The Grand Tour of Ireland - Zest Tour - Overland Ireland
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
T he Grand Tour
of Ireland
Zest Tour
Ireland has so many experiences to offer and at Overland Ireland we have tours to suit
everyone.
From the relaxed to the active, all you need to do is choose the style of holiday that
will allow you to enjoy Ireland at your pace.
Our Jewel tours are the perfect fit for those looking for a relaxed style tour where you
will experience Ireland’s most loved landmarks and many hidden gems.
Our Zest tours are for those who want to see experience the Emerald Isle’s stunning
scenery with the added spice of adventure and activities.
Welcome to Ireland’s wilder side!
Put a bit of zing into your Ireland adventure with Overland Zest.
This is for those who want the perfect mix of a relaxed style tour with some activities
included to bring up the thrill factor.
Our activities range from hiking, kayaking, surfing, biking and much more.
In fact, if there is something that we have not listed but you would love to do just let
us know and we can organise from there.
Relax… we’ve got the adventure covered.
your irish adventure begins here!
Our Grand Tour begins as we leave Dublin and begin our wonderful journey south
towards the Wild Atlantic Way. With over 1,100km of rugged coastlines to explore, this
7-Day Zest style tour will put some zing into your Irish adventure as we journey from
Kinsale to Westport.
This tour is perfect for those seeking a mix of a relaxed style tour with some added
thrills. Choose between surfing at Inch Beach or kayaking with dolphins in Dingle Bay.
Fall in love with the breath-taking sights on the Ring of Kerry including gems such as
Moll’s Gap and Torc Waterfall. Cycle through a National Park surrounded by mountains
and lakes and home to our native red deer.
Hike the epic Cliffs of Moher, lose yourself in bohemian Galway City and be captivated
by the landscape of the Aran Islands. Challenge yourself to climb Ireland’s holiest
mountain Croagh Patrick standing at 764 metres high.
Our 7 day journey through Ireland is infused with activities, scenery, castles,
adventure, history, heritage, culture and wildlife.
your irish adventure begins here!
Day 1: Sunday – Cork, the Rebel County
We depart from Dublin and travel to County Cork which is located in the stunning South West of
Ireland. As we make our way to our first destination we will stop en route for a fantastic photo
opportunity at the famous medieval round tower, chapel and cathedral at The Rock of Cashel.
Lonely Planet describes Cork as “at the top of its game, sophisticated, vibrant and diverse” and we
completely agree. It is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and locals would argue that it is the REAL
capital of Ireland. Begin your Cork experience with a kiss of the Blarney Stone and may you be
granted “the gift of the gab“. Then take the time to explore the gardens, castle and rock close.
Be guided through your Cork experience with a walking tour in this historic port and fishing town of
Kinsale which is one of the most picturesque places on the south west coast of Ireland. The town is
known for its castles, forts, galleries and shops, arts & crafts, and the recently launched Kinsale
Gourmet Academy. We will stay the night in this stunning harbour town which is also renowned for its
award-winning restaurants and dramatic scenery. Kinsale is a place where boredom is an
impossibility.
total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Day 2: Monday – T he Ring of Kerry & Dingle
We depart Kinsale where our route will take us towards the Ring of Kerry. The trip is
filled with many hidden gems as we journey through Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall (time
permitting) and enjoy a two hours cycle around Killarney National Park. Your cycle
through the park is a nature lover’s dream and you will have a choice of trails to follow,
each offering their own unique splendor.
Tonight we stay in the celebrated, cozy coastal town of Dingle. The evening is yours to
absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs, fantastic restaurants and
stumble across unforgettable traditional music sessions. This just might be the location
for that perfect pint of Guinness.
total driving time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Day 3: Tuesday – Dingle
How better to start a morning than a kayaking trip in Dingle Bay where will be able to
meet the town’s most famous local, Fungie the dolphin. Alternatively, if kayaking is
not your thing you can hit the surf at Inch Beach and catch some Wild Atlantic waves!
Let our expert guides take you on a breathtaking trip along the Slea Head Drive and
finish off your perfect day at the Dingle Whiskey Distillery. There you will sample their
award-winning whiskey and gin and get an education on the history of whiskey
production around the world.
We spend another night in the buzzing town of Dingle, so you don’t need to repack
your suitcases. Just relax and enjoy.
total driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Day 4: Wednesday – Cliffs of Moher & Lahinch
Our adventure continues as we leave Dingle and travel North via the dramatic Conor Pass with
dramatic drops, encroaching cliffs at every turn towards Castlegregory. We then cross the River
Shannon by ferry to leave the South West behind.
The ferry brings us to County Clare which is home to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher.
Today we will explore the cliffs by foot on a two and half hour breathtaking hike while the fresh air
and dramatic coastline embraces us! The Cliffs of Moher are on the southwestern edge of the Burren
and are part of the European Geoparks Network and are also recognized by Unesco. We take you off
the beaten track and point out special locations along the way. We have all the secret passages that
truly outshine the main tourist hot spots. Capture this experience with envy-inducing photos. The
views are steeped in myth and wonder, and hear the roar of the Wild Atlantic Ocean echo your name
on the waves of bliss.
