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8 Day Meandering Tour

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Overview

This tour is designed for those who enjoy a more relaxed pace and love to visit ancient sites, castles, and authentic Irish pubs. Visit the popular tourist destinations such as the Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher but also connect into rural Ireland to meet the locals and enjoy impromptu Irish music sessions. Activities include short guided walks and boat tours to Lough Derg and Clough Oughter Castle.

PRICES FROM:

  • €3,840pp based on 2-3 people in group

  • €3,150pp based on 4-7 people in group

  • €2,680pp based on 8 plus people in group


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Duration 8 days

Pace Relaxed

Activities

  • 7 nights bed and breakfast in 4-star accommodation
  • all transport
  • fully guided
  • 3 course evening meal x 2
  • all activity equipment rental included
  • private music session
  • exclusive farm experience
  • entrance fees as per itinerary
View additional details


Itinerary

1DAY 1 – VISIT THE GARDEN OF IRELAND

2DAY 2 – A DAY OF CASTLES AND WHISKEY

3DAY 3 – JOURNEY ALONG THE WILD ATLANTIC AND RING OF KERRY

4DAY 4 – UNCOVER THE RENOWNED GAP OF DUNLOE & DINGLE PENINSULA

5DAY 5 - EXPERIENCE THE CLIFFS OF MOHER ENROUTE TO GALWAY CITY

6DAY 6 – HAVE A GUINNESS IN THE OLDEST BAR IN THE WORLD

7DAY 7 - CONNECT WITH A REAL RURAL IRELAND

8 DAY 8 - DISCOVER IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST

Overview of a 8 Day Meandering Tour

Lake Tay Wicklow

DAY 1 – VISIT THE GARDEN OF IRELAND

A walk in nature to a monastery, Guinness Lake and finishing at a castle ... click to find out more

Rock of Cashel

DAY 2 – A DAY OF CASTLES AND WHISKEY

The world renowned Blarney Castle and a Jameson Whiskey, yum ... click to find out more

Purple Mountain over Muckross Lake

DAY 3 – JOURNEY ALONG THE WILD ATLANTIC AND RING OF KERRY

Killarney National Park and town have it all ... click to find out more

Gap of dunloe

DAY 4 – UNCOVER THE RENOWNED GAP OF DUNLOE & DINGLE PENINSULA

Beautiful scenery and seafood washed down with a pint of Guinness ... click to find out more

Killaloe Cruises

DAY 5 - EXPERIENCE THE CLIFFS OF MOHER ENROUTE TO GALWAY CITY

Sail the majestic river Shannon, stroll along the mighty cliffs and visit the cultural capital of Ireland ... click to find out more

Seans bar

DAY 6 – HAVE A GUINNESS IN THE OLDEST BAR IN THE WORLD

Free time in Galway City before heading into Ireland's Hidden Heartlands ... click to find out more

Clough Oughter Castle

DAY 7 - CONNECT WITH A REAL RURAL IRELAND

A castle only accessible by water and an evening of music and food on our own rural farm ... click to find out more

Ericas

DAY 8 - DISCOVER IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST

A short hike to a 5000 BC megalithic cairn, a hidden abbey and monastery to finish off a great tour ... click to find out more

Day 1

1Sally Gap, PS I Love You Bridge & Lough Tay (Guinness Lake)

2Glendalough Monastery and walking trails

3Kilkenny City & Castle

Day 1 DAY 1 – VISIT THE GARDEN OF IRELAND

Lake Tay Wicklow

Sally Gap, PS I Love You Bridge & Lough Tay (Guinness Lake)

Drive along the Sally Gap in the Wicklow mountains famous for its wild beauty but also featured in several movies such as P.S. I love you and Braveheart. Stop off for a photo opportunity at the PS I Love You bridge along with getting a glimpse of possibly Ireland’s largest Pint of Guinness at Lough Tay (Guinness Lake).

Glendalough

Glendalough Monastery and walking trails

Travel further into the Wicklow mountains to visit the 6th century monastic ruins of Glendalough. Glendalough is one of Ireland’s most iconic regions and has a great choice of walking/hiking trails to suit all levels. Also called the ‘Valley of two lakes’, Glendalough is known for its natural beauty and vibrant past from Monks in the era of Ireland’s saints and scholars to Viking raids.

Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny City & Castle

Visit the Medieval City of Kilkenny while also exploring the 12th Century Kilkenny castle which still stands today. There are many pubs and restaurants to enjoy and indulge along with an evening strolling amongst the locals in this charming town like city.

