Be sure to check out our 2024 shared tour series.
Live like royalty on a luxury tour of Ireland that gets you closer to Ireland's best-loved attractions including the famous Wild Atlantic Way. With only eight guests per tour, there is more time and freedom to explore your own interests. You will be staying in some of Ireland's very best hotels, including two nights in Ballynahinch Castle - an idyllic retreat nestled in 700 acres of pristine walkways, rivers and woodland.
This tour features both of the iconic Irish regions of The Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East.
Prepare for eight days of elegance and luxury as you discover Ireland on the Ancient Ireland Mini Group Tour, Dingle Version. Click on the days below to find out what adventures you can look forward to on each day of your tour.
On arrival in Dublin Airport, reclaim your baggage and enter the Arrivals Hall. Here, you will meet your Irish tour guide (who is also your driver). There will be three group transfers this morning between 0700 am and 1200 noon. To ensure a smooth start to your tour, it is advisable to aim for an arrival time in Dublin Airport before 11:00 am, as clearing immigration and reclaiming baggage typically takes around 1 hour.
Board your luxury air-conditioned mini-coach and make the short transfer to the famous Brooks Hotel, in the heart of Dublin City, where you can relax and unwind after your flight.
15:00 Check-in time. Hotel reception will store your luggage prior to Check-in.
This afternoon, after all introductions have been made, you will depart on a tour of Dublin City, Ireland's capital city. Visit EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum. Voted, recently, as "Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction", this museum tour tells the story behind the millions of people who fled, or were forced from, Ireland over the past three centuries. Located in Dublin's Docklands.
You will also visit Guinness Storehouse. With an address at the world-famous St. James's Gate. Here you will tour the world-renowned brewery and enjoy a perfect complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar — located at the top of a glass tower that commands spectacular views of Dublin City.
Evening free to relax and unwind at your leisure. Overnight in Brooks Hotel.
Time | Arrival Transfer details |
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Between 07:00 and 12 (noon) | Dublin Airport There are 3 group airport transfers this morning, between 7am and 12 noon, from Dublin Airport to Brooks Hotel. |
This morning after breakfast, you will depart for Ballynahinch Castle.
Ballynahinch Castle is an unrivalled experience of true Irish hospitality. Formerly the home of "Humanity Dick" Martin and The Maharajah Ranjitsinhji, Ballynahinch Castle has been welcoming visitors to Connemara for over 250 years. This unique castle is spectacularly located on a private 450-acre estate of woodlands, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara.Travelling west your route today will take you through Ballinasloe & Athlone, which is the centre of Ireland. You will visit Clonmacnoise. A medieval monastery on the banks of the River Shannon, founded by St. Ciaran in the 6th century. Clonmacnoise lay at a crossroads of medieval Ireland, linking all parts of the island. Sacked time and again by the Vikings, it nevertheless flourished for over 600 years.
We will continue west on our journey to Galway City, known as the "City of the Tribes". Today, it is a vibrant bustling harbour town with medieval origins and with a long tradition of Irish language, music, song, and dance.
We will continue west out of Galway City via the villages of Oughterard, Maam Cross & Recess into the wilds of Connemara, famous for its bogs, mountains and rugged coastline..
Tonight you will overnight & dine in Ballynahinch Castle.
Suggestion: After dinner, you might like to retire to the friendly Fisherman's Pub for a nightcap (Connemara Single Malt Irish Whiskey is just a suggestion) before bed.
Please note, although Ballynahinch Castle has undergone many modernising refurbishments over the past 250 years there are no elevators in the hotel. There is a full porter service, to carry your bags to and from the bedroom, but walking up and down the stairs, for anyone with mobility issues, can be quite difficult. Please, feel free to contact us should you have any such concerns..
For guests who start their tour on the 11th of May, you will overnight and dine in Ashford Castle.
This morning after breakfast, take some time to explore at your leisure the extensive grounds of Ballynahinch Castle. There are some who visit Ballynahinch Castle and never leave the grounds during their stay, such is the choice of activities available. Hiking the trails, taking a fly-fishing tutorial, playing tennis, biking, or simply sitting in the tranquillity of the grounds listening to the song of the river as it makes its interminable journey to the sea are all possibilities today.
