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South East Ireland Nature & adventure

Our most recommended South East Ireland Nature & adventure

Cliffs of Moher and More: Full-Day Tour from Cork

1. Cliffs of Moher and More: Full-Day Tour from Cork

Your tour on Ireland’s west coast begins in the morning with a check-in at the Bridge Street tourist office in Cork city. Head off on a drive to Limerick, the capital of the mid-western region, with a stop on the banks of the River Shannon. Continue on the way to the Cliffs of Moher, where you’ll have a stop to explore this site of incredible natural beauty. Receive a complimentary ticket to see the award-winning Atlantic Edge exhibit, which examines the mighty Cliffs of Moher from a variety of perspectives. Next, your driver will take you along the Atlantic coast, as you enjoy stunning views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Travel through the Burren region, and take in the unusual sight of its unique rocky landscape. Then you’ll make a short stop at Bunratty Castle before the pleasant return drive to Cork city, passing through the rolling hills of the Golden Vale en route. Arrive back in Cork in the evening.

Cliffs of Moher Full-Day Tour from Limerick

2. Cliffs of Moher Full-Day Tour from Limerick

Experience the highest cliffs in Europe on this full-day tour from Limerick. Embark on a journey to the historic city for the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. Admire the stunning natural biodiversity of Galway Bay and stop at Bunratty Castle. Hop aboard the spacious and climate-controlled bus at Arthurs Quay in Limerick. Lean back and take in the views on the comfortable drive. Stop along the way to view King John’s Castle and the River Shannon. Continue to County Clare to explore the Cliffs of Moher. Spend 1.5 hours to enjoy the geological beauty of the cliffs. Receive a complimentary ticket to the award-winning Atlantic Edge exhibition which examines all aspects of the mighty cliffs. Depart the Cliffs of Moher for Doolin village, where a pint and lunch in a traditional Irish pub can be purchased. Along the way, enjoy superb views of the Atlantic Coast and Aran Islands. Visit one of the unusual limestone landscapes of the lunar-like Burren where the Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean flowers flourish side-by-side. If it's the right season, see one of 26 different types of orchids that grow on Galway Bay. Drive along Galway Bay and take a rest stop at Bunratty Castle. Imagine the days when Norman knights, Gaelic warriors, and jousting chieftains hung out at the hallowed spot. Depart from Bunratty Castle and drive back to your meeting point in Limerick. 

From Killybegs: Coast Boat Tour to Sliabh Liag Cliffs

3. From Killybegs: Coast Boat Tour to Sliabh Liag Cliffs

Board a well-outfitted vessel with capacity for 96 people at the new Killybegs Marina. Marvel at the passing super trawlers as you sail out through Killybegs Harbor. Check out the two lighthouses stationed at the harbor's mouth which are over 170 years old. Pass Drumanoo Head, once the loading point for passengers boarding the Lusitania before making the long journey to the USA. From there, head by Fintra's blue flag beach, the island of Inisduff, and Muckross Head, a popular spot for rock climbing with its dramatic rocky overhangs. Hug the coastline until you reach Carrigan Head with its characteristic Napoleonic tower. As circle the tower, catch your first glimpse of the amazing Sliabh Liag Cliffs, standing at 601 meters above sea level. Travel along the cliffs before turning back. Take in views of the vast Donegal Bay, which affords views of four different counties at once. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including various species of birds, dolphins, tuna, and whales.

Rail Tour: The Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle Tour

4. Rail Tour: The Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle Tour

Check in at Dublin Heuston Station at 6:40 AM to take the InterCity train service to Limerick. Upon arrival, join your coach bus and have a short tour of the treaty city, the setting for "Angela's Ashes". From there, head north to Bunratty Castle and Folk Village (admission included), then to a Doolin Pub for our traditional Irish lunch stop. Then, it's on to the majestic Cliffs of Moher on the country's wild Atlantic coast, one of Ireland's most famous and beautiful attractions.  After that, enter the unique lunar landscape of the Burren, rounding Black Head before heading along the shores of Galway Bay to reach Galway, the city of the tribes. After taking some time to take in this beautiful city, board our Dublin-bound train, arriving at Heuston Station at 9:00 PM.

