Walking Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Walking Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Walking Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
8 Days Starting in Dublin, Ireland and ending in Doolin, Ireland
Visiting: Dublin, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Inishmore, Ballyvaughan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TEE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Walking Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way" tour, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland. Begin your journey in Dublin with a guided walking tour before heading to the scenic Killarney National Park to hike Torc Mountain and enjoy a brewery-distillery tour. Discover the pristine beaches and ancient oak forests of the Ring of Kerry, and meet a local seaweed forager. Experience the majestic Cliffs of Moher from both land and sea, and explore the Aran Islands' Inishmore, home to a seal sanctuary and the prehistoric fortress of Dun Aonghasa. Conclude your journey with a hike along the Black Head trail, taking in stunning views of Galway Bay. Enjoy comfortable stays in charming hotels and savor delicious local cuisine, with all breakfasts, six lunches, and two dinners included. This adventure tour promises a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural insights, and outdoor exploration.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Dublin; Afternoon Walking Tour
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Ashling Hotel or The Hendrick Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
We meet at the group hotel in Dublin at 3pm and then enjoy a guided walking tour of the city highlights plus many areas that are often missed.
In the evening, the guide briefs the group on the week’s activities, before we enjoy a delicious evening meal in a local restaurant.
Our hotel is not far from the city centre, so those who wish can explore the capital after dinner. Dublin is famous for its nightlife and many of the bars have live traditional Irish music.
Accommodation: Ashling Hotel or The Hendrick Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 : Transfer To County Kerry, Hike Torc Mountain In Killarney National Park
Location: Killarney National Park
Accommodation Name: Abbey Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We drive south (3hr 30min) to the hiker-loved town of Killarney in County Kerry. It sits on the edge of Killarney National Park, which has three beautiful lakes and the highest mountain range in Ireland. A treat for those who love the outdoors.
Upon arrival in Killarney, we have time for lunch before a fabulous hike in the national park. Torc Mountain (1,755ft/535m) is steeped in history and mythology. As we hike to the summit, our guide brings those stories to life as we enjoy majestic views of the national park and the three lakes. Descending from the mountain, we pass the rushing Torc Waterfall before heading to the 19th-century estate house whose owners donated the land to enable the national park to be created in 1932. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the gardens before transferring to our Killarney accommodation.
Accommodation: Abbey Lodge (or similar)
Day 3 : Walk The Ring Of Kerry And Learn The Secrets Of The Coast With A Specialist Guide
Location: Ring of Kerry
Accommodation Name: Abbey Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a scenic drive (1hr 30min) to the western tip of the Ring of Kerry and immerse in the idyllic landscapes around Derrynane National Park. Discover pristine beaches, lush woodlands, ancient abbey ruins and Daniel O’Connell, one of Ireland’s most prominent historic figures, who lived here.
During our hike, we meet a local seaweed forager who takes the group for a seashore walk and introduces us to the secrets of the Derrynane Beach region. Following our hike, we continue our scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry with a few stops along the way before returning to Killarney in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Abbey Lodge (or similar)
Day 4 : Take A Boat Ride Through The Three Lakes Of Killarney National Park And Then Hike The Ancient Woodlands
Location: Killarney National Park
Accommodation Name: Abbey Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We take a magical boat ride (one hour) from the 15th-century Ross Castle, which sits on the shores of Lough Leane, through the three lakes of Killarney, providing a unique perspective of Killarney National Park. We depart the boat and hike through ancient woodlands to Galway’s Bridge, which spans the Galway River. From here, our hike takes us south, following an old route through the hills, which has been used for hundreds of years by people travelling on foot or driving animals to market. Enjoy views across the Beara Peninsula as we descend to the colourful heritage town of Kenmare.
We then transfer back to Killarney, stopping along the way at the Killarney Brewing & Distillery company for a tour and tasting. It is the largest independently owned brewery, distillery and visitor centre in Ireland and is enveloped by the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains and the Killarney lakes.
Accommodation: Abbey Lodge (or similar)
Day 5 : Transfer To County Clare; Walk The Cliffs Of Moher And Take A Boat Ride Along The Coast
Location: Cliffs of Moher
Accommodation Name: The Lodge Doolin (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Our destination today is the majestic Cliffs of Moher. En route, we cross the Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, by ferry. Keep your eyes peeled for the dolphins that often play in the bow waves as the ferry makes the 15-minute journey from south to north.
After the ferry, we continue to the Cliffs of Moher (3hr 15min) for a relaxed hike on the path that winds from the highest point of the cliffs to the quaint village of Doolin.
