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Highlights
Explore the finest of South Ireland by car and by foot
Explore the ancient monastic city at Glendalough
Spot whales and dolphins from the Sheep’s Head Lighthouse
Stride along the epic Cliffs of Moher
Circle the beloved Ring of Kerry with all its charms
The South of Ireland is a treasure chest of adventure, one of the world’s best destinations for self-guided exploration. On this 10-day driving and hiking tour, you’ll experience all the highlights this slice of the “Emerald Isle” has to offer at the pace which suits you best.
Touch down in Dublin and enjoy a night in the Irish capital. In the morning, set off in your rental vehicle for the woods to the south, where the ruins of an ancient monastic city lay scattered through Glendalough Valley. Then it’s a stop at the Rock of Cashel on your way to the gorgeous coastal town of Kinsale, with excellent cuisine and even better walks along the shore waiting for you. Head west to the first of four peninsulas on your journey and stroll out to the Sheep’s Head Lighthouse with remarkable views of the ocean and surrounding bays. Next is the Beara Peninsula, with nearly limitless options to explore, including remote Dursey Island and the sparkling Gleninchaquinn Park. The Ring of Kerry is perhaps the most famous route on this trip, and for good reason – its spectacular scenery greets you at every turn. Two nights in the cheerful seaside town of Dingle provide a chance to explore Slea Head, one of Ireland’s westernmost points. Drive north to the sublime Cliffs of Moher and discover the land behind the legends before overnighting amongst the traditional music scene of Doolin. Finally, a night in Galway ties a perfect Irish bow on your adventure, where you toast to an outstanding journey completed in style. Return to Dublin to close the trip.
With the freedom of your own car for exploring all the jewels in South Ireland, there’s no better tour to see it all!
The South of Ireland is a treasure chest of adventure, one of the world’s best destinations for self-guided exploration. On this 10-day driving and hiking tour, you’ll experience all the highlights this slice of the “Emerald Isle” has to offer at the pace which suits you best.
Touch down in Dublin and enjoy a night in the Irish capital. In the morning, set off in your rental vehicle for the woods to the south, where the ruins of an ancient monastic city lay scattered through Glendalough Valley. Then it’s a stop at the Rock of Cashel on your way to the gorgeous coastal town of Kinsale, with excellent cuisine and even better walks along the shore waiting for you. Head west to the first of four peninsulas on your journey and stroll out to the Sheep’s Head Lighthouse with remarkable views of the ocean and surrounding bays. Next is the Beara Peninsula, with nearly limitless options to explore, including remote Dursey Island and the sparkling Gleninchaquinn Park. The Ring of Kerry is perhaps the most famous route on this trip, and for good reason – its spectacular scenery greets you at every turn. Two nights in the cheerful seaside town of Dingle provide a chance to explore Slea Head, one of Ireland’s westernmost points. Drive north to the sublime Cliffs of Moher and discover the land behind the legends before overnighting amongst the traditional music scene of Doolin. Finally, a night in Galway ties a perfect Irish bow on your adventure, where you toast to an outstanding journey completed in style. Return to Dublin to close the trip.
With the freedom of your own car for exploring all the jewels in South Ireland, there’s no better tour to see it all!
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10-Day South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Dublin
Arrive in Dublin and transfer to the city centre for a night spent exploring Ireland’s capital. Whether your interests are historical, artistic, culinary, or otherwise, there’s something in Dublin for you. Trinity College and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral are architectural highlights, while a trip to the Guinness Storehouse is basically a must.
Overnight Location: B&B in Dublin
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Glendalough Valley
Start your first day on tour by driving south for an hour to the charming village of Laragh. Leave the car behind and set off on a hike along the forested Wicklow Way. Beautiful wooded paths bring you into the Glendalough valley, where St. Kevin founded a monastic settlement over 1,500 years ago.
History buffs will love exploring the stone structures which lie throughout the valley, and there are plenty of gorgeous trails along lakeshores and waterfalls to occupy your time. When you’re finished, hike back to Laragh for the evening.
Overnight Location: B&B in Laragh
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 South to the Sea
After breakfast, head southwards for the village of Kinsale, roughly three hours from Laragh. Just over halfway through the drive, you’ll come to the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most iconic attractions. A seat of power for royalty and the Church for centuries, this striking site has no equal in the nation.
For today’s hike, an excellent choice is the Old Head of Kinsale just south of the village itself. A serene 6km loop with nothing but the sea breeze in your hair… It’s the perfect introduction to Ireland’s southern coast.