Additional details

Inclusions

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • 4 star accommodation with Full Irish breakfast included
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • Private tour
  • Live entertainment
  • Local guide
  • All activities as per itinerary

Exclusions

  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks other than what is listed on itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
Overview Day 2

1Rock of Cashel

2Jameson Distillery Middleton

3Blarney Castle & Gardens

Day 2 DAY 2 – A DAY OF CASTLES AND WHISKEY

Rock of Cashel

Rock of Cashel

Stop off at the famous Rock of Cashel, the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman Invasion.

The Jameson Experience, Cork

Jameson Distillery Middleton

Wet the lips on a tour of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, sampling one of Ireland’s favourite “Uisce Beatha”, the Irish word for whiskey but when directly translated to English means “the water of life”.

Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle & Gardens

Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy but is now more famously known for the Blarney stone for when you kiss it, you will be blessed with “the gift of the gab”, the ability to speak with eloquence and fluency.

Additional details

Inclusions

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • 4 star accommodation with Full Irish breakfast included
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • Private tour
  • Live entertainment
  • Local guide
  • All activities as per itinerary

Exclusions

  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks other than what is listed on itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
Day 1 Day 3

1Drive the Ring of Kerry along the Wild Atlantic Way

2Kilarney National Park

3Night out in Kilarney Town

Day 3 DAY 3 – JOURNEY ALONG THE WILD ATLANTIC AND RING OF KERRY

Ring of Kerry

Drive the Ring of Kerry along the Wild Atlantic Way

Take a scenic drive along this rugged coastline stopping off at rural seaside villages, taking in views of the Skellig Michael islands and adventuring through local craft stores.

Purple Mountain over Muckross Lake

Kilarney National Park

Stop off at Ladies View overlooking the lakes of Kilarney, short trek up to Torc Waterfall and get connected to the beauty of this national park.

People socialising

Night out in Kilarney Town

Kilarney town will not disappoint with its vibrant night life along with finding traditional music, pubs and great wholesome Irish food around every corner.

Additional details

Inclusions

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • 4 star accommodation with Full Irish breakfast included
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • Private tour
  • Live entertainment
  • Local guide
  • All activities as per itinerary

Exclusions

  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks other than what is listed on itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
Day 2 Day 4

1Gap of Dunloe

2Dingle

Day 4 DAY 4 – UNCOVER THE RENOWNED GAP OF DUNLOE & DINGLE PENINSULA

Gap of dunloe

Gap of Dunloe

The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass forged between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain and it’s natural beauty is a must see on your tour whether by foot or by horse and cart.

Dingle Harbour

Dingle

Dingle, a small port town known for its scenery, trails and sandy beaches. Also a favourite is its traditional Irish pubs bursting with character & charm.
Kilarney (2hrs 25minutes).

Additional details

Inclusions

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • 4 star accommodation with Full Irish breakfast included
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • Private tour
  • Live entertainment
  • Local guide
  • All activities as per itinerary

Exclusions

  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks other than what is listed on itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
Day 3 Day 5

1Killaloe Lough Derg Cruise

2McKernan Mills

3Cliffs of Moher

4 Dunguaire Castle

5Galway City

Day 5 DAY 5 - EXPERIENCE THE CLIFFS OF MOHER ENROUTE TO GALWAY CITY

Killaloe Cruises

Killaloe Lough Derg Cruise

Step on board “The Spirit of Killaloe” and take in beautiful views of the mighty Lough Derg and Iconic river Shannon on this 1 hour cruise experience.

McKernan Mills

McKernan Mills

The tour of McKernan Mills is fully guided by one of their staff so see and hear at first-hand how they create some of the finest woven scarfs in Ireland. Be amazed of the detail and passion that goes into every scarf.

cliffs of moher

Cliffs of Moher

Drive through the UNESCO geopark site of the Burren to visit the Cliffs of Moher along the Wild Atlantic Way, one of Ireland’s top tourist destinations and a must see. With their 214m at the highest point, the sharp drop-off of the cliffs to the ocean and the impressive views won’t be easily forgotten and a fantastic Instagram photo to share with family and friends back home..

Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle

Nearing Galway city, stop off at Dunguaire Castle in the fishing village of Kinvarra for a photo opportunity and short walk up to the castle walls. Folklore has it, if you stand at the front gate of this castle and ask a question, your question will be answered by the end of the next day.

Galway city

Galway City

See the medieval city walls, Lynch’s Castle, the Spanish Arch and the narrow walking streets of Galway. Awarded the European capital of culture 2020, Galway is a real buzz to be in with its street musicians, excellent craft shops and lively atmosphere. Our guides are sure to let you know where the locals play music off the well-known tourist pub trail.

