Ireland Coast to Coast - 9 days

Ireland Coast to Coast - 9 days

1,994 Views

This tour is no longer available, here are some similar tours:


Ireland Coast to Coast - 9 days

9 Days Starting in Dublin, Ireland and ending in Kilkenny, Ireland

Visiting: Belfast, Derry, Donegal, Westport, Cong, Galway, Dingle, Carrauntoohil, Kilkenny

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2663/ICTC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

5-99

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 9-day journey across Ireland's breathtaking landscapes with the "Ireland Coast to Coast" tour. Starting in Dublin, this adventure takes you through Northern Ireland's vibrant capital, Belfast, and the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway. Experience the rugged beauty of the Cliffs of Moher and the enchanting Dingle Peninsula. Discover the cultural richness of Galway and the historical charm of Kilkenny. Travel in comfort aboard a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, guided by local experts. Enjoy authentic stays in simple guesthouses, with an option for hotel upgrades. Highlights include the iconic Blarney Castle, the scenic Ring of Kerry, and the vibrant city of Galway. With included breakfasts, entrance to the Cliffs of Moher, and a ferry across the Shannon Estuary, this tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, cultural exploration, and natural wonders. Join fellow travelers for an unforgettable Irish adventure.

Highlights

  • Belfast - Explore Northern Ireland's capital and visit the Titanic Quarter.

  • Giant's Causeway - Marvel at the UNESCO-listed rock formation.

  • Cliffs of Moher - Hike along coastal trails with dramatic views.

  • Dingle Peninsula - Discover Inch Beach and the ancient forts of Slea Head.

  • Carrauntoohil - Enjoy views of Ireland's highest mountain on the Ring of Kerry.

  • Blarney Castle - Kiss the legendary Blarney Stone for eloquence.

  • Galway - Experience the vibrant market culture and local pubs.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Dublin

Location: Belfast

Accommodation Name: Mandalay B&B, Aaranmore Lodge or similar

Dublin - Belfast (Northern Ireland) - Portrush. Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Leaving Dublin, we head to the Northern Irish capital of Belfast. A brief city tour will give you a comprehensive overview of the capital's triumphs, tragedies, and essence. Afterward, we have the opportunity to explore the Titanic Quarter and indulge in a delightful lunch. The regenerated hub, where the iconic liner was constructed and launched in 1911, is home to the award-winning Titanic museum and HMS Caroline.





Moving on from Belfast, we pass through the picturesque Antrim Coast and Glens, designated an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As we travel along the sinuous roads from Ballycastle, prepare to be amazed by the splendid surroundings of the Giant's Causeway. This is where history, myth, and natural beauty converge into a breathtaking experience. This is perhaps the most famous attraction in Northern Ireland, sure to blow you away!





After admiring the iconic Giant's Steps, we complete our drive to the quaint fishing village of Portrush, where we spend the night.





Please note: Check-in closes at 08:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:00) - Dublin Nassau Street Pick Up, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.





Accommodation: Mandalay B&B, Aaranmore Lodge or similar

Day 2: Portrush

Location: Derry

Accommodation Name: Eske Villa, Railway Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Portrush - Derry - Donegal (Republic of Ireland). Our first visit today is Derry, a magnificent 17th-century walled city with seven captivating gates. Derry was an epicentre of the Troubles but is now a thriving cultural city.





Leaving Northern Ireland, we cross back into the Republic and drive through County Donegal, where you'll discover breathtaking natural landscapes and a deep Gaelic heritage. As we make your way through scenic Glenveagh National Park, we will marvel at Mount Errigal's towering summit and pass by charming traditional fishing villages. We have ample time for leisurely strolls, taking snapshots, and immersing ourselves in the local way of life before arriving at our overnight lodging in Donegal.





Accommodation: Eske Villa, Railway Lodge or similar

Day 3: Donegal

Location: Donegal

Accommodation Name: Clooneen House, Boffin Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Donegal - Sligo - Achill - Westport. Travelling south, we take in the stunning coast of Donegal and enter County Sligo. The area boasts stunning mountain views of Benbulben. Carrowmore, located outside Sligo Town, offers the opportunity to visit the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland, with some dating back over 6000 years.





