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Rugged natural beauty awaits along Ireland’s western shores.

The western coast of Ireland is home to some of the Emerald Isle’s most astounding scenery. After exploring historic Belfast, set out to discover the highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way, from Donegal to the Cliffs of Moher. Between the breathtaking views of stunning seascapes and green landscapes, you’ll step off the beaten path to get a feel for Ireland’s quieter side in its small towns and villages on this small group Adventure Tour.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
4 dinners with beer or wine
9 sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Glenveagh National Park
Slieve League cliffs
Drumcliffe Cemetery
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
Achill Island

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Belfast today.

County Antrim2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Belfast

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Settle in, then gather with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Belfast

Included meal: Breakfast

Learn about Belfast’s role in the conflict known as “the Troubles” during today’s walking tour.

Glimpse the copper-domed City Hall, where you’ll meet your local guide
Learn about the city’s history and your guide’s experience growing up during the Troubles
Listen to expert commentary from your guide as you stop at sites in downtown Belfast connected to the Catholic-Protestant conflict

Enjoy a free afternoon in County Antrim or add an excursion.

Giant's Causeway Cliff Walk

From $85 per person

County Donegal2 nights

Day 4: Donegal via Derry & Glenveagh National Park

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Northern Ireland and cross into the Republic of Ireland, where you’ll travel through the dramatic scenery along a portion of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Stop in Derry, where you’ll learn about the city's history on a tour with a local guide
See the well-preserved 17th-century city walls and learn about the history of the conflicts that took place between the Protestant and Catholic populations
Visit Glenveagh National Park and set off on an easy, scenic walk along Lough Beagh with your Tour Director
Enter Glenveagh Castle and admire the park’s waterfalls, lakes, and mountains
Continue through the beautiful Irish countryside to County Donegal

This evening, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Day 5: Slieve League

Included meal: Breakfast

Head west to see the highest cliffs in Europe today.

Pay a visit to the Slieve League Cultural Centre
Continue on to the Slieve League cliffs for incredible panoramic views from nearly 2,000 feet above sea level
Opt to join your guide on a walk along the cliffs
Meet up with a teacher at a local college in the village of Glencolumkille for an Irish language lesson
Enter a local weaving shop in Donegal to see a demonstration and learn about the famous Donegal tweed

County Mayo2 nights

Day 6: County Mayo via Drumcliffe & Sligo

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey south along the Wild Atlantic Way and through the landscapes immortalized by the poetry of William Butler Yeats.

Stop at Mullaghmore Head to snap photos of Classiebawn Castle, an estate built during the 19th century
Pay your respects at Yeats’ grave in the Drumcliffe churchyard and learn about this cemetery's unique history from a chaplain
Enjoy free time for lunch in the town of Sligo
Join an archaeologist local guide at the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, which is home to tombs that are among the most important prehistoric monuments in Europe
Arrive in the village of Westport in County Mayo

Sit down to an included dinner with your group this evening.

Day 7: Achill Island

Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way to Achill Island, an idyllic destination along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Pass by many blanket bogs en route to the charming village of Dooagh
Walk through the landscapes surrounding Keem Bay and visit Keem Beach
Cross the Michael Davitt Bridge on your way back to Westport

Enjoy a free afternoon in County Mayo or add an excursion.

Glen Keen Farm & Dinner

From $129 per person

County Clare2 nights

Day 8: County Clare via Connemara National Park & Galway

Included meal: Breakfast

Venture down the coast to County Clare, making several scenic stops en route.

Visit the charming village of Leenane
Spot Ireland’s only fjord in Killary Harbor, then soak in views of the Maumturk mountain range en route to Connemara National Park
Enter Kylemore Abbey and take time to explore its Victorian walled garden
Drive through the picture-perfect landscapes of Connemara, stopping at the Inagh Valley and Maam Cross
Arrive in Galway, where you’ll follow your Tour Director on a guided walking tour
Stroll past Lynch’s Castle, the Druid Theatre Company, and the broad expanse of Eyre Square
View the city’s medieval walls and Spanish Arch
Continue on to your hotel in County Clare

Day 9: The Cliffs of Moher

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Walk along the mesmerizing coastline of the Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Then, pass through the Burren, a unique limestone plateau where fields of rock are dotted with wildflowers.

Spend the afternoon exploring County Clare on your own or add an excursion.

This evening, celebrate your trip with your group at a farewell dinner.

Burren Bike Tour: Castles & the Coastline

From $149 per person

Flight Home

Day 10: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Shannon airport for your flight home or continue on to County Kerry.

