Travel to southern Ireland with this spectacular one-week, small group tour!
Stand in an ancient stone circle, explore an Irish tower castle and be amazed by the mountains and lakes of Killarney National Park. Enjoy two nights of great traditional music, food and fun on the Dingle Peninsula. Cross a slender bridge to Ireland’s most southerly point on the Mizen Head peninsula. Delve inside a medieval monastery, touch beautifully inscribed Celtic crosses, and marvel at the colossal Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy the lovely River Shannon on a leisurely cruise.
You will walk the land, capture the spirit, and find Ireland forever in your heart! All this and more on the Go South tour - please see below for all the details.
Go South Tour Itinerary
Read all about this fantastic one-week tour taking you to the best back roads sites, quaint coastal towns, and majestic scenery in glorious southern Ireland!
Select "+" to read about a specific day or select "expand all" to read the entire itinerary. Slainte! (Irish for Cheers!)
Expand allWelcome to Ireland! You arrive in Dublin and check in to your city center hotel. Nothing is planned for this day so you can relax and explore Dublin as you’d like. Then off to bed with you for a good night's sleep, for tomorrow begins what we hope will be one of your best experiences yielding a lifetime of happy memories!
* Your Dublin hotel is included in your tour. With a fantastic central location, it's an easy walk to amazing sites and things to do in Dublin 😃
Highlights: 8th Century Celtic High Cross, Medieval Norman Monastery, 6,000 year-old Ancient Tomb, Harbor Town of Dungarvan
Meet your guide and trip participants and begin your exciting travels in Ireland. Leaving Dublin and heading south, you’ll discover an incredible 17-foot Celtic High Cross, standing watch since the 8th Century. High crosses like this one and their intricately carved designs have inspired the faithful through the ages and became integral to Irish culture, history and art.
You’ll then journey further south to one of the largest medieval churches in Ireland. Built in the 13th Century, this beautifully restored Cistercian Monastery was founded by the Normans at one of the most strategic points in the country along the River Barrow. This serene waterway has enabled passage inland for thousand of years and is still used today by colorful barges and river cruisers.
Lost among a maze of small farm roads in bucolic southern County Kilkenny, you’ll find a 6,000 year-old megalithic tomb! This precariously, balanced structure will boggle your mind as to how the Stone Age Irish erected such large stones at this impressive site.
Onto County Waterford where your overnight stop is the lovely harbor town of Dungarvan on Ireland's southern Atlantic shore. Enjoy dinner at a cooking school run by one of Ireland's renowned chefs or find a pub with music on Grattan Square or Davitt's Quay. The night is yours to relax and enjoy!
*New in 2025! The June 09 – 26, Aug 04 – 11, and Sept 15 – 22 will feature a special cooking demonstration at the Tannery Restaurant and Cookery School. Meet at the Tannery Cookery School for a refreshment before joining Chef Paul Flynn for a chat about his favourite ingredients, his favourite styles of cooking and the ethos behind the Tannery. Then he will do a live demo for 1.5 hours on how summer bounties contribute to his menu, focusing on light salads using our local vegetable suppliers. Finish with dinner.
Highlights: 9th Century Round Tower, Kinsale, Ancient Stone Circle, Town of Clonakilty
Amazing views as you travel along the scenic southern coast to see Ireland's finest example of a medieval Round Tower. Multi-story stone towers like this were built over a thousand years ago by pious monks and endured a long and turbulent history. Founded by Saint Declan, this site is one of Ireland’s earliest Christian settlements. Explore the church ruins and discover its incredible stone carvings and ancient standing stones.
Enjoy free time and a lunch break in the town of Kinsale. Known for its excellent cafes, you’ll have fun meandering streets of colorful stores and walking along its beautiful harbor.
Continuing on, you find a tranquil Stone Circle with a mystifying solar alignment. This secluded site was of great importance to the early Irish who aligned its axis to the setting sun of the winter solstice.