Continuing west, we arrive in County Mayo, which was famously and devastatingly ravaged by the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s. The winding roads through picturesque farmlands, bogs, and open moors offer views of distant hills and the Atlantic coast. There is free time to explore Achill Island, connected to the mainland by a bridge. Then it's onward to Westport, where we will be staying for the next two nights.





Accommodation: Clooneen House, Boffin Lodge or similar





Please note: Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery will be temporarily closed from 31st August 2024 until Spring 2025 due to renovations at the site. During this time, the site will be inaccessible to the public and an additional stop nearby will be scheduled; or, the tour will spend more time at other stops, depending on group preferences.

Day 4: Westport

Location: Westport

Accommodation Name: Clooneen House, Boffin Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we explore Westport and Connemara National Park, with a flexible itinerary that best suits the weather, as decided by our expert tour guide. Various options are available, such as visiting the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park, Clifden (the site of the first transatlantic flight), the Sky Road and the Twelve Bens of Connemara. After an amazing day filled with exploration, we head back to Westport to indulge in the delicious local seafood at the top-rated restaurants in town.





Accommodation: Clooneen House, Boffin Lodge or similar

Day 5: Cong

Location: Cong

Accommodation Name: Ashgrove, Desota House B&B or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Westport - Cong - Galway. Driving through the rural heart of Connemara, we reach the charming town of Cong, which sits on the shore of Lough Corrib. The town is notable for being the filming location for the classic movie "The Quiet Man," and you are welcome to explore the local museum dedicated to the film. Alternatively, we recommend a visit to the stunningly renovated 12th-century Cong Abbey.





From Cong, we travel through the Maam Valley, a breathtaking pass flanked by gorgeous mountains. Reaching the vibrant harbour city of Galway, there is free time to delve into the traditional market culture, high-end restaurants, and pubs.





Accommodation: Ashgrove, Desota House B&B or similar

Day 6: Galway

Location: Galway

Accommodation Name: Kingfisher Lodge, Ashville B&B or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Galway - Kilfenora - Killarney. Just off the coast of Galway City lies the Burren, one of Ireland's iconic landmarks. As one of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland, it boasts broad limestone pavements and rare flora. After exploring the area, we head to Kilfenora, known as the "town of the crosses". We can see the ancient cathedral and enjoy lunch independently in the area.





Our next stop is the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. There is time for us to hike the dramatic cliff trails here and see seabirds soaring through the clear air. The nearby environmental exhibition provides insights into the unique ecosystem.





We then drive through County Clare, taking in the famous golf course before arriving at picturesque Lahinch Beach. From here we board a ferry across the Shannon Estuary to Killarney, a lively town and home for the next three nights. Killarney is known for its traditional pubs and live music - the perfect place for a Guinness or two!





Please note: On day 6, we change tour guides, and you will have a new guide for the rest of your trip.





Accommodation: Kingfisher Lodge, Ashville B&B or similar

Day 7: Dingle

Location: Dingle

Accommodation Name: Kingfisher Lodge, Ashville B&B or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Killarney - Dingle Peninsula - Killarney. Heading out for a day's activities from Killarney, we travel to the magnificent Dingle Peninsula. We stop first at Inch Beach, where we can stroll along the extensive sands.





Passing through Dingle town, our next stop is Slea Head. Here we admire the ancient forts and prehistoric dwellings amidst breathtaking views of the nearby Blasket Islands. If the weather is favourable, we will have the opportunity to explore the beaches and cliff tops to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.





We then return to Dingle to spend a few hours at leisure. We recommend you savour some of the town's famous seafood! In the early evening, we make our way back to Killarney.





Please note: On some departures of this itinerary, days 7 and 8 are switched. All inclusions and sights visited remain the same.





Accommodation: Kingfisher Lodge, Ashville B&B or similar

Day 8: Carrauntoohil

Location: Carrauntoohil

Accommodation Name: Kingfisher Lodge, Ashville B&B or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Killarney - Carrauntoohil - Portmagee - Waterville - Derrynane House - Killarney. Today we take in the best of South West Ireland's wild side, exploring the popular Ring of Kerry route. The day starts with a visit to Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain. Snap some photos before we head along the picturesque coast road through Glenbeigh and Kells to Cahersiveen.





