6-Day All Ireland Tour from Dublin Including Accommodation

Ireland’s best scenery comes at you fast on this six-day loop from Dublin. You’ll cross the island from Belfast to Derry, follow the Wild Atlantic Way, circle the Dingle Peninsula, and finish at Blarney Castle. I especially like that Titanic Belfast and the Cliffs of Moher are included, and that breakfast, five nights of lodging, and transport are handled for you. Guides such as Danny, Brian, Vincent, Gordon, and Alex have made a big difference with humor, stories, music, and clear instructions.

I also like the mix of famous sights and smaller stops: a walk on Derry’s walls, lunch in Strandhill, the beaches of Inch, and the pubs of Dingle. The tradeoff is the pace. You’ll spend long stretches on the coach, and some stops feel short, while group size, bus changes, and accommodation quality can vary.

Key points to know before booking

• Six days cover a remarkable amount of Ireland: Belfast, Derry, Galway, Clare, Kerry, Cork, and Dublin all fit into one loop.
• Titanic Belfast admission and the Cliffs of Moher are included, along with Giant’s Causeway visitor-center entry.
• The economy room option is worth considering if you want private or shared hotel and B&B rooms instead of hostel dorms.
• The guide shapes the experience: Danny, Brian, Vincent, Gordon, Alex, and others have been praised for humor, history, music, and safe driving.
• Optional add-ons add real value: a Belfast Black Cab tour and a horse-and-cart ride in Killarney National Park.
• Strict timing matters: arrive ready for the 7:50 a.m. departure and return promptly after each stop.

What $1,087.65 buys you over six days

At $1,087.65 per person, this is not a shoestring bus ride, but it covers the expensive and awkward parts of an Ireland circuit: five nights of accommodation, six breakfasts, a driver-guide, an air-conditioned coach, WiFi, USB charging, and several admissions.

The value is strongest if you want to see both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland without renting a car. You avoid driving narrow roads, learning unfamiliar traffic patterns, and arranging five separate overnight stays. You also get a guide who can point out sights along the road and keep the trip moving.

Food and drinks are extra, as are the Belfast Black Cab tour and the Killarney horse-and-cart ride or horseback option. You’ll also need to reach the Dublin meeting point yourself. The listed starting point is Paddy’s Palace at 5 Beresford Place, with a 7:50 a.m. start, though clear confirmation of the exact bus location matters because the pickup arrangement has caused confusion before.

The tour is usually booked well ahead, around 76 days in advance. Since the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed, check your dates, room choice, and meeting instructions carefully before paying.

Day one: Monasterboice, Titanic Belfast, and Belfast’s divided past

The first morning takes you north from Dublin, with a stop at Monasterboice. This old monastic site is known for its Celtic crosses and intact round tower. It is a useful first taste of Ireland’s early Christian past, and the stop gives you a break before the city visits begin.

In Belfast, you get about two hours at Titanic Belfast, with admission included. This is not simply a display of ship artifacts. The visit follows the ship’s creation in Belfast, its construction and launch, and the disaster on its first voyage. You can explore at your own pace, though the overall schedule means you should watch the time.

The optional Black Cab tour is one of the smartest additions to the trip. A local driver takes you past political murals, the Peace Wall, City Hall, Queen’s University, Albert Clock, and the Botanic Gardens. The tour gives you a direct way to understand Belfast’s recent political divisions and the period known as the Troubles.

You pay the driver or guide separately for this option. If you have room in your budget, I would choose it over wandering without context. Belfast is much easier to understand when someone explains what you are seeing.

You spend the night in Belfast. The first day lasts about eight hours, so expect a full start rather than a leisurely city break.

Day two: the Dark Hedges, Giant’s Causeway, and Derry

The north coast is the visual high point for many people. The Dark Hedges is a quick photo stop, with beech trees planted in the eighteenth century by the Stuart family. The site became famous as a filming location for Game of Thrones, so it can feel familiar even if you have never visited Ireland.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough for photos, not enough for a long walk or quiet exploration.

