Relax into your seat for a once-in-a-lifetime journey of discovery around Northern Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Visit the Cliffs of Moher, tour Northern Ireland and discover remote Donegal. Stay in an authentic Irish castle hotel. Enjoy 2 days in Connemara and 2 fun nights in Dingle.
This 11 Day Discover Ireland Tour is a complete culture trip of Ireland - the perfect way to get the most out of your Irish vacation!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Everything we could have imagined and then some ... I highly recommend Vagabond/Driftwood tours and their small group philosophy.
This has been by far the best adventure my husband and I have experienced. Everyone deserves a Vagabond tour of Ireland!! Get one booked!!" Guest Review, Sept 2023
🔄 TOUR DIRECTION: This tour itinerary can run in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction around Ireland.
The accommodations ranged from excellent to downright luxurious. Even the van used for touring was extremely comfortable.
We visited all of the must see locations as you would expect but some of the highlights were the out of the way and lesser known locations selected by our tour guide Tim ...
Tim provided insight into his Irish history that can only be obtained from a guide dedicated to providing the best possible all-round experience ... He went out of his way to ensure that the individual wishes of each member of the tour were satisfied.
VERIFIED GUEST, OCTOBER 2023
We made such great friends along the way. I credit a lot of this to our tour guide, Tomas who was so inclusive and encouraging to all.
I consider Vagabond the best choice because they are flexible and open to suggestions ... for example, Tomas helped arrange a rowing experience for us with short notice based on us just mentioning interest.
It was obvious that Vagabond's only goal is to make sure their customers have an excellent experience while visiting Ireland. Highly recommend!
BARBARA, OCTOBER 2023
From the moment of first contact until the end of our 11 Day Driftwood Tour, we received excellent customer service and quick to respond to inquiries.
Our tour guide, Tomás, was excellent. His humor and knowledge of the sites we visited kept our group entertained while traveling in the van.
Our van rides were comfortable and it was nice having Tomás expertly maneuver the roadways.
VERIFIED GUEST, OCTOBER 2023
Find answers to questions about the 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour itinerary.
Our most popular small group tours travel around Ireland in two directions; clockwise and counter-clockwise.
Apart from the direction, the itineraries are identical; both versions feature the same hotels, activities, guides, vehicles and pick-up/drop-off point in Dublin.
Read MoreThe short answer is: very, very little. Due to demand, we operate multiple weekly departures of our 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour, as well as a single weekly departure of our brand new 11 Day Driftwood Ring of Ireland Tour itinerary.
These tours largely follow the same itinerary. They are all easy-paced Driftwood tours. They all visit Northern Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way with 2 nights in Clifden (Connemara).
Read MoreEuro is the main currency you'll use while touring in the Republic of Ireland.
If your tour visits Northern Ireland, you'll also use Pound sterling (£).
Read MoreDonegal is one of our favourite places to visit in Ireland. We know you'll love it too!
The following tour itineraries explore Donegal.
Read MoreAll of our tours leave from our pick-up/drop-off point at the Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin.
Our pick-up times from the Grand Canal Hotel vary by tour:
Read MoreAll of our tours are fully guided by our team of expert driver guides.
We call them VagaGuides.
Read MoreWe always put guest safety first on Vagabond Cultural Adventures.
For this reason, when engaging in kayaking and horseback-riding activities, the following personal weight limits apply:
🐴 Horseback-Riding
Male weight limit: 238lbs / 17 stone / 108kg
Female weight limit: 225lbs / 16 stone / 102kg
🛶 Kayaking
Per person Double Kayak weight limit: 110kg / 17.5 stone / 245lbs
Total Double Kayak weight limit for 2 guests: 190kg / 30 stone / 420lbs
Per person Single Kayak weight limit: 92kg / 14.5 stone / 200lbs.
Similar Questions
Yes, we do operate a limit on luggage.
Owing to the compact nature of our small-group tour vehicles, your luggage limit is one suitcase per person (no bigger than 30” or 75cm along their longest side).
Read MoreWe love introducing our guests to the wonderful cities and surprisingly wild coastline of Northern Ireland.
The following four small-group tour itineraries visit Northern Ireland:
Read MoreTo help you plan your return flights, here are the days and times that our tours return to Dublin.
The return point for all tours is Dublin's Grand Canal Hotel
Read MoreDingle is one of our favourite small towns in Ireland. We know you'll love it too!
The following 8 tour itineraries stop in Dingle.
Read MoreServiced laundry facilities are available on tours that stay 2 nights in the following towns:
Yes, all hotel rooms on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland are ensuite.
Expect your own separate bathroom with toilet, sink and shower and/or bath.
Similar QuestionsThe answer depends on which tour style you have chosen.
Driftwood vehicles have space for luggage onboard. Vagabond vehicles tow a trailer.
Read MoreThe Wild Atlantic Way is one of our favourite routes to tour.
Here are all of the small-group tour itineraries that explore the Wild Atlantic Way.
Read MoreGarnish Island features a beautiful formal garden, warm microclimate and Martello Tower. This amazing destination is located in a sheltered bay near Glengarriff in deepest West Cork.
The following Driftwood Journeys of Discovery feature a Garnish Island Boat Trip Option:
Read MoreWe put great effort into selecting accommodation. Your 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour will overnight in locally-owned establishments (in some cases for generations). No hotel chains here!
