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Unlock the history and scenery of the Emerald Isle, step by step.

Explore Ireland from the ground up on a walking tour through the country’s small cities and most dramatic landscapes. From the Cliffs of Moher to the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, you’ll discover the natural beauty that separates Irish landscapes into a league of their own. And in Galway, West Cork, and Kinsale, you’ll stroll right through history (and hopefully, into a few pubs too).

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfast
4 dinners with beer or wine
9 sightseeing tours
6 guided walks

Included highlights

Connemara National Park
Kylemore Abbey
Cliffs of Moher
Killarney National Park
Dingle Peninsula

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Shannon today.

Galway2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Shannon & sightseeing tour of Galway

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Ireland! Transfer to Galway and discover the local energy and living traditions of Ireland’s third-largest city alongside your Tour Director.

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
Peruse authentic Claddagh rings in a local shop

Gather with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Connemara National Park & Kylemore Abbey

Included meal: Breakfast

Set out to explore the surrounding scenery and historic sights with a local guide today.

Amble past the stunning lush valleys, majestic mountains, and mystical lakes of Connemara National Park on a walking tour
Enter the palatial Kylemore Abbey, a sprawling estate originally built by Mitchell Henry in the 1800s as a gift for his new bride

Spend a free evening in Galway or add an excursion.

An Evening in Galway: Pub Dinner & Music

From $65 per person

County Kerry3 nights

Day 4: Cliffs of Moher & transfer to County Kerry

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey south of Galway today to the Cliffs of Moher passing through the Burren, an expansive limestone plateau where fields of rock are dotted with wildflowers. Get to know the region on a guided walk.

Walk along the mesmerizing coastline of the majestic Cliffs of Moher, which rise to heights of 600 feet above the Atlantic Ocean
Soak in the views from Hag's Head, the southernmost point of the cliffs
Enjoy free time to enter the visitor center

After, travel to County Kerry and sit down for an included dinner.

Day 5: Killarney National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Transfer to Killarney National Park, Ireland’s first national park, which has grown to 25,000 acres of diverse ecological landscapes.

Take a guided walking tour through Killarney National Park’s most magnificent landscapes around Muckross Lake
Walk along Muckross Peninsula, which separates Muckross Lake from Lough Leane
Try to spot the red squirrels, red deer, lush ferns, and green moss throughout Reenadinna Wood
Stop at the 200-year-old Dinis Cottage and stroll along a short path that leads to the Meeting of the Waters, where Killarney’s Upper Lake flows down to join the lower loughs
Visit the stately Tudor-style Muckross House, donated to the Irish state in 1932

Day 6: Dingle Peninsula

Included meal: Breakfast

Explore the western tip of Ireland on a guided walk along the Dingle Peninsula.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Blasket Islands as you wander past secluded harbors and seaside cliffs
Admire the varied scenery of Clogher Beach, Slea Head, Mount Brandon, and Mount Eagle
Head to Dingle Town where you’ll have free time to eat lunch and shop

West Cork2 nights

Day 7: West Cork via Skibbereen

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to West Cork, stopping in the colorful town of Skibbereen.

Join a local guide for a tour of the Skibbereen Heritage Centre
Learn about the Great Famine, the Irish diaspora, and genealogy
Visit the Skibbereen Famine Graveyard, where over 8,000 unnamed people who died due to the Great Famine are buried
Enjoy free time to eat lunch and shop

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 8: Sheep's Head

Included meal: Breakfast

Pass gravel boreens, grassy paths, and heathery hills as you travel along Sheep's Head peninsula. Then, explore the coastal area on a guided walk along Dunmanus Bay.

Walk past rocky outcrops and Lough Akeen to the Sheep's Head Lighthouse, located at the tip of the headland
Admire views of the cliffs over Bantry Bay
Enjoy a scone and cup of tea at a local shop at the end of the trail

Spend a free evening in West Cork or add an excursion.

West Cork Farm Visit & Dinner

From $110 per person

County Limerick1 night

Day 9: County Limerick via Kinsale

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Travel south and take a guided walk along the Old Head of Kinsale.

Snap photos of the towering sea cliffs, lush headlands, and coastal views around every bend
View the Old Head Lighthouse, which sits on the southern tip of the Old Head Golf Links
See where the RMS Lusitania sunk after being torpedoed by German forces during World War I

Continue on to the harbor town Kinsale and enjoy free time to eat lunch and walk along the narrow, winding streets lined with artsy shops, lively bars, and delicious restaurants. Then, head to nearby star-shaped Charles Fort for a guided tour.

After, head to County Limerick and celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner.

Flight Home

Day 10: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Shannon airport for your flight home or extend your stay to visit County Wicklow.