Spend the evening in the most welcoming and colorful village of Doolin, the home-town of
traditional Irish music.
total driving time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Day 5: T hursday – Galway
We leave Doolin via the Burren National Park en route to Galway. Our route takes in a visit to
Corcomroe Abbey. The abbey is a 13th-century Cistercian monastery and Poulnabrone
Dolmen a portal tomb, one of approximately 172 in Ireland. As we travel to Galway we will
also stop for a photo opportunity at the 16th Century castle, Dunguaire Castle which is
located in the quaint fishing village of Kinvara.
Galway is known globally as a city of festivals and culture. In 2020 the city will is the official
European Capital of Culture, a celebration of all that Galway is famous for. This medieval city
is true living history as many buildings date back hundreds of years and now serve as shops,
restaurants and bars. Brightly-painted pubs heave with live music, while cafés offer
front-row seats for observing street performers, musicians and local characters.
Enjoy a traditional Irish food tour and taste modern Irish cuisines paired with Irish craft beer.
Watch Irish dancing and feel yourself toe tapping to the pulse of pure Celtic music and
dance. After discovering Galway’s hidden gems you are free to enjoy an evening of
entertainment, great food and craic in this much celebrated city.
total driving time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Day 6: Friday – T he Aran Islands & Westport
After a short drive to Rossaveal pier, we will sail across Galway Bay to the Aran Islands. Arrive on
rugged Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. Explore the island, meet the locals and pick up
a few words in “Gaelic”. We will cycle around the coastline of the island and to the stone fort Dún
Aenghus, which lies 100m over the ocean before making our way back to the mainland.
We depart Rosaveal Pier and drive to the stunning town of Westport which is located in County
Mayo. You will take in thebreathtaking views of Connemara National Park and the Lost Valley
which is part of the famous Famine Trail on your route to Westport.
The evening is spent unwinding with some local craft beers and excellent food in Westport Town.
And a visit to Westport would not be complete without a bit of “craic” at a traditional Irish music
session in Matt Molloy’s bar.
total driving time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Day 7: Saturday – Westport
Wake up fresh in Westport where your guide will challenge you to climb Ireland’s holiest mountain.
Croagh Patrick is 764 meters high and is a rewarding hike for the adventurous. Learn about the man
responsible for St. Patrick’s Day and enjoy an unspoiled view from the top of Clew Bay, home to 365
islands. You will be on top of the world witnessing this natural panoramic view.
Return to Dublin by bus, train or taxi. This cost is included in your tour.
total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutesSOMETIMES THIS TOUR MAY RUN IN REVERSE ORDER
Day 1: Sunday – Westport
Our first day will take us from Ireland’s capital city of Dublin to Westport in the West of Ireland.
Next your guide will challenge you to climb Ireland’s holiest mountain, Croagh Patrick. This mountain
stands at 764 meters high and is a rewarding hike for the adventurous. On our trek you will get to
learn about the St. Patrick and enjoy unspoiled views of Clew Bay which is home to 365 islands. This
is Patrick’s sacred mountain and is rich in archaeological heritage.
We will spend the night in Westport town where we can unwind with some local craft beers and
excellent food. There is always a traditional Irish music session taking place in one of the town’s
many bars and we highly recommend a visit to Matt Molloy’s pub where you will find plenty of “craic”.
total driving time: 3 hours 25 minutesDay 2: Monday – T he Aran Islands & Galway
Our morning begins with a scenic drive to catch our ferry to the Aran Islands. As we travel to
Rossaveal Pier, we will take in the breathtaking views of Connemara National Park and the Lost Valley
which is part of the famous Famine Trail on route to Galway. From Rossaveal Pier, we will cross
Galway Bay to the Aran Islands. The Aran Islands are made up of three islands and we will visit the
largest of the three, Inishmore. The best way to explore the island is on bike and our cycle down the
old roads will start your imagination racing. Our cycle route will bring us along the coastline to Dún
Aenghus, a stone fort which lies 100m over the wild Atlantic Ocean.
We then return to Rossaveal pier where our transport will bring us to the legendary City of the Tribes,
Galway. Galway is a medieval town and its narrow winding streets still hold true to maps that date
back to the 1650s. In fact, many of the old buildings in Galway have been carefully preserved over
many decades and are now home to locally owned shops, restaurants and bars. A step inside one of
these buildings is a step into history.
Perhaps Galway is now most famous for its vibrant social scene and year round festival calendar. Arts
and culture are two words that are closely associated with the city and there are always street
entertainers performing along the main pedestrianized streets. You are free to enjoy an evening of
entertainment, great food and craic in this much celebrated city.
total driving time: 2 hours 20 minutesDay 3: Tuesday – Doolin
Our day begins with a fantastic food tour of Galway city. On our tour, you will get to sample some of
the best food in the West and taste produce from local artisan producers.