You then head to your overnight town of Clonakilty, famously linked to Michael Collins who was instrumental in Ireland’s uprising and subsequent independence from Britain. In addition, Clonakilty has a lively music scene. Stop by the legendary DeBarras Pub for a pint, music, and to admire the Jimi Hendrix Experience memorabilia donated by their bass player, Noel Redding, who regularly performed at DeBarras on Friday nights. Kick back, relax, and tap your toes in this colorful and fun town!
Highlights: Mizen Head Signal Station, Bantry, Glengarriff
A magnificent day as you travel through some of the most visually stunning parts of Ireland. First, you head to the Mizen Head Signal Station perched on Ireland's most southerly point. Stroll this rugged headland, learn about lighthouses along the coast, and visit the keeper’s quarters via a beautiful arched bridge spanning a deep ravine. Look for seals who love to swim by the rocks!
Moving northwards leads you to the town of Bantry. Wander its old streets and gaze upon a statue of 6th Century Saint Brendan, possibly the first European to find America! As you leave, you'll have fine views of the beautiful bay and can spot palm trees in this unusually tropical region.
Leaving Bantry, you wind your way around beautify Bantry Bay to the Glengarriff Nature Preserve overlooking Glengarriff Harbour. Walk off lunch with a gentle walk to a peaceful waterfall or take a more strenuous hike to Lady Bantry’s Lookout. After you check into your charming overnight accommodation, take a stroll to the Blue Pool. Hidden right in the middle of the village, the Blue Pool is a rocky inlet where the river meets the sea and surrounded by lush vegetation. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit if you fancy a swim or simply dip your feet in the stunning rock basin and enjoy the rest of the evening.
Highlights: The Beara Peninsula, Killarney National Park, Ross Castle, Slea Head Drive, Gallarus Oratory, Dingle Town
Saying goodbye to Glengarriff, you follow an amazing route through the Beara Peninsula over countless switchbacks and a high mountain pass for inspiring views. Your route then takes you to the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, the largest mountains in Ireland, and home to the spectacular Killarney National Park. A photographer's dream...you may well wish for an extra pair of eyes! You'll make your way over the pass at Moll's Gap and work your way down by Killarney's captivating lakes, and panoramic vistas.
You next visit a 15th Century tower house of an Irish Chieftain in the heart of Killarney National Park. See how the O’Donoghue clan lived and defended against Cromwell’s forces. Sitting on the edge of Lough Leane, this majestic castle and surrounding grounds is both dramatic and bucolic.
The views keep coming along coastal roads and sandy beaches flanked by green hills as you make your way to the Dingle Peninsula. You take a trip around the dramatic landscape of the Slea Headland. This Gaeltacht (or Irish speaking) area is rich in archeological sites including the Gallarus Oratory and is Ireland's most westerly shore.
You'll then make your way back to Dingle town. This charismatic fishing town is filled with colorful buildings and many fine places to dine or shop. Have fun discovering pubs that double as hardware or shoe stores and you’ll be staying for two nights in Dingle’s finest boutique guesthouse!
Your free day! There are many interesting things to do such as shopping, biking, golfing, fishing, falconry, or horseback riding. Take a walk through lively Dingle town and enjoy a boat ride. Or you could find a nice pub or coffee shop to while away the hours and strike up a conversation with some of the friendly characters to be found in Dingle. Enjoy another wonderful night in this enchanting town!
Highlights: Ferry Across the River Shannon, Cliffs of Moher, Portal Tomb, Sister Towns of Killaloe and Ballina
You depart Dingle heading over the Slieve Mish Mountains through northern County Kerry and on to Ireland's longest river, the Shannon. This ancient river has moved trade for thousands of years and boarding a ferry, you’ll feel its gentle flow and cross to the geological wonders of County Clare.
Passing through seaside towns, where surfers and horses stride grand beaches, you'll head north to one of the world's most spectacular sights, the Cliffs of Moher. Looming over 700 feet above the smashing force of the Atlantic Ocean, these sheer and majestic cliffs are simply not to be missed!