Cliffs of Moher and Blarney 2-Day Tour from Dublin

5. Cliffs of Moher and Blarney 2-Day Tour from Dublin

Experience the dramatic landscapes of the southwest of Ireland on a 2-day budget tour to the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, and more. Kiss the famous Blarney Stone, enjoy panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean, and stay in the historic city of Cork to enjoy the local life up-close. Day 1: Dublin - Rock of Cashel - Blarney - Cork Depart Dublin at 08:00 for a relaxing drive through scenic County Cork. The first stop will be the world famous Rock of Cashel. One of Ireland's most evocative sites, you can stroll in the footsteps of St. Patrick flanked by ruins, Celtic crosses and round towers and feel the soul of Ireland. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster until they donated the complex to the Catholic Church almost 1,000 years ago for use as a cathedral. The site is one of the best examples of medieval architecture in Europe. The next stop is Ireland's second city, Cork. Here there is time to visit the English Markets recently visited by Queen Elizabeth II, that offer a wide range of local produce from artisan meats and cheeses and all that is good about Irish fine fare. This is an ideal place to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon you will go to the quaint town of Blarney to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone (optional) at the medieval stronghold of Blarney Castle. Learn the story behind the tradition as you explore the castle’s dungeons, caves and hidden bedrooms. Return to Cork, where you will spend the night. Day 2: Cork - Burren - Cliffs of Moher - Dublin Start the day with a drive through the beautiful Golden Vale, home to some of the best farm land in Ireland. Stop in Limerick to see the River Shannon and get some fine photos of King John's Castle. Continue west to County Clare, enjoying views of the wild Atlantic Ocean as you drive along the West Coast. Marvel at beautiful beaches of golden sand, looking out for dolphins and whales. Admire the lunar landscape of The Burren, where Alpine, Arctic and Mediterranean flowers grow side-by-side. Hear inspiring tales of how the Irish overcame the horrors of the Great Potato Famine of 1845-49, when over 1 million Irish fled to all 4 corners of the earth to escape. Upon arrival at the Cliffs of Moher, gaze in awe at the sheer majesty of the cliffs and crashing waves. See why world surf champ, Kelly Slater, came here for the award-winning surf movie “Wave Riders.” En route back to Dublin, enjoy a short photo stop at the 15th-century tower house of Bunratty Castle.

Northern Ireland 3-Day Tour from Dublin

6. Northern Ireland 3-Day Tour from Dublin

Day 1: Dublin - Belfast city (overnight Belfast) Choose from one of two central Dublin collection locations and you'll be on your way. Your first stop this morning is at Monasterboice, a monastic settlement dating back to 501 AD. By late morning you'll arrive in Belfast. Discover why Lonely Planet regards Northern Ireland's capital as one of the top 10 'must-visit' cities on Earth. Your driver will show you highlights including City Hall, Queen's University, Albert's Clock, Botanic Gardens, and much more.  With plenty of time at leisure to explore the city, the political “Black Taxi” tour (optional) is strongly recommended to view the Peace Wall and infamous political murals. The drivers are locals and can explain what life was like in Belfast during the conflict of 1969-1998. This evening you'll stay downtown, in a most lively area with great pubs and restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. Live music venues are plentiful, and Belfast is well known for its great nightlife. Day 2: Belfast - Giants Causeway - Dunluce Castle - Derry A glorious touring day cruising the Beautiful North Coast. You will initially visit the Dark Hedges, famed by Game of Thrones. Then it's the jackpot visit of the day - you will trace the footprints of Celtic Giants, and walk the Giant's Causeway. A UNESCO world heritage site, and the proud location of an estimated 60,000 hexagonal columns of basalt rock formed by cataclysmic violent volcanic eruptions a long long time ago. Your guide will wax lyrical about how the giant warrior-hero (Fionn McCool). Afterwards explore amazing Dunluce Castle ruins with paid entrance. You'll continue to the nearby city of Derry where you'll spend the afternoon. There will be plenty of time at leisure after an excellent in-depth walking tour of Derry's walls with a local guide. Learn why the city is officially known as Londonderry and the story of the long bloody siege here in 1689. Your guide will take you down to the well-known Bogside district, the scene of the Bloody Sunday massacre in 1972, and the inspiration for U2's classic anthem 'Sunday, Bloody Sunday'. Overnight Derry. Day 3: Derry - Sligo - Galway - Dublin After breakfast this morning, you'll head down a portion of the west coast's Wild Atlantic Way in the Republic of Ireland. Further along the road lies Ireland's premier surf venue and beach at Strandhill, Co. Sligo, and you will have some leisure time here for lunch. Perhaps enjoy a walk on the amazing surfing beaches and check out The Strand Bar. Your final stop before returning to Dublin is Galway where you have free time to explore. Perhaps you might like to visit some wonderful local seafood eateries, or try a pint in one of the fantastic pubs. You then take a scenic drive back to Dublin, arriving back at approx. 7:00 PM.