This afternoon, if the lure of the castle grounds is not too strong you will tour the sights of wild Connemara, famous for its bogs, mountains and rugged coastline. You will have free time in Clifden. Known as the capital of Connemara. It was founded in 1812 by the High Sheriff of Galway to create a "pocket of respectability" within the lawlessness of the area.
You will visit Kylemore Abbey. An historic building nestled at the base of Duchruach Mountain, on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul — in the heart of the Connemara Mountains. It is regarded as one of Ireland's most romantic buildings.
Your return route to Ballynahinch Castle will take you via the spectacular Inagh Valley, with the rugged 12 Bens of Connemara on your right and the Maumturks mountain range on your left.
Tonight you will overnight and dine in Ballynahinch Castle.
Please note, although Ballynahinch Castle has undergone many modernising refurbishments over the past 250 years there are no elevators in the hotel. There is a full porter service, to carry your bags to and from the bedroom, but walking up and down the stairs, for anyone with mobility issues, can be quite difficult. Please, feel free to contact us should you have any such concerns.
For guests who start their tour on the 11th of May, you will overnight and dine in Ashford Castle.
This morning after breakfast, you will depart for the Gaelic-speaking fishing port of Dingle.
Your journey to Dingle will take you down the Wild Atlantic Way, on the west coast of Clare — via the famous Galway Bay, Dunguaire Castle and the fishing village of Kinvarra.
You will see The Burren, which is Gaelic for rocky land—an apt name for this vast limestone plateau. In the 1640s, Cromwell's surveyor described it as "a savage land, yielding neither water enough to drown a man, nor tree to hang him, nor soil enough to bury".
On the Atlantic west coast, you will visit the Cliffs of Moher. Braced against the ocean, on the coast of County Clare. Here you will stand on the dramatic 702ft (214m) high and 9 miles (14km) long cliffs, a Wild Atlantic Way signature discovery point, to gaze out on the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a short ferry journey across the majestic Shannon River from Killimer to Tarbert. Continue on via Tralee, the capital of Kerry, to the fishing town of Dingle.
Tonight you will overnight in Heaton's Guesthouse.
After breakfast, depart for the scenic Slea Head Drive on the Wild Atlantic Way via the quaint village of Ventry. Continue on via the Slea Head to Dunquin for views over the Blasket Islands, now an uninhabited island rich for its flora and fauna. Irish writer Peig Sayers famously wrote about life on the island in the struggling 20th century.
You may be interested in a stroll on Coomenoole beach. This small but beautiful beach was used as one of the film locations for the filming of 'Ryan's Daughter'. Continue on to Ballyferriter, a West Kerry Gaeltacht heartland (Irish-speaking area). Here in Ballyferriter, you will have a workshop tour of the Louis Mulcahy Pottery — you will witness how Ireland's world-famous, high-quality pottery is created.
Enjoy lunch at Murphy's Pub.
After lunch, you will travel on to visit the archaeological highlight of Gallarus Oratory — an early Christian site. Enjoy an evening free in Dingle. It is famous for its artisan galleries and lively pubs including Dick Mack's, O' Flaherty's & O'Sullivan's Court House Pub.
Tonight you will overnight at Heaton's Guesthouse.
This morning, travel on to the village of Blarney via the valley of the River Lee to visit Blarney Castle. Built on this site in 1446 by Dermot McCarthy. You will have the chance to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone. You will also have an opportunity to shop at Blarney Woollen Mills, boasting a huge selection of Irish arts, crafts and produce.
Continue onto Midleton Town and visit the Jameson Distillery Midleton. You will experience a fully guided Jameson Experience Tour. Here you will find the world's largest pot still, with a capacity of over 30,000 gallons..
Our destination for tonight is the idyllic location of Faithlegg, County Waterford.
Tonight you will overnight and dine in Faithlegg Hotel. Located in picturesque woodland, offering stunning views over the Suir estuary in County Waterford.
After a hearty home-cooked full Irish breakfast this morning, we will set off for Waterford Crystal. This world-renowned crystal factory is located in the Viking-founded city of Waterford—where extensive glass manufacturing was established in 1783. Learn the art of glassblowing from the professional craftsmen and take time to visit the store which is home to the largest selection of Waterford Crystal in the world.