Overnight Location: B&B in Kinsale
Distance: 6km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Sheep’s Head Shores
Start the day by driving west to the Sheep’s Head Peninsula, a favourite for locals. This stretch takes you along the Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal route stretching all the way to Ireland’s northern shores. The scenery impresses at every turn!
Today’s hike epitomizes the beauty of your coastal surroundings. The Sheep’s Head Lighthouse is your destination, a looped walk just over 4kms bringing you out to the very end of the peninsula. The viewpoint here is spectacular– keep your eye out for all sorts of marine wildlife, including dolphins, sharks, and even whales.
Upon returning to your vehicle, drive to nearby Glengarriff for your overnight stay.
Overnight Location: B&B in Glengarriff
Distance: 4-5km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 The Beara Peninsula
It’s on to the second of four peninsulas, the Beara, as you work your way north along Ireland’s west coast. There are plenty of options for exploring the Beara Peninsula on foot. Island lovers should check out Dursey Island – connected to the mainland by Ireland’s only cable car – and Bere Island, chock-full of ancient and recent military history alike.
Another excellent choice is a visit to Gleninchaquinn Park. This working sheep farm boasts an array of hiking trails and one of Ireland’s most stunning waterfalls. Don’t miss the Uragh Stone Circle just outside the park. This ancient monument instills quiet awe in all who visit.
Finish the day with a drive to cheerful Kenmare for the night.
Overnight Location: B&B in Kenmare
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 The Ring of Kerry
It’s not a successful trip to South Ireland without completing the Ring of Kerry! This world-famous loop around the Iveragh Peninsula is chock-full of scenic highlights sure to delight all who make the journey.
If you simply can’t settle on a hiking route for the day, try the Derrynane Mass Path Loop. This 9km walk runs through the National Park of the same name, with gorgeous meadows and woodlands flanking the path. Sweeping views of Derrynane Beach and the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, a.k.a. “The Liberator,” top off the experience. Then, make the drive to Dingle town for a fresh seafood dinner and your overnight stay.
Overnight Location: B&B in Dingle
Distance: 9km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Slea Head Loop
After breakfast, hop in a short transfer to nearby Ventry Harbour. From here, set off on a fantastic looped hike around Slea Head, which juts out into the heaving waves of the North Atlantic Ocean. This is about as far west as you can go in Ireland!
If the weather permits, pay a visit to the offshore Blasket Islands. Once inhabited, these islands are rich in the rugged beauty that typifies this stretch of southwest Ireland. Finish the hike at Dunquin and transfer back to Dingle for a second overnight stay.
Overnight Location: B&B in Dingle
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Conquer the Cliffs of Moher
Continue north in your car until you reach a spot known as Hag’s Head, just over 3 hours from Dingle. This is the southernmost point of the fabled Cliffs of Moher and the starting spot for a truly majestic walk. A 5km stretch along the open clifftops showcases the world-famous site in all its dramatic glory.
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, it’s a short drive to the village of Doolin, your home for the evening. Don’t miss an opportunity to enjoy some traditional Irish music, performed live in pubs across town.
Overnight Location: B&B in Doolin
Distance: 10km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Gone to Galway
Your final destination is the city of Galway, renowned amongst tourists and locals alike for its bohemian character. If you’re keen to explore all the culture, food, and fun that Galway has to offer, head straight there to maximize your time in town.
For those keen on a final hike, the Burren has some amazing routes to offer. This limestone-dominated landscape is totally unique and surprisingly full of flora! Abbey Hill, Carron Hike, and the Green Road are all excellent choices.
Overnight Location: B&B in Galway
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Back to Dublin & Departure
After one last Irish breakfast, load up the car and return to Dublin. Return the vehicle and depart via your own arrangements.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
10-Day South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure Price and Dates
This self-guided driving and hiking tour is run as a custom tour for your group and the price depends on the number of people in your group. Prices below are per person:- Self-guided Groups of 2+: from EUR1800 per person
Accommodation on 10-Day 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 10-Day South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure?
Meals
9 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights along the tour are included. You can book additional nights before or after the tour 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 7 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 8-Day South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?
- What kind of driving license do I need to have to be able to drive in Ireland?
- Are meals included on the 10-Day South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Dublin to start this tour?
- Is the 10-Day South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure guided?
- Where does the 10-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 can freely tailor the hikes to suit your ability.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
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.
9 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover the driving and hiking involved. Get your Travel Insurance. Please note that some liability coverage is included with your car rental, although a more protective policy can be added.
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 necessary information 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.
