Overland ‘s Emerald Explorer is a 7-day Ireland tour packed with incredible sights and activities. That said, Jewel Tours are small group tours designed to move at a smoother, slower pace whilst enjoying light activity — so don’t worry that you’ll be in too much of a rush. This is an Ireland walking tour, combined with a bus tour, a castle tour, and so much more! You’ll begin by leaving the busy streets of Dublin for the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way where you will cover over 1,100 km of rugged Irish coastline from Connemara to Kinsale.
Expert local guides will ensure you have a memorable experience on your Overland Ireland tour, exploring everything our country has to offer, from the breathtaking sights on the Ring of Kerry, to visiting amazing hidden gems, such as Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall and Killarney National Park. You will even have the opporunity to go kayaking with dolphins in Dingle Bay – but this is completely optional.
Much more than your average Ireland walking tour!
Visit Ireland’s most famous landmark: The Cliffs of Moher. Fall in love with the bustling bohemian city of Galway and discover the ancient charm of the Aran Islands, home to the stunning stone fort of Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over the ocean.
Your 7-day small group Ireland tour will bring you on an unforgettable journey, encapsulating and exploring Ireland with a diverse range of scenery, castles, adventure, history, heritage, culture and wildlife along the way. Enjoy some light activities, yet feel as though you’re gliding through the days at a smooth pace.
Your Emerald Explorer expertly guided, Ireland tour, will leave Dublin for the beauty and surroundings of the 6th century monastery at Clonmacnoise, located on the banks of the River Shannon. The monastery was a centre of excellence for learning and scholars created the finest of Celtic art and illuminated manuscripts over 600 years.
With a whetted appetite, our small group tour will cross the country into County Galway. Our next stop is Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara. The rugged landscape of Connemara come hail rain or shine is guaranteed to take your breath away. Spend time roaming the abbey and Victorian walled garden on this 1000 acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic Connemara National Park.
At the end of a busy day stay in Clifden – the largest town in Connemara surrounded by the Twelve Bens mountain range. Discover some great bars, restaurants, nightly music and have a chat with the locals over a pint of the Black Stuff!
If you feel like treating yourself we have added the option of staying in Ballynahinch Castle!
After a short drive cross country to Rossaveal Pier on Galway Bay, our small group tour of Ireland will take the ferry to the Aran Islands. We will land on rugged Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. We explore the Island by an easy cycle or by special request jaunting.
Our route will take in the stone fort of Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over the ocean before making our way back to the mainland. While you are there you might pick up a few words of “Gaelic” from the locals and maybe get an original Aran Sweater!
Our departure from Rossaveal is the start of our Galway adventure. We will hug the coastline into bustling bohemian Galway. Expect a great atmosphere, entertaining street performers and plenty of craic in this much celebrated town.
Galway is a city that has its Medieval history at its very heart.
Now that you have a “feel” for Galway, our guide will take you down the narrow medieval streets where you can duck in and out of brightly coloured shops.
Try on Claddagh Rings, Galway shawls and pass through The Spanish Arch to take in the famous Claddagh fishing village.
This day just keeps on giving. We will now travel south west towards The Burren National Park and the jaw dropping Cliffs of Moher. On this adventure we will visit Corcomroe Abbey, a 13th century Cistercian Monstary, the 16th century Dunguaire Castle in the fishing village of Kinvara.
Our cliffs experience will take us by foot across its stunning natural features with the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves crashing below. The cliffs are one of the most spectacular natural features in Ireland and are sure to leave you lost for words. Our evening is spent in the most welcoming and colourful village of Doolin – the hometown of traditional Irish music.
A trip to Ireland is not complete without seeing all the ancient structures. We will bring you to the most famous Dolmens at Poulnabrone. These Neolithic monuments are scattered throughout the country marking burial sites and passage ways dating back to 3000BC.
A short journey from the Dolmen, the farmers at Caherconnell will treat you to a spectacular sheep dog trial. Prepared to be awestruck by the skill of the farmer’s furry friend as they gather up their flock of sheep. This is something not to be missed on your tour.
We will leave the west behind for the spectacular southern counties of Kerry and Cork. Next stop is Dingle. Finish off a perfect day at the Dingle Whiskey Distillery. There you will sample their award-winning whiskey and gin and get an education on the history of whiskey production around the world.
This evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs and fantastic restaurants. Why not sit in Foxy John’s hardware store, order yourself a drink and strike up a conversation with a colourful local!
excluding stops
Our morning begins on Dingle Bay where we take our kayaks to visit the town’s biggest celebrity – Fungie the Dolphin and explore the caves in the bay. Alternatively, if kayaking isn’t your thing we will take you on a hike up Mount Brandon where you will be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Castlegregory. If you would like a more relaxed start to your day why not choose a stroll around the town for some retail therapy, a coffee and watch the world go by. It’s your holiday – Do it your way.
After lunch your expert Overland guide will take you on an impressive trip along one of Ireland’s most scenic roads – The Slea Head Drive. If you are lucky enough you might get to meet a couple of our local fluffy friends – baby lambs!
We spend another night in the buzzing town of Dingle, so you don’t need to repack your suitcase. Just relax and enjoy.
Say a fond farewell to Dingle and journey towards the Ring of Kerry. Our first stop takes us to Killarney on the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is the very definition of the word scenic and you will discover many hidden gems including Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle in Killarney National Park. We will bring you on a tour of Ross Castle where you will learn what life was really like behind the stone walls.
We will stop for some shopping and lunch in the beautiful heritage town of Kenmare. For your last night on tour we are excited to bring you to coastal Kinsale which is famed for its culinary culture, delivered by its many award winning restaurants. The town also has a great tradition of poetry, silver, gold and glassware manufacturing which can be seen throughout its local shops and galleries – boasting local talented artists.
Wake up refreshed and ready to be taken on a guided walking tour through the narrow streets of Kinsale. Before leaving Cork – which is often referred to as Ireland’s REAL capital we will bring you to Blarney Castle. Nobody should leave Ireland without giving the Blarney stone a big fat kiss! Kissing the Blarney Stone is said to give the kisser the treasured “gift of the gab”. You can let us know if it works!
Our final stop is the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is over 1000 years old. You will take in its medieval round tower, chapel, cathedral and castle. A fantastic end to your trip.
Our guides will journey back with you to our bustling capital city, Dublin, armed with recommendations of things to see and do if you have a little time left. Perhaps this is just the perfect opportunity to sit back and reminisce about this best tour of Ireland, that you’ve just experienced.
Founded in 2014, Overland Ireland was the brainchild of avid adventurers Clodagh and Reinier.
After overlanding, touring, and guiding across the world, they believed that they had all the ingredients to offer a magical product to tourists visiting the Emerald Isle.
Overland Ireland’s love for the great outdoors, Irish culture and heritage and, of course, music and craic has inspired them to share every off-the-beaten-track hidden gem with the rest of the world.
Every year Overland Ireland continues to welcome hundreds of new friends from all corners of the world and help them to discover and explore Ireland’s playground.
Team Overland believes that big things come in small packages. Their small group tours concentrate on offering big experiences to all our guests. The team knows individual attention and care is key to making every customer’s holiday unique, exciting and unforgettable.
View ProfileProfessional and personal service every step of the way. No ask is too big, no query too small, we're here to take the stress out of booking your dream vacation. We're an Irish American company with the sort of insider knowledge not available anywhere else. Anything is possible when you book with Irish Studio Travel, because it’s your Ireland, your way.
Professional qualified Irish tour guide
Kayak excursion in Dingle Bay (optional)
Distillery tour
Jaunting
Cliffs of Moher
Great breakfast
Transport to all locations by air-conditioned mini coach
Blarney Stone Entrance
Entrance fees to National Parks
Ferry Crossings
All taxes
Bottled water on board
Entrance to Kylemore Abbey
Clonmacnoise Monastery Visit
Sheepdog Trials Show
We know everyone’s budget and taste for food are different, so lunch and dinners are not included in your tour price. You have the freedom to choose from fine-dining or simply having some fish and chips. There are so many places along the way to suit all taste buds and all budgets. So you will be spoiled for choice! Vegans and vegetarians can enjoy great menus too from cafés and restaurants that cater for any dietary requirements.
Food and Drinks
Gratuities (optional)
Jaunting on the Aran Islands
