Finn McCool, the legendary Irish giant, was apparently so tall that you could see all of Ireland between his legs. And like Finn, who could travel the length and breadth of the island in a few easy steps, this epic 12 day day adventure effortlessly explores more of Ireland than most Irish people will visit in their lifetime. From the Giant's (that would be Finn's) Causeway in the very north east to the Blarney Stone in the south west the trip packs in loads of great scenery, walks and outdoor activity, historical and legendary sites and lots more. And if the weather is clear, you might even see Finn McCool himself...
Northern and Northwest Ireland:
In 2007 Northern Ireland was named as one of the top ten places in the world to visit by Lonely Planet travel guides. Not surprising really when you consider the great scenery, fascinating history and political situation, the activity options and the genuinely warm welcome. Plus, of course, for many it is a completely new area to be explored as the peace has unfolded over the last ten years. All the highlights such as Belfast, Derry, The Antrim coastline and the Giant's Causeway are covered – plus plenty of secret places of our own.
Northwest and Western Ireland:
Heading across to the north-west Imagine a country of wild moorland, rugged mountain ranges, and endless uncoil beaches. Counties Donegal, Sligo and Mayo feature some of Europe's least population regions – at times we will have the landscape all to ourselves as we walk in the hills of Donegal, explore the megalithic tombs at Carrowkeel or BBQ on silver strand beach in Mayo. There are of course a few well known highlights, like Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holiest mountain (named after ST Patrick of course) and plenty of breathtaking lesser known locations, such as Slieve League cliffs – the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Again too, the range of historical sites and activities is wide ranging, and also we have the option of hot sea-weed baths in county Sligo – an unbelievably relaxing way to unwind.
Western Ireland:
The Western section of the tour weaves it way down the coast from county Mayo into counties Galway and Clare and down towards the mighty River Shannon. Firstly we enter a Connemara, as favorite area for Irish people to come on holiday due to the rugged scenery, local friendliness and culture. If you asked an Irish person what their favourites place in Ireland was, for many it would be Connemara. Continuing south, either through or round Galway city we enter the southerly province of Munster and county Clare to explore the unique landscape of the Burren, enjoy the live traditional Irish music in Doolin and marvel at the Cliffs of Moher. Next stop, County Kerry once we have taken the ferry over the river Shannon…
South West Ireland:
The south west is the most popular areas of Ireland for visitors, and with good reason. We spend four nights in Counties Kerry and Cork exploring the three peninsulas of Dingle, Iveragh (the Ring of Kerry) and Beara. Each has its unique scenery and atmosphere, from the green rolling fields and buzzing town of Dingle, to the majestic mountains of the ring of Kerry and the remote and uncoil wilderness of the Beara Peninsula. We take trips to islands, sea-kayak with seals, visit ancient archeological sites and enjoy first class Cork and Kerry hospitality before heading inland and back through Limerick and Tipperary to Dublin.
This really is a giant Irish adventure.
Price per person:
€1989 (based on two sharing, single supplement €300)
For more information and a full itinerary for this tour please click here
Some typical highlights include:
Revel at some of Europe's very best scenery, including:
- The Glens of Antrim
- Walk in the Mourne Mountains (Sleive Gulliam)
- Galway's Connemara Region
- The Wild Moorlands and Mountains of County Mayo
- Ireland's highest mountain range The Macgillycuddy Reeks
- The Green fields and stone walls of Dingle
- Ireland's wild and rugged Atlantic coastline from the Northeast corner all the way to the south west
- The Burren Limestone Plateau
- The Caher Mountains of the Beara Peninsula
- The green inland scenery of areas such as the Golden Vale in Tipperary
Enjoy some of Ireland's most popular and worthwhile tourist destinations:
- The Giants Causeway and Carrick a Rede ropebridge
- Blarney Castle to kiss the magical Blarney Stone
- Killarney National Park
- The Cliffs of Moher
Enjoy some fantastic activity options
- Walking and hiking through some of Ireland's best scenery
- Horse-riding on the Dingle Peninsula
- Sea-kayaking with the seals in West Cork
- Try your hand at surfing an Atlantic Wave
- Learn the ancient art of "Vagaball"!
- Optional trip to the Aran Islands
- Enjoy a BBQ on a wild and remote beach
Wonder at some of Ireland's historical treasures and experience the rich historical past of the region, from Stone Age man to the modern age.
- Clamber over the cliff-top ruins of Dun Luce Castle
- Climb Knocknaree Mountain to Queen Maeve's tomb
- Visit The Rock of Cashel
- Optional trip to the Skellig islands, one of Ireland UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Ancient Neolithic Stone circles, Celtic ring forts, castles, monastic sites and built tombs
- Take a Black cab tour of the fascinating Belfast city
- A walking tour of Londonderry/Derry city
Explore three of Ireland's most diverse south western Peninsulas and the West coast:
- The majestic Iveragh peninsula (better known as the Ring of Kerry)
- The rugged Beara Peninsula (also known as the ‘undiscovered peninsula’)
- The rolling hills of the Dingle Peninsula
- The lunar limestone landscape of the Burren, Country Clare
Take some free time to explore local communities and meet the Irish people in locations such as:
- The vibrant and buzzing Galway city
- The galleries and pubs (about 54 in total!) in Dingle town (pop. about 2500)
- The shops and boutiques of picturesque Kenmare
Some fun little side trips:
- Relax in a hot, rejuvenating Seaweed bath
- Visit a working sheep farm for a demonstration of working dogs and also sheep shearing
- Take a boat trip to try Spot Dingle's most Friendly occupant - Funghi the Dolphin in Dingle Bay
And at night:
- Live music and excellent food in some of Ireland's best pubs and restaurants.
- Overnight in quality, locally owned guesthouse and small hotel accommodation in small, friendly local communities.)
- Spend a night in a castle
- Off the beaten track adventure in Vagabond 4X4 tour vehicle.
- Services of highly trained professional Vagabond tour guide
- 12 FULL days on tour
- 11 nights accommodation (4 nights B&B, 6 nights Hotel, 1 Night in a castle).
- 11 Full Irish breakfast.
- Most daily activities and visits.
- All relevant taxes.
- Guaranteed tour price from the moment you make your deposit
- Loads of laughs
- Lunches and evening meals
- Some optional entrance fees and additional activity options, for example:
- Surfing - E30-35 for a two hours lesson, including all equipment hire
- Horse-riding - E30 for an hour
- Sea-Kayaking - E15 per hour
- Black Cab taxi tour of Belfast - GB10
- Bushmills Whiskey Distillery – GB5
- Walking tour of Derry - GB4
- Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge - GB5.6
- Boat trip to Slieve League Cliffs - E15
- Hot, relaxing sea-weed bath - E22-25
- Blarney Stone and Rock of Cashel – E15 (combined)
We try and keep any additional costs to a minimum and these activities account for only a small part of the daily activities on tour. Most of the historical sites we visit are free to enter, as of course are the walks and beaches. The additional activities we do offer are ones that have proved to be a big success with customers over the years.
For more information and a full itinerary for this tour please click here