🔄 Please note that your 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour itinerary may run in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Minor differences in accommodation exist between the two directions of the tour. Please contact us if you have any queries in this regard.
Ever stayed the night in a haunted castle? Now you can.
Sitting proudly on the scenic Northern Ireland coast, Ballygally Castle Hotel features a 400 year old tower house which is home to a friendly ghost. Spooky!
Ballygally is the only 17th century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland today.
This elegant and welcoming hotel has become a firm guest favourite on our small-group tours of Northern Ireland.
Originally built in 1899, Bishop's Gate occupies an historic building in the centre of Derry/Londonderry.
Our lucky Vagabond and Driftwood guests who stay here tend to love the blend of stunning Edwardian architecture with stylish rooms.
Historical Derry/Londonderry is a fully walled city in Northern Ireland.
It is famous for its intact walls, featuring 7 gates; hence the name Bishop's Gate!
Situated in the heart of the Moy Valley, the 4 star Mount Falcon Estate offers 100 acres of magical woodlands to add to the adventure of the day.
If you have time, make sure you experience the hotel's spa and a falconry experience
This Victorian Gothic manor house was originally built as a wedding gift.
It's widely recognised as one of the the most romantic historic hotels in Ireland; perfect if you have an anniversary while on tour.
The Galway to Clifden railway first opened in 1895.
The original railway station buildings have been thoughtfully restored to house the Clifden Station House Hotel & Spa.
This charming, family-run hotel features a railway theme. The red-brick buildings incorporates many of the original Victorian features, including the old railway platform.
It’s a fantastic example of old world Ireland.
Sandwiched between gorgeous Spanish Point and the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch is perfectly placed for you to enjoy the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Lahinch Coast Hotel is a bright, spacious and contemporary space located only a stone's throw away from a beautiful sandy beach.
Dine on delicious Irish food, avail of the hotel swimming pool and then fall asleep in your cosy room to the sound of crashing Atlantic waves.
Rich heritage. Classic interiors. Award-winning food.
One of Dingle’s most venerated hotels, Dingle Benners, boasts heritage spanning 350 years.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by old world charm and modern comfort.
Centrally located, Dingle Benners is perfect after a day of relaxing adventures in beautiful west Kerry.
The Eccles Hotel is situated in the quaint village of Glengarriff overlooking Bantry Bay
A mix of authentic old world charm and modern comfort awaits you at the Eccles Hotel.
It's the perfect place to retreat to after exploring West Cork with Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland.
Vegans, veggies and vegetable-lovers — make sure you check out the fully vegan a la carte menu in the Eccles Hotel restaurant.
Gougane Barra Hotel is a family-run establishment, spectacularly located in Cork, on the edge of a lake.
Rob discovered this magical place on the very first Vagabond tour, way back in 2002!
Neil and Katy Lucey's hotel has been delighting our tour guests ever since.
Many of our Vagabond and Driftwood Tours visit Gougane Barra when passing through the southwest.
Expect a warm Irish welcome at the Castle Hotel in Cork.
This comfortable hotel has been managed by the Buckley family for 3 generations.
It's a great place to unwind after a full day of adventures on Vagabond & Driftwood tours.
All Driftwood tours are flexible. Your 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour is no different.
Unmissable activities are included. Where there are great options, we’ve left the final decision up to you. Feel free to choose your evening meals and lunches. All additional tour options are marked clearly below.
All details of prices and suppliers listed here are correct at time of publication. Our suppliers occasionally increase prices for optional tour activities during the touring season. This is a rare occurence. In the unlikely event of a major price increase, we will do our utmost to update you.
** Cash is required for this activity. No card payment available.
Begin your tour from Dublin and travel to Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast via Belfast.
Accommodation tonight is at Ballygally Castle Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Start the day touring the Northern Ireland coastline before heading to Derry/Londonderry.
Accommodation tonight is at The Bishop's Gate Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours.
Explore Derry/Londonderry before departing Northern Ireland, visiting Donegal and Sligo and ending the day in Mayo.
Accommodation tonight is at The Mount Falcon Estate & Spa.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Westward we go, moving from Mayo to Clifden, Galway.
Accommodation tonight is at The Clifden Station House Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Dive deeper into the region of Connemara, starting and ending the day in Clifden.
Accommodation tonight is at The Clifden Station House Hotel.
The average driving time today is 2 hours.
Heading south, we'll leave Connemara and circuit Galway Bay to reach Clare by day's end.
Accommodation tonight is at The Lahinch Coast Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Wake up in Spanish Point, explore the Clare coastline and then watch the sun set over Kerry.
Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Benners Hotel.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
Free time to explore Dingle or choose from a range of optional activities.
Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Benners Hotel.
The average driving time today is 1 hours 30 minutes.
Starting in Dingle, we'll take the scenic route to Glengariff in Cork, via Killarney.
Accommodation tonight is at Eccles Hotel Glengarriff.
The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Expect rugged roads and superb scenery as we explore the remote Beara Peninsula.
Accommodation tonight is at The Gougane Barra Hotel or The Castle Hotel Macroom.
The average driving time today is 3 hours.
Today we'll start to turn back towards Dublin — but not before seeing some of Ireland's highlights!
The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.