Highlights of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way: 8-day tour from Dublin

Welcome to your GeoCultura tour! Is there a better place to start than Ireland’s buzzy capital, Dublin? We don’t think so! This city has it all – castles, cathedrals, cobblestone streets and cutting-edge museums, wrapped up in that warm and welcoming Irish spirit. 

Let’s kick things off this afternoon, with a private bus tour of the city’s main sights, including the monument-lined O’Connell Street, St Stephens Green and the Parliament Building. Then, we’ll visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. This place is fascinating, whether you have Irish ancestry or not. 

Check in at The Wilder Townhouse, an elegant, red-brick boutique hotel and get to know the rest of your group over dinner. 

• The Wilder Townhouse, central Dublin  

• Group dinner at a local restaurant   

After breakfast, we’ll hop on board the private tour bus and make our way west, via some carefully chosen stops.  

At Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery, you’ll see the stills, learn all about the whiskey making process and sip a few samples, too.  

We’ll soak up the whiskey with some lunch, then head to our next hotel, stopping off to snap a few photos of pretty Dunguaire Castle on the shores of Galway Bay along the way. If time allows, we’ll stop at Poulnabrone Dolmen, the country’s oldest dated megalithic stone monument – often called ‘Ireland’s Stonehenge’. 

Round off the day with a well-earned group dinner at your hotel for the next two nights, Wild Honey Inn.

• Wild Honey Inn, Lisdoonvarna 

• Group dinner at Wild Honey Inn 

Today’s early start is worth it to make the most of Co. Clare’s awe-inspiring scenery.  

First up, the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most dramatic coastal landmarks. The Visitor Centre is the perfect introduction to the geological, human and natural stories behind these most extraordinary cliffs before your Tour Leader takes you on a guided walk to see them for yourself. Take in the view from O’Brien’s Tower, a Victorian folly marking the highest point of the cliffs. 

Next, we descend into Doolin Cave, discovered by chance in the 1950s. Look for a church organ-like column hanging overhead – that’s nothing less than Europe’s largest stalactite! 

We cap off the day with a boat cruise beneath the towering Cliffs of Moher. From this angle, the vertical cliff face looks impenetrable – but fans of Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince will know they’re not! 

• Wild Honey Inn, Lisdoonvarna 

• Free evening  

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before you say farewell to Wild Honey Inn and journey southwest into Co. Kerry. 

Our first stop is the 15th-century Bunratty Castle – Ireland’s most complete castle, surrounded by a ‘living village’ of shops, streets and farmhouses. 

Next, we fast-forward a few centuries at Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum. Housed in the original terminal building, this little gem tells the history of transatlantic seaplanes in the early 20th century – the first commercial passenger flight on a direct route from USA to Europe landed at Foynes.  

It’s also where Irish coffee was invented, which makes it the perfect place for our private group masterclass in crafting the smoothest, creamiest Irish coffee. 

Onwards to Tralee, a colourful town with spectacular mountain views, and to Inch Beach. Don’t be fooled by the name; ‘Inch’ Beach is actually 3 miles (5km) of golden sand. Stretch your legs, breathe in the salty air or dip a toe in the ocean before we reach the South Pole Inn in Annascaul.  

Behind two of history’s greatest polar explorers is a Kerryman. His name might be dwarfed by Scott and Shackleton, but the South Pole Inn gives Tom Crean the hero status he deserves. It’s the perfect place to toast the spirit of adventure before we settle into Castlewood House for the next two nights.  

• Castlewood House, Dingle 

• Free evening 

Today we explore the most beautiful places on the Dingle Peninsula.  

We start with a cobweb-clearing trip to Slea Head, a promontory with spectacular views along the coast, before heading to Dunquin. This tiny Gaelic village feels untouched by time. No wonder some say it encapsulates the essence of Ireland! 

Next, the wild beauty of Clougher Strand, where we’ll spy evidence of Ireland’s surprisingly volcanic past. After, we’ll visit Louis Mulcahy Pottery and hear the story of how a competition win led Louis to gamble by moving his entire business across country from Dublin to Dingle. 

Nearby Ballyferriter village is a stronghold of the Gaelic language. We’ll stop to browse the shops and admire the stained-glass windows of its tiny church. 

Finally, weather-permitting, we’ll drive the dramatic, winding Conor Pass, pausing to see Conor Pass waterfall and spectacular views of the Owenmore Valley and the Brandon Mountains.  

Back in Dingle, enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the town. If you like, nod along to some traditional Irish music in a local pub afterwards – your Tour Leader can recommend great places to drink and/or eat.

• Castlewood House, Dingle 

• Free evening in Dingle  

Wave goodbye to Dingle as we take one of the most scenic routes in Ireland: the legendary Ring of Kerry. Every twist of this 111 mile-long route unveils rugged coastline, deep forests and tumbling streams. 

We’ll stop at Moll’s Gap for a panoramic view of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, before continuing to Ladies’ View, where Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting once swooned over the landscape (we think you will too!). A short walk takes us to Torc Waterfall, plunging through ancient woodland. 

After lunch, we explore Muckross House, a grand Victorian estate with gardens that wouldn’t look out of place in a period drama. If time and inclination allow, clamber aboard a jaunting car for a traditional horse-drawn tour. 

Our day ends at Loch Lein Country House Hotel on the shores of Killarney’s great lake, with the option to dine in the hotel. 

• Loch Lein Country House Hotel, Killarney  

• Free evening (restaurant in hotel) 

We start the journey back east with a visit to Kerry Woollen Mills, where traditional weaving methods have been passed down for over 300 years. It’s the perfect place to pick up an Irish wool scarf or Arran knit  

Next, we stop at Blarney Castle. Built around 600 years ago, it’s most famous as the home of the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that if you kiss the Stone at the top of the tower, you’ll be granted the gift of eloquence. But if you don’t fancy the climb, the castle grounds are a delight to explore, with some of the tallest trees in Ireland. 

After lunch, we drive to Ballymaloe House, one of Ireland’s most celebrated country house hotels. We’ll arrive by mid-afternoon, giving you time to explore the gardens and relax before a final feast at the hotel. 

• Ballymaloe House Hotel, Cork 

• Group dinner at hotel 

Our final day, but we’re going out in style. The Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most spectacular historic sites, is our first stop. This cluster of medieval buildings – including an ancient round tower, a cathedral and Ireland’s only surviving Romanesque frescoes – balances on a limestone outcrop. 

Then, it’s back to Dublin by late afternoon, in time for flights, onward travel or a final pint of Guinness in Temple Bar. Sláinte! 

• End of tour: drop-off in Dublin or at the airport