Easy Exploring in the Southwest of Ireland – 7 Days

Tour Type:

Private Group Tour

Comfort Rating:

Casual / Premier / Luxury

Activity Level:

Really Easy

Duration:

7 Days

Ireland is a magical place meant to be explored and experienced. On our Easy Exploring in Southwest Ireland adventure we’ll take you on the countryside roads and through the cobblestone streets of some of the most beautiful towns on the Emerald Isle. We’ll meet the people, live the culture, stroll the spectacular countryside and experience everything about this wonderful land. From the mystical Lakes of Killarney in the south to the majestic cliffs of Moher on the pounding North Atlantic in the west, you’ll see the most famous sites and the hidden corners of this iconic land. We’ll take you to some of the most charming and fascinating areas…towns like Dingle, Ennis, Kenmare, and Killarney. You’ll gaze upon windswept coastlines where impossibly green mountains end in surf-pounded rocky cliffs, complete with wheeling seabirds. You’ll marvel at the endless countryside lanes bordered by rock walls and occasional flocks of sheep…you’ll feel the energy and pulse of the people in the small towns and villages…you’ll wander pastel colored villages with pubs aplenty….picture postcard views everywhere you look! And the charm and warmth of the native Irish is legendary. Get off the beaten path with us, and you’ll marvel at spectacular sites that most tourists never see!

“Just returned from a wonderful Go Get Lost tour in Ireland escorted by Steve and Joan Fafoglia. Fabulous time, fabulous group-simply fabulous!” -Michael B.

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Failte go Eirinn!

Day 1 - Welcome to Ireland!

Your Go Get Lost Southwest Ireland adventure begins this afternoon with an orientation party hosted by your local guide and tour leader at your beautiful hotel in the country outside of the town of Killarney.
You'll get to meet your traveling companions, ask questions, and get your trip off to a great start.

This evening you'll sit down to a wonderful group "get-acquainted dinner". The Irish are hearty eaters, and often you'll find the cuisine of the rugged countryside fused with the sophisticated nature of the urban environment. Seafood is a local favorite, with fresh fish from the nearby ocean as well as native salmon appearing regularly. Of course the regional favorite is Irish stew, washed down with mugs of Guinness or Murphy's Irish Stout. For those more inclined to wine, the vintages of all Europe are available as well.

All of the great food, combined with a little jet lag will ensure that you sleep well tonight!

The Dunloe Hotel, Killarney, or similar

Day 2 - The Gap of Dunloe and the Lakes of Killarney

After a hearty traditional Irish breakfast this morning we'll begin our day with an exciting jaunt through the picturesque Gap of Dunloe. The stark landscape of the narrow Gap Valley soon gives way to a gently descending country road through a verdant valley thick with ferns, woodlands and wildflowers. The skyline is dominated by the craggy green peaks of Ireland's tallest mountains, Magillycuddy's Reeks. Lunchtime will find us relaxing alongside one of the beautiful lakes of Killarney National Park as we enjoy our meal. Fully recharged, we'll board boats for an afternoon water tour of the world famous Lakes of Killarney. As stream gives way to lake, and then back to stream, our boatmen guides will wander back and forth across the water pointing out the rich history and important sites of the area. Eventually we'll arrive at Ross Castle, the crumbling lakeside stronghold that was the last conquest of Cromwell in 1652. Here we'll have transport awaiting us to take us to the nearby town of Killarney, one of Ireland's liveliest villages! Famed for its abundance of pubs, shops, and restaurants, With shops, restaurants and pubs aplenty, you'll have no trouble finding entertainment and food in Killarney's town center. Tonight you can choose to stay close to home and dine at the wonderful hotel restaurant, or you can go back to Killarney, only minutes away, to enjoy a pub meal and live Irish music!

The Dunloe Hotel, Killarney, or similar

Day 3 - Dingle

Today we meander even farther westwards and make our way into Dingle, a charming, brightly colored little town nestled alongside the sea at the foot of the mountain slopes. Extraordinary views abound in all directions...undulating hills, bleak gray-green mountains, thick forests and sandy seashores. The town itself is also known for wonderful location, its friendly locals, and its overabundance of pubs...57 by last count! There are charming and unique pubs at every turn...pubs embedded in shoe shops, pubs within old-fashioned hardware stores, and even a pub sitting directly on a bridge! And of course most of them feature regional dishes and local Irish music, too. In recent years Dingle has gained a reputation for its culinary endeavors as well, so this afternoon we'll be taken on a food tour of all the local hotspots! As you wander the town later today, keep your eye out for a good restaurant (or pub) for dinner tonight!