From the cliffs, you’ll head to Ireland's UNESCO Geopark with the oldest dated megalithic monument in Ireland. Walk across the vast, moonlike landscape of the Burren and see the awesome beauty and history of this part of Ireland.
Your overnight town is Ballina (in County Tipperary) along the River Shannon. With its sister town across the river, Killaloe (in County Clare), you have two picture perfect Irish riverside towns with pubs, great restaurants, walkways along the river’s edge, and a beautiful 18th Century stone bridge with 13 arches. Your hotel overlooks the river and you can stroll into town for delicious food and stop by Liam O’Riain’s pub for a pint and traditional Irish music.
Highlights: Privately Chartered Cruise on the River Shannon, Historic Pubs, Bog Path and Ancient Ruins, Vibrant Dublin City
Start your day with a relaxing cruise on Ireland’s finest waterway, the River Shannon. Hop aboard your privately chartered boat, learn about the history of the area, and explore serene Lough Derg and enjoy breathtaking views of Counties Clare and Tipperary.
You’ll then head east to enjoy lunch in the town of Abbeyleix, where you will be able to walk out onto the bog and learn about its important conservation.
Walk off lunch by exploring the ruins of a fortress with stunning views of the surrounding patchwork countryside. Perched on top of an outcrop, it is said to have appeared on the early maps of the Greek cartographer Ptolemy and plundered by the Vikings. The is the perfect way to take a last 360 degree view of the beauty of Ireland’s landscape.
You’ll then head back to your lovely Dublin hotel and your last night in the Emerald Isle. Enjoy a meal in one of the many fine restaurants, savor the final hours of your Go South tour, and cherish a lifetime of incredible memories!
Slan Beo! Irish for "Goodbye, live life!"
*While it is our intention to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The information in the itinerary 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 Inroads Ireland.
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Download a printable Fact SheetGo South Tour Fact Sheet
On the one-week Go South tour, you discover Ireland's best off-the-beaten-track sites in southern Ireland!
- Connect with the ancient Irish as you stand in a millennia old Stone Circle aligned to the setting sun of the winter solstice
- Explore a fantastic medieval Irish Castle and an 800 year-old Norman Abbey
- Be amazed by the Beara Peninsula's mountain passes and gorgeous lakes in County Kerry's Killarney National Park
- Enjoy a privately chartered cruise on the leisurely River Shannon and into Lough Derg
- Unwind for two nights in Dingle town with its colorful pubs, traditional Irish music, and serene beauty
- Discover millenia old Celtic high crosses with their intricate stone carvings, a Round Tower, and an ancient Monastery
- Marvel at the colossal 700 foot high Cliffs of Moher along Ireland's western Atlantic coast
- View the thrilling southern Atlantic coastline and learn about lighthouses at spectacular Mizen Head Signal Station on Ireland's most southerly point
- Travel without crowds on scenic, back roads to lively small towns
- Counties visited: Cork, Kerry, Clare, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Waterford, Offaly, Dublin
Tour Length | One-week tour of southern Ireland with 7 full days of touring and 8 overnights |
When to Go | Ireland is best from May to September – Lively towns, colorful countryside, and long days of light. Plus, it’s always off-season with our back roads tour style 😃 |
Small Groups | Enjoy the small group experience with an average of only 14 people per tour! |
Transportation | Travel Ireland's back roads in a Mercedes mini-bus with comfortable, reclining leather seats and brilliant views above Ireland's many stone walls and hedgerows |
Accommodations |
Stay in small, coastal towns in beautiful, local B&Bs, Guesthouses, and Boutique Hotels |
Meals & Dining | Hearty traditional Irish breakfasts are included in your tour package. Enjoy free time for lunch & dinner to discover fun restaurants to suit your unique taste |
Tour Guides | The best Irish guides – experts with years of tour guiding experience |
What to Pack & FAQs | We have compiled an extensive Trip Prep & FAQs page to answer all your questions! |
Start & End Points | The tour starts and ends in Dublin, Ireland at a beautiful hotel in the heart of the city center |
2025 Go South Tour Dates
- May 19 - 26
- June 09 - 16**
- July 14 - 21
- August 04 - 11**
- September 15 - 22**
- September 22 - 29
2025 Go South Tour Price - $3640/$3770** (USD) per person based on double occupancy.
- New in 2025! Tours with ** include a special cooking demonstration at the Tannery Restaurant in Dungarvan (including dinner). Chef Paul Flynn shares how local, seasonal ingredients inform his offerings.