We will continue on to Kilkenny for a visit to Kilkenny Castle. This imposing structure dominates the skyline of Kilkenny City. It has been an important site since Strongbow constructed the first building; a wooden tower, in the 12th century. William the Earl Marshall built the first stone castle on the site, in 1260.
This afternoon you will once again be back in Dublin City. Overnight at the famous Brooks Hotel.
Today marks the end of the Ancient Ireland Tour, Dingle Version.
This morning, after breakfast, there will be 3 group airport transfers between 0500 and 1100 to bring you to Dublin Airport for your return flight home.
Time | Departure Transfer details |
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Between 05:00 and 11:00 | Brooks Hotel There are 3 group airport transfers this morning, between 5am and 11am, from Brooks Hotel to Dublin Airport. |
Reviews • What's included • Other tours
Arrival | Departure | Price Per Person | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
Thu 11 May 2023 | Thu 18 May 2023 | - | fully booked |
Thu 18 May 2023 | Thu 25 May 2023 | - | fully booked |
Thu 25 May 2023 | Thu 01 Jun 2023 | - | fully booked |
Thu 01 Jun 2023 | Thu 08 Jun 2023 | - | fully booked |
Thu 15 Jun 2023 | Thu 22 Jun 2023 | - | fully booked |
Thu 29 Jun 2023 | Thu 06 Jul 2023 | - | fully booked |
Thu 13 Jul 2023 | Thu 20 Jul 2023 | - | fully booked |
Thu 27 Jul 2023 | Thu 03 Aug 2023 | - | fully booked |
Thu 07 Sep 2023 | Thu 14 Sep 2023 | - | fully booked |
Thu 14 Sep 2023 | Thu 21 Sep 2023 | - | fully booked |
Thu 28 Sep 2023 | Thu 05 Oct 2023 | - | fully booked |
We have added extra flexibility to our cancellation timeline.
Meaning you can now make unlimited changes to your chosen tour up to 60 days before your arrival.
Our cancellation timeline is as follows;
The Deposit is non-refundable. However, before 60 days you can make unlimited changes for free, including changing your tour dates (including transferring to a tour in 2024), changing your tour and changing tour participants.
25% of total price
50% of total price
100% of total price
For more details, see our terms and conditions.
If you would like to join this tour next year, take a look at our Ancient Ireland Mini-Group Tour 2024.
The Deposit for the Ancient Ireland Mini-Group Tour 2023, Dingle Version is €550 per person.
For guests who are travelling alone and are therefore not sharing a room, the single occupancy supplement for the Ancient Ireland Mini-Group Tour 2023, Dingle Version is €580.
The full balance is due 60 days before your tour.
All payments are in Euros.
We do not charge any fees for paying by credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
Children ages 8 yrs - 17 yrs inclusive receive a 10% discount on the prices. Children must share a room with a least 1 adult. Our tours do not cater for children 7 yrs or younger. You must be 18 or over to travel on our adults-only tours.
Once a partial or full payment has been made, cancellations will only be accepted in writing (either by email or standard mail) to My Ireland Tour. Cancellation terms will be applied based on the date that the written cancellation is received and based on the following dates prior to tour commencement. Cancellation fees apply as indicated below. All cancellation fees include the initial deposit.
Cancellation Date | Cancellation Fee |
---|---|
Up to 60 days before the start of tour: | Deposit is non-refundable. However, before 60 days you can make unlimited changes for free, including changing your tour dates (including transferring to a tour in 2024), changing your tour and changing tour participants. |
59 to 40 days before start of tour: | 25% of Tour Cost |
39 to 14 days before start of tour: | 50% of Tour Cost |
Less than 14 days before start of tour: | 100% of Tour Cost |
Perhaps the most vital ingredient of any tour is your tour guide. Acting not only as your guide but also as your driver, their knowledge and experience, their passion and personality form the foundation on which any successful tour is built.
That's why we only work with the very best guides in Ireland. As our past guests know, our tour guides are a big reason why we're Ireland's best-rated tour operator, with 1170 five-star reviews out of a possible 1203.
The Ancient Ireland Dingle Tour welcomes you to a different class of accommodation. On the journey of a lifetime, you will be staying in some of Ireland's finest castles and manor houses. We are very proud of the range of luxury accommodation we have put together for this exclusive journey. Many of these castle hotels and manors are family-owned, just like ourselves, and we have a long-standing relationship with them all.