Ireland: 5-Day Escape to the Southwest Tour

7. Ireland: 5-Day Escape to the Southwest Tour

Discover the scenic splendor of southwest Ireland on a comprehensive 5-day tour of The Burren, the Dingle Peninsula, and the fabled Ring of Kerry. Stop at historic castles and monasteries, and wander the colorful fishing villages to sample fresh seafood. Enjoy dramatic views from the Cliffs of Moher, and stroll along the vast stretch of Inch Beach watching the local surfers. Transportation is by small minicoach, with accommodation in quaint bed and breakfast guesthouses for a more intimate experience. Day 1: Depart Dublin and head west through the farmland and peat bogs of Kildare and Offally counties. Stop at Locke’s Distillery, reputedly the oldest legal distillery in the world. Sample the local whiskey to experience the true spirit of Ireland. Continue west to the mighty Shannon River, and vist the early Christian site of Clonmacnoise. Admire its collection of churches, stone crosses, and round towers. After an afternoon stop in a traditional pub in one of the attractive villages, travel to Galway City to check into your base for the night. This lively student town has no shortage of good pubs and restaurants to enjoy in the evening. Day 2: From Galway City it’s only a short drive along the coast to The Burren, one of Ireland’s great natural treasures. Marvel at the limestone pavements, barren hills, and rare flora. See Christian settlements and ancient stone monuments. You will spend most of the morning exploring this unique area, stopping in Kilfenora for lunch. Known as the “Town of the Crosses,” there will also be time to visit the old cathedral before driving to the Cliffs of Moher. Marvel at this natural beauty, where the cliffs drop almost 700 feet into crashing Atlantic Ocean waves. Take a walk along one of the cliff top trails, and watch the seabirds at work. Alternatively, visit the award-winning environmental exhibition to learn about the region’s ecology. Then, travel south through County Clare, passing the famous golf course and beach at Lahinch to catch the ferry across the Shannon Estuary and into County Kerry. Go to the beautiful lakeside town of Killarney, your base for the next 3 nights. The pubs here are great for food and most have live music in the evenings. Day 3 Today, you will explore the Dingle Peninsula, one of the most scenic parts of Ireland. Your first stop in this heartland of Gaelic culture will be Inch Beach, a vast expanse of sand facing the Atlantic Ocean popular with surfers. From here, increasingly narrow roads lead onto the peninsula itself, through the town of Dingle and out to Slea Head. This is an area of ancient forts and dwellings that date back thousands of years. Visit some of the best examples along the way. Enjoy views of the Blasket Islands as they rise dramatically from the sea. Marvel at the mountains of the famous Ring of Kerry to your south. Weather permitting, time will be allotted for a walk on the beach or along the cliff tops. Learn why the area is important in Gaelic literature. Then, head back to Dingle town with its brightly colored buildings and busy harbor. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, before returning to Killarney. If the weather is good you could enjoy an evening walk in Killarney National Park, just on the edge of town. Day 4: Today, you will take one of the world’s classic routes, the 100-mile Ring of Kerry. Depart Killarney and enjoy the views to Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain. Join the coast road through Glenbeigh and Kells to Cahersiveen. Possible stops along the way include Daniel O’Connell’s birthplace, and the ring fort of Cahersiveen. Go to the little fishing village of Portmagee for a lunch of local seafood. Alternatively, cross to the island of Valencia and visit the Skellig Experience to learn about the small community of monks who once lived on the nearby rock island of Skellig Michael. In the afternoon, stop in picturesque Waterville, a favourite holiday destination for Charlie Chaplin. Stop again at the top of the Coonmakista Pass for one of the best views in Ireland. From here, the road drops down to sea level, where you will visit Derrynane House, the family home of Daniel O’Connell. You can stroll in the gardens and down to the beach, as well as look inside the house itself. Continue around the Ring, stopping at Moll’s Gap and Ladies View. There will also be time for a short walk to the Torc Waterfall before returning to Killarney. Day 5: The final day of your tour heads east through the mountains of West Cork and the market town of Macroom. Then, drive along the Lee Valley to Blarney Castle. Visit the castle and take one of the woodland walks to the mystical Rock Close. Explore the village of Blarney, stopping for lunch and a bit of shopping. There may even be time to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, although in peak season it can be very busy. In the afternoon, head to the Rock of Cashel to see the medieval monastery complex high above the town. Finally, go to Kilkenny, a bustling city with a fine castle and park, as well as some lovely riverside walks. Visit the National Craft Centre, or just hang out in one of the pubs for a last Guinness. Hit the road again for the final leg of your journey, arriving back in Dublin at approximately 19:30.

