12 Day Giant Irish Adventure

Northern and Northwest Ireland:

In 2007 Northern Ireland was named as one of the top ten places in the world to visit by Lonely Planet travel guides. Not surprising really when you consider the great scenery, fascinating history and political situation, the activity options and the genuinely warm welcome. Plus, of course, for many it is a completely new area to be explored as the peace has unfolded over the last ten years. All the highlights such as Belfast, Derry, The Antrim coastline and the Giant’s Causeway are covered – plus plenty of secret places of our own.

Northwest and Western Ireland:

Heading across to the north-west imagine a country of wild moorland, rugged mountain ranges, and endless unspoilt beaches. Counties Donegal, Sligo and Mayo feature some of Europe’s least populated regions – at times we will have the landscape all to ourselves as we walk in the hills of Donegal, explore the megalithic tombs at Carrowkeel or  have a BBQ on silver strand beach in Mayo. There are of course a few well known highlights, like Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain and plenty of breathtaking lesser known locations.

Western Ireland:

The Western section of the tour weaves it way down the coast from county Mayo into counties Galway and Clare and down towards the mighty River Shannon. Firstly we enter Connemara, a favorite area for Irish people to come on holiday due to the rugged scenery, local friendliness and culture. If you asked an Irish person what their favourite place in Ireland was, for many it would be Connemara. Continuing south, either through or round Galway city we enter the southerly province of Munster and county Clare to explore the unique landscape of the Burren, enjoy the live traditional Irish music in area and marvel at the Cliffs of Moher.

South West Ireland:

The south west is the most popular area of Ireland for visitors, and with good reason. We spend four nights in Counties Kerry and Cork exploring the three peninsulas of Dingle, Iveragh (the Ring of Kerry) and Beara. Each has its unique scenery and atmosphere, from the green rolling fields and buzzing town of Dingle, to the majestic mountains of the Ring of Kerry and the remote and unspoilt wilderness of the Beara Peninsula. We take trips to islands, sea-kayak with seals, visit ancient archeological sites and enjoy first class Cork and Kerry hospitality before heading inland and back through Limerick and Tipperary to Dublin.

Revel at some of Europe’s very best scenery, including:

• The Glens of Antrim
• Walk in the Mourne Mountains (Sleive Gulliam)
• Galway’s Connemara Region
• The Wild Moorlands and Mountains of County Mayo
• Ireland’s highest mountain range The Macgillycuddy Reeks
• The Green fields and stone walls of Dingle
• Ireland’s wild and rugged Atlantic coastline from the Northeast corner all the way to the south west
• The Burren Limestone Plateau
• The Caher Mountains of the Beara Peninsula
• The green inland scenery of areas such as the Golden Vale in Tipperary

Enjoy some of Ireland’s most popular and worthwhile tourist destinations:

• The Giants Causeway and Carrick a Rede ropebridge
• Blarney Castle to kiss the magical Blarney Stone
• Killarney National Park
• The Cliffs of Moher

Enjoy some fantastic activity options:

• Walking and hiking through some of Ireland’s best scenery
• Horse-riding on the Dingle Peninsula
• Sea-kayaking with Fungi the Dolphin in Dingle
• Try your hand at surfing an Atlantic Wave
• Go bike touring or mountain biking in the Killarney National Park
• Learn the ancient art of “Vagaball”!
• Optional trip to the Aran Islands

• Clamber over the cliff-top ruins of Dun Luce Castle
• Climb Knocknaree Mountain to Queen Maeve’s tomb
• Visit The Rock of Cashel
• Optional trip to the Skellig islands, one of Ireland UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Ancient Neolithic Stone circles, Celtic ring forts, castles, monastic sites and built tombs
• Take a Black cab tour of the fascinating Belfast city
• A walking tour of Londonderry/Derry city

Take some free time to explore local communities and meet the Irish people in locations such as:

• The vibrant and buzzing Galway city
• The galleries and pubs (about 54 in total!) in Dingle town (pop. about 2500)
• The shops and boutiques of picturesque Kenmare

Some fun little side trips:

• Relax in a hot, rejuvenating Seaweed bath
• Visit a working sheep farm for a demonstration of working dogs and also sheep shearing
• Take a boat trip to try Spot Dingle’s most Friendly occupant – Funghi the Dolphin in Dingle Bay

And at night:

• Live music and excellent food in some of Ireland’s best pubs and restaurants.
• Overnight in quality, locally owned guesthouse and small hotel accommodation in small, friendly local communities.
• Spend a night in a castle