We now depart Galway and begin our journey southwards to County Clare. Our final destination
today is the village of Doolin and on our route we will get to see some fantastic landmarks. Our first
stop brings us to the quaint fishing village of Kinvara where we will view Dunguaire Castle which
dates back to the 16th Century. We will also visit Corcomroe Abbey a 13th-century Cistercian
monastery and Poulnabrone Dolmen a portal tomb, one of approximately 172 in Ireland in the Burren
National Park.
County Clare is home to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. We will tour the spectacular cliffs by foot on
a two-and-a-half-hour breathtaking hike. Our tour will take you to the main tourist hot-spots but we
also have a few hidden gems that we will share with you. The cliffs are simply amazing and stand 214
metres above the Atlantic Ocean at its highest point at O’Brien’s Tower. Wildlife is also in abundance
and there are over 30,000 birds from more than 20 species living on the cliffs today.
Tonight we will spend the evening in the most welcoming and colorful village of Doolin, the
home-town of traditional Irish music.
total driving time: 1 hour 40 minutesDay 4: Wednesday – Dingle
We leave Doolin, then cross the River Shannon by ferry to leave County Clare behind.
Once we have arrived in the town of Dingle, you can take a kayaking trip in Dingle Bay where
you will be able to meet the town’s most famous local, Fungie the dolphin.
Tonight we stay in the celebrated, cozy coastal town of Dingle. The evening is yours to
absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs, fantastic restaurants and stumble
across unforgettable traditional music sessions.
This just might be the location for that perfect pint of Guinness.
total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutesDay 5: T hursday – Dingle
Take in the stunning views as you hike up Mount Brandon and learn about the saint that it was named
after.
You will return to Dingle for lunch in the town of Dingle and after lunch, let our expert guides take you
on a breathtaking trip along the Slea Head Drive and finish off your perfect day at the Dingle Whiskey
Distillery. There you will sample their award-winning whiskey and gin and get an education on the
history of whiskey production around the world.
We spend another night in the buzzing town of Dingle, so you don’t need to repack your suitcases.
Just relax and enjoy.
total driving time: 2 hours 25 minutesDay 6: Friday – Kinsale
We say goodbye to Dingle town as we head to Killarney town.
Here you can enjoy a two hours cycle around Killarney National Park. Your cycle through
the park is a nature lover’s dream and you will have a choice of trails to follow, each
offering their own unique splendor.
After the cycle, we will travel along the Ring of Kerry to take in the wonderful views of
Moll’s Gap, Ladies view and much more.
Be guided through your Cork experience with a walking tour in this historic port and
fishing town of Kinsale which is one of the most picturesque places on the south west
coast of Ireland. The town is known for its castles, forts, galleries and shops, arts & crafts,
and the recently launched Kinsale Gourmet Academy.
We will stay the night in this stunning harbour town which is also renowned for its
award-winning restaurants and dramatic scenery. Kinsale is a place where boredom is an
impossibility.
total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutesDay 7: Saturday – Dublin
Lonely Planet describes Cork as “at the top of its game, sophisticated, vibrant and diverse” and we
completely agree. It is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and locals would argue that it is the REAL
capital of Ireland.
Finish your Cork experience with a kiss of the Blarney Stone and may you be granted “the gift of the
gab“. Then take the time to explore the gardens, castle and rock close.
Our guides will journey back with you to our bustling capital city, Dublin, armed with
recommendations of things to see and do if you have a little time left.
total driving time: 3 hours 20 minuteswhat is included and excluded in your tour?
We are one of the only tour companies to include as much as we can into your tour price. So there are no hidden
surprises on your tour, and this takes away the hassle about thinking of unexpected charges.
You will notice the list of what’s included is very abundant and covers entrance fees, transport,
accommodation, WiFi on board and kayaking to name a few!
Our quest is to bring your price down and your tour experience up… to the max! This is possible with the power of
a smaller group tour – the more people the merrier and certainly the more people the cheaper price!
INCLUDED EXCLUDED
6 nights local guest house accommodation,
Lunch and dinner
carefully selected by our team
Food and Drinks
Professional qualified Irish tour guide
Gratuities (optional)
Kayak excursion in Dingle Bay (optional)
Distillery tour
Cycling tours
Hiking
Cliffs of Moher
WiFi on board
Food Tour
Great breakfast
Transport to all locations by air-conditioned mini coach
Rock of Cashel Entrance
Blarney Stone Entrance
Entrance fees to National Parks
Ferry Crossings
All taxes
Bottled water on board
We know everyone’s budget and taste for food are different, so lunch and dinners are not included in your tour
price. You have the freedom to choose from fine-dining or simply having some fish and chips. There are so
many places along the way to suit all taste buds and all budgets. So you will be spoiled for choice! Vegans and
vegetarians can enjoy great menus too from cafés and restaurants that cater for any dietary requirements.WHERE DO WE START AND WHERE DO WE END?
Starts at 8:30am and ends between 4:00pm and 6:00pm
opposite Abigails Hostel, 7-9 Aston Quay, Dublin 2.
The tours aim to be back in Dublin between 4pm-6pm
on the last day of the tour.You can also read
