The Wild Atlantic Way travels more than 1,500 miles along Ireland’s coastline, connecting the hidden villages, vivacious cities, and unbelievable landscapes that you will discover during your custom-tailored Ireland tour. Indulge in a road-trip, moving at your preferred pace across limestone mountains and staggering coastal cliffs, and traveling through quiet seaside towns and around ancient castle grounds. Whether you are drawn to the traditional music in Galway or the natural majesty of dolphins...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Kilbrittain – Arrive in Dublin with an Exploratory Scenic Drive to Kilbrittain
Dublin is a city of mystique, beauty, history, and culture running along the banks of the River Liffey. Antique pubs fill with music, and the Guinness factory whirls and swirls with glasses of dark stout filling the bar with the aromas of caramel and coffee. The leather-bound books in the library at Trinity College run the length of the nearly 215-foot long gallery where 200,000 antique volumes reside. Upon your arrival at Dublin International Airport, you will pick up your comfortable rental car and travel southwest towards Kilbrittain. The drive through the Midlands provides a distinctive view of rolling Irish hills and lush plains. Sheep and cows graze on the emerald grasses that spread across the idyllic landscape before you reach the Ruins of the Rock of Dunamase.
The historical walls stand atop a rocky outcropping reaching 150 feet above the plain. The castle was a stronghold during the Hiberno-Norman period in the 12th century. The limestone cliff protrudes from the grass with streaks of silver against the jade tufts and sporadic yellow wildflowers. Towers, gates, and archways continue to dot the precipice where the medieval ruins resemble an enchanting pastoral painting along the lush landscape. Upon reaching the town of Kilbrittain, you immediately notice the whale skeleton on display in the public park. The fin whale beached itself on near the town in 2009 and has become a symbol of the town and its strong community spirit.
Read some Zicasso travelers’ Ireland travel reviews to gain further inspiration for your own trip.
What's Included:
Day 2
Kenmare – Discover Drombeg Circle, Clonakilty, and Inchydoney Beach
Day 3
Kenmare – Traverse Marvelous Landscape and Culture on the Ring of Kerry
Day 4
Kilkee – Explore the Dingle Peninsula and Enjoy a Sightseeing Cruise
Day 5
Galway – Stroll along the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren en route to Galway
Day 6
Westport – Travel through Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey
Day 7
Sligo – Visit Achill Island and Ancient Ceide Fields before Reaching Sligo
Day 8
Dublin – Follow an Ancient Tomb and Rich History en route to Dublin
Day 9
Dublin – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way at your preferred pace with the freedom of driving a comfortable car
- Visit the largest castle in Ireland, Trim Castle, which was featured in the 1995 award-winning film, Braveheart
- Follow in the footsteps of St. Patrick by climbing to the peak of Croagh Patrick in County Mayo
- Stroll alongside the fantastic Cliffs of Moher for staggering views over the 700-foot tall bluffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
- Explore the selected rooms open to the public at Kylemore Abbey, which was erected as an aristocratic manor in the 19th century
- Traverse the Ring of Kerry to find the trundling waters of Torc Waterfall
- Relish a cruise on the Atlantic, departing from Dingle Town in search of dolphin pods playing in the open water
- Indulge in a variety of delectable treats while on a visit to a famous local chocolatier
Detailed Description
The Wild Atlantic Way is an unforgettable coastal road divided into six regions, each offering their own unmistakable charms, ambiance, and scenery. Your 9-day Ireland tour allows you to discover the beautiful scenery and wealth of history at the pace you prefer, driving the easy country roads for memorable views of the Haven Coast, Southern Peninsula, Cliff Coast, Bay Coast, Surf Coast, and Northern Headlands. The journey begins with your arrival at the International Airport in Dublin where you will pick up your car and make the drive to Kilbrittain, southwest of the capital.
Pubs, cobbled lanes, and historical castles pepper the drive across the country, offering insight into Ireland’s cultural heritage. Surfers have taken to the coasts, riding the curling waves around the powdery sand beaches. Hikers enjoy the combination of rugged limestone cliffs and wide emerald plains. You can stroll around ancient rock fortresses and listen to the Atlantic waters crash against the boulders at the base of towering bluffs. Traverse the Ring of Kerry, famous for its outlandish scenery, including Skellig Michael, a staggering rugged island upon which the ruins of an ancient monastery stand. Enjoy the casual ambiance of the seaside villages known for their views, beaches, and quaint marinas where visitors can enjoy dolphin and whale watching tours.
The Cliffs of Moher offer a magnificent terrain unlike any other along the Wild Atlantic Way, Burren National Park features chocolate tours and the unique natural contours of the landscape, and Galway erupts with traditional Irish culture in its music, language, and literature. It is easy to fall in love with the scenery of Connemara National Park or to take part in a sheep dog demonstration. The windswept plains of Achill Island contrast the rich grasses inland from the mainland’s coast. Discover statues of WB Yeats and Oscar Wilde or find the tomb of ancient queens. Spend time basking in the mixture of the contemporary and historic culture of Dublin at the end of your grand exploration of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Starting Price
$5,900 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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