- Our upfront price has no hidden costs or excursion fees. For solo travelers, there is a US$645 single supplement.
- Included in the tour price: 7 full days of touring in a mini-coach with your Irish guide, 8 nights accommodations, site entrance fees, local tours, River Shannon ferry, River Shannon cruise, and daily breakfasts
- Not Included in the tour price: Airfare to/from Dublin, Ireland, lunches, and dinners
2025 Tours
All prices are in U.S. dollars and per person (based on double occupancy). Our upfront price has no hidden costs or excursion fees. For solo travelers, there is a US$645 supplement.
- 2025 Go South tour: US$3640/$3770** (including dinner demonstration)
Full payment is due when you reserve your tour. Your payment options are Visa, MasterCard, Discover, PayPal, or check.
** Combination Special! Double or triple the fun and create your own vacation package. Combine 2 tours and save US$200. Combine 3 tours and save US$300.
2025 Go South Tour Dates
- May 19 - 26
- June 09 - 16**
- July 14 - 21
- August 04 - 11**
- September 15 - 22**
- September 22 - 29
What's Included in the Go South Tour Price?
- New in 2025! Tours with ** include a special cooking demonstration at the Tannery Restaurant in Dungarvan (including dinner). Chef Paul Flynn shares how local, seasonal ingredients inform his offerings.
- 8 nights of local guesthouses or hotels based on double occupancy (Monday through Monday). For solo travelers, please see the 'Solo Travelers' section below.
- 7 days of touring and sightseeing (Tuesday through Monday)
- All admissions into historical sites and local tours
- Daily Irish breakfast
- Touring in a comfortable mini-coach with your experienced Irish tour guide
- Leisurely cruise on the River Shannon and into Lough Derg
- Ferry across the River Shannon
- Our upfront price has no hidden costs or excursion fees.
- When you make a reservation, you receive a confirmation email with details about the meeting hotel in Dublin.
- If you want to come to Dublin a few days before the tour or stay longer after the tour, in your confirmation email you receive information about how to book additional nights at the Dublin hotel.
What's Not Included in the Tour Price?
- Airfare to / from Dublin, Ireland
- Airport transfers
- Lunches and dinners
- Personal expenses / Gratuities
Solo Travelers
- If you are traveling solo, there is a US$645 supplement.
- You can have your own room OR share a room with another solo traveler of the same gender, if one is available.
- If you choose to share a room and we can provide a roommate, the US$645 supplement will be refunded.
Tour Guides
We pride ourselves on our native Irish guides who combine a depth of knowledge and history about their homeland with a fun and easygoing approach to showing you the best of Ireland. Our flexible style allows each guide to bring their own unique talents and personality to our tours. When you're in Ireland, you want more than a tour guide, you want a friend to show you the hidden secrets - that's where Inroads Ireland comes in.
Our guide was the best. He gave us safe passage with his excellent driving skills, his dialogue with us was personable and at the same time was most informative. It was like taking a trip with someone you had previously known---he was very approachable. He attended to the different needs and expectations of all 13 travelers and presented information in an entertaining and folksy manner. I have only good things to say. Thank you for finding this gem!
Vic and Gladys from South Euclid, Ohio, USA
Meet Your Guides
Meet Hugh and Jonny - expert Irish guides waiting to show you the very best of Ireland!
Hugh is from Dublin, Ireland and is a seasoned world traveler with a passion for unique travel experiences and has guided groups throughout the world including China, Brazil, and Chile. His unflappable countenance, fun loving nature and love of Ireland’s rich cultural diversity has made him fast friends with our great travelers seeking new adventures on Ireland’s maze of back roads and cultural landscape.
