The Best of The West: 8 Day Ireland Tour

Day 1: Cliffs of Moher – The Burren – Galway

They say first impressions are the most important, so we have a simply stunning introduction to Ireland waiting in store for you, as your first stop on this 8-day itinerary will be at the world-famous Cliffs of Moher.

Cliffs of Moher

Neither words nor pictures can fully capture the power and grace of the Cliffs.

Rising over 200 meters high and spanning 8 kilometers along the wild Atlantic coast, the Cliffs provide stunning views of the Aran Islands with the ocean crashing below. Your driver-guide will be able to inform you of all the folklore and myths that surround this incredible testament to the beauty of nature.

It is not just the setting of the cliffs of Moher that will blow you away; fans of wildlife and bird watching will want to spend hours here appreciating the Puffins, razorbills, Kittiwakes, and occasional peregrine Falcons that call the area home.

Doolin

Take a break and enjoy a spot of lunch in the picturesque coastal village of Doolin. Tradition is the name of the game here, so be advised that you will not find any chain restaurants or modern coffee shops in the tiny village, but your guide will direct you to the best places to enjoy a traditional Irish meal.

The Burren

Next on your driver-guided tour is The Burren, a region famous internationally for its landscape and flora. Most of the Burren is designated as a Special Area of Conservation to protect its extremely unusual habitats: Limestone Pavement, Calcareous Grassland, Hazel scrub, Ash/Hazel Woodland, Turloughs, Lakes, Petrifying Springs, Cliffs, and Fen.

The word “urren” comes from the Irish word “oíreann,” meaning a rocky place. An invading Army Officer once said, “ere there is not water enough to drown a man, wood enough to hang one, nor earth enough to bury one.”

Arrive at your Accommodation in Galway

Your driver will take you to the stunning little coastal village of Galway for your evening meal and accommodation for the night. Before checking in for the evening, your guide will be happy to tell you where to find the best traditional food and music venues to enjoy a Guinness or two!

We had a great experience with Prestige Tours Ireland on our tour through the west of Ireland. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, professional, and personable. Prestige Tours was helpful in planning the trip, efficient, and responsive, and I would not hesitate to use the company on future trips.

Jill Draffin ★★★★★​

Day 2: Croagh Patrick Mountain & Westport

Beginning with your guide collecting you from your hotel, you will make your way to a historic mountain that takes its name from our Patron Saint, after St Patrick was believed to have fasted here for 40 days all the way back in 441 AD!

Croagh Patrick Mountain

Croagh Patrick, nicknamed the Reek, is a 764-meter (2,507 ft) mountain and an important site of pilgrimage in County Mayo in Ireland. It is 8 kilometers (5 mi) from Westport, above the villages of Murrisk and Lecanvey. It is the third-highest mountain in County Mayo after Mweelrea and Nephin. 

It is climbed by pilgrims on Reek Sunday every year, which is the last Sunday in July. It forms the southern part of a U-shaped valley carved by a glacier that flowed into Clew Bay during the last Ice Age. Croagh Patrick is part of a longer east-west ridge; the westernmost peak is called Ben Gorm.

Westport

To get an authentic flavor of Ireland, it is essential to visit some of our villages and mingle with the locals, and small towns don’t come much more charming than Westport in County Mayo.

Alongside learning about the local folklore, Westport offers many ways to spend an entertaining afternoon with your guide. There is the Great Western Greenway, Achill Island, Clare Island, Clew Bay with its 365 Islands, and Westport House. That’s before we even begin to mention the gorgeous scenery, white sandy beach, and of course, a fantastic choice of restaurants and bars to enjoy before retiring to your Westport accommodation for the night.

Day 3: County Clare Private Tour

This morning, after breakfast, you will be picked up by your driver-guide and taken to explore Connemara National Park.

Connemara National Park

Here you can admire the incredible scenery in a place where rugged mountains dominate the dramatic landscape, covering 3,000 hectares of mountains, expansive bogs, glorious grasslands, and enchanting woodlands, and where you will have the chance to see Connemara Ponies, Red Deer, and birds, including Peregrine Falcons. 

Your first stop, in the park, will be the Visitor Center, where guides will be on hand to provide information, including the wildlife within the park and walking trails you can enjoy, regardless of your trekking experience.

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

Next, it’s the iconic Kylemore Abbey. Kylemore was built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, a wealthy businessman and liberal politician, inspired by his love for his wife, Margaret. His hopes for his beloved Ireland created an estate boasting ‘all the innovations of the then modern age.’ Kylemore is now owned and run by the Benedictine community of Nuns, who have been in residence here since 1920.

To round off the day’s traveling, your driver-guide will drop you off at your accommodation in Co Clare.