Dingle Benners Hotel, Dingle, or similar

Day 4 - Dingle and the Slea Head Drive

After putting away your normal Irish breakfast, Dingle-style (you should be getting quite good at this by now) you'll board your coach and settle in for a wonderfully scenic morning drive out onto the Dingle Peninsula. The rugged mountain landscape will soon give way to coastal views, where rocky cliffs meet pounding surf. The Slea Head drive is a panoramic route around the far western end of the Dingle peninsula...we'll stop often for the stunning views of green fields topping grey cliffs that plunge into the surging ocean waves. The rolling landscape is dotted with pastel farmhouses, crisscrossed by stone fences and dotted with sheep...LOTS of sheep! You'll get the eerie impression that the views haven't changed for many centuries, and is likely what the Vikings saw when they waded ashore.

We'll stop at one of our favorite little cafes for lunch today, where the home cooking is typical of Ireland's finest. You'll have the afternoon free to shop and explore the town of Dingle. We'll have a wonderful Irish meal arranged for dinner tonight, then of course your guide will ferret out the best Irish music scene to ensure that you’re at the right pub at the right time to enjoy the evening!

Day 5 - Foynes and Ennis

Today we have a full schedule as we depart from Dingle and make our way northeast and into County Clare. Our first stop will be the bustling town of Tralee, with an excellent pedestrian downtown area, perfect to wander and shop. Next we'll journey a short distance to the south shore of the Shannon river to explore the ruins of a 16th century tower castle, perched on the edge of the marshy shoreline. Just a stone's throw down the coast we'll find one of the most fascinating museums you'll experience, the Foynes Flying Boat Museum, dedicated to the golden age of transatlantic flight in the 1930's and 40's. Irish Coffee was invented here to warm up the passengers who were waiting for their seaplane to be refueled before starting the long, lonely journey to New York.

By late afternoon we'll arrive at our last night's accommodation, a stylish ivy-clad hotel built in the 18th century right in the center of the winding streets of Ennis. We'll have time to relax before we have a casual stroll through town. You're free for dinner tonight, the hotel is known for it's excellent table, and you'll find plenty of options in town as well.

Day 6 - The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher

Today is full of strange, wonderful and majestic landscapes. We'll have an amazing day of exploring in two areas of County Clare, both with surreal landscapes but completely different views. The morning will find us walking amidst the bizarre scenery of the Burren, with its karst limestone surface, broken by pavement-like fissures and caves. Strangely enough, there are a variety of plants and animals who have learned to thrive and coexist in this odd environment. After lunch in a local pub we'll turn our attention to the famous Cliffs of Moher. We'll enjoy an afternoon visit along the spectacular precipices, with views lit by the late afternoon sun illuminating the crags plunging into the wild Irish sea. Take time to explore the Visitors Center exhibition on the history and geology of the region before taking a stroll along the magnificent pathways.

Back at our hotel we'll have time to freshen up before dinner, where we have a fun final evening of Irish food and companionship planned.

Day 7 - Farewell Ireland!

Your Go Get Lost adventure ends after breakfast today. Your tour leader can help you with arrangements for a transfer to nearby Shannon airport, or onward to other destinations in Ireland.

HOTELS

Due to availability at the time of booking, hotels listed may change to similar hotels

Killarney - 5 Star The Dunloe Hotel and Gardens One of the leading 5 star luxury hotels Ireland has to offer, overlooking the famous Gap of Dunloe, set on its own 64 acre estate leading to the ruins of the 12th century castle and River Laune. The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens is one of the finest luxury hotels Ireland has to offer, boasting magnificent 5 star hotel accommodation in Kerry, Ireland, only 5 miles from Killarney town.

Dingle – 3 Star Dingle Benners Hotel With old world charm and elegance the Dingle Benners Hotel is one of the most luxurious Dingle hotels, offering you the best of both worlds - traditional Irish warmth and comfort coupled with the best of modern facilities. Dingle Benners is regarded as one of the best located Kerry hotels, an ideal base for you to tour the magnificent Dingle Peninsula and surrounding areas.

Ennis - 4 Star Old Ground Hotel A beautifully restored 18th century manor house hotel in Ennis town center, County Clare. This stylish ivy-clad hotel is opposite the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul centrally located on the narrow winding streets of Ennis.

• 6 Nights, double occupancy accommodations at listed hotels or similar
• Meals as specified, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
• All activities and sites as listed in itinerary
• Visits to lots of unique villages and towns
• Transportation once the tour has begun, as per itinerary. The motorcoaches and vans we use are modern and air conditioned.
• Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified in itinerary
• All gratuities for meals, local guides, coach drivers, etc. (Does NOT include gratuity for primary local tour leader.)
• Completely escorted by Go Get Lost tour leader
• A lifetime of unforgettable memories

• Airfare package
• Airport arrival and departure transfers. Tour begins at the hotel in Killarney on the afternoon of Day 1, and the tour ends at the hotel in Ennis on the morning of day 7.
• Gratuity for primary local tour leader
• Visa fees, if applicable
• Meals not specified in itinerary
• Beverages at meals unless specified in itinerary
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption and Medical Insurance (strongly recommended), call for details
• Single supplement charge
• Items of a personal nature; phone calls, laundry, etc.