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Highlights
Drive and hike your way around South Ireland
Visit the home of ancient kings at the Rock of Cashel
Explore the beloved woods of Killarney National Park, Ireland’s oldest national park.
Drive the celebrated Ring of Kerry loop, packed with unbelievable scenery.
Gaze across the ocean from the stunning Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s top natural wonders.
Ireland has so many opportunities for adventure, so why limit yourself to one region? On this 8-day self-guided driving and hiking adventure, you’ll experience the best of South Ireland and all its charms from coast to coast.
The journey begins in Dublin, Ireland’s bustling capital. After a night of urban exploration, set off on a southern route to Laragh, where you’ll hike into the Glendalough Valley and explore the remains of an ancient monastic settlement. Continue south, stopping at the iconic Rock of Cashel before arriving in the seaside town of Kinsale for a coastal walk. Then it’s northwest to Killarney and the famous Ring of Kerry, the most celebrated route in all of Ireland! Further north, the town of Dingle is your home for two nights as you explore the very western fringes of Ireland. Finally, hike along the fabled Cliffs of Moher before a fun-filled night in Galway. Return to Dublin in the morning and say a reluctant goodbye to South Ireland.
This tour gives you the freedom to explore much more than you ever could on foot, providing all the many highlights of a fantastic region for outdoor adventure!
Ireland has so many opportunities for adventure, so why limit yourself to one region? On this 8-day self-guided driving and hiking adventure, you’ll experience the best of South Ireland and all its charms from coast to coast.
The journey begins in Dublin, Ireland’s bustling capital. After a night of urban exploration, set off on a southern route to Laragh, where you’ll hike into the Glendalough Valley and explore the remains of an ancient monastic settlement. Continue south, stopping at the iconic Rock of Cashel before arriving in the seaside town of Kinsale for a coastal walk. Then it’s northwest to Killarney and the famous Ring of Kerry, the most celebrated route in all of Ireland! Further north, the town of Dingle is your home for two nights as you explore the very western fringes of Ireland. Finally, hike along the fabled Cliffs of Moher before a fun-filled night in Galway. Return to Dublin in the morning and say a reluctant goodbye to South Ireland.
This tour gives you the freedom to explore much more than you ever could on foot, providing all the many highlights of a fantastic region for outdoor adventure!
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South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure Itinerary
Day 1 Dublin
Arrive in the capital city of Dublin – where else to start your Irish adventure? Check into your city centre accommodations, then spend the rest of your day at leisure, enjoying the city any way you please. History, sport, art, and cuisine are all here in spades! No matter your interests, a trip to the Guinness factory is a must.
Overnight Location: B&B in Dublin
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 The Wicklow Way
Start by driving south for about an hour to the lovely village of Laragh, your home for the night. Head out on a hike along the Wicklow Way, lush forested trails leading you to the Glendalough Valley.
This is home to one of Ireland’s most celebrated archaeological sites: the remains of a monastic city dating back 1,500 years. Many of the structures are wonderfully preserved. There are plenty of trails to explore in the area, leading from elevated viewpoints of the valley lakes to the wonderful lakeshores themselves. Return to Laragh for the evening.
Overnight Location: B&B in Laragh
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 The Southern Coast
Head south in the car to the port village of Kinsale, a little over 3 hours away. On the way, make a stop at the Rock of Cashel. The seat of kings for hundreds of years and a centre of religious power for even longer, this is one of Ireland’s most iconic sites.
Upon arriving in Kinsale, check into your accommodations, then drive a bit further south to the Old Head of Kinsale. Here you’ll find a peaceful 6km looped walk along the shores, with nothing but the sea breeze and endless views!
Overnight Location: B&B in Kinsale
Distance: 6 km hike
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Ireland’s Oldest Park
After breakfast, hop in the car and drive northwest to Killarney, a journey of about 1 ½ hours through mountainous terrain. From here, there are tons of options for exploring Killarney National Park, one of Ireland’s most beloved regions. Hike, grab a rental bike, or even book a boat tour across its fabled Three Lakes.
There are some remarkable attractions within the national park, including the distinguished Muckross House (the mansion from which the park itself was created) and the lakeshore Ross Castle. Keep an eye out for red deer, which live throughout the park.
Overnight Location: B&B in Killarney
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 The Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry might be Ireland’s most famous route! Set off in your car from Killarney and follow the looped road around the Iveragh Peninsula. Mountain passes, broad sandy beaches, colourful villages, and views that stretch on forever – you might find yourself stopping for pictures more often than not!