Most people stand on the clifftops to look down but later this afternoon we see the Cliffs of Moher from a more impressive angle. Our boat trip provides a unique perspective on the most-visited natural site in Ireland, with towering cliffs and an array of seabirds to admire.
Upon finishing our cruise, we have a 15-minute walk to our accommodation in Doolin.
Accommodation: The Lodge Doolin (or similar)
Day 6 : Hike The Largest Of The Aran Islands: Inishmore
Location: Inishmore
Accommodation Name: The Lodge Doolin (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We walk to Doolin pier, where a one-hour ferry ride takes us to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inishmore. On reaching the island, a guide who grew up here joins us for a wonderful hike, on which we discover the glories of Inishmore. Following a lovely old trail, we are brought across limestone pavements to reach the fascinating coastal blowhole called Poll na bPeist (Serpents Lair). This natural tidal rock pool is a wonderful location to learn more about this ancient landscape.
We continue our hike to reach the stone fortress of Dun Aonghasa, which is magnificently located at the top of a sheer stone cliff. We then hike the northern shores of the island to reach a seal sanctuary. With time to enjoy this coastline and visit some of the older churches, we complete our hike back at the harbour.
We return to the mainland on the ferry in the late afternoon and walk to our accommodation in Doolin.
Accommodation: The Lodge Doolin (or similar)
Day 7 : Black Head Trail Hike
Location: Ballyvaughan
Accommodation Name: The Lodge Doolin (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, before our hike, we visit the ancient burial site of Poulnabrone Dolmen (transfer time: 30 minutes). Our guide explains how these pagan sites are intertwined with the Irish Christian history. We transfer (20 minutes) to the start of our walk, just south of Ballyvaughan village. From here, we follow a rural route – known locally as a green road – into the heart of the Black Head hills, with wonderful limestone pavements and stone walls all around. There are fantastic views over Galway Bay and the Aran Islands as we continue around Gleninagh Mountain. Finishing our walk in Fanore village, we are transported (20 minutes) back to our accommodation for our overnight and farewell dinner.
Accommodation: The Lodge Doolin (or similar)
Day 8 : End Doolin
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy another delicious breakfast before starting your journey home. There is a group transfer back to Dublin, so if you wish to extend your stay in the capital please speak to your sales representative about booking extra nights.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, six lunches and two dinners
All breakfasts, six picnic lunches, and two dinners are included in the tour package.
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All accommodation
Accommodation for seven nights in three- and four-star hotels is included, selected for their character, location, and unique charm.
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All transport and listed activities
All transport and activities listed in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately by the traveler.
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Single supplement (available on request)
A single supplement is not included but is available on request for those who prefer a private room.
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Visas and vaccinations
Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately by the traveler.
Food
All breakfasts, six picnic lunches and two dinners are included. Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and Dairy free diets can all be catered for on this trip but please advise of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Accommodation
We stay for seven nights in three- and four-star hotels, selected for their character, location, and unique charm. In Dublin, accommodations include Ashling Hotel or The Hendrick Hotel, both near the River Liffey. In Killarney, Abbey Lodge offers a warm welcome with its quaint B&B style. In Doolin, The Lodge Doolin provides a scenic retreat with rustic charm.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes a mix of scenic drives, ferry rides, and boat trips. Highlights include a drive to Killarney, a ferry crossing the Shannon River, and a boat ride through the lakes of Killarney National Park. Transfers are provided between key locations, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays in three- and four-star hotels, selected for their character, location, and unique charm. In Dublin, you will stay at either the Ashling Hotel or The Hendrick Hotel. In Killarney, accommodation is at Abbey Lodge, a quaint B&B with traditional decor. In Doolin, you will stay at The Lodge Doolin, a family-run property.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes all breakfasts, six picnic lunches, and two dinners. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets can be catered for, but dietary requirements should be advised at the time of booking.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as hiking the Cliffs of Moher, a boat ride along the coast, hiking Torc Mountain in Killarney National Park, meeting a seaweed forager, a brewery-distillery tour and tasting in Killarney, and hiking Inishmore island to discover a seal sanctuary and the prehistoric fortress of Dun Aonghasa.
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Is there a guide provided during the hikes and activities?
Yes, a guide is provided during the hikes and activities. For example, during the hike on Inishmore, a local guide who grew up on the island will join the group to provide insights into the area.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in Dublin and ends in Doolin. There is a group transfer back to Dublin at the end of the tour.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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