6-Day All Ireland Tour from Dublin Including Accommodation

Ireland’s biggest sights come thick and fast on this six-day loop. You’ll cross from Dublin to Belfast, follow the North Coast to Giant’s Causeway and Derry, then turn south for Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, Killarney, and Blarney Castle. It is a lot of Ireland in one go, and the scenery changes almost every day.

I like the care-free transport, since you avoid driving narrow roads and finding parking at busy sights. I also like the mix of famous stops and smaller places, from Strandhill and Adare to Slea Head and the Derry walls. The main caution is the pace: several days involve about eight or nine hours on the road, with firm departure times.

Key points

• Six days, five overnight stops: Stay in Belfast, the Derry or Letterkenny area, Galway, the Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney.
• Ireland’s major sights included: Titanic Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, and Blarney Castle entry are covered.
• Economy or Backpacker lodging: Choose private room accommodation or a mixed hostel dorm, depending on your budget.
• Stories make the bus time count: Guides including Danny, Brian, Vincent, Gordon, Alex, and others bring history, jokes, music, and practical advice.
• Optional local activities: Add a Belfast black taxi tour and a horse-drawn carriage or horseback ride in Killarney National Park.
• A full group experience: The coach can carry up to 56 people, though some departures use smaller vehicles and groups.

The big picture: Ireland at a brisk pace

This tour is built for you if you want to see the shape of Ireland without renting a car. The route covers Northern Ireland and the west and southwest of the Republic of Ireland, with plenty of famous coastal scenery along the way.

You are not getting a slow village holiday. You are getting a moving tour with scheduled stops, short walks, photo breaks, and evening time in several Irish towns. The payoff is variety. In less than a week, you go from Belfast’s industrial past to the wild North Coast, the Atlantic cliffs, Gaelic-speaking Kerry, and the castle country around Cork.

The price is listed at $1,087.65 per person. That includes five nights of accommodation, six breakfasts, an air-conditioned coach, WiFi, USB charging at every seat, live commentary, and admission to Titanic Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, the Cliffs of Moher, and Blarney Castle and Gardens. You still pay for lunch, dinner, drinks, and the optional activities.

For a six-day trip with transport and lodging arranged, the price can be good value. The important choice is the room category. Economy gives you a single, double, twin, or triple room in hotels or bed-and-breakfast accommodation. Backpacker means a bed in a small or medium mixed youth hostel dorm. Several people who chose private Economy rooms were pleased with the cleanliness and comfort, while hostel rooms could be cramped and noisy.

Day 1: Monasterboice, Titanic Belfast, and Belfast

The early start is at 7:50 a.m. from Paddy’s Palace at 5 Beresford Place, near Gardiner Street Lower in Dublin. Give yourself extra time to find the actual bus. The meeting point has caused confusion for some people, and the bus may be parked up the street rather than directly at the listed address. A practical move is to check the location the day before and look for the large green Paddywagon bus.

The first stop is Monasterboice, an ancient monastic site dating to 501. Its best-known features are the finely carved Celtic crosses and a complete round tower. This is a useful opening stop because it gives you a taste of early Irish Christianity before the tour moves into modern Belfast.

The main event is Titanic Belfast, with entry included. The attraction follows the ship from its design and construction in Belfast to its launch and disastrous first voyage. Plan on about two hours inside. It is a polished, well-organized museum, and the Belfast connection gives the Titanic story a stronger sense of place than a museum visit alone.

You have the option of adding a black taxi tour. It is not included in the price, and you arrange and pay for it with the guide or driver. The tour focuses on Belfast’s Peace Wall and political murals, along with sights such as City Hall, Queen’s University, the Albert Memorial Clock, and the Botanic Gardens.

The black taxi option is especially useful if you want context about the Troubles. It brings the city’s recent past into view in a direct way. I would choose it if you prefer local history to extra free time, but remember that the day is already long.

Day 2: The Dark Hedges, Giant’s Causeway, and Derry

Day two follows Northern Ireland’s North Coast. The Dark Hedges is a quick photo stop, usually about 20 minutes. The beech trees were planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family, and the tunnel-like road became widely known after appearing as the King’s Road in Game of Thrones.

It is a striking stop, but it is brief. Treat it as a chance for photographs rather than a full attraction. The trees have suffered damage over time, so expectations should stay realistic.

Giant’s Causeway is the day’s main natural sight. The hexagonal basalt columns were formed by volcanic activity, though local legend attributes them to the Irish giant Fionn and his Scottish rival Angus. You receive entry to the visitor centre, which explains the geology and local stories.

From the centre, the path to the stones takes about 10 minutes. A mobility bus is available for a small fare if the walk is difficult. You will have about 90 minutes at the site, enough to reach the columns, take photographs, and return, but not enough for a leisurely coastal hike.

