The Wild Atlantic Way, 7 Day Tour
Self Drive Tour or Luxury Chauffeured Tour
Weave your way along the western edge of the Emerald Isle. Immerse yourself in the wild lyricism of the Western landscape of Ireland, the rich heritage, and warm welcome of its people.
I had a wonderful trip to Ireland thanks to your wonderful suggestions and arrangements. Everything was just perfect.
– Jenny Popp
Call 800.832.1848 or 212.757.5797 to talk to one of our destination experts or email us and start planning the perfect trip today.
Price: $999
Highlights
The Wild Atlantic Way stretches for over 1,500 miles along Ireland’s western seaboard. From Donegal in the north to Cork in the south, through the stunning landscapes of Connemara, The Burren, Galway Bay and Kerry, it is the longest defined coastal route in the world. The Wild Atlantic Way can be experienced not just by car, but also by cycling, walking or sea - kayaking. Along the route there are 159 discovery points, and 15 signature experience discovery points, that reveal the rich culture and unique landscape of the wild west coast of Ireland.
To customize this itinerary, talk to one of our destination experts on 800.832.1848 or 212.757.5797.
- Arrive in the city of Cork
- Visit the coastal town of Cobh and Old Head.
- Take a boat trip to Skellig Michael in County Kerry
- Visit the market town of Kenmare
- Tour the Ring of Kerry
- Explore the Dingle Peninsula
- Tour County Clare & visit Lisdoonvarna.
- Visit the stunning Cliffs of Moher
- Tour the lunar-like Burren or visit the wild Aran Islands.
- Return from Shannon Airport
If you like this Itinerary you may also be interested in our 7 Day and 14 Day itineraries.
Included in This Tour
- 6-Nights deluxe hotel accommodations with full breakfast daily.
- Self-Drive rental vehicle with unlimited Mileage & CDW Insurance OR upgrade to a Professional Driver Guide.
- Touring Map of Ireland & List of recommended pubs, restaurants and places of interest.
- Deluxe portfolio of travel Documents & Personalized Itinerary.
- 24/7 Concierge service in Ireland while travelling.
- Discount admissions booklet for area attractions.
Flight Information
- Arrive: Dublin (DUB) or Shannon (SNN)
- Depart: Shannon (SNN)
Take the hassle out of booking flights. Ask about our best available Economy Fares as well as our Preferred Business and First Class Offers. Our air department experts can help with competitive rates. Just let us know your preferred dates and U.S. Departure City. We will do the rest.
Meals
- Irish Breakfast Daily
Day 1: Arrive in Ireland. 2 nights stay in Cork.
Arrive in Ireland, and begin your Wild Atlantic Way experience by driving south to County Cork. Stay 2 nights in the Seaview House Hotel.
Discover the town of Kinsale, regarded as the gourmet capital of Ireland. It is foodie heaven! Bustling Kinsale was once a Viking trading post that played a key role in Irish history. Visit your first signature discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way Tour: the Old Head of Kinsale, close to the site of a World War I tragedy. In 1915, a German U-boat sunk the transatlantic liner, The Luisitania just off the Old Head of Kinsale. 1,200 passengers and crew lost their lives, leading to the United States entering World War I. Another option to see the Old Head is to take a boat trip or to explore the caves beneath by way of sea kayak.
Day 2: Tour Cobh, Cork and Blarney Castle.
Visit the discovery point of Mizen Head today. From here, you can walk across the arched suspension bridge connecting the mainland to a rocky crag that juts out into the crashing sea. Tour Cork City, and Cobh Harbour. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, the last port of call for the Titanic. Visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence. Shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills. Enjoy dinner in Cork or Kinsale this evening. Afterwards drop into a local pub, enjoy traditional Irish music and a pint of Guinness.
Day 3: Stay 2 nights in Kerry.
Tour the famous Ring of Kerry. For centuries artists and writers have been inspired by this beautiful landscape where the contrasting mountain, lake, and coastal scenery is at its most spectacular. Visit the fishing town of Dingle, offering fantastic Irish music, stunning views, and award winning seafood restaurants. Stay 2 nights in the Carrig House.
Day 4: Skellig Michael and Kenmare
This morning, visit the discovery point of Skellig Michael, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. 1300 years ago Christian monks built a home on the top of a jagged ocean rock, 8 miles off the coast of Kerry. Skellig Michael is one of the wonders of the world. It can only be reached by a small boat, but it is truly worth the pilgrimage. This afternoon visit the charming market town of Kenmare and enjoy lunch in one of the town’s fine restaurants. Or perhaps enjoy an evening in the lively town of Killarney.
Day 5: Tour Co. Clare. Stay 2 nights Lisdoonvarna.
Depart Kerry and drive to County Clare. Explore your next discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way, the world famous Cliffs of Moher.
