Ireland is a country of myths and legends, of dancing and pub singing, of saucy women and scrumptiously dense bread, of islands that take you back in time and rolling green hills populated by sheep—and maybe elves? 

To learn more about this trip, join us for a live trip preview Tuesday October 21st, at 6:30ET. RSVP here. 

The best place to view these magical elements of the Emerald Island is the stunningly rugged Western Coast, along the Wild Atlantic Way. We will take you from the artistic town of Galway to the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands to the lovely quaint town of Kenmare—that serves as a hub for culture and art in County Kerry.

We have easy, interest-free payment options. 

We’ve specially curated this 9-day trip with a local writer and guide and based on feedback from two previous trips along this coastline. We are sure this well-calibrated itinerary offers you the best chance to embrace the history and traditions of this enchanted land.

 Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Accommodations and activities may change but we will always replace them with something of equal or better value.

1. Breathtaking coastal drama – Stand atop the Cliffs of Moher in morning light, when crowds are sparse and the Atlantic stretches endlessly before you.

2. Step into living history – Explore the Aran Islands where The Banshees of Inisherin was filmed and wander Adare Village's thatched-cottage streets frozen in time.

3. Authentic local experiences – Learn whiskey tasting from Ireland's most entertaining female pub owner, bake traditional scones in a local kitchen, and master Riverdance steps from a former performer.

4. Ancient mysteries revealed – Uncover Celtic mythology in Galway, examine Neolithic monuments in the Burren, and hear local folklore while hiking the remote Beara Peninsula.

5. The Irish spirit in full voice – From pub sessions to storytelling, experience the music and craic (good times) that define Irish culture.

   
   

Joy Mills

A recent transplant to Austin, Joy is an avid traveler and hiker. Some of her favorite hikes include completing the Camino de Santiago Norte, Camino Portuguese and Camino Inca in addition to summiting Kilimanjaro, trekking to Everest Base Camp and the Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan. Joy is a retired elementary teacher and splits her time between her four grandchildren and experiencing all the places she used to just teach about. Her top bucket list item was not a journey but an opportunity: to sing along in an Irish Pub. Joy ticked that box while getting in touch with her roots on the inaugural NextTribe Wild Atlantic Way Tour.

Maria O'Loughlin

When she’s not swimming in the sea, hugging trees or guiding hikes, Maria is a screenwriter who specialises in animation - mostly working for Disney, Nickelodeon and BBC. A graduate of Trinity College in Dublin, she followed her degree in English & Psychology with a Masters in Cultural Theory before heading to L.A. to do the screenwriting program at the University of Southern California. She’s done every job imaginable, from psychiatric support worker to documentary director, and she’s lived all over the world, from Los Angeles and London to Paris and Barcelona. However, Ireland never stopped calling her home – and now there’s nowhere else she’d rather be. She loves the quiet mystery of the landscape, our bold Goddesses, and knowing that if you throw a rock around here, you’ll probably hit a Bronze Age Monument, Holy Well or Sacred Stone Circle. There is deep magic here and it’s her privilege to share it with you as a qualified Hiking Guide and Approved National Tour Guide of Ireland.

Arrival & Celtic Storytelling

Meet at Shannon Airport at 11 AM for transfer to Galway (or if already in Ireland, take a train directly to meet us at the hotel). Begin with a walking tour of Galway—known for its vibrant arts and music scene--that follows the path of Ireland’s legendary storytellers.. Discover how Galway earned its name through tragic legend and learn how ancient Celts wove meaning into stone, ritual, and tale. Explore the pagan world of druids and wise women that shaped Irish culture.

Evening: Welcome dinner

Traditional Arts & Crafts

Explore Galway from its medieval heart to contemporary artisan galleries. Experience hands-on Irish culture by baking traditional scones in a local woman's kitchen and learning authentic Irish dance—from the social ceili dances to sean nós (old-style) dancing and internationally famous Riverdance moves. Understand the cultural significance behind each tradition.

Drive to County Clare to explore the otherworldly Burren National Park, internationally renowned for its unique limestone landscape, archaeological treasures, and surprising biodiversity. Visit the Burren Perfumery, where local botanicals are transformed into artisan cosmetics and perfumes. Marvel at the Poulnabrone dolmen, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic portal tomb perched dramatically on the plateau.

Settle into our historic hotel in Ennistymon, perfectly positioned for evening walks to local pubs where traditional music flows freely.

Take a scenic 15-minute ferry to Inis Oírr, smallest of the Aran Islands and filming location for The Banshees of Inisherin. Experience Ireland as it lives in myth—stone-walled fields of emerald green, ancient ruins scattered across hillsides, and horse-drawn carriages on narrow lanes. Explore by foot, bike, or carriage at your own pace.

Later, meet Margaret, Ballyvaughan's legendary whiskey expert who maintains one of Ireland's most impressive whiskey collections at her pub. Her stories are as smooth as her finest drams. Sláinte!

Evening: Dinner near Ballyvaughan

Visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher in optimal morning light, before crowds arrive, to fully appreciate this 700-foot natural wonder and learn about its conservation story.

Embark on a unique wild food adventure along the Clare coast with an expert forager. Discover and sustainably harvest edible coastal plants including seaweeds like dulse and sea lettuce, plus seasonal treats such as watercress, samphire, and wild garlic. Learn about their nutritional properties and traditional uses in Irish cooking and folk medicine.

Journey south to County Kerry with a stop in Adare Village, one of Ireland's most photographed towns with its medieval stone churches and perfectly preserved thatched cottages.

Check into our Kenmare hotel and explore the town's charming shops before visiting the ancient Stone Circle—a 3,000-year-old Bronze Age monument. Learn about its astronomical significance and participate in the local tradition of leaving notes on the sacred Hawthorn Fairy Tree, symbol of love and protection in Celtic mythology.

Explore the rugged Beara Peninsula, County Kerry's best-kept secret, known for dramatic sea vistas and wild landscapes. Hike coastal paths while guide Maria shares the area's rich folklore, Irish mythology, and unique cultural traditