The Ultimate Tour - A Small Group Tour

10 Days, 9 Nights 10 Days Starts in Dublin & Ends in Dublin

Tour highlights

You can have it all on this 10-day tour of Ireland. The Ultimate Ireland Tour covers the length and breadth, the North and South, of our magical Emerald Isle. We have designed this to be the ultimate Ireland tour package, perfect for anyone eager to experience everything our stunning country has to offer, covering more ground and seeing more sights than our other tours! Spoil yourself throughout this ten-day tour with unrivaled scenery, a feast of tradition, history, culture, castles, and the great outdoors

 

Itinerary

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Dublin to Belfast

This extensive guided, small group tour of Ireland begins with an adventure to the magical stone age passage tomb at Newgrange, richly decorated by megalithic art.

After exploring this Neolithic structure we will travel north to Belfastfor the full Titanic experience at Titanic Belfast. This splendid interactive visitor centre was voted the world’s leading tourist attraction in 2016. Prepare to be moved by the wonderful stories told about the world’s most famous ship.

We will finish the day with an enthralling black cab tour of Belfast. This tour is optional but highly recommended. Alternatively, if you just need to take a breath and chill, you can spend some time exploring the city’s coolest pubs, shops and restaurants.

total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes

excluding stops
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The Giants Causeway to Derry

Today will be both a test of mental strength and a celebration for your soul.
The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most anticipated features in this small group tour of Ireland and never disappoints. The Causeway Coastal Route is breath-taking and while crossing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge you will feel the exhilaration of the air beneath your feet while the anticipation builds.

Game of Thrones fans will have officially landed in their spiritual home as we take a sneak peak of one of its most famous filming locations, The Dark Hedges.

Our next stop is Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s second largest city, steeped in rich history. Explore the city by night and look forward to a tour of the walled city on day 3.

total driving time: 3 hours

excluding stops
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Derry to the Hills of Donegal

Before leaving Derry, let our friends take you on a walking tour of the city. Understand the struggles of our past and the long road to current peaceful times in the North.

Now it is time to venture into the wild northwest – The Hills of Donegal. We continue our exploration of Northern Ireland and embark on a magnificent drive over the Glengesh Pass, and the Assaranca Waterfall. Our accommodation tonight is in the picturesque village of Ardara, County Donegal.

total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

excluding stops
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Donegal to Connemara

Today’s small guided road trip will take you through William Butler Yeat’s County – Sligo and down towards Ireland’s favourite town – Westport!

Our time in Westport begins with a wonderful walking tour of the town and a fabulous lunch to set yourself up for an unforgettable journey through Connemara National Park and the famous Famine Trail.

We will arrive at Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara in the afternoon. You will have time to roam the abbey and Victorian Walled Garden on this 1000 acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic Connemara National Park.

Stay in Clifden and discover some great bars, restaurants and nightly music and have a chat with the locals over a pint of the Black Stuff!

This year we have added the option of staying in Ballynahinch Castle!

total driving time: 4 hours

excluding stops
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The Aran Islands

After a short drive cross country to Rossaveal Pier on Galway bay, our small group tour will board the ferry to the Aran Islands. We will land on rugged Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. We explore the Island by bicycle or by special request jaunting cart, if cycling is not for you.

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.

total driving time: 2 hours

excluding stops
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Galway to the Cliffs of Moher

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 and the 16th century Dunguaire Castle in the fishing village of Kinvara.

Our cliffs experience will take our small tour group by foot across its stunning natural features with the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves crashing in. 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.

total driving time: 2 hours

excluding stops
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Doolin to Dingle

A trip to Ireland is not complete without seeing all the ancient structures. We will bring you to the most famous Dolmen 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 and his furry friend as they gather up their flock of sheep. This is something not to be missed on your tour.

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!

total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

excluding stops
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Dingle Peninsula

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 before stopping at the famous Dingle Whiskey Distillery. At the distillery you will sample their award-winning whiskey and gin and get an education on the history of whiskey production around the world. We spend another night in the buzzing town of Dingle, so you don’t need to repack your suitcase. Just relax and enjoy.

total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes

excluding stops
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The Ring of Kerry to Kinsale

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.

total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

excluding stops
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Cork: Kiss the Blarney Stone

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 and you will get to see 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 soak up all that you have experienced over the last 10 days.

total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

excluding stops

Tour operator

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.

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Why choose Irish Studio Travel

Personal service & expert advice

Professional 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.

What's included

Cross the border to Northern Ireland and lose yourself at the Giant’s Causeway on Antrim’s coastline and be blown away at the Titanic Experience in Belfast – the world’s most famous ship. This 10-day Ireland tour is packed to the brim with authentic Ireland adventures.

You will have an unforgettable experience on this incredible Ireland tour package, exploring everything our stunning little country has to offer.  From kayaking with dolphins in Dingle Bay (optional) to the magnificent sights at the Ring of Kerry, be prepared to create memories that will last a lifetime.

In 2020 we have given our guests an option to stay a night in a Castle! Live like a prince(ss) for the night!

Finish your experience with the very necessary “kiss of the Blarney Stone” where you will receive the treasured “gift of the gab”.

This is a trip of a lifetime you will never forget.

Jewel Tours are perfect for going at a smoother pace whilst enjoying light activity. 

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