We know and trust the accommodation providers we use, and we choose them carefully based not only on their star rating but also on their location, service, value and character. With years of experience in the industry, we have the knowledge, the experience and the local contacts to design the perfect accommodation package for your vacation.
Sometimes, the journey is just as important as the destination. On our mini-group tours, we invite you to take a front-row seat on your journey, enjoying safety, luxury and the best possible view as you travel.
For The 8-Day Ancient Ireland Mini-Group Tour - Dingle Version, 2023, we use custom 9-seater Mercedes-Benz mini-coaches. These are executive-class tour vehicles designed specifically for this purpose, combining comfort and safety with a luxurious interior finish. Panoramic tinted windows provide the very best view of the journey and the sights which mark the way. The compact size of these vehicles gives you easier access to your tour destinations compared to larger tour coaches.
Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.
Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Time | Arrival Transfer details |
---|---|
Between 07:00 and 12 (noon) | Dublin Airport There are 3 group airport transfers, between 7am and 12 noon, from Dublin Airport to Brooks Hotel. |
Time | Departure Transfer details |
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Between 05:00 and 11:00 | Brooks Hotel There are 3 group airport transfers, between 5am and 11am, from Brooks Hotel to Dublin Airport. |
Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
Situated five miles north-west of Cork city, Blarney Castle is a solid fixture on almost any tour of Ireland. It is best known for the famous "Blarney Stone" of which visitors are encouraged to kiss, in accordance with a tradition that spans centuries.
Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.
A limestone plateau covering 250 square kilometres, The Burren takes its name quite aptly from the Gaelic for "rocky land" or "great rock". While in one sense very fitting, the name does not do justice to what experts have more justly termed "one of the world's most stunningly unique natural heritage regions
".
The Burren runs alongside the Wild Atlantic Way.
A limestone plateau covering 250 square kilometres, The Burren takes its name quite aptly from the Gaelic for "rocky land" or "great rock". While in one sense very fitting, the name does not do justice to what experts have more justly termed "one of the world's most stunningly unique natural heritage regions
".
The Burren runs alongside the Wild Atlantic Way.
A limestone plateau covering 250 square kilometres, The Burren takes its name quite aptly from the Gaelic for "rocky land" or "great rock". While in one sense very fitting, the name does not do justice to what experts have more justly termed "one of the world's most stunningly unique natural heritage regions
".
The Burren runs alongside the Wild Atlantic Way.
Clifden is a tranquil coastal town in the rugged and picturesque landscape of Connemara in County Galway. As the area's largest town it is often referred to as the "capital of Connemara". Clifden is home to the famous Sky Road and Clifden Castle.
Clifden also forms a part of the Wild Atlantic Way route. For more information click here.
One of the most popular and most eagerly anticipated attractions on any vacation in Ireland, and the views will not disappoint. They rise to a height of 702ft (214m) and 9 miles (14km) long, these sheer vertical cliffs hold a steady, undulating line against the tireless advance of the Atlantic below. A better view of the sea and setting sun you will not find.
The Cliffs of Moher are a Signature Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way. For more information click here.
Perched on the banks of the River Shannon, Clonmacnoise is perhaps the foremost of Ireland's monastic cities. For those interested in early Christianity, it is a must-see destination. Enclosed within the ancient city walls are various ecclesiastical ruins including a cathedral, seven ancient churches, three high crosses, round towers and the largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs in Western Europe — all remarkably well preserved and fascinating to anyone, not just those with a special interest in Ireland's religious history.
Connemara, in western County Galway, is a rugged and scenic landscape. Once described as a place of "savage beauty" by Oscar Wilde, Connemara is an expanse of bogs, mountains and lakes.
Connemara is also home to two Wild Atlantic Way's Signature Discovery Points in Derrigimlagh Bog and Killary Harbour.
The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.
Producing whiskey on a modest scale to keep their production at a specialist level. Having manufactured whiskey, gin & vodka since 2012 and bringing hundreds of years of tradition to their methods. Their single malt whiskey has a deliciously unique finish that comes from being matured on the moist, mild south-west coast of Ireland.
