Ireland Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour Package (6 Nights / 7 Days)

Fed and watered, it’s off to catch the ferry to Inis Mor (literally ‘big island’), the largest of the Aran Islands.

Here you can explore the 6km by 2km island by bike or by special request, a jaunting cart with your very own driver and pony. It’s off to Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric hill fort which dominates the edge of a vertical cliff, 300 ft above the choppy waters of the Atlantic.

Refresh "le cupán tae" (with a cup of tea) and island porter cake and shop for an original Aran Sweater.

Then we’re headed back to Galway, and met with views of the Cliffs of Moher from the sea! The City of the Tribes and the home of the Claddagh Ring to chase down the ceol agus craic, (music and fun), street performers, artists, buskers and the last of the Bohemians.

Total driving time: None!

Then it’s Southwest to The Burren national park, 125 square miles of limestone rock and The Burren Centre where you’ll see dolmens and megalithic tombs, some older than the Egyptian pyramids.

We’ll also take in the 12th century Corcomroe Abbey and Dunguaire Castle, a 16th century tower house which sits on a rocky outcrop on Galway Bay before heading for Kinvara, a colourful fishing village full of cafes and curiosities.

The Cliffs of Moher is next; 14 km of dramatic coastline standing 300 metres above the churning Atlantic.

As evening draws in, we’ll spend it in Doolin, The home of Irish music and between the music and the foot-tapping, the blackstuff and the company, ‘the craic will be ninety’!

Total driving time: 2 Hours Excluding stops

We’ll take in a portal tomb at Poulnabrone, locally referred to as ‘Hole of the Sorrows’, the oldest megalithic burial site in Ireland, dating back to 3000BC. From the long-time dead, we’ll meet up with the lively farmers of West Kerry Sheepdogs who’ll treat you to a sheep dog trial. With a whistle here and a whistle there, watch as they direct the collies to run rings around the sheep.

The evening belongs to Dingle and how about a trip to hardware store, Foxy John’s? Don’t be alarmed, the only DIY you’ll be doing is ordering a drink from its fully stocked bar. And did we tell you about the Leather Shop, Dick Mac’s? It comes with a pub, a gang of lively locals and some charming bartenders.

Total driving time: 3 hours, 30 minutes Excluding stops

It's time to just relax! Take the morning off and walk around the sleepy town of Dingle(lively in the evening yes). Sit down for a cuppa(cup of tea) or coffee and watch the world go by. If you’re little delicate after the night before, tóg go bog é (take it easy) as they say round here. Why not meander around Dingle’s speciality shops and who knows what you’ll come away with? A bodhrán (irish drum) and some dillisk seawood cheese? If you're up for a bit of a morning walk, your guide will be happy to take you on a stroll up to Eask Tower where you get almost 360 views of Dingle Bay.

Then it’s off to Slea Head Drive, on a journey through Irish-speaking villages, famous Hollywood film locations with close-up views of Skellig Michael and some Jedi spotting. Then it’s back for another night in Dingle and a spot of DIY in the local hardware store, (wink, wink).

Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes Excluding stops

It’s bye-bye Dingle and off to see parts of the Ring of Kerry; Have your phones fully charged to take photos of Moll’s Gap, Torc waterfall and Ross castle in Killarney National Park. Built in the 15th century, this stronghold is said to have a resident ghost, that of O’Donoghue Ross, the chieftain who came to an untimely end, when he allegedly fell out of one of its windows!

Sightseeing and ghost-hunting over, it’s time for your last night, (boohoo) and its off to historic Kinsale and a gourmet’s utopia. Head to The Spaniard, an olde world inn perched high above Kinsale, serving up Spanish Ruby Ports and West Cork black pudding or if it’s all fish you want, how about Fishy, Fishy? Meander the picturesque streets and find silversmiths, galleries and antique shops before settling in for the evening at The Armada bar or The Silent Banjo, which unlike the name suggests, is jumping with music and ‘jammers’ (packed) with locals

Total driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes Excluding stops

Get your walking shoes on and follow your Guide who will take you for a historical amble through the narrow streets of Kinsale. Then it’s off for a bit of kissing and to the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that whoever kisses it, gets the gift of the gab, and your fellow bus buddies will be sure to tell you if it works!

Finally, a whistle stop, before returning to Dublin and her sweet Molly Malone is The Rock of Cashel.

Is it a Chapel? Is it a Palace? Is it a Cathedral? You’ll find its all three and it’s an open-mouthed moment and a truly historic way to end the tour.

As our guides take you back to The Capital, they’ll give you tips and recommendations if you plan to stay on in Dublin. Goodbyes will have to be said but it’s slán go fóill, (see you soon), from all of us at Overland Tours.

Total driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes Excluding stops

Please note that tours can tours can be run in reverse and can be merged with other Overland Ireland Tours