Next comes Giant’s Causeway, where thousands of hexagonal basalt columns meet the sea. The old story credits the Irish giant Fionn and his Scottish rival Angus, while geology explains the columns through volcanic activity. You get entry to the visitor center, and the path to the stones begins behind it, about a 10-minute walk away.

A mobility bus is available for a small fare if the walk down is difficult. The stones themselves are the reason to come, but give yourself time for the return walk and the climb back toward the center.

Derry brings a different kind of experience. An included walking tour covers the seventeenth-century city walls and the Bogside district, tied to the tragic events of Bloody Sunday and the U2 song. This portion is less about scenery and more about Ireland’s modern political story.

Some guides put heavy emphasis on the Troubles. That subject matters, but your experience can vary with the guide’s interests and speaking style. You also get free time in Derry before the evening stop in the Letterkenny area, according to the day’s operating plan.

Day three: the Wild Atlantic Way and Galway

The third day shifts from Northern Ireland to the west coast. Much of the day is a scenic drive, with ocean views and open countryside passing the coach windows. This is one reason the tour works better for you if you enjoy watching the country unfold rather than needing an activity every hour.

Strandhill in County Sligo is a lunch stop. You can eat at a pub such as the Strand Bar, stroll near the beach, or simply enjoy the sea air. The beach is known for surfing, but this tour does not provide a surf lesson or extended beach time.

You reach Galway by midafternoon and have the choice of a free walking tour or time on your own. Galway is one of the better places on the route for an independent wander, a meal, or a pub stop. The overnight stay puts you in town rather than leaving you to return to Dublin after the visit.

The day is less packed with formal admissions than the north coast day. That breathing room helps, especially after two early mornings, though the long coach ride can feel slow if your guide gives little commentary.

Day four: the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, and Adare

The west coast continues with the Burren, a striking area of exposed limestone often described as lunar. Its unusual plant life includes Alpine, Arctic, and Mediterranean species growing in the same region. You get a short stop near Doolin, usually paired with lunch and perhaps a pub drink.

The Cliffs of Moher receive about 90 minutes, with admission included. At more than 700 feet high, the cliffs offer one of Ireland’s great coastal views. On a clear day, you may see seabirds such as puffins and gannets, though weather controls how much of the coast appears.

Ninety minutes is enough to walk to several viewpoints and take photos, but it is not a full coastal hike. Wear shoes with good grip, especially in wet weather. Ireland’s rain can arrive quickly, and the first bus steps can become slippery.

After the cliffs, the route crosses the River Shannon near historic Limerick and continues to Adare. The village is known for its thatched cottages and tidy appearance. This is a brief stop, more of a pleasant pause than a major visit.

The night is on the Dingle Peninsula, not necessarily in the town of Dingle. This distinction matters. Some accommodation is in a small settlement well outside Dingle, with few nearby choices for food or evening activities. Confirm the exact lodging location if having pubs and shops within walking distance is important to you.

Day five: Inch Beach, Slea Head, and Dingle

Day five is devoted to the Dingle Peninsula, one of the strongest parts of the route. You visit Inch Beach, described as Ireland’s longest beach, before reaching Dingle town.

The Slea Head Drive brings cliffs, beaches, views toward the Blasket Islands and Sleeping Giant Island, and ancient beehive huts. The area is part of the Gaeltacht, where Irish is still spoken, so you may hear the language in daily use. That gives this day a stronger sense of place than a simple photo stop.

Dingle itself is compact and easy to enjoy on foot. You have about 90 minutes, enough for crafts shops, a drink, or a quick meal. The town is famous for its many pubs relative to its size, and local music may be part of the evening atmosphere.

I would happily trade a little time elsewhere for more time in Dingle. The scheduled visit gives you a taste, but not enough for a relaxed afternoon. If your priority is local food, music, and independent wandering, this is the stop most likely to leave you wanting another hour.

You then continue to Killarney for the night. The town offers a good chance to walk after dinner, and Killarney National Park is close by.

Day six: Killarney National Park and Blarney Castle

The final morning begins with an optional horse-and-cart ride through Killarney National Park. Horseback riding is also offered for those who want a more active option. These extras are arranged and paid for separately, so ask the guide early if you want to join.