The final major stop is Derry, where an included walking tour covers the old city walls and the Bogside district. The walls date to 1613, and the Bogside is closely tied to the history of the civil rights movement and the Troubles. The walking tour gives this part of the trip more weight than a quick drive-by.

You also have free time in Derry before continuing toward the overnight stop in the Derry or Letterkenny area. This day is packed, but the sequence works well: trees, coast, geology, then urban history.

Day 3: Strandhill and Galway on the Wild Atlantic Way

Day three shifts to the Atlantic coast. The drive itself is part of the experience, with ocean views and open countryside along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Strandhill in County Sligo is the main break. You have about an hour for lunch and a walk near the beach. The village is known for surfing, and even a short stroll gives you a welcome change from the coach.

You reach Galway by mid-afternoon. You can join a free walking tour or explore independently, then spend the night in town. Galway works well as an overnight stop because you get a little breathing room after two very full days.

Do not expect a full day in Galway. The schedule gives you several hours, not a deep exploration of the city. Use your time simply: walk, eat, browse, and enjoy the atmosphere before the next early start.

Day 4: The Burren, Cliffs of Moher, and Adare

Day four is another long road day, but it contains two of western Ireland’s essential sights.

The Burren looks unlike the green fields most people picture when they think of Ireland. Its exposed limestone pavement creates a pale, open setting where Alpine, Arctic, and Mediterranean plants grow side by side. The stop is short, around 20 minutes in the listed schedule, so you will see the character of the area rather than cover much ground on foot.

Lunch is planned in Doolin, a village near the Cliffs of Moher. Food and drinks are not included, so budget for your own meal. Doolin is also a pleasant place to pause for a pub lunch or a walk if time allows.

The Cliffs of Moher receive about 90 minutes, with admission included. Rising more than 700 feet above the Atlantic, the cliffs are dramatic even in poor weather. Puffins and gannets may be seen, though wildlife is never guaranteed.

This is one of the tour’s most valuable inclusions. Getting to the cliffs by public transport can be awkward, and driving requires attention to roads, parking, and weather. On this tour, you simply follow the guide’s timing and walk out to the viewpoints.

After crossing the River Shannon near historic Limerick, the route continues to Adare. The heritage town is known for its thatched cottages and tidy appearance. The stop is only about 30 minutes, so consider it a pleasant stretch of the legs rather than a full town visit.

The night is spent on the rural Dingle Peninsula. Pay close attention to the accommodation location. The Dingle Peninsula is not necessarily the town of Dingle itself. One property used on the route has been described as being about 18 kilometers from Dingle, with only a few nearby bars. If evening independence matters to you, ask for the exact lodging location before booking.

Day 5: Slea Head, Inch Beach, Dingle, and Killarney

This is one of the most scenic days of the trip. You visit Inch Beach, described as Ireland’s longest beach, before reaching Dingle, a fishing town with strong Gaelic traditions.

The Slea Head Drive follows the peninsula’s edge, with views toward Sleeping Giant Island and the Blasket Islands. You may also see ancient beehive huts dating to around 2000 B.C. The road is narrow and winding in places, which is precisely why having an experienced driver is useful.

Dingle gives you about 90 minutes. That is enough for a short walk, some shopping in arts and crafts stores, and a drink in one of the town’s many pubs. Dingle has a remarkable number of pubs for its size, and live music may be part of the evening scene.

I would happily trade a little shopping time for a slower walk around the harbor, but the schedule does not allow for everything. The town is one of the places where an extra night would be worthwhile, yet the tour must keep moving.

You spend the night in Killarney, County Kerry’s main town. Killarney is a comfortable base, with access to the national park and a town center suited to an evening stroll. Accommodation quality can vary, so Economy is the safer pick if sleep and privacy matter to you.

Day 6: Killarney National Park and Blarney Castle

The final morning begins in Killarney National Park. You can pay extra for a horse-drawn carriage ride or choose horseback riding if you want a more active outing. These options are arranged and paid for through the guide, and both are optional.

The park is a good place for a slower start after several demanding touring days. If you skip the optional ride, you may have less structured time there, so ask your guide exactly where and when to regroup.

The next major stop is Blarney Castle and Gardens, with about two hours and admission included. You can kiss the Blarney Stone for the traditional gift of eloquent speech, then explore the gardens or browse at Blarney Woolen Mills, described as the world’s largest Irish shop.

Two hours gives you a useful taste of the castle grounds, but it will feel short if you want to examine every garden area. The castle itself also involves stairs and uneven surfaces, so take your time.

After lunch, the coach returns to Dublin through the Golden Vale, an important farming region. Arrival is in the late afternoon, leaving your evening open for dinner or another Dublin plan. The tour ends back at the Dublin meeting point rather than at individual hotels.