There are plenty of excellent short hikes to take on this route. One favourite is the Derrynane Mass Path Loop Walk, which starts near the village of Caherdaniel and runs for 9km through the Derrynane National Park. This woodland amble takes about 3 ½ hours to complete, with views over Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell.
Upon completing your drive around the Ring, head for the vibrant coastal town of Dingle for your overnight stay.
Overnight Location: B&B in Dingle
Distance: 9km hike
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Western Fringes at Slea Head
A short transfer today brings you to Ventry Harbour, where you’ll embark on a majestic 8 ½km hike around Slea Head. This is one of Ireland’s westernmost stretches of land, with incredible views of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Blasket Islands. Weather permitting, hop on a boat for a visit to these breathtaking islands, currently uninhabited but rich in history.
Finish your walk at Dunquin, where you’ll be picked up and transferred back to Dingle for your second night in town.
Overnight Location: B&B in Dingle
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 The Cliffs of Moher
Journey north in your car to the world-renowned Cliffs of Moher, a journey of just over 3 hours. Arrive at Hag’s Head, the southern point of the cliffs, and walk 5km along the open expanse of Ireland’s most fabled natural wonder. Upon reaching the visitor centre, you can head back to the car the way you came or hop in a shuttle for the return trip.
From here, drive north to Galway, your final home on the journey. Along the way, marvel at the limestone landscape of the Burren, a unique slice of Irish geography. Enjoy your night in Galway, Ireland’s “Cultural Heart,” with plenty of food, festivals, and fun!
Overnight Location: B&B in Galway
Distance: 10km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Back to Dublin & Departure
After a final delicious Irish breakfast, pack up the car and return to Dublin. Return the vehicle and depart via your own arrangements.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure Price and Dates
This self-guided driving and hiking tour in South Ireland is run as a custom tour for your group and the price depends on the size of your group. Prices below are per person:- Self-guided Groups of 2+: EUR1499 per person
Accommodation on the South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure
This tour is based in B&Bs and/or guesthouses. Each property offers warm rooms with an ensuite washroom and daily hot Irish breakfast.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you can request a for single room with an extra charge.
What’s Included in the South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Additional nights before or after the tour can be booked as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
A rental vehicle is included on the tour. The vehicle includes unlimited mileage, CDW, theft protection, third-party liability coverage, and location service charge & tax. Transfers to and from the start of your hike on Day 6 are also included.
Also Included
- Personalized daily road book with route suggestions
- Recommended daily points of interest, experiences, and dining options
- 24-hour emergency/information support
- Full pre-departure information to maximize your experience
- In-house holiday specialist to assist with any additional services
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Guide services
- Ferry tickets
- Entrance fees to any sites or parks
- Fuel
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Super cover insurance
- Additional drivers
- GPS
- Wifi hotspot
- How hard is the South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure?
- What kind of driving license do I need to have to be able to drive in Ireland?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?
- Are meals included on the South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Dublin to start this tour?
- Is the South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure guided?
- Where does the 8-Day South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Ireland?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Ireland?
We rate this tour as a 2/5. Most of the recommended hikes are fairly short and on stable terrain. However, there are some elevation changes involved, as well as surfaces such as grassy hillsides and open cliff tops, which can be wet underfoot in places. Good boots are essential, and previous hiking experience is recommended. You have the freedom to tailor your hikes to your preferred level of difficulty.
In most cases, having a valid driving license of relevant category from your home country is enough (provided it’s in English), though there are some exceptions and you should double-check.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance. Driving and car insurance are included, but you can upgrade your coverage if desired.
Fly into Dublin Airport (DUB). From here, the city centre is roughly a 20-minute drive depending on traffic, or 30 minutes on public transit.
No. You will be provided with all the necessary information required to complete your self-guided tour.
The tour begins and ends in Dublin. Your final overnight location is Galway, and the drive back to Dublin Airport takes just over 2 hours.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Ireland Walk Hike Bike was set up with one purpose in mind – to show you the real Ireland that we know and love. Having watched many visitors “flash” through Ireland – founder Linda Woods decided back in 1994 to find a better way to see the country. “My aim was to slow people down, so they really get their feet into the soul of the country, meet the locals & discover what makes Ireland & the Irish tick………” and 25 years later – this is exactly what Ireland Walk Hike Bike is still doing today…
Whatever holiday you want – walk, hike, bike, more active than that or less active than that – we will be delighted to chat with you, help plan your holiday with you to ensure you have a really memorable trip to Ireland.