We just returned from a 15-day trip to Ireland, 11 days of which were arranged with Prestige Tours. We could not have been happier. Working with Michelle initially, we were able to plan our itinerary to include activities and stops that interested us and were somewhat off the beaten tourist track. For example, we wanted to spend time in harbor towns such as Kinsale and wilder outdoor settings such as Connemara for a different kind of experience. We also did several Greenway bike rides: one from Dungarvan toward Waterford and the other from Achill Sound near Westport. We enjoyed our accommodations, several of which were in unique countryside locations. None of this, however, would have been as wonderful without the pleasure of being with our fantastic driver/guide, Damien Heaney, who made every day special, lively, and interesting. He regaled us with his well-versed knowledge of Irish history and had a story about every stop and point of interest along the way that you will not find in any guide book. He was fun, and flexible, and a delight to spend time with (and, we should add, a very competent driver). We appreciated him every day. All in all, we would highly recommend Prestige Tours.

The Kelleys ★★★★★​

Day 4: Bunratty Castle, Adare & Dingle Day Tour

Today, you will get to know some historic Ireland as your driver-guide takes you towards the wonderfully picturesque Dingle Peninsula.

Bunratty Castle

On the way, we will first stop at Bunratty Castle and its Folk Park. Here you will visit the acclaimed 15th-century Castle, the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland. 

The site on which Bunratty Castle stands was, in origin, a Viking trading camp in 970. The present structure is the last of four castles to be built on the site. You will take a tour of this iconic fortress; hear and see how the lords and ladies of this castle lived; hear stories of battles and bravery, and enjoy stunning views across the idyllic Clare countryside.

The Folk Park, set on 26 acres of unspoiled Clare countryside, is a treat for people young, old, and in-between, and features over 30 buildings in a living village in a rural setting. Farmhouses, village shops, and streets are recreated and furnished as they would have been at “that time” according to their social standing, from the poorest one-roomed dwelling to Bunratty House – a fine example of a Georgian residence that was home to the Stoddarts, the last family to occupy the Castle.

Adare & Dingle

Before we reach the Peninsula, your guide will take you to discover Adare, a quaint village in the Midwest of Ireland. Your driver-guide will take you on a trip to explore the mysterious ruins and churches that surround the village and whisper of its rich history.

Antique shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafcafésit side by side. Make sure to make time for a wander around this magical village, pause in a cozy pub for a well-earned pint, taste the food, and see why ” a hundred-thousand welcomes ” is actually an understatement.

Your driver-guide will deliver you to your accommodation in plenty of time to enjoy the traditional Irish town of Dingle.

Day 5: Slea Head & Dingle Sheepdog Demonstrations Private Day Tour

This morning, after breakfast, your driver-guide will collect you from your accommodation and will be on hand to take you to explore all the sights on offer in Dingle and the surrounding area.

Slea Head

Slea Head Drive, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes, takes you on a journey through historic sites, Irish-speaking villages, famous Hollywood film locations with close-up views of the world-renowned Blasket Island, and distant views of the Skellig Islands on the southwestern horizon.

The Slea Head Drive is a circular route, forming part of the Wild Atlantic Way, beginning and ending in Dingle, that takes in a large number of attractions and stunning views on the western end of the Dingle Peninsula.

Sheep Dog Workshop

Now located in the Slea Head Famine Cottages are working sheepdog performances. Visitors can view a local sheep farmer skillfully working his sheepdogs in gathering and controlling sheep movement. This skill has been handed down from generation to generation as sheep have been kept here on Mount Eagle for hundreds of years.

Visitors are also given valuable insights into the sheep farmers’ way of working. Learn how local farmers could forecast the weather long ago, tell the time when many of the poor could not afford a watch, or even how they managed to communicate with relatives living ten miles away.

After exploring Dingle & all it has to offer, your driver-guide will return you to your accommodation for the evening.

Expertly chauffeured around Belfast Our driver Jerry was exceptional from the moment he picked us up! He was professional, very knowledgeable about everywhere we traveled and accommodating throughout our entire trip. He was very family-friendly and very understanding of our autistic son and our needs. He was a very special part of our trip and we are grateful for his time and attention. I would recommend this company and Jerry to anyone who is visiting Ireland!

Andiamo ★★★★★​

Day 6: Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park Private Day Tour

Today, your driver-guide will collect you after breakfast, and you will make your way to the famously beautiful Co. Kerry. There are many stops along the way,  and when you arrive in Killarney, you can enjoy taking a stroll through the streets of this quaint town to enjoy the great pubs, restaurants, and traditional Irish music on offer.

Muckross House

First is Muckross House. This nineteenth-century Victorian mansion bearing all the necessary furnishings and artifacts of the period is set against the outstanding beauty of Killarney National Park. As a focal point within Killarney National Park, Muckross House is the ideal base from which to explore this landscape.

Torc Waterfall

Following on from this, you will visit the famous Torc Waterfall, which is located close to the entrance to Muckross House. From the viewing point, you will have a view over the Middle Lake as well as the falls themselves. 

You will marvel at the falls that are a 20-meter-high, 110-meter-long cascade waterfall formed by the Owengarriff River as it drains from the Devil’s Punchbowl corrie lake at Mangerton Mountain and sits at the base of Torc Mountain.

Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is your next destination, located south of Killarney City, in County Kerry, in South West Ireland. It stretches along the banks of Lough Leane and Muckross Lake, covering a total area of 102.89 km2.

Killarney is the very first national park to be established in Ireland in 1932, and is a very popular tourist attraction for its diverse nature and amazing scenery. The park is of high ecological value because of the quality, diversity, and extent of many of its habitats, and the wide variety of species they support, some of which are rare. The park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981.

The park contains an expanse of rugged mountainous country. This includes the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland.

You will stay in Killarney for the night. You will love walking the streets of this historic little town with its colorful 19th-century buildings.

Day 7: Ring of Kerry & Skellig Ring Road Driver-Guided Day Tour

Sure to be a highlight of your Best of the West trip, your driver-guide will collect you from your accommodation in the morning and take you to explore the stunning driving route known as the Ring of Kerry.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is the ring road that follows the coastal contours of Kerry’s Iveragh Peninsula. The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most famous circuits, but it’s much more than a simple driving route; it’s an iconic destination rich in stunning visual history.

This scene-stealing route, beginning and ending in Killarney, takes in all the big hitters – Moll’s Gap, the Torc Waterfall, and the Gap of Dunloe are places you will see, but really, the route itself is so much more than the sum of its parts. Within this 179km of tarmac road, you’ll find that each turn brings a new treat to the eye, from lakes, rivers, and waterfalls to grand houses and castles, and there is really nothing like breathing in the fresh Kerry air as you drink up the incredible views around you.

There is also an established walking path named The Kerry Way, which takes its own route, and a signposted Ring of Kerry cycling path, which uses older, quieter roads where possible. The Kerry Way roughly follows the scenic driving route of the Ring of Kerry.

Skellig Ring Road

As if that’s not enough for one day, you will also take a trip along the Skellig Ring Road, one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 rated destinations. 

From this little-visited 18km stretch of road, you’ll get lovely views of the Skellig islands from most of the coastal stretches on the Ring of Kerry. This small detour off the main Ring follows the coast through the villages of Portmagee and Ballinskellig, providing you with great views of the Skellig Islands.

Next, we will take a short detour from the road to the famous mountain pass, the Gap of Dunloe, which slices through the MacGillycuddy Reeks. The narrow road winds through the pass into the Black Valley, passing five beautiful lakes.

The glacial valleys of Moll’s Gap are one of the most dramatic views on the Ring of Kerry route. On the road between Killarney and Kenmare, Moll’s Gap boasts the ultimate view of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the predominant mountain range of the Iveragh Peninsula. It derives its name from Moll Kissane, who set up an illicit bar here during the 19th century. Moll’s Gap is the highest point on the Ring of Kerry with a 235-meter climb.

Ladies View is the first viewing point you’ll meet, or the last, depending on which direction you drive around the Ring. Named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, who saw it in 1861 and gaped in awe at the majestic valley spreading out before them. Just 16km from Killarney, it provides a panoramic painting of the lakes and mountains of Kerry.

After your Ring of Kerry tour, your driver-guide will return you to your hotel in Killarney.

Best decision I made on the trip! Contacted Gerard last minute to see if he had any availability for this tour the next day as we landed at 7:30 am and couldn’t check in till 3:30 pm, he got everything sorted with less than one day’s notice! We got picked up by Ciaran who helped me keep the secret of what we were doing and the hotel we were staying in from my boyfriend as it was a surprise! As soon as Ciaran found out we were fans of Games of Thrones he incorporated it into our tour! We visited so many locations and landmarks had such good conversations and laughs. Ciaran made us feel so welcome and chilled that there was never any awkwardness, he even tolerated my ditziness! Couldn’t be more thankful to both Gerard and Ciaran for such an amazing start to our trip!

Lilly ★★★★★​

Day 8: King John’s Castle – Airport Transfer

And finally, we reach your last day touring Ireland with us! Today we’ll head for either Shannon or Dublin airport in time for your flight. 

If your group chooses to fly out of Shannon Airport, we might have time to visit the impressive King John’s Castle in Limerick.

King John’s Castle

The castle has a turbulent history dating back to Viking times and has undergone several sieges, battles, and triumphs over its long history, this is one of LLimerick’smost iconic landmarks! Here you will discover the stories of ruthless King John, the noble knights, and rebellious natives.

King John’s will bring to life for you close to 1,000 years of dramatic local history. You will explore the courtyard where you’ll get a sense of the bustling activity that took place all those years ago. You will discover a medieval campaign tent, a blacksmith’s forge, and scenes from a seventeenth-century siege. The sights, scents, and sounds of the Castle and its environs combine to recreate the atmosphere of the era. On your journey through King John’s, you can expect to see some lively characters as well as get the chance to visit a state-of-the-art, technologically advanced visitor center.

After your tour, you might want to take a break to relax in the cafcaféhe perfect place to unwind while enjoying the views of the castle courtyard and the River Shannon, before we head to the airport and bid your group Slán leat until next time!