Ireland Land of Saints & Scholars Tour Package (6 Nights / 7 Days)

It’s off for a spot of kissing next and to the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that whoever kisses it, gets the gift of the gab; your bus buddies will be sure to tell you if it works! After a stop in Kenmare with its quirky teashops and craft galleries, we’ll take on The Ring of Kerry; a senic drive of mystical and magical landscape where goats are crowned Kings (Puck Fair). Have your phones fully charged for photos of Moll’s Gap, Muckross House and Killarney National Park. It’s over to the dark side next and to Portmagee, where we’ll stay tonight in preparation for some Jedi spotting. The village is named after one of the most notorious smugglers of the 18th Century, Captain Theobald Magee who used the many coves and caves to transport and hide his contraband of spirits, tobacco, textiles and tea.

Total driving time: 3 hours, 15 minutes Excluding stops

Long ago, before the Jedis came from a galaxy, far, far away, monks from the 6th century, would climb the 599 steps carved out of the prismatic Skellig Michael, to fast and pray in its intricate, stone beehive cells. Named after the archangel Michael, while the word "Skellig" is derived from the Gaelic sceilig, meaning a splinter of stone, it is home to the oldest preserved monastery in Europe and a variety of gannets, puffins, razorbills and grey seals. In Star Wars lore, it is the island sanctuary where Luke Skywalker trains Rey in the ways of The Force. After working up a thirst in this otherworldly place, you might want to turn to the dark side yourself and chase down a few pints of the blackstuff in Murphy’s or JM Reidy’s in Killarney.

Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Excluding stops

On the hunt for glacier shaped lakes, mystical waterfalls and red deer, we’ll gear up for a kayak around Killarney National Park with stop offs at the 18th Century Victorian, Ross Castle and pass under foot bridges while taking in the park's wildlife. After your last couple days of packed adventure, we'll give you the afternoon to relax around one of Ireland's most iconic towns, Killarney. Why not sit into that pub you saw last night? Or grab that gift you can't leave without. We spend some downtime in this small but lively town, but don't worry we are back at the action tomorrow.

Total driving time: None!

It’s ‘bye, bye’ Killarney and on the way to the historic Burren. Before we arrive at the famous sheepdog trials. Watch a local sheep-farmer skilfully working his sheepdogs in gathering and controlling sheep in a skill that has been handed down through generations. Crossing the Shannon, we’ll head to the edge of the world and to The Cliffs of Moher, 14 km of dramatic coastline standing 300 metres above the churning Atlantic. We’ll take on a two and a half hour of the Cliffs, veering off the traditional tourist trails to find secret passages and fissures and unrivalled photo opportunities as the Atlantic roars from below. Voted a Unesco Geopark site, standing at the ledge, you’ll feel like you’re at the very edge of the world. As evening draws in, we’ll spend it in Doolin, The home of Irish music and between the music and the foot-tapping, the black-stuff and the company, ‘the craic will be ninety’!

Total driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes Excluding stops

After the ‘Full Irish’, (cooked breakfast) it’s off to catch the ferry from Doolin to Inis Mor (literally ‘big island’), the largest of the Aran Islands to gear up for an exhilarating cycle. Or "Tog go bog é" (take it easy) and avail of Jaunting carts and buses on the island.

Biking the entire coastline, we’ll stop by Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric hill fort which dominates the edge of a vertical cliff, 300 ft above the choppy waters of the Atlantic; the seven churches at Na Seacht dTeampaill, dedicated to Saint Brecan, and was at one time one of the biggest monastic foundations and destinations for pilgrims.

By pure Irish sorcery we'll hop on the ferry from Inis Mor, but we're not headed back to Doolin, we take in the scenic view of the cliffs in front of us before pulling into the docks at Galway City. From here, you'll have the evening to explore this bohemian town. Discover artists on street corners, smell the best dishes that the city has to offer, and catch the tune coming from behind the doors of the many beloved pubs. Every night in Galway feels like a Friday. You're spoilt for choice.

Total driving time: 45 minutes Excluding stops

Wake up feeling like it's Saturday, or wait... maybe it is Saturday! Today we make the journey back to the 'Big Smoke' or better known as our capital, Dublin. Before you go though we have a special treat in store. This morning we'll explore Galway and the surrounding towns with our friends at WeWheel! Hookup your phone, climb on your e-bike and choose your game. WeWheel will send you around the city collecting treasures and solving mysteries before finishing up with a pint to quench the thirst.

After your morning of activities we're headed back, but along the way we make a pit stop at one of Ireland's most famous ruins, Clonmacnoise. Founded in 544 by Saint Ciaran himself, you'll walk ancient ground known for being associated with the Kings of Connacht.

Back in the big city, we'll let you off near the city centre. From here you can continue on your exploration of Ireland, or relax in your hotel. Whatever you do, your guide will arm you with all the perfect recommendations.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes Excluding stops

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