Additional details

Inclusions

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • 4 star accommodation with Full Irish breakfast included
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • Private tour
  • Live entertainment
  • Local guide
  • All activities as per itinerary

Exclusions

  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks other than what is listed on itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
Day 4 Day 6

1Free time in Galway City

2Visit the oldest bar in the World

Day 6 DAY 6 – HAVE A GUINNESS IN THE OLDEST BAR IN THE WORLD

People socialising

Free time in Galway City

Have a well-deserved sleep in and enjoy free time in and around Galway City to shop in local craft shops and possibly find yourself an Aran Jumper, Claddagh Ring or alternatively indulge in one of the many fine seafood restaurants.

Seans bar

Visit the oldest bar in the World

Walk around the quaint streets of Athlone town and check out the OLDEST PUB IN THE WORLD “Sean’s Bar”. This pub is listed in the Guinness book of records and has been serving drinks for over 1000 years. Hear the compelling stories of the past from the local bartenders.

Additional details

Inclusions

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • 4 star accommodation with Full Irish breakfast included
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • Private tour
  • Live entertainment
  • Local guide
  • All activities as per itinerary

Exclusions

  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks other than what is listed on itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
Day 5 Day 7

1Boat trip to Clough Oughter Castle

2Rural Adventure Farm

Day 7 DAY 7 - CONNECT WITH A REAL RURAL IRELAND

Clough Oughter Castle

Boat trip to Clough Oughter Castle

County Cavan, famous for its 365 lakes, one for every day of the year and what better way to uncover them other than a kayak or boat trip to Clough Oughter Castle. This is an enchanting castle built on a crannog (man-made island). Hear about the many tales of Irish Chieftains and battles that are linked to this monument. The castle ruin is part of the Marble Arch Geopark on Lough Oughter lake adjacent to the charming Killykeen forest park and is only accessible by water.

Rural farm

Rural Adventure Farm

Travel to our rural organic home farm for a personal experience. Meet with friends and family who prepare a welcome meal. Marcus or one of our guides will lead in an outdoor acoustic music session around the fire (weather permitting) and tell stories of how the farm started. We also invite all our groups that visit our farm to plant a tree for environmental and symbolic reasons. Leave a part of your tour here always and help towards a greener future.

Additional details

Inclusions

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • 4 star accommodation with Full Irish breakfast included
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • Private tour
  • Live entertainment
  • Local guide
  • All activities as per itinerary

Exclusions

  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks other than what is listed on itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
Day 6 Day 8

1Erica's Fairy Forest

2Loughcrew Megalithic Cairn

3Fore Abbey

Day 8 DAY 8 - DISCOVER IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST

Ericas

Erica's Fairy Forest

Enjoy a gentle stroll through ancient native trees along the Dromore river until you get to Erica’s fairy forest. Let your imaginations run wild no matter what age you are.

Loughcrew

Loughcrew Megalithic Cairn

Take a short hike to the highest point in County Meath and find Loughcrew Megalithic Cairn, an ancient rite of passage tomb older than the pyramids of Egypt. You will hear local folklore stories, see carvings on stones dating back 5000BC and visit the Loughcrew Megalithic centre, an old Irish thatched cottage cafe. An opportunity to get connected to Ireland's ancient past.

Fore abbey

Fore Abbey

Visit a 7th Century Monastery located in the remote village of Fore and what better way to finish this tour but sampling one of Ireland’s finest Pints of Guinness in the local village pub while hearing all about the Seven Wonders of Fore.
​

Additional details

Inclusions

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • 4 star accommodation with Full Irish breakfast included
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • Private tour
  • Live entertainment
  • Local guide
  • All activities as per itinerary

Exclusions

  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks other than what is listed on itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
Day 7

Availability

Check availability

What people say about us

It was amazing!!!

I have to say this tour was well worth it! Our tour guide was Marcos and he was great! We got offered to get picked up from our location which was really convenient. As soon as he pulled up his energy was so joyful we felt nothing but good vibes! We started of kayaking to a little island with a small castle. The views on the way there were unbelievable. I felt like I was in a movie. This tour is a must!!! Oh and one more thing, I was doubting whether or not my 8 year old son was going to enjoy it and he loved it!!!

Rachel, California

Unforgettable day with the most amazing people!

My family and I chose the day tour option of kayaking out to the Cloughoughter Castle. This was such a beautiful and exciting new experience, we couldn’t have hoped for more!

Andrea, USA

Two fabulous days in and around Galway!

The Cliffs of Moher and an afternoon in the pubs of Doolin. Despite the fact that some of their tours are quite challenging athletically, we are a wee bit older and Marcus let us set a pace that worked for us. I love Trad Irish music and he took us to the best spots and of course is a great singer and storyteller in his own right.

Brooke, Napa

Worth it!

Even if I had done nothing else in Ireland, this tour would have made my visit worth it! My group spent two weeks in Ireland, and we took a tour with Rural Adventure Tours on our last day. It will be the best part of your trip!

Elena, Canada