Best of Ireland 6-Day Backpackers Economy Tour

8. Best of Ireland 6-Day Backpackers Economy Tour

Day 1: Dublin - Belfast Visit Belfast today and discover Titanic Belfast and the historic downtown quarter. Overnight Belfast Day 2: Belfast - Derry Explore the Antrim coast today with visits to Dunluce Castle and Giants Causeway and photo opportunities at Dark Hedges and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Enjoy a historic walking tour in Derry. Overnight Derry Day 3: Derry - Galway Depart Northern Ireland today and road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way to Galway. Stop in surfing hotspot Strandhill for lunch and a walk on the beach. Enjoy a free walking tour in Galway. Overnight Galway Day 4: Galway - Dingle Today takes you from Galway to Annascaul via Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Overnight in Annascaul on the Dingle peninsula. Day 5: Dingle - Killarney Enjoy a full day of touring on the Dingle Peninsula, one of Europe’s most spectacular road trips. Overnight Killarney Day 6: Killarney - Dublin Depart Killarney for Dublin today. Enjoy a tour of the Killarney National Park and a visit to Blarney Castle in Cork. Tour ends in Dublin by early evening.

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What people are saying about South East Ireland

We loved our Rail Tours excursion! Our tour guide Terence reserved seats on the train, so all we had to do was show up. We stopped at the Bunratty Castle first, which we really enjoyed. We learned about the history of the castle, the Vikings and their banquets, the status of women at the time, and the reasons the castle was built narrowly and with many hidden rooms. We even got to see an actual dungeon. Our lunch at Joseph McHugh’s was great. We all loved our traditional Irish lunches. When we arrived at the Cliffs, we had plenty of time. We were there during a windy day, so one area was blocked off, but we still got the full beautiful experience. After, we experienced the Wild Atlantic Way route, which was very scenic. We drove through the Burren and Galway Bay, but were unable to stop due to the rain that made it unsafe. Then our brief but lovely stop in Galway we enjoyed a great dinner at An Púcán. The train ride back was smooth and easy. Overall a great day, highly recommend!

Really enjoyable day. Danny was funny and engaging telling us lots of information in an entertaining way. Highly recommend this trip lots of cool things to see. For me the highlight was the cliffs and also the Burran which I didn't know anything about but was fascinating to see

Danny the tour guide was informative and funny. The sights were amazing

I enjoyed the touring, looking forward to my next tour with you. Thanks

Excellent again give more time in Blarney, instead in Cork