Extension to County Kerry & County Limerick

When you picture Ireland, you’re probably thinking of County Kerry, home to some of the coun-try’s most iconic spots. Continue your trip to enjoy guided tours of Killarney National Park, then delve into history in neighboring county Limerick.

County Kerry3 nights

Day 10: Killarney National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way from County Clare to County Kerry today, then spend the afternoon exploring Killarney National Park. Take a walk through the park, stopping for a photo at Ross Castle. Then, step inside Muckross House and stroll through its beautifully manicured gardens.

Day 11: Free day in County Kerry

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in County Kerry or add an excursion.

The Ring of Kerry

From $49 per person

Day 12: Free day in County Kerry

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend another free day exploring County Kerry on your own or add an excursion.

Dingle Peninsula Walk & Whiskey Tasting

From $79 per person

County Limerick1 night

Day 13: Transfer to County Limerick

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel from County Kerry to County Limerick for a series of guided visits today.

Tour of the 13th-century King John’s Castle, located on King’s Island in Limerick’s city center
Head to the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of aviation and passenger travel in the region
Get a taste of Irish coffee, a traditional local treat

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Flight Home

Day 14: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Shannon airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

Based on 14 authentic and unedited traveler reviews

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Mind-Bending

09/08/19 by 17th-time traveler Ronald

The Wild Atlantic Way: It is a land of alien beauty: the land of CúChuclainn, of mists and faery, of stone cliffs hundreds of feet high, of gentle breezes and harsh winds blowing spray up from the boiling sea below, of dazzling vistas that can leave you stunned into silence, of Presences unseen but ...

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The Trip of a Lifetime

09/08/19 by 17th-time traveler Dorothy

The Wild Atlantic Way was our 17th trip, including 4 previous trips to Ireland, with Go Ahead, and it stands out above all the rest. Anyhow who is not familiar with The Wild Atlantic Way should google it, but no matter what you see, it is nothing in comparison to the real experience. The itinerary...

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First time with tour group!

07/14/19 by 1st-time traveler Helen

I was very impressed with the staff members I worked with before the actual tour began. Margaret was especially helpful with details that might have seemed small but were important to me. She was always friendly and helpful. I was impressed with the hotels and the various sites we visited. My only...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Clayton Hotel Belfast

This modern hotel is located in the Linen Quarter. Guests enjoy an indoor pool, fitness center, and Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find Albert Memorial Clock, ...

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Sandhouse Hotel

This sophisticated hotel is located in the coastal village of Rossnowlagh. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and spa. Nearby, you’ll find Rossnowlagh Be...

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Wyatt Hotel

This charming hotel is located in the heart of Westport. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Great Western Green...

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Temple Gate Hotel

This cozy hotel is located in Ennis Town. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Clare Museum, Chapel Lane Market, an...

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Meadowlands Hotel

This elegant hotel is located in Tralee, County Kerry along the Wild Atlantic Way. Guests enjoy the manicured gardens and intimate second floor bar. N...

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Fitzgerald's Woodland House Hotel & Spa

This classic hotel is located in Adare. Guests enjoy a restaurant with home grown ingredients, Woodlands Walking Trail, and indoor pool. Nearby, you’l...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

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Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
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Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
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Local weather

Galway, Ireland

Weather averages

Today

High 47 °FLow 32 °F

Sligo, Ireland

Weather averages

Today

High 46 °FLow 35 °F

Belfast, United Kingdom

Weather averages

Today

High 48 °FLow 45 °F

Londonderry, Saint Lucia

Weather averages

Today

High 80 °FLow 69 °F

FAQ

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Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Ireland and the United Kingdom, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 2 hours daily across uneven terrain, including dirt paths and unpaved trails, with some hills and steep stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Belfast and depart from Shannon. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Irish pubs serve up hearty lunches, such as the traditional stew of bacon and boiled cabbage. Soda bread is delicious, very filling, and served with many meals. Nibble a scone at afternoon tea, with a pat of high-quality butter from County Kerry. Guinness stout is an international sensation, but locals might favor Murphy’s, depending on where you are.

Electricity & air conditioning

Ireland and the United Kingdom operate within 230-240 volts and use a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Ireland and the United Kingdom are on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the euro in Ireland and the Pound sterling in the United Kingdom.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director andthe equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommendthe equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

Ireland: The Wild Atlantic Way

Rugged natural beauty awaits along Ireland’s western shores.

Day-by-day itinerary

Reviews

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Hotels

Flights

Local weather

FAQ

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