Find Dingle Whiskey Distillery along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Dingle is a small fishing town found on the rugged and scenic coastline of west County Kerry. It is a popular destination with holiday goes, especially in the warmer summer months and has a famous bottlenosed dolphin named Fungie living in its bay since 1983.
Explore Dingle further on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Dublin is Ireland's capital city. It is known as being a friendly and vibrant place to visit — with an endless list of activities and destinations available to explore and world-famous nightlife.
EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum, tracks the harrowing history of the 10 million Irish people left the island, for a variety of reasons, over the past 300 years.
Located on the Dingle Peninsula, in northwest County Kerry, the Gallarus Oratory is a stone structure that's history is not entirely clear. Thought to have been an early Christian church, a Romanesque and/or shelter for pilgrims.
Galway City is seen as the cultural and artistic hub of Ireland. Take time to enjoy the artisanal food and relaxed, Bohemian vibes of this unique city.
Galway City and Salthill Promenade form part of the Wild Atlantic Way. The county of Galway also includes the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points of Killary Harbour, Cleggan Harbour and Sky Road. For more information click here.
Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.
Guinness is more than just a brand, indeed, more than just a beer. And that's not just for the Irish, but for the many millions of Guinness-drinkers worldwide. The site of the brewery itself is massive, at a staggering 26 hectares, but it will be the old grain storehouse that you visit. Shaped like a giant pint of the black stuff, this most popular of Dublin attractions towers over the surrounding neighbourhoods, with the top-floor Gravity Bar offering a delightful panorama across the Dublin cityscape which can only be enhanced by a well-earned pint to cap-off your visit.
About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.
Ireland's Ancient East is a touring region featuring some of the Emerald Isle's best-loved attractions. Running from Co. Monaghan in the north to Co. Cork in the south, it was created by Fáilte Ireland to showcase the top tourist destinations from its broad sweep of 17 eastern counties.
View our tours that feature Ireland's Ancient East...
×The Old Midleton Distillery is home to Ireland's other globally-recognizable tipple, Jameson's Whiskey. While Jameson's is enjoyed by millions worldwide, you don't need to be a whiskey-drinker to enjoy this fascinating visitor experience. There is much to discover here for everyone.
The location of the castle has been historically significant since Strongbow constructed the first building a wooden tower, in 1195, to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several routeways. William the Earl Marshall built the first stone castle on the site, in 1260.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Kylemore Abbey is not only one of Ireland's most attractive buildings; since 1920, it has also been home to the Sisters of the Benedictine Order in Ireland. Even today, Kylemore continues to operate as a working Abbey: here, the sisters live, work and pray, as well as welcome visitors from across the globe. Kylemore Abbey's greatest attraction is its location. Nestled at the base of Duchruach Mountain on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul, in the heart of the Connemara Mountains, it is regarded as one of Ireland's most romantic locations.
Kylemore Abbey can be viewed along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Witness how Ireland's world-famous, high-quality pottery is created at one of the country's most loved potteries.
The town of Dingle is also a part of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.
Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.
Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.
Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.
Murphy's Pub Ballyferriter is renowned for its exceptional service and welcoming staff, and takes pride in its friendly atmosphere.
The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artifacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.
Pubs (public houses) play a huge part in the culture of Ireland and have done throughout the ages. Sometimes busy, often noisy, but always friendly and welcoming places to meet the locals. In a pub, you will see a full cross-section of Irish society — its a place where people from all classes, ages, interests and backgrounds can mix.
Waterford crystal is known the world over for its quality and, throughout a history that dates back to its establishment in the South-East of Ireland in 1783, it has been a landmark of its own in this part of Ireland. Today, Waterford Crystal is no less recognisable than its sister brands, Wedgewood and Royal Doulton.
The Wild Atlantic Way is a long-distance touring route, the first of its kind in Ireland. It runs the length of Ireland's western coast, facing the Atlantic Ocean, from County Donegal in the northwest to County Cork in the southwest. The initial aim of the Wild Atlantic Way was to give greater visibility to Ireland's west coast in overseas markets. The Wild Atlantic Way is 2,500 km (1,553 miles) long and passes through 3 provinces of Ireland (Ulster, Connacht and Munster). It has given a huge boost to the tourism industry of the region since its launch in February 2014.
View our tours that feature the Wild Atlantic Way...
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