Extension to County Wicklow

Castles, cheese, coastal landscapes. Yeah, County Wicklow has it all. Extend your stay in Ireland to explore a region that's known to have some of the wildest and most spectacular mountain scenery in Ireland. After a visit to a cheese farm and the charming town of Kilkenny, enjoy time to explore the region at your leisure or see some of that said scenery alongside your Tour Director.

County Wicklow2 nights

Day 10: County Wicklow via cheese farm & Kilkenny

Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Make several stops to discover the the region’s cuisine and castles as you travel to County Wicklow.

Stop at a cheese farm in County Tipperary
Learn how the farm promotes animal welfare, community engagement, and waste reduction
Learn about cheese production and enjoy a tasting
Continue to Kilkenny, Ireland’s best-preserved medieval town
Pass by the Gothic, 13th century St. Canice’s Cathedral
Tour the imposing 12th-century Kilkenny Castle and soak in views of the River Nore

Then, continue on to County Wicklow.

Day 11: Free day in County Wicklow

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in County Wicklow or add an excursion.

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

Glendalough Walking Tour & Powerscourt

From $70 per person

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Dublin airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

Based on 75 authentic and unedited traveler reviews

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09/15/19 by 1st-time traveler Rosemary

I had a wonderful time on this tour. A lot of extra stops were added by our tour director and he truly made my experience exceptional.

09/15/19 by 1st-time traveler Suzanne (Suzie)

This tour was amazing! Matthew, our tour director, made sure that every moment was full of new information, or something to look at. My main goal for this trip was to go to a castle, which would have to have been done in one of the free days because it was not on the itinerary, and one of the firs...

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Remarkable Experience!

05/12/19 by 1st-time traveler Laury

I returned four weeks ago from the Walking Tour of Ireland trip. Frankly, I had high expectations for this trip. It did not disappoint! This experience far exceeded my expectations, and I did not want to leave Ireland! Our ring leader (tour director) Colm Austin, greeted our merry group of 28 up...

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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.

Maldron Sandy Road

This comfortable hotel is located near the center of Galway. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a hotel bar, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find the Galway Shop...

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Arbutus Hotel

This charming hotel is located in Killarney town centre. Guests enjoy free WiFi and Buckley's Bar, as well as complimentary ginger cake and tea on arr...

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Castle Hotel

This boutique hotel is located in downtown Macroom. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and gym. Nearby, you’ll find the Macroom Golf Club, the Gearagh, a...

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Fitzgerald's Woodland House Hotel

This classic hotel is located in Adare. Guests enjoy a restaurant, spa, and pool. Nearby, you’ll find Adare Manor, archery and falconry facilities, an...

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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.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
Find out more about flights

Local weather

Kilkenny, Ireland

Weather averages

Today

High 46 °FLow 31 °F

Galway, Ireland

Weather averages

Today

High 47 °FLow 32 °F

Limerick, Ireland

Weather averages

Today

High 46 °FLow 42 °F

Shannon, Ireland

Weather averages

Today

High 47 °FLow 32 °F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Ireland, 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 your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 3 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.

Walks on this tour

Depending on local weather conditions, seasons and trail closures, the activities and sequence of your included walks may change.
Connemara National Park – 4 miles / 3.5 hours. Loose gravel paths and boardwalks give way to sweeping mountain views. You may opt for an easier route of 2 miles / 1.5 hours.
Cliffs of Moher – 3.5 miles / 2 hours. A dirt clifftop path, that can be muddy, with narrow, steep ascents offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Killarney National Park – 6 miles / 4 hours. A moderate walk through the park along both paved and unpaved paths, over flat, even terrain.
Dingle Peninsula – 2 miles / 1.5-2 hours. This muddy coastal area boasts some of the most dramatic views in the country—just wear your waterproof boots.
Sheep’s Head Peninsula – 2.5 miles / 1.5 hours. A moderate loop with footpaths, tracks, and paved lanes along the cliffs of Dunmanus Bay.
Old Head of Kinsale – 3.5 miles / 2 hours. An easy loop walk with some uneven ground along path with views of towering sea cliffs and lush headlands.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Shannon and depart from Shannon (or Dublin on the tour extension). 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

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
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.
Light hiking boots or sturdy sneakers are recommended for the cobbled stones and uneven terrain.
You may want to consider packing a collapsible walking stick for more challenging walks.
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 Ireland.
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 your 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 operates within 230-240 volts and uses 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 is 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 on tour.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, but you may choose to order 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 and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the 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.

Ireland Walking Tour

Unlock the history and scenery of the Emerald Isle, step by step.

Day-by-day itinerary

Reviews

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Hotels

Flights

Local weather

FAQ

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