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The Emerald Isle — where lively tunes flow from cozy pubs, rolling green hills capture your soul, and tales of ancient legends are shared by local storytellers who bring history to life. Picture yourself spending eight unforgettable days in one of the world’s most enchanting lands, wandering along dramatic coastlines, exploring fairytale castles, and stepping into the rich past of historic manors and medieval sites. Revel in the vibrant spirit of Ireland’s people, soak up breathtaking landscapes, and savour every magical moment. This is Ireland at its finest — ready to give you memories (and maybe a few Irish dance moves) that will stay with you forever.
With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations, and comfort at their very core, these premium active trips are adventure at its finest.
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
DAY 1
Rolling hills speckled with picturesque villages, and a unique culture featuring a vibrant undercurrent of myths and music, the Emerald Isle will not disappoint. Say hello to Dublin before being whisked away, moving deeper into the its lush, green heart. You’ll stop at the Rock of Cashel before readying your sea legs for a ferry ride to Spike Island where you’ll be regaled in tales told by a local storyteller. Travel from Dublin to Cashel this morning. Witness the striking monument silhouetted against the sky, proudly standing since the 13th century. Stand where laymen once stood, in archways lined with centuries old frescoes, and imagine how life used to be in this incredible complex. Continue on to Cobh for lunch, then board the ferry for Spike Island, an important piece of Irish history, having served as a prison and military fortress. Said to be Ireland’s Alcatraz, Spike Island hosted thousands of prisoners before hosting thousands of likeminded tourists, eager to learn of its complicated history. Enjoy free time on the island before returning to the mainland for an optional dinner in the evening.
Private Vehicle:
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Rock of Cashel Visit:
Rock of Cashel is set out on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale. Possessing major historic significance this place also houses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland.
Private Vehicle:
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry:
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Spike Island Visit:
Experience a trip through 1300 years of Irish history on a trip to Spike Island off the coast of Cork. Learn about the island’s history and experience beautiful nature in a wild Irish setting. The island’s unique and Irish history has included monks, monasteries, rioters and redcoats, captains, convicts, sinners, and saints. The island today holds the 200 year old Fort Mitchel, a star shaped Fortress that became a prison with over 2300 prisoners—there has never been a larger prison in Ireland or Britain before or since—a monastery, and modern museum spaces. Enjoy a guided tour of the island with a storyteller. Learn about the island’s monastic, military, penal, and social past. There will be Included free time to explore the fort’s atmospheric prison cells, impressive military fortifications, and internal passages on your own. There’s also time to wander the nature and walking trails in the area. You can choose between the 20-minute ‘Glacis Walk’ around the fortress with stunning harbor views, or the ‘Ring of Spike’ walking trail, a 45-minute walk to see the abandoned buildings with spectacular views along the coastline.
Ferry:
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

DAY 1
Rolling hills speckled with picturesque villages, and a unique culture featuring a vibrant undercurrent of myths and music, the Emerald Isle will not disappoint. Say hello to Dublin before being whisked away, moving deeper into the its lush, green heart. You’ll stop at the Rock of Cashel before readying your sea legs for a ferry ride to Spike Island where you’ll be regaled in tales told by a local storyteller. Travel from Dublin to Cashel this morning. Witness the striking monument silhouetted against the sky, proudly standing since the 13th century. Stand where laymen once stood, in archways lined with centuries old frescoes, and imagine how life used to be in this incredible complex. Continue on to Cobh for lunch, then board the ferry for Spike Island, an important piece of Irish history, having served as a prison and military fortress. Said to be Ireland’s Alcatraz, Spike Island hosted thousands of prisoners before hosting thousands of likeminded tourists, eager to learn of its complicated history. Enjoy free time on the island before returning to the mainland for an optional dinner in the evening.
Private Vehicle:
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Rock of Cashel Visit:
Rock of Cashel is set out on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale. Possessing major historic significance this place also houses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland.
Private Vehicle:
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry:
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Spike Island Visit:
Experience a trip through 1300 years of Irish history on a trip to Spike Island off the coast of Cork. Learn about the island’s history and experience beautiful nature in a wild Irish setting. The island’s unique and Irish history has included monks, monasteries, rioters and redcoats, captains, convicts, sinners, and saints. The island today holds the 200 year old Fort Mitchel, a star shaped Fortress that became a prison with over 2300 prisoners—there has never been a larger prison in Ireland or Britain before or since—a monastery, and modern museum spaces. Enjoy a guided tour of the island with a storyteller. Learn about the island’s monastic, military, penal, and social past. There will be Included free time to explore the fort’s atmospheric prison cells, impressive military fortifications, and internal passages on your own. There’s also time to wander the nature and walking trails in the area. You can choose between the 20-minute ‘Glacis Walk’ around the fortress with stunning harbor views, or the ‘Ring of Spike’ walking trail, a 45-minute walk to see the abandoned buildings with spectacular views along the coastline.
Ferry:
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

| Start | Ending | Availability | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, May 17 2026 | Sun, May 24 2026 | Sold Out | $3,999 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, May 31 2026 | Sun, Jun 07 2026 | Sold Out | $3,999 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Jun 14 2026 | Sun, Jun 21 2026 | Open (5) | $4,199 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Jun 28 2026 | Sun, Jul 05 2026 | Open (16) | $4,199 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Jul 26 2026 | Sun, Aug 02 2026 | Open (3) | $4,399 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Aug 23 2026 | Sun, Aug 30 2026 | Open (1) | $4,399 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Sep 20 2026 | Sun, Sep 27 2026 | Open (4) | $4,199 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Oct 04 2026 | Sun, Oct 11 2026 | Open (11) | $3,999 USD (price includes taxes and fees) |






Your OMG Day: Sea Kayaking Excursion or Scenic Boat Ride, Parknasilla House
Your Local Living Moment: Tea & Scones, Inisheer. Visit the Rock of Cashel. Guided tour of Spike Island with a storyteller. Visit the villages of Bantry, Glengarriff, Casteltown-Bearhaven and Eyeries along the Beara Peninsula. Seashore walk along the Kenmare Bay with a local expert. Lunch at Tom Crean's Brewery. Visit the Muckross House. Hike to the Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park. Drive along the stunning Slea Head Drive, part of the Ring of Kerry. Hike the Hike Lub na Cille coastal trail with a local guide. Visit Adare and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. Bicycle tour of Inisheer Island. Visit the Cliffs of Moher with a local guide. Farewell dinner with live music. All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Stand in awe on the stunning Cliffs of Moher, Daydream about yesteryear hearing tales of Irish history told by locals, Wander through historic castles and medieval buildings, Hike along scenic coastal trails on the Dingle Peninsula, Discover quaint Irish villages and lush rolling landscapes
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
1. LOCAL GUIDES
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places.
2. LUGGAGE
In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. You may need to carry your luggage up flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.
3. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
4. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.