on the Wild Atlantic Way is designed to suit children from 6-15 years old. Please note that depending on factors such as weather and height of child, some activities may be restricted. This is a guided private departure and therefore the activities can be tailored to the needs and abilities of you and your children. This trip may be taken any time during the year (choose the dates best for your family), though please keep in mind that some of the activities may be modified in winter, especially the water sports. |
Day 1: Sunday – Clonmacnoise to Connemara
Sleep in Ballynahinch Castle
Your Emerald Explorer expertly guided, Ireland tour, will leave Dublin for the beauty and surroundings of the 6th century monastery at Clonmacnoise, located on the banks of the River Shannon. The monastery was a centre of excellence for learning and scholars created the finest of Celtic art and illuminated manuscripts over 600 years.
With a whetted appetite, our small group tour will cross the country into County Galway. Our next stop is Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara. The rugged landscape of Connemara come hail rain or shine is guaranteed to take your breath away. Spend time roaming the abbey and Victorian walled garden on this 1000 acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic Connemara National Park.
At the end of a busy day stay in Clifden – the largest town in Connemara surrounded by the Twelve Bens mountain range. Discover some great bars, restaurants, nightly music and have a chat with the locals over a pint of the Black Stuff!
If you feel like treating yourself we have added the option of staying in Ballynahinch Castle!
Total driving time: 4 hours
The Ultimate Tour of Ireland - Small Groups, Big Experiences on your Overland Ireland Ultimate Small Group Tour
Day 2: Monday – The Aran Islands
After a short drive cross country to Rossaveal Pier on Galway Bay, our small group tour of Ireland will 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 an easy cycle 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: 1 hour 45 minutes
The Aran Islands on your Grand Tour of Ireland
Your Fully Guided Overland Ireland Small Group Tour Lets You Meet Friendly Locals
Day 3: Tuesday – Galway to Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher on your Grand Tour of Ireland
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.
This day just keeps on giving. We will now travel south west towards The Burren National Park and the jaw dropping Cliffs of Moher. On this adventure we will visit Corcomroe Abbey, a 13th century Cistercian Monstary, the 16th century Dunguaire Castle in the fishing village of Kinvara.
Our cliffs experience will take us by foot across its stunning natural features with the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves crashing below. The cliffs are one of the most spectacular natural features in Ireland and are sure to leave you lost for words. Our evening is spent in the most welcoming and colourful village of Doolin – the hometown of traditional Irish music.
Total driving time: 2 hours
Comfortable Accommodation on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour
Day 4: Wednesday – Doolin to Dingle
A trip to Ireland is not complete without seeing all the ancient structures. We will bring you to the most famous Dolmens at Poulnabrone. These Neolithic monuments are scattered throughout the country marking burial sites and passage ways dating back to 3000BC.
A short journey from the Dolmen, the farmers at Caherconnell will treat you to a spectacular sheep dog trial. Prepared to be awestruck by the skill of the farmer’s furry friend as they gather up their flock of sheep. This is something not to be missed on your tour.
We will leave the west behind for the spectacular southern counties of Kerry and Cork. Next stop is Dingle. Finish off a perfect day at the Dingle Whiskey Distillery. There you will sample their award-winning whiskey and gin and get an education on the history of whiskey production around the world.
This evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs and fantastic restaurants. Why not sit in Foxy John’s hardware store, order yourself a drink and strike up a conversation with a colourful local!
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Poulnabrone Dolmen on your Grand Tour of Ireland
Day 5: Thursday – Dingle Peninsula
Kayaking with Fungie the Dolpbhin on your Grand Tour of Ireland
Our morning begins on Dingle Bay where we take our kayaks to visit the town’s biggest celebrity – Fungie the Dolphin and explore the caves in the bay. Alternatively, if kayaking isn’t your thing we will take you on a hike up Mount Brandon where you will be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Castlegregory. If you would like a more relaxed start to your day why not choose a stroll around the town for some retail therapy, a coffee and watch the world go by. It’s your holiday – Do it your way.
After lunch your expert Overland guide will take you on an impressive trip along one of Ireland’s most scenic roads – The Slea Head Drive. If you are lucky enough you might get to meet a couple of our local fluffy friends – baby lambs!
We spend another night in the buzzing town of Dingle, so you don’t need to repack your suitcase. Just relax and enjoy.
Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Traditional Food and Contemporary Cuisine on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour
Day 6: Friday – The Ring of Kerry
Say a fond farewell to Dingle and journey towards the Ring of Kerry. Our first stop takes us to Killarney on the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is the very definition of the word scenic and you will discover many hidden gems including Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle in Killarney National Park. We will bring you on a tour of Ross Castle where you will learn what life was really like behind the stone walls.
We will stop for some shopping and lunch in the beautiful heritage town of Kenmare. For your last night on tour we are excited to bring you to coastal Kinsale which is famed for its culinary culture, delivered by its many award winning restaurants. The town also has a great tradition of poetry, silver, gold and glassware manufacturing which can be seen throughout its local shops and galleries – boasting local talented artists.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Ring of Kerry on your Grand Tour of Ireland
Traditional Music Sessions and Local Craft Beers on your Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour
Day 7: Saturday – Cork – Kiss the Blarney Stone!
Kiss the Blarney Stone on your Grand Tour of Ireland
Wake up refreshed and ready to be taken on a guided walking tour through the narrow streets of Kinsale. Before leaving Cork – which is often referred to as Ireland’s REAL capital we will bring you to Blarney Castle. Nobody should leave Ireland without giving the Blarney stone a big fat kiss! Kissing the Blarney Stone is said to give the kisser the treasured “gift of the gab”. You can let us know if it works!
Our final stop is the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is over 1000 years old. You will take in its medieval round tower, chapel, cathedral and castle. A fantastic end to your trip.
Our guides will journey back with you to our bustling capital city, Dublin, armed with recommendations of things to see and do if you have a little time left. Perhaps this is just the perfect opportunity to sit back and reminisce about this best tour of Ireland, that you’ve just experienced.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Day 1: Westport
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
We meet in the lively town of Westport to begin our family tour on the Wild Atlantic Way. With its brightly coloured houses, craft shops, music-filled and family-friendly pubs and gourmet restaurants, it is a great place to begin your family adventure. Ask your guide about the Pirate Queen and the exciting history of the region as you explore this bustling town!
Day 2: Bike the Greenway
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
The Great Western Greenway is one of the longest off-road biking trails in Ireland. Following the route of a repurposed railway, it offers a completely car-free bike trail dipped in local legend. Along the way, as you take in the spectacular coastal and mountain views, your guide will point out interesting sights and recount both myth and history of the landscape you’re biking through. With the distance tailored to meet your family’s preferences, this is a great way to explore the Wild Atlantic Way.
Day 3: Climb a Holy Mountain or Ride Along a Pilgrim’s Path
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Today there is a choice of activities. For energetic family members, we’ll climb to the summit of Ireland’s holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, awash with the story of St Patrick. For others, there’s the option to horseback ride along a trail known as St Patrick’s Walk to explore fascinating ancient sights from the saddle of your own horse. Alternatively, you may choose to spend the day at your own personal leisure.
Day 4: A Pirate’s Island
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
The wild north Atlantic coast of Ireland in the 16th century was ruled by a formidable Gaelic pirate queen, Grace O’Malley. The little-visited Clare Island guards the entrance to Clew Bay, her former stronghold. Explore the Pirate Queen’s castle, cliffs, beaches and ruins of this magical place – perhaps even taking part in a treasure hunt! Feeling adventurous? Today we’ll explore the Pirate Queen’s kingdom by water by learning how to paddle!
Day 5: Zip Lining & Feeding Lambs
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Described by Oscar Wilde as ‘a savage beauty’, the spectacular wilderness of Connemara will be our home-sweet-home for the next few days. First stop? A tree high obstacle course where we can try zip-lining, clambering and swinging through the tree canopy! Then, we’ll visit a local sheep farmer to meet his clever sheepdogs herding sheep and help out with feeding the hungry lambs.
Day 6: Bush Craft & Foraging the Seashore
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The Connemara coast is home to some of the most spectacular white sand beaches set with a backdrop of green sloped mountains and the rolling Atlantic. We’ll enjoy a gentle hike along the shore to learn some survival skills from your guide. Feeling adventurous anyone? We’ll get a chance to taste Ireland’s superfood – seaweed! Today’s a great day to take a dip in the Atlantic if you dare!
Day 7: Depart
Meals: Breakfast
As our family tour on the Wild Atlantic Way comes to an end, we shall say goodbye to the wilds of Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way and transfer back to Galway Train Station. If you have time before departing, consider wandering Galway – a wonderful and historic city with plenty to see before saying a final farewell to the west coast of Ireland!