Guides, buses, and the daily rhythm

The guide can shape the whole experience. Danny is repeatedly singled out for his storytelling, humor, music, safe driving, and clear instructions. Brian is also praised for making the tour entertaining and for adding useful historical detail. Vincent is known for frequent bathroom breaks and a relaxed approach, while Gordon is remembered for warmth, humor, and care.

You cannot choose your guide, so treat these names as examples rather than a promise. A good guide makes the long drives feel worthwhile, but the quality and amount of commentary can vary.

The coach has air conditioning, WiFi, and USB charging at every seat. The maximum group size is 56, although some departures use smaller buses. Group size can change during the trip, and bus changes have occurred on some departures. That may feel untidy, but it is part of how this scheduled route operates.

The schedule is firm. Be early at every stop, especially after free time. The tour runs on a timetable, and being more than 15 minutes late can mean being left behind. Bring a small day bag, rain protection, comfortable shoes, and a refillable water bottle.

Accommodation, meals, and comfort

You receive five nights of accommodation and six breakfasts, but the standard varies by location. Economy includes a private room, with single, double, twin, or triple configurations. Rates are based on sharing unless you book a private single.

Backpacker accommodation uses mixed-gender hostel dorms. One hostel room was described as very small for five people, and shared rooms can mean noise, limited space, and less privacy. Choose this option only if saving money matters more than rest.

Economy is the better fit for couples, older travelers, light sleepers, and solo visitors who want a dependable night’s sleep. Most private rooms have been described as clean and centrally located, although one Killarney overflow property received poor marks for odor, outdated furnishings, and uncomfortable beds. Accommodation can also involve stairs and may not have air conditioning.

Breakfast is included, but the exact offering can vary by property. Food, drinks, lunch, and dinner are on your own. Since several days run eight or nine hours, keep snacks with you.

Who will get the most from this tour

I would recommend this tour to a first-time Ireland visitor who wants the major sights without driving. It also suits solo visitors who like meeting people, families who want transport handled, and anyone with only six days for the country.

It is less suitable if you prefer slow travel, long hikes, or choosing your own route. The coach cannot modify the published schedule on request, and you will spend substantial time on the road. The tour also covers most of the island’s headline sights but does not function as a Dublin sightseeing tour.

The activity is generally suitable for most people, but the amount of walking, uneven ground, coach steps, and castle stairs deserve attention. Wet steps can be slippery, so use the handrail and take your time.

Is the $1,087.65 price fair?

The value comes from what you do not have to arrange yourself. Five nights, six breakfasts, transport, a driver-guide, coach facilities, and several major admissions are bundled together. Renting a car would add fuel, insurance, parking, navigation, and the stress of driving unfamiliar roads.

The compromises are basic accommodation, paid meals, optional activities, and a tight timetable. The price makes the most sense if you choose Economy and value coverage over luxury. It is less attractive if you would rather spend several nights in one place or select your own hotels.

Booking is non-refundable and cannot be amended, so confirm your dates, room type, and meeting point before paying. The tour is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 76 days.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want Ireland’s greatest hits in six days and would rather watch the scenery than drive. The Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway, Dingle Peninsula, and Blarney Castle make a strong route, while the Derry walls and Belfast black taxi option add useful context.

Choose the Economy room category if you can afford it, arrive early for every departure, and accept that some days will feel rushed. Skip it if you need luxury lodging, flexible timing, or detailed exploration of each town. For a first taste of Ireland, though, this is an efficient and lively introduction.

FAQ

Where does the tour start in Dublin?

The stated meeting point is Paddy’s Palace, 5 Beresford Place, Gardiner Street Lower, Mountjoy, Dublin 1. The start time is 7:50 a.m.

Where does the tour end?

The coach returns to the Dublin meeting point in the late afternoon on day six.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach the designated meeting point.

How many nights of accommodation are included?

Five nights are included, in Belfast, the Derry or Letterkenny area, Galway, the Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney.

Are breakfasts included?

Yes. Six breakfasts are included.

What room choices are available?

You can choose Backpacker accommodation in a mixed youth hostel dorm or Economy accommodation in a single, double, twin, or triple room. Economy rates are generally based on sharing, except for the single-room option.

Is Titanic Belfast admission included?

Yes. Admission to Titanic Belfast is included on day one.

Is the Belfast black taxi tour included?

No. The black taxi tour is optional and is arranged and paid for with the driver or guide.

Is the horse-drawn carriage ride in Killarney included?

No. The horse-drawn carriage ride and horseback riding in Killarney National Park are optional extras.

Are meals other than breakfast included?

No. Food and drinks are not included unless specifically stated. Lunch and dinner are your responsibility.

Can the route be changed?

No. This is a scheduled group tour, and the published route cannot be changed by request.