Southern Ireland explorer Tour

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Clonmacnoise

The Burren

Aran Islands

Killarney

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Dingle Peninsula

Ring of Kerry

Cork

Port of Cobh

Waterford

Viking Ship

Glendalough

Pre-tour meet

We meet at our chosen campsite near Holyhead where we provide a full briefing of the tour.

You are welcome to join us for dinner, which is included in the tour.

In the morning we depart for the ferry terminal atHolyhead.

Day 1-2

Arrive in Dublin

After your Ferry crossing to Dublin Port travel to Dublin's premier campsite, just outside Dublin..

Our tour begins here in Ireland’s Ancient East. A thrilling journey that takes you thousands of years back in time awaits.

We will spend the next 2 days Near Dublin allowing you time to explore the city and everything it has to offer.

The Dublin City Hop on/Hop off Tour Bus calls to the car park forecourt 7 days, so no problems with parking in the city.

Day 3-4

The spirituality of the early Irish monks

The first leg of our 14-day southern circular route whisks you away to one of Ireland's most historic sites: Clonmacnoise. At the heart of the country you will enter County Offaly. Head straight to the famous monastic ruins, which date back to the 6th century and the beginning of Ireland's conversion to Christianity. The missionary movement that originated here influenced the whole of Europe. Returning to the present. The historic town of Tullamore is famous today for Tullamore Dew, a world-class Irish whiskey.

At Galway Bay you have reached the entry point to the Wild Atlantic Way, and one of the most astonishing and wildest landscapes of Ireland, the karst region of the Burren. It is under the auspices of UNESCO, as it is a magnificent geological rarity.

At the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark you will find Ireland's Cliff Coast – a region of wild beauty, transformed by the sea. The moonscape of the Burren dips down into Galway Bay and rises up again offshore on the Aran Islands, in the form of magical islands. Their archaic ringforts are world-renowned, particularly Dún Aonghasa.

The destination for the next 2 days is Doolin in County Clare.

From here you can take a boat to visit the Aran islands and Cliffs of Moher, Doolin Cave & Ailwee cave.

If your sea legs are not very good, The Visitor Centre, 10 km south of Doolin, can also be reached by foot over the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Path.

Day 5-6

From the craggy coastline to the Southern Peninsulas

Our next destination is Killarney and the Killarney National Park.

Our campsite is overlooking Lough Leane. We will stay here for 2 days to allow time to visit the Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, Skellig Michael and several other sites on the South west Peninsula.

The crossing over the Shannon Estuary via the ferry is stunning and, with a bit of luck, you will see some dolphins. When you reach Tarbert you have arrived in County Kerry

There is also the option to go via Limmerick and cross the Shannon here.

Time to visit Dingle in a clockwise direction

The Ring of Dingle takes you to most of the attractions and countless archaeological sites: prehistoric forts, Stone Age relics and the beehive huts of the early Irish monks.

A visit to the Gallarus Oratory chapel in the morning is a noble way to start off your Ring of Dingle circuit.

The town of Dingle itself, with its pleasant pubs and shops, is an inviting place to take a stroll or do a spot of shopping. Whiskey fans will find the Dingle Distillery at the entrance to the town. The day tours set off from the harbour to and around the Blasket Islands.

the Northern Ring of Kerry

Gaze out from the coast, and take in the Skelligs, sitting crouched in the roaring ocean. Most recently called home by Jedi knights (it was a key filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens) these islands were first occupied in the 6th century by monks who sought solitude and peace. The mind boggles at the challenges they must have faced, living in this incredible location. If you're lucky enough to get to visit, climb the steep stone steps to the summit, where stark beehive huts cling to the rock and an overwhelming sense of calm prevails. Alternatively, take a boat ride around the islands, or visit The Skellig Experience in Valentia.

Day 7-8

County Cork & Blarney

From the Southern Peninsulas, we now heads eastwards, across the middle of the island, and aim for Ireland's Ancient East and the City of Cork.

Our campsite is located overlooking Blarney castle and is convenient for public transport in to the City of Cork.

From here you can explore the many sites and even kiss the Blarney stone at Blarney castle.

From Cork to the emigration port of Cobh

Once you have got your strength back, in the early afternoon, Cork's revitalised old sea port is worth a visit: Cobh is situated only a few kilometres from the city. Those driving there in their own motorhome should park on the promenade. Cobh took its place in Ireland's history not only because it was an emigration port, but also because it was from here that the Titanic set sail on its fateful journey. Those who have visited the Titanic Building in Belfast, will want to see the exhibition's southern Irish counterpart, which is right on the harbour: for the Titanic Experience you take on the role of one of the passengers. Cobh Heritage Centre tells the tragic story of Irish emigration. Cobh, a vivacious small town, is nowadays an appealing summer resort.

Day 9-10

Eastwards to the Mediterranean south coast

From Cork the route snakes through Ireland's Mediterranean south and its Ancient East, steeped in history.

Whiskey fans will be tempted to take a detour after just 5 km to visit the Jameson Distillery near Midleton.

Our destination today is Waterford and this evening, you will be staying at Tramore Beach, with its relaxing 4 km-long sandy beach.

A morning dip in the sea from the wide Tramore beach will refresh you for the start of another day's exploring.

This campsite is ideally situated to explore the beauty of the local coastline and its villages or to visit Waterford City by public bus, with its many highlights, including the world-famous Waterford Crystal & Viking Triangle. There are nearby pubs and restaurants to choose from and the picturesque cove at Newtown is only a 5-minute stroll.

From Vikings to the Middle Ages and into the modern era

Waterford is worthy of a long walk: its 1100 year-old history takes us from the prosperous times of medieval wine trading to the volatile realms of early modern times. Waterford Crystal is one of the legacies, and is an important symbol of creativity through the ages. The trio of Waterford Treasures museums, and the Waterford Viking Triangle tell the story of these times really well. If you have time, take a break in New Ross to see the Dunbrody emigrant ship upon which US President Kennedy's ancestors, like thousands of others, departed for America.

Day 11

From the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean

We begin our penultimate day in Ireland's Ancient East towards Wicklow. located next to the Wicklow Mountains and Avondale Forest, which offers different walking trails. There are local attractions including Glendalough, Avoca, Brittas Bay, Wicklow Gap, Greenan Museum, Avoca (Handweavers) and Mount Usher.