The Cliffs of Moher tower 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. They are a stunning sight to behold. While there, check out the Cliffs Exhibition at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience Interpretive Center. A huge domed cave contains images, exhibits, displays and experiences that will delight young and old alike. There are also many walking trails along the cliffs, providing the perfect vantage point, and a unique experience you’ll never forget. Stay 2 nights at Sheedy’s Country House Hotel in Lisdoonvarna.
Day 6: Tour the Burren or the Aran Islands.
Visit the Burren, a lunar – like limestone landscape with ancient druidic altars and the most magnificent flora and fauna. Make sure you see the Birds of Prey Center, and visit the Ailwee Caves with its underground waterfalls. Or instead would you like to take a ferry from Galway Bay to the Aran Islands? You can easily rent bikes on the island. It’s a great way to explore the medieval castles, cliffs, prehistoric stone forts, sandy beaches, local crafts, pubs, and more. Here you can experience life from a bygone era. The Aran Islands’ raw beauty and charm leaves visitors longing to return again, and again.
Day 7: Depart for the US.
Drive to Shannon Airport, return your rental car and prepare for your flight home.
To customize this itinerary, talk to one of our destination experts on 800.832.1848 or 212.757.5797.
Hotels
Carrig House, Kerry
This charming and meticulously restored Victorian residence has a sense of timelessness about it that has captured the imagination of poets and adventurers alike. Situated on the shores of beautiful Caragh Lake in Kerry, you will find the cleanest air in Europe, beautiful gardens and natural green woodlands with spectacular views across the still waters to the wildness of the Kerry Mountains. For the past 15 years Frank & Mary have operated a very successful Country House & Restaurant and have won many rewards for their hospitality and their Lakeside Restaurant. They are members of Ireland’s prestigious Blue Book.
Sheedy’s Country House, Lisdoonvarna
Sheedy's Country House Hotel and Restaurant is a small family owned and managed 4 star hotel and award winning restaurant, situated in the village of Lisdoonvarna, on the edge of The Burren. When you stay at Sheedy's Hotel Lisdoonvarna, you instantly feel like family guests of John and Martina's 300 year old family home. The family-run atmosphere is unmistakable, but the piece de resistance of this charming hotel is the gourmet cuisine;John's passion for great food has earned him numerous awards. John and Martina, together with their children Roisin and Matthew look forward to making you feel like a very special guest in their very special home!
The Seaview House Hotel, West Cork
Seaview House Hotel, a delightful 4 star country house hotel set in private and well tended grounds in the quiet village of Ballylickey beside Bantry in the heart of West Cork.Ideally located in the countryside but just 4 km from Bantry Town and a short-hop to Glengarriff in an area famed for its tranquillity and unique beauty, this lovely country house hotel is charm and character personified and is a welcome retreat for the leisure and business traveller alike. Located near Ballylickey Bridge over the Ouvane River it commands wonderful views of Bantry Bay from the main rooms.
Travel Tips & FAQs
Ireland
Passports & Visas
To enter the Republic or Northern Ireland, you need a valid passport. While e-passports are commonly used now, they are not a necessity to enter Ireland. UK citizens do not require a passport to enter Ireland, but carriers by air or sea require some form of identification with a photograph (usually either a passport or driving license with photo).
Citizens of the EEA member states (the 27 countries of the European Union EU, together with Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) and many other countries including USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand do not require visas to gain entry to Republic or Northern Ireland.
What to Pack
Bring a sweater, even in summer; waterproofs to accompany all outdoor activities; sunglasses; comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella. The weather is changeable so go for layers that you can put on or take off as the temperature changes.
Weather
February to April: Highest temperatures range from 46 to 54°F
May to July: Highest temperatures are between 64 and 68°F
August to October: Highest temperatures hit between 64 and 57°F.
Winter air temperatures inland normally reach 46°F, while the coldest months are January and February.
April & September are considered the most pleasant and temperate months.
Currency
In the Republic of Ireland, the official currency is the euro (€). One euro consists of 100 cent. In Northern Ireland, pound sterling is the local currency (£). One pound sterling consists of 100 pence.
Gratuities
Gratuities and tips are discretionary and are not usually included in a bill. The general custom is to give 10% to serving staff in restaurants. Cafes might have a collection box at the till and bar staff are not tipped but you are free to offer “have one for yourself”.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance:
Republic of Ireland, Telephone: 112 or 999
Northern Ireland, Telephone: 999
Gadgets
Plugs in Ireland are three-pronged, the same as in the UK and the electricity supply is also 230v. Adapters are widely available, and it’s a good idea to bring a couple for your various gadgets.
Public Transportation
National Coaches
Republic of Ireland: Bus Eireann
Northern Ireland: Translink
Dublin Buses
Leap Visitor Card is a prepaid pass that allows you to travel on all Dublin Bus, Airlink 747 buses as well as the Luas Light Railway Tram and DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) for up to 3 days.