The park is a fitting final taste of County Kerry, with mountain scenery, wooded paths, and lakeside views. If you skip the ride, your free time may be limited, since the group must continue toward Cork.

Blarney Castle receives about two hours, with admission included. You can climb to the Blarney Stone and kiss it if you want the traditional gift of eloquent speech. The castle grounds are also worth your time, with gardens and room to walk after the castle visit.

Blarney Woollen Mills is nearby and offers a large selection of Irish clothing, gifts, and souvenirs. It is convenient for last-minute shopping, though you may prefer to spend the full two hours outdoors.

After lunch, the coach crosses the Golden Vale and returns to Dublin in the late afternoon. The tour ends at the original meeting point, leaving your evening open for dinner or another Dublin plan. Do not book a tight flight or important evening connection, since the return is scheduled for late afternoon rather than a guaranteed exact time.

Lodging choices: economy or backpacker

The room choice affects the trip more than the brochure-style inclusions suggest. The backpacker option places you in small or medium mixed hostel dorms. This suits a low budget and a social trip, but shared rooms can be crowded and noisy, and some may have several people in a small space.

The economy option gives you a single, twin, double, or triple room in hotels and B&Bs. Rates are based on sharing, and you should email your preferred room setup after booking. For many people, the extra cost is worthwhile after five long days on the road.

Accommodation quality is not perfectly uniform. Several stays have been described as clean, comfortable, central, and better than expected, while one Killarney overflow property was outdated and uncomfortable. Some properties may not have elevators or air conditioning.

Breakfast is listed for all six days, but one Belfast stay did not provide the expected hot breakfast. Keep expectations practical: this is touring accommodation, not a luxury hotel package.

The guide and bus can make or break the week

The strongest part of this experience is often the person behind the wheel. Danny has been praised for stories, jokes, music, clear instructions, safe driving, and a friendly manner. Brian has been singled out for thoughtful service and entertaining commentary, while Vincent, Gordon, Alex, Gabriel, and others have also added personality and local detail.

That variation matters. A good guide turns long drives into part of the trip. A less effective guide can leave you sitting on the coach without enough explanation, especially on days with long stretches between stops.

The tour may use different vehicles or groups on different days. Group size can range from a small group to a coach of up to 56 people. A smaller group feels more personal and makes loading the bus easier, but you should book this knowing the group arrangement is not fully within your control.

Punctuality is essential. The schedule is tight, and the guide may not be able to wait more than about 15 minutes. Set an alarm, note the bus location, and return early from each stop.

Who should book this Ireland tour?

I would choose this trip if you have six days, want to see the major sights, and do not want to drive. It is especially useful for solo visitors, first-time visitors to Ireland, and anyone who values having lodging, breakfast, admissions, and transport organized in one purchase.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy meeting people and can accept a quick pace. The tour gives you a broad taste of Ireland, from Belfast politics to Dingle music and west coast scenery.

I would hesitate if you want slow mornings, long hikes, fixed hotel standards, or the freedom to change the route. You should also avoid the backpacker option if sleep, privacy, or quiet matters to you.

FAQ

Where does the six-day Ireland tour start and end?

It starts at Paddy’s Palace, 5 Beresford Place, Gardiner Street Lower, Dublin 1, at 7:50 a.m. The tour returns to the same Dublin meeting point in the late afternoon on day six.

Is accommodation included?

Yes. Five nights are included in Belfast, Derry, Galway, the Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney. You can choose a backpacker dorm or an economy single, twin, double, or triple room in hotel or B&B accommodation.

Are breakfasts included?

Yes. Six breakfasts are included, although the exact breakfast style can vary by property.

Is the Belfast Black Cab tour included?

No. The Black Cab tour is optional and paid separately to the driver or guide. It covers places such as the Peace Wall, political murals, City Hall, Queen’s University, Albert Clock, and the Botanic Gardens.

Are the Killarney horse-and-cart ride and horseback ride included?

No. Both are optional activities arranged and paid for separately through the guide. You can choose the horse-and-cart ride or horseback riding through Killarney National Park.

How large is the tour group?

The scheduled group tour can have up to 56 people, though some departures operate with much smaller groups. The vehicle or group may change during the six days.