The Wild Atlantic Way

5 Day South West Tour

The Wild Atlantic Way stretches for 2500kms along Irelands western Atlantic Coast from The Old Head of Kinsale to Malin Head in Donegal. Tour includes a transfer from Dublin or Shannon to Kinsale

Day 1 Kinsale

  • For this tour we start in the Heritage town of Kinsale. A small harbour town, its waterfront filled with yachts, narrow streets that ooze history filled with galleries, shops, restaurants and bars.
  • Kinsale is also home to Charles Fort a 17th century star shaped fort built during the reign of King Charles II, it has spectacular views over Kinsale town and harbour.
  • Kinsale is also the gateway to The Wild Atlantic Way.
  • Overnight: Kinsale

Day 2 Kinsale to Kenmare

  • After breakfast we depart Kinsale for Kenmare exploring the magnificent scenery along the way our route will take in some of Ireland’s most dramatic coastal features starting with The Old Head of Kinsale. Jutting into the Atlantic, it was just off the headland that RMS Lusitania was sunk in 1915. We continue on to Timoleague and its Franciscan Abbey dating back to 1240. In Clonakilty the birth place of Michael Collins, his legacy has left a lasting impression on the town. Drombeg stone circle a collection of 17 standing stones believed to be over 2000 years old lies further along the road. In Skibbereen a bustling market town a lunch stop in one of its many pubs then on to the heritage centre which tells the story of The Famine in the local area.
  • Then on through Bantry Bay and over The Caha Pass dropping into Kenmare.
  • Kenmare or in Gaelic Neidin meaning little nest is home for the night.
  • Overnight Kenmare

Day 3 The Ring of Kerry

  • The Ring of Kerry traces the outline of The Iveragh Peninsula this route covers 175kms of picturesque villages, historic landmarks, mountains, sandy coves & beaches. Driving through Molls Gaps, Ladies View, Killarney National Park stopping at The Kerry Bog Village and say hello to their two Irish Wolfhounds. Travelling further along through the town Cahersiveen birth place to Daniel O’Connell, we will divert of the Ring and take The Skellig Ring with spectacular views of Valentia Island and Skellig Michael a UNESCO World heritage site. The Skelligs comprise of two sandstone rocks jutting out of the Atlantic seven miles off the coast and are a sacred 1300 year old place of pilgrimage. Lunch at The Smugglers Inn in Waterville is a must.
  • After lunch we travel over The Coomakista Pass to Derrynane Daniel O’Connell’s summerhouse dating back to 1702. Then back to Kenmare via Sneem and Kenmare Bay
  • Overnight Kenmare

Day 4 Kenmare to Dingle

  • We drive from Kenmare to Castlemaine the gateway to the Dingle peninsula, a quick stroll along Inch strand one of the peninsulas many blue flag beeches and where scenes from Ryan’s Daughter were shot. In Dingle town a great stop for shopping and lunch in one of its pubs.
  • Then we continue around Slea Head rich with archaeological sites & history not to mention its spectacular views. One of the most famous landmarks on Dingle is Gallarus Oratory a thousand years old and resembles an upturned boat. Our drive brings us back to Dingle via Ballyferriter and Brandon Creek the starting point of St Brendan’s voyage to America sometime between 512-530AD, a little before Columbus.
  • Overnight Dingle

Day 5 Dingle to Dublin/Shannon

  • Today we depart Dingle via The Conor Pass the highest mountain pass on The Wild Atlantic Way, from the top of the pass we can get breath-taking views as far as The Aran Island in Galway and Loop Head in Co Clare.
  • The we hug The Atlantic coast on our left and The Sleeve Mish Mountains on our right as we travel along Tralee Bay past Belnnerville Windmill for many men and women their final glimpse of home as they set out across The Atlantic in search of a better life.
  • Then We drive back to Dublin/Shannon

Cost

  • Mercedes Sedan/Skoda Superb
    €2840.00
  • Mercedes V Class (1-6 pax)
    €3040.00

Costs include:

  • Your vehicle, our vehicles are all current models and have all appropriate licenses & insurance to operate as a private hire vehicle in Ireland they are also maintained to the highest standards, fuel and all local taxes & tolls.
  • Your trained driver-guide who will be with you for the duration of your tour.

Costs do not include:

  • Your accommodation, we are happy to advise and recommend hotel and B&B options for your tour we are also happy to book your accommodation for you.
  • Lunches and Dinners are not included in the above costs.
  • Entrance fees to non OPW heritage sites are not included in the cost for your tour.
  • Gratuities, we do not automatically add a gratuity for your Driver-Guide to your invoice, that said your driver-guide will do everything in his power to enhance your stay in Ireland and will be happy to recommend restaurants and bars for dinner, organise falconry, spa treatments, fishing or horse riding so a gratuity is always gratefully received. We would recommend 15%-20% as a guideline.

Cancellation Policy:

  • All booking deposits are non refundable.
  • All payments less actual transactions charges will be refunded up to 30 days before the tour.
  • 50% refund between 30 days and 7 days before a tour.
  • No refunds within 7days of a tour.
  • Customers who don’t show up on the day of a tour are also liable for the full cost of the tour.

Get In Touch

If you would like to discuss any of the tours shown on this site, or if you’re looking to customise your own tour and just want to ‘pick our brains’ we’d be only too delighted to chat with you.