Railways
Republic of Ireland: Irish Rail
Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Railways
The Dart (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) covers Dublin’s coast and city area from Howth and Malahide in north County Dublin via Dun Laoghaire in south County Dublin to Greystones in County Wicklow.
Luas light rail/tram service travels across the south and west of Dublin city including the city center areas.
Time Zone
Ireland functions on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). During the summer it becomes GMT+1, that’s Irish Standard Time (IST) in the Republic and British Summer Time (BST) in Northern Ireland.
For example, New York is Irish Time -5 hours & Los Angeles is Irish Time -8 hours.
Language
English is commonly used throughout Ireland although Irish is the official language and there are Irish speaking areas called the Gaeltacht where it is the predominant language.
Driving
You will need either a full valid national driving license or an international driving permit. Cars in Ireland drive on the left-hand side of the road and both driver and passengers are required to wear seat belts at all times by law. Signposts in Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) areas are written in Irish (Gaelic) so familiarise yourself with both English and Irish spellings before you set off for those parts. Northern Ireland uses miles per hour, while the Republic of Ireland uses kilometers for signage and speed limits.
Vaccinations
There are no vaccinations required to visit Ireland.
Testimonials
“Back from a great golf trip and thanks so much for your assistance. Hotels were outstanding and made for a wonderful relaxing trip.”
– Tim Dudich
“I wanted to let you know that our trip was one for the ages. We had more fun than I could have imagined.”
– Herb Bennett
“To say our group had an awesome time on our trip would be the understatement of the century.”
– John C. Granzow, CIMA
“I will have no hesitation in recommending your company for future use! I felt as if you and your company gave us top notch customer service and never batted an eye for what may have been odd questions – that type of service is hard to find. You really gave us personal service!”
– Leslie Wajda
“Trip was great – accommodations excellent.”
– Kathleen McCormack-Batterson
“This note is to praise Destinations Ireland and our driver, James Finn, who truly made our trip a pleasure!”
– Donna Long
“The trip was really great. You did a fabulous job of picking the properties. Scotland is beautiful! It was a great trip. You scored again! Can’t wait for our next adventure.”
– Libby McGriff
“I wanted to let you know that the accommodations were fabulous throughout our trip. We were completely blown away, what a magnificent find. The house is simply breathtaking. A word on the drivers. I could not have asked for more accommodating or entertaining gentleman to escort us around. They were full of information, great stories, and advice. Really, really just wonderful guys all around.”
– Susanne McNeill
“A masterful job in creating and arranging such a phenomenal trip…”
– P.J. Fitzgerald
“We had a “dream trip” and you/your organization were a large part it making it all happen. Everything went smoothly and was more than we ever imagined! We are already talking about a return trip in a few years! Have to save our money. 🙂 Thanks again for all you did for us.”
– Nancy Capocy
“I cannot express how much I appreciate you making all the arrangements with such short notice & I just wanted to say Thank you again for all your help.”
– Susan Sanford
“All I do is talk about the wonderful trip, sites and your company and how we couldn’t have been happier with all the arrangements and people who set this wonderful trip up. Again thank you!!!”
– Janet Jenrick
“We had a wonderful time in Ireland and I appreciate all the reservations you made and the guidance your gave us.”
– Monica Kobasic
“I wanted to thank you for arranging a great trip to Scotland. The Channings, Culloden House, and Roxburghe House were fantastic…the best of accommodations, food, and customer service”
– Trina Girimont
“I wanted to thank you and Destinations Ireland and Beyond. We had an amazing experience. We loved all the hotels that you set us up with. Thank you for being so insightful, quickly giving us a speed course of Ireland and helping us decide where to go and what to see. I would highly recommend Destinations Ireland and Beyond as the best travel agency!”
– Donna and Ira Spector
“A lot of beautiful memories. THANK YOU for all of your planning and attention to detail,”
– Kathy Ross
“I just wanted to send you a thank you for all you did to make our trip the best! It was beyond our expectations! We loved all of our accommodations. I can’t say that I have a favorite because it all was perfect. We were not ready to come home and all look forward to visiting Ireland again.”
– Peg Cozzolino
“I want to THANK ALL OF YOU FOR A WONDERFUL TRIP. Ronelle and I had a marvelous time.”
– P.J. “Paul” Nicholson
“Thank You! for all your help arranging a wonderful visit to Ireland.”
– Ron & Jennifer Spielman
“Tim and I had a wonderful trip to Ireland thanks to your wonderful suggestions and arrangements. Everything was just perfect. We truly had a wonderful trip and are grateful for your services.”
– Jenny Popp
“Thank you for the great job you did arranging our trip to Ireland. Everything went wonderfully and the accommodations were the best.”
– Elizabeth Zechman
Booking Enquiry for The Wild Atlantic Way, 7 Day Tour
You can use this form to contact us with your preferred date of travel, the number of people in your party and your requirements and we will get back to you with a quote.
