South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure

Arrive in Dublin and transfer to the city centre for a night spent exploring Ireland’s capital. Whether your interests are historical, artistic, culinary, or otherwise, there’s something in Dublin for you. Trinity College and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral are architectural highlights, while a trip to the Guinness Storehouse is basically a must.

Start your first day on tour by driving south for an hour to the charming village of Laragh. Leave the car behind and set off on a hike along the forested Wicklow Way. Beautiful wooded paths bring you into the Glendalough valley, where St. Kevin founded a monastic settlement over 1,500 years ago.

History buffs will love exploring the stone structures which lie throughout the valley, and there are plenty of gorgeous trails along lakeshores and waterfalls to occupy your time. When you’re finished, hike back to Laragh for the evening.

After breakfast, head southwards for the village of Kinsale, roughly three hours from Laragh. Just over halfway through the drive, you’ll come to the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most iconic attractions. A seat of power for royalty and the Church for centuries, this striking site has no equal in the nation.

For today’s hike, an excellent choice is the Old Head of Kinsale just south of the village itself. A serene 6km loop with nothing but the sea breeze in your hair… It’s the perfect introduction to Ireland’s southern coast.

Start the day by driving west to the Sheep’s Head Peninsula, a favourite for locals. This stretch takes you along the Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal route stretching all the way to Ireland’s northern shores. The scenery impresses at every turn!

Today’s hike epitomizes the beauty of your coastal surroundings. The Sheep’s Head Lighthouse is your destination, a looped walk just over 4kms bringing you out to the very end of the peninsula. The viewpoint here is spectacular– keep your eye out for all sorts of marine wildlife, including dolphins, sharks, and even whales.

Upon returning to your vehicle, drive to nearby Glengarriff for your overnight stay.

It’s on to the second of four peninsulas, the Beara, as you work your way north along Ireland’s west coast. There are plenty of options for exploring the Beara Peninsula on foot. Island lovers should check out Dursey Island – connected to the mainland by Ireland’s only cable car – and Bere Island, chock-full of ancient and recent military history alike.

Another excellent choice is a visit to Gleninchaquinn Park. This working sheep farm boasts an array of hiking trails and one of Ireland’s most stunning waterfalls. Don’t miss the Uragh Stone Circle just outside the park. This ancient monument instills quiet awe in all who visit.

Finish the day with a drive to cheerful Kenmare for the night.

It’s not a successful trip to South Ireland without completing the Ring of Kerry! This world-famous loop around the Iveragh Peninsula is chock-full of scenic highlights sure to delight all who make the journey.

If you simply can’t settle on a hiking route for the day, try the Derrynane Mass Path Loop. This 9km walk runs through the National Park of the same name, with gorgeous meadows and woodlands flanking the path. Sweeping views of Derrynane Beach and the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, a.k.a. “The Liberator,” top off the experience. Then, make the drive to Dingle town for a fresh seafood dinner and your overnight stay.

After breakfast, hop in a short transfer to nearby Ventry Harbour. From here, set off on a fantastic looped hike around Slea Head, which juts out into the heaving waves of the North Atlantic Ocean. This is about as far west as you can go in Ireland!

If the weather permits, pay a visit to the offshore Blasket Islands. Once inhabited, these islands are rich in the rugged beauty that typifies this stretch of southwest Ireland. Finish the hike at Dunquin and transfer back to Dingle for a second overnight stay.

Continue north in your car until you reach a spot known as Hag’s Head, just over 3 hours from Dingle. This is the southernmost point of the fabled Cliffs of Moher and the starting spot for a truly majestic walk. A 5km stretch along the open clifftops showcases the world-famous site in all its dramatic glory.

Upon reaching the visitor centre, you can head back to the car the way you came or hop in a shuttle for the return trip. From here, it’s a short drive to the village of Doolin, your home for the evening. Don’t miss an opportunity to enjoy some traditional Irish music, performed live in pubs across town.

Your final destination is the city of Galway, renowned amongst tourists and locals alike for its bohemian character. If you’re keen to explore all the culture, food, and fun that Galway has to offer, head straight there to maximize your time in town.

For those keen on a final hike, the Burren has some amazing routes to offer. This limestone-dominated landscape is totally unique and surprisingly full of flora! Abbey Hill, Carron Hike, and the Green Road are all excellent choices.

After one last Irish breakfast, load up the car and return to Dublin. Return the vehicle and depart via your own arrangements.