When Hugh is not showing you the best of Ireland’s rural splendor, he bikes it for fun, and in the dark winter months, he enlightens the masses at the much-lauded Maynooth University just outside Dublin.
Jonny is from Galway, Ireland and is a renowned classic car restoration expert who, as a kid began exploring his homeland on his grandfather’s assignments as the official photographer for Ireland’s vast array of heritage sites. Later he ran into the bucolic hinterland and onto winning Ireland’s cross-country championships. His great humor and pride in Ireland’s epic culture is infectious and through his lens, you’ll focus on what makes Ireland so truly fun, friendly and fascinating.
Between revealing Ireland’s great back roads and hidden delights, he helps ensure his wee kids flourish, fully immersed in this fantastical ancient land!
Transportation
- Take in Ireland in a comfortable Meredes mini-coach, small enough to navigate Ireland's twisting and narrow back roads and get you to the off-the-beaten-track places.
- The Go South tour includes two experiences on the River Shannon: a leisurely cruise of the river / Lough Derg and a ferry crossing the river.
I have been trying to compose a decent thank you since before we arrived home. Nothing seems special enough to express our appreciation. So I'll just say thank you SO VERY MUCH for the best vacation we have ever had.
What a luxury to leave the driving - and everything else! - in your very capable hands. Everything went so smoothly. You really know how to take care of your passengers. From relating Irish history to the sing alongs - it was all so much fun. Good craic! I was impressed with the kindness and respect you showed everyone in your care. Thank you again John - we enjoyed every minute of our Inroads Ireland trip thanks to you!
Donna & Mark from Elyria, Ohio, USA
I really appreciated the opportunity to see sites that many others do not have the opportunity to and that I otherwise would not be able to find. Our guide was very informative and made the tour incredibly enjoyable. He told marvelous stories and was able to answer practically every question we threw at him. Also, he handled the roads in a very experienced manner and I truly felt comfortable with him driving - even on narrow and winding cliff roads! All of the accommodations were very comfortable and everyone there was very helpful. I really feel like I got a great feel of the Irish south in just a week. Thank you!
Janie from Tampa, Florida, USA
Our guide was a delight - engaging, knowledgeable, a tour de force when it comes to all things Ireland. Ancient, Celtic, Roman, modern, fantastical, you name it - a bottomless source of information, stories, and anecdotes. I had an amazing time on the tour!
Matt from New York, New York, USA
I enjoyed our guide John's style of guiding with his personal interaction with the group, a wealth of interesting information on sites visited, history, politics, culture, language, sense of humor, poetry recitations and readings (very special), music (both singing and CDs), and his spontaneity (buying fresh strawberries for us down a country lane). Thank you!
Diane from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Thank you for making each of us welcome and bringing a group of strangers together in such a way we all felt comfortable. I am unable to convey the gratitude and appreciation I have for your integrity, your professionalism, all your amazing stories, and being able to balance each day so well. I hope to return and without any doubt we will be booking through you again...having the certainty that all things are taken care of is such a spoiling vacation!!
Jill from University Place, Washington, USA
Overnight Stays
An important part of any Irish vacation is a great place to stay and a relaxing night's sleep.
All of your accommodations (B&B, guest house, or boutique hotel) have been carefully selected for their excellent location in the small towns (step out your door for food, drinks, shopping, music, and evening walks) and the high level of comfort each room provides. Add to that your welcoming Irish host and a good time is guaranteed 😃
- Stay in locally owned, beautiful B&B's, guesthouses, and boutique hotels.
- Each room has a private bathroom (en suite).
- A delicious daily Irish breakfast is included.
- When making a reservation, you will have the option of choosing a room (Double or Single) and your sleeping arrangements.
Solo travelers:
- If you are not sharing a room, there is a single supplement of $645.
- If you are traveling solo, you have the option of sharing a room with another solo traveler of the same gender.
- You will be charged a $645 single supplement. If we are able to provide a roommate, the $645 will be refunded.