Ireland 5-Day Small Group Tour: Cliffs of Moher, Galway & Blarney Castle

Summary

From Dublin to wild coasts and ancient castles with new friends

You’ll ride from Dublin through Ireland’s wildest corners: sipping whiskey at Kilbeggan Distillery, standing on windswept cliffs above the Atlantic at Moher, wandering Killarney’s lively streets by night and tracing ancient stones at Rock of Cashel. Expect laughter with your small group and moments where Ireland just gets under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Dublin early — I still had that half-awake feeling as our guide, Mark (he’s got this dry Irish humor), eased the minivan toward Kilbeggan Distillery. The air inside was a mix of coffee and rain jackets. First stop: whiskey. I’m not usually a morning drinker but honestly, sipping that smoky glass in Kilbeggan’s old stone walls just felt right. Mark told us stories about monks and smugglers; I tried to picture it all through the dusty light. Afterward at Clonmacnoise, the wind off the Shannon River made the grass ripple around those ancient crosses — there’s a kind of hush there you can’t fake.

The second day started with the Burren’s limestone stretching out like a moonscape. Our group wandered over the slabs, picking out tiny wildflowers between cracks (someone said they’re rare here). Lunch was in a pub where everyone seemed to know each other — I fumbled my order but the bartender grinned and sorted me out. Later at the Cliffs of Moher, gulls wheeled overhead so close you could hear their wings cut the air. It was windy enough to steal your hat if you weren’t careful. That view sticks with me — not just for how high up you are but how small you feel looking down at all that wild water.

Killarney turned into home base for a few nights — live music drifting from pubs every evening, people spilling onto sidewalks even when it rained (which was often). We looped around Dingle Peninsula one day; Inch Beach is so wide it almost tricks you into thinking Ireland is endless. Our guide pointed out ruins older than most countries and let us ramble along cliff tops near Slea Head while clouds moved in fast from the Atlantic. Back in Dingle town, seafood chowder warmed us up — I still think about that bowl sometimes.

The Ring of Kerry drive was full of quick stops: sheep blocking roads, mist on Coonmakista Pass, a photo op at Charlie Chaplin’s favorite spot (who knew?). Derrynane House felt lived-in somehow; maybe it was the old family portraits or just how quiet it was by the sea. We finished with a walk to Torc Waterfall — wet leaves sticking to boots, everyone laughing about whose shoes would survive.

Blarney Castle on our last morning was busier than I expected but kissing that stone is weirder than it looks (I almost chickened out). Lunch in Kinsale meant bright houses and salty air from the harbor; then Rock of Cashel rising up like something out of legend before we finally headed back to Dublin together, tired but sort of reluctant for it to end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dublin to Galway via Kilbeggan and Clonmacnoise

• Visit Kilbeggan Distillery
• See Clonmacnoise abbey ruins
• Lunch at traditional village pub
• Travel to Galway City

Day 2 — Galway to Killarney via Burren and Cliffs

• Explore the Burren region
• Visit Kilfenora cathedral
• Lunch in local village
• Walk Cliffs of Moher trails
• Pass Lahinch beach and ferry Shannon Estuary
• Arrive in Killarney

Day 3 — Dingle Peninsula day trip from Killarney

• Stop at Inch Beach
• Drive to Slea Head for views
• Explore Dingle town and harbour
• Enjoy seafood lunch
• Evening stroll in Killarney National Park

Day 4 — Ring of Kerry and scenic stops

• Visit Carrauntoohil mountain
• Drive coastal road through Glenbeigh and Kells
• Lunch in Portmagee village
• Optional Skellig Experience on Valentia Island
• Photo stop at Waterville
• View from Coonmakista pass
• Visit Derrynane House and gardens
• Stop at Moll’s Gap and Ladies View
• Walk to Torc Waterfall
• Return to Killarney

Day 5 — Return to Dublin via Blarney and Kinsale

• Kiss Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle
• Lunch and explore Kinsale town
• Visit Rock of Cashel
• Travel back to Dublin

Top questions

How many people are on this Ireland 5-day tour?

The tour is limited to 16 passengers per group for a more personal experience.

Does this tour include entry to Cliffs of Moher?

Yes, admission fees for Cliffs of Moher are included in your booking price.

Where does this 5-day Ireland tour start and finish?

The tour begins and ends in Dublin city.

Are accommodations included on this trip?

Yes, four nights’ en-suite accommodation with breakfast are included.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

No hotel pickup; departures are from a central Dublin location with public transport nearby.

Can children join this small-group Ireland trip?

No, children under 5 years old cannot be accommodated on this tour.

What luggage can I bring on this multi-day Ireland trip?

You’re allowed one carry-on sized bag (20kg/44lbs) plus a small onboard bag per person.

What’s included

Your days include travel by comfortable Mercedes mini-coach with an expert driver-guide leading your group; four nights’ en-suite accommodation with breakfast each morning; entry fees for highlights like the Cliffs of Moher; stops for lunch in local villages; plenty of time to explore places like Galway City, Killarney and Dingle Peninsula before returning to Dublin together in the evening.