Magical Southern 5 Days
5 Days: Dublin, Killarney, Slea Head, County Clare & Galway
Tour overview:
If you’re only in our beautiful country for a short amount of time, then this Magical Southern 5-day Tour might be the perfect place for you. You will leave the bustling streets and city noise behind as you journey towards the wonderful Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll see some of Ireland’s most famous sights, such as Moll’s Gap, Ladies’ View, and Killarney National Park. You’ll even have the opportunity to kayak in Dingle Bay! You will also visit one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks: The Cliffs of Moher.
Day 1 - From Dublin To Tipperary, Cork, And Kinsale
Leave Dublin’s bright lights behind and start your epic journey across the magical south of Ireland! The first stop is the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most spectacular ancient sites.Discover the medieval round tower, cathedral, castle, and chapel, all of which are steeped in 1,000 years of history. This first castle experience will truly blow you away ! The adventure continues as we travel south to Cork, one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and Ireland’s second largest. And remember, the local Corkonians claim their city is Ireland’s TRUE capital! Of course, when in County Cork, you have to kiss the Blarney Stone. How else will you get the “gift of the gab”? There’s also plenty of time to wander around Blarney Castle and its beautiful gardens — the perfect way to work up an appetite for a delicious local lunch. This eventful first day closes with an overnight stay in Kinsale, a gorgeous harbour town in West Cork. Kinsale is equally famous for its dramatic landscapes and award-winning restaurants. This is a true paradise for lovers of seafood! Our local friend Barry will show you around the town’s forts, castles, shops, and galleries.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Day 2 - From Kinsale To Kenmare, Killarney National Park, And Dingle
After leaving Kinsale, we head toward one of Ireland’s most famous driving routes — the Ring of Kerry. (For the complete Ring of Kerry experience, see our Ireland to Island Tour). Killarney National Park, our country’s first-ever national park, awaits! This special place includes stops at breathtaking overlooks like Ladies’ View and Molls’ Gap.
You will then enjoy a guided tour of Ross Castle. Your expert guide will bring the castle’s legends to life, helping you to imagine what life was like behind the imposing stone walls. This amazing second day finishes in the cosy, celebrated coastal town of Dingle. You’re free to spend the evening soaking up Dingle’s famous atmosphere, be it in a stellar restaurant, a quirky pub, or a traditional live music session.
Total Driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Day 3 - From Dingle To Slea Head
The morning of day three gets off to a special start with an optional kayaking adventure in Dingle Bay. You can view the wild and rugged coastline from a new perspective and explore the nearby sea caves. Is kayaking not your thing? Not to worry. We also provide a morning walk to Eask Tower, a solid stone monument standing atop Carhoo Hill. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the rolling blue Atlantic Ocean and the lush greenery of the Dingle Peninsula. If you’d prefer to indulge in some retail therapy, you’re free to take some time for yourself to explore the charming local shops. It’s your holiday, so you can do it your way! In the afternoon, head out on a trip along the incredible Slea Head Drive with a local expert guide. Some of the amazing sights you can expect to see are beehive huts, beautiful harbours, and quintessential Irish landscapes — perfect for those important Instagram photos! We then return to Dingle for a second night, so you can find even more great spots for fun and food. And best of all, there’s no need to re-pack your bags!
Total driving time: 2 hours, excluding stops
Day 4 - From Dingle To County Clare
Your magical southern experience continues as we depart Dingle. Travelling north, soak in the jaw-dropping views of Connor Pass and Castlegregory. We then stop off to watch a traditional sheepdog demonstration. The skill of the farmer and his furry friend consistently leaves our guests in awe. This one-of-a-kind experience is easily one of the most popular on the tour. Next, we board a ferry for the short ride to County Clare, home of the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. We also visit the otherworldly landscapes of the Burren National Park, one of Ireland’s most unique and underrated attractions. The only way to understand the grandeur and beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, and why they have captured imaginations for centuries, is to see them in person. A guided hike, complete with the sound of the roaring Wild Atlantic below, is the perfect way to do this. Your Overland Ireland guide is a local expert, so they take you off the beaten track, pointing out secret passages the average tourist simply won’t know about. When you post your unfiltered photos from this natural wonder, your Insta followers will be green with envy. We overnight in Doolin, the home of traditional Irish music, so get your dancing shoes on! This most welcoming of quaint villages has lively bars scattered throughout, so you’re in for a treat.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Day 5 - From Doolin To Galway
The final day of this adventure through the south of Ireland begins with a journey to Galway. The drive takes us through Burren National Park, so you can enjoy even more spectacular views. Our route to Galway includes a stop at the visually striking Poulnabrone Dolmen, an unusually large portal tomb. You will also have a photo opportunity at Dunguaire Castle, a 16th-century tower house in Kinvara, a charming fishing village. Finally, we glide into Galway, the cultural capital of Ireland. Here, you join our local friends for the Walkin’ Talkin’ Tastin’ tour of Galway! Tasting locally distilled gin, trying authentic Irish cuisine, and getting a local’s insight into the city’s culture and history — there’s no better way to discover Galway! Fun and entertainment are easy to find in this artistic haven. The picturesque medieval streets are alive with street entertainers, performers, and musicians. Visit the shops and restaurants that now occupy the beautiful historic buildings in the city centre. There’s no better time to try on a Galway shawl or to see how a Claddagh ring looks on you. And when you have finished shopping, pass through the Spanish Arch and continue to Claddagh, a wonderful fishing village. After basking in the treasures of Galway, it’s time to head back to Dublin. If needed, your guide will help to arrange coach transportation back to the capital. But, of course, you’re more than welcome to continue your adventure in any way you want!
Total driving time: 2 hours, excluding stops
NOTE : Due to our tours’ off-the-beaten-path locations, the size of our vehicles, and the fact that we cannot guarantee that all accommodation partners have ramps/elevators, unfortunately, our tours are not wheelchair accessible.