South Ireland Drive & Hike Adventure

Arrive in the capital city of Dublin – where else to start your Irish adventure? Check into your city centre accommodations, then spend the rest of your day at leisure, enjoying the city any way you please. History, sport, art, and cuisine are all here in spades! No matter your interests, a trip to the Guinness factory is a must.

Start by driving south for about an hour to the lovely village of Laragh, your home for the night. Head out on a hike along the Wicklow Way, lush forested trails leading you to the Glendalough Valley.

This is home to one of Ireland’s most celebrated archaeological sites: the remains of a monastic city dating back 1,500 years. Many of the structures are wonderfully preserved. There are plenty of trails to explore in the area, leading from elevated viewpoints of the valley lakes to the wonderful lakeshores themselves. Return to Laragh for the evening.

Head south in the car to the port village of Kinsale, a little over 3 hours away. On the way, make a stop at the Rock of Cashel. The seat of kings for hundreds of years and a centre of religious power for even longer, this is one of Ireland’s most iconic sites.

Upon arriving in Kinsale, check into your accommodations, then drive a bit further south to the Old Head of Kinsale. Here you’ll find a peaceful 6km looped walk along the shores, with nothing but the sea breeze and endless views!

After breakfast, hop in the car and drive northwest to Killarney, a journey of about 1 ½ hours through mountainous terrain. From here, there are tons of options for exploring Killarney National Park, one of Ireland’s most beloved regions. Hike, grab a rental bike, or even book a boat tour across its fabled Three Lakes.

There are some remarkable attractions within the national park, including the distinguished Muckross House (the mansion from which the park itself was created) and the lakeshore Ross Castle. Keep an eye out for red deer, which live throughout the park.

The Ring of Kerry might be Ireland’s most famous route! Set off in your car from Killarney and follow the looped road around the Iveragh Peninsula. Mountain passes, broad sandy beaches, colourful villages, and views that stretch on forever – you might find yourself stopping for pictures more often than not!

There are plenty of excellent short hikes to take on this route. One favourite is the Derrynane Mass Path Loop Walk, which starts near the village of Caherdaniel and runs for 9km through the Derrynane National Park. This woodland amble takes about 3 ½ hours to complete, with views over Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell.

Upon completing your drive around the Ring, head for the vibrant coastal town of Dingle for your overnight stay.

A short transfer today brings you to Ventry Harbour, where you’ll embark on a majestic 8 ½km hike around Slea Head. This is one of Ireland’s westernmost stretches of land, with incredible views of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Blasket Islands. Weather permitting, hop on a boat for a visit to these breathtaking islands, currently uninhabited but rich in history.

Finish your walk at Dunquin, where you’ll be picked up and transferred back to Dingle for your second night in town.

Journey north in your car to the world-renowned Cliffs of Moher, a journey of just over 3 hours. Arrive at Hag’s Head, the southern point of the cliffs, and walk 5km along the open expanse of Ireland’s most fabled natural wonder. 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, drive north to Galway, your final home on the journey. Along the way, marvel at the limestone landscape of the Burren, a unique slice of Irish geography. Enjoy your night in Galway, Ireland’s “Cultural Heart,” with plenty of food, festivals, and fun!

After a final delicious Irish breakfast, pack up the car and return to Dublin. Return the vehicle and depart via your own arrangements.