There is free time for lunch in the quaint fishing village of Portmagee, and travellers can opt to head to Valentia Island for the Skellig Experience. This waterfront centre showcases the history of the ancient community of monks who made the rocky islands their home.





Our tour continues to Waterville, where we make a short stop at Charlie Chaplin's "home away from home" before enjoying stunning views at the top of Coonmakista pass. We then visit Derrynane House, home to the O'Connell family. Daniel O’Connell was known as the "The Liberator of Ireland". This Irish nationalist led Ireland's Roman Catholic majority in the first half of the 19th century.





We make our way back to Killarney, stopping at Moll’s Gap and Ladies View, from where we can make the short walk to admire Torc Waterfall.





Accommodation: Kingfisher Lodge, Ashville B&B or similar

Day 9: Kilkenny

Location: Kilkenny

Meals Included: Breakfast

Killarney - Blarney Castle - Kilkenny - Dublin. We begin our journey back to Dublin, passing through the mountainous region of West Cork. Arriving at Blarney Castle, there is time to explore the grounds. If you would like to kiss the famous Blarney Stone to gain the gift of eloquence, then you are welcome to do so!





Continuing to Cahir, we can see the unique island castle before arriving in Kilkenny, a vibrant city that boasts an impressive ancient castle, a thousand-year-old round tower, and a remarkable National Craft Centre. There's time to explore at leisure or enjoy a final Guinness before we arrive back in Dublin and our Irish adventure comes to an end.





Please note: This tour ends at 19:30 - Dublin Nassau Street Drop Off, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.





2025 Itinerary change: Please note that from 1st April 2025, the tour will end at 19:00pm (previously 19:30pm.)

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Simple guesthouse (hotel upgrade available)

  • 8 breakfasts

    Enjoy 8 breakfasts during your tour.

  • 8 nights simple guesthouse

    Stay for 8 nights in simple guesthouses with an option for a hotel upgrade.

  • Escorted by a local driver-guide

    The tour is escorted by a local driver-guide, with a change of guide on day 6.

  • Entrance to the Cliffs of Moher

    Entrance to the Cliffs of Moher is included in the tour.

  • Shannon Estuary ferry

    The tour includes a ferry ride across the Shannon Estuary.

  • Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach

    Travel in style and comfort aboard a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning.

  • All road tolls

    All road tolls are covered during the tour.

  • 20kg luggage allowance

    A luggage allowance of 20kg is included.

  • Tour operated with trusted partner

    This tour is operated in conjunction with a trusted partner, joining travelers from different operators.

What's Not Included

  • International flights & visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour.

  • Airport transfers

    Airport transfers are not included; pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes.

  • Meals not specified in itinerary

    Meals that are not specified in the itinerary are not included.

  • Tipping

    Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

  • Entry fees unless specified

    Entry fees are not included unless specified in the itinerary.

Age Policy

Min:5yrs, accompanied by an adult / Max:99

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort aboard a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning, ensuring a smooth journey across Ireland's stunning landscapes.

Accommodation

Enjoy 8 nights in simple guesthouses, with an option for a hotel upgrade, providing a comfortable and authentic stay throughout your journey across Ireland.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour uses a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning for a comfortable journey across Ireland's landscapes.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided on the tour?

    The tour includes 8 nights in simple guesthouses, with an option for a hotel upgrade, offering a comfortable and authentic stay.

  • Is there a guide throughout the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by a local driver-guide, although the tour guide changes on day 6.

  • What is the luggage allowance for the tour?

    The tour allows for 20kg of luggage per person, with further details available in the Trip Notes.

  • Will there be opportunities to explore independently during the tour?

    Yes, there are several opportunities to explore independently, such as in Galway, Dingle, and during free time at various stops.

  • What happens if the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is closed during the tour?

    If the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is closed, an additional stop nearby will be scheduled, or more time will be spent at other stops, depending on group preferences.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Why book with tourhub?

Safe & Secure

Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.

Visa logo Mastercard logo
apple pay icon google pay icon

100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.


The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.

Guaranteed Best Value

Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.


No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.

(Operator terms may apply)

Expert Knowledge

Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.


Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.


Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.

Trusted Service

Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.


Don't just take our word for it...

"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."

Similar Tours

Travel Guru Features

Our Reviews