Beyond the Glass Adventure: Wild Atlantic Way Explorer Tour
-
Ireland
-
7 nights
We're sorry, but this package is not currently available. Please use our search tool
Highlights
Designed for those who love an active trip where fitness, nature and sightseeing blend perfectly together, this 8-day Wild Atlantic Way package with Beyond the Glass Tours takes you to historical castles and World Heritage Sites, boat trips, walks through green landscapes, bike rides through woodlands and hikes along beautiful coastlines. To make this Ireland tour extra exciting, you'll go off-the-beaten-path several times. There will be absolutely no time to get bored on this tour, as you explore Ireland's western coast. Bring along friends, your partner, the entire family or travel solo and get to know other amazing people who love adventure as much as you do.
The Basics
Start: Cork
Finish: Dublin
Minimum Age: 16 years
Group Size: Maximum 12 persons
Experience
An incredible Wild Atlantic Way experience, hiking and cycling through the most beautiful landscapes of Ireland.
- Breathe in the fresh air in stunning locations on this hiking and cycling adventure
- Escape the crowds with hikes in off-the-beaten-track locations and country lanes
- Explore the Irish towns of Dingle and Westport and iconic attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher
- Relax as the tour travels along breathtakingly beautiful drives with expert onboard commentary
- Learn all there is to know about Ireland by local guides who are passionate about the Emerald Isle
Videos
Itinerary
Your Wild Atlantic Way Tour in Ireland begins in Cork City with a visit to the world-famous Blarney Castle. Explore the castle's wonderful grounds and gardens and kiss the Blarney Stone. Travel to West Cork for a hike on the magical Sheep’s Head peninsula, which is a place of outstanding beauty. The hike is a perfect opener for the adventures ahead. Tonight’s accommodation is at West Cork Hotel.
Wake in the heart of West Cork. Today's activity is a cycle ride on the western tip of the Beara peninsula. The roads here wind slowly along Ireland’s coastal edge, gently rising and falling to reveal awesome views around each corner. Lunch is in the small fishing village of Castletownbere. After lunch, drive along a scenic route to Kenmare. Explore this heritage town and visit an ancient stone circle. Continue on what is one of the most spectacular drives in Ireland, through Moll’s Gap and Ladies’ view to Killarney. Tonight’s accommodation is in Killarney.
Today is a real gem and you will begin with a boat trip through the lakes of Killarney, followed by a cycle ride through the Gap of Dunloe. On the boat trip, there is magnificent wildlife to be seen. You will have coffee at Lord Brandon’s Cottage followed by a 15-minute walk to the "Head of the Gap." Then it is pure joy on a cycle ride through a spectacularly formed glaciated valley. Cycling through the Gap of Dunloe will certainly be one you’ll remember. The final section of the ride is through the wonderful woodlands of Killarney National Park. Killarney town is set on the edge of Killarney National Park, which is a perfect place for a stroll. Tonight’s accommodation is in Killarney.
Begin with a hike in the heart of Muckross National Park. Stroll around the park visiting Muckross Abbey and the gardens of Muckross House. Then travel west from Killarney to the salty fresh-air playground of Inch Beach. Here, take a life-affirming plunge in the Atlantic Ocean or play Ireland’s national sport "hurling." After lunch, travel on the wild and beautiful Slea Head Drive. Here, you will stop for a hike along the rugged Atlantic coastline. Dingle is a vibrant town with much to offer, boasting excellent restaurants and bars with live traditional music. Tonight’s accommodation is in Dingle.
In the morning, travel north and cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry into County Clare. Hike along an awe-inspiring path perched high above the sea. On the hike, there are fantastic views out to sea toward the Aran Islands. This is a lesser-traveled path to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. After a visit to the Cliffs of Moher Interpretive Centre, the tour continues to colorful Doolin for lunch. You will then visit the Burren, a spectacular lunar-like karst limestone landscape and a World Heritage Site. Tonight’s accommodation is in a boutique County Clare Hotel.
From Doolin, you will take a boat across the waves to Inis Mór—the largest of the Aran Islands. On Inis Mór we slow down to the pace of island life. Travel on quiet country roads, passing field after field enclosed by dry stone walls, creating a masterful tapestry for the eyes to feast on. Visit the fabulous Iron Age ring fort of Dun Aengus, perched on the edge of a 300-foot high cliff. From Dun Aengus, hike along the Atlantic’s edge through fields, rocky beaches and green roads. After a day exploring Inis Mór, return via boat to Connemara in County Galway. Here we travel slowly through scenic Connemara, a place of fantastic colors, wilderness and warm welcomes. Tonight’s accommodation is at a Connemara hotel.
Explore the magic of Connemara, beginning with a hike in Connemara National Park. This is an excellent hike to the top of Diamond Hill, from the summit of which are breathtakingly beautiful views of the landscape below. The landscape is a mixture of blanket bogs, countless lakes and sandy beaches. After lunch, visit Kylemore Abbey & the Victorian Walled Garden. In the early evening, drive along the spectacular Killary Fjord before we enter County Mayo. Travel along the banks of Doo Lough where we will take a breather and perhaps remember the unfortunate famine victims who walked the same route more than 170 years before. From Doo Lough you will continue north to meet Clew Bay. Tonight’s accommodation is in Westport.
Travel the short distance from Westport to Newport, where the adventure continues on the final day. In Newport, you will take your bike for a spin along Ireland’s original Greenway cycle path. The route travels through Mulranny to Achill Island. It is a fantastic ride and a great activity to complete the adventure tour. After cycling, there is lunch in a local Newport café. The tour returns to Dublin.
FAQ
We have selected some really beautiful 3* & 4* accommodation for you to rest your head and recuperate after each day's travel. The accommodation is a mixture of hotels and B&Bs which boast authentic Irish hospitality and encourage you to enjoy the Irish spirit of fun. The cost of all accommodation is included in the full tour price and this is on a bed and breakfast basis only. The standard for all accommodation includes private en suite bedrooms, TV and Wi-Fi.
If you enjoy spending time in the outdoors and you maintain a reasonable level of fitness, then a Beyond the Glass Tour is for you. The daily activities on each of our tours require a reasonable level of fitness. The typical activity is a three hours hike on uneven ground or three-hour cycling on a country road.
As well as your normal traveling attire the following essential gear will be required:
- Walking boots
- Comfortable trainers/runners
- Comfortable and breathable outdoor clothing, including shorts, swimwear, trekking trousers, fleece and hat
- Gaiters & walking poles (personal choice but recommended)
- Cycling shorts
- Good quality waterproof jacket and trousers (preferably breathable)
- Daypack/rucksack, water bottle
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Medication—ensure that you inform your guide of any medical conditions or special dietary requirements. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know so we can make every effort to accommodate you.
While there are no restrictions on the size or the number of bags, we ask you please consider what you pack. Bring the essentials and enough for you to enjoy the trip but do not overpack. As a guide, we recommend you keep your baggage to one standard size suitcase and one carry-on suitcase.
Yes, you do need travel insurance. Beyond the Glass strongly recommends that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal luggage, money and public liability before you travel. We reserve the right to refuse admission to a passenger unless the client has arranged appropriate insurance. Beyond the Glass accepts no responsibility for loss or personal damage to personal belongings or liability for personal injury/death.
Each tour is limited to a maximum of 8 participants due to Covid-19 restrictions.
All Beyond the Glass Tours depart from Cork City. Your travel requirements throughout the tour are included. On day 1 of the tour, you will join the tour group, at a central Cork City location, at 8 am. The planned tour departure time is 8:30 am. The tour ends at the same Central Cork City location.
When you have booked the tour we will email you the exact detail of the meeting point and tour itinerary.
Getting to and from the start/endpoint is the individual responsibility of everyone on the tour
Cork is connected by plane, train and bus.
- You can fly to Cork from London, Europe and the U.S.
- There is regular train service to Cork from many of the major Irish cities
- There is regular bus service between Cork and Ireland's major airports and cities
No, but the tours are recommended for people who are 16 years or older.
Terms
Conversion
Price is in GBP. Prices in USD are approximate conversions.
Deposit
Deposit of approximately $760 per person; or you can pay in full at time of booking.
Cancellation Policy
If you give over 60 days’ notice of cancellation you will be refunded 85% of the tour price. For cancellation between 31 and 59 days, you will be refunded 60% of the total amount. For cancellations less than 30 days before the tour start date, the full amount will be charged with no refund. You are allowed to postpone the tour without additional charge with a 30 days’ notice; this is dependent on availability. For tours postponed between 30 and 7 days, there is approximately a $60 charge.
*Special consideration will be given to cancellations due to Covid-19 or for other public health reasons. These will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Personal Data Policy
We collect Personal Data such as email addresses, telephone numbers and names. Such information is only collected from you if you voluntarily submit it to us. This information is to keep you informed of the upcoming Beyond the Glass Adventure Tours. As with most websites, we gather Non-Personal Data statistical and other analytical information collected on an aggregate basis of all visitors to our website. This Non-Personal Data comprises information that cannot be used to identify or contact you, such as demographic information regarding, for example, user IP addresses where they have been clipped or anonymized, browser types and other anonymous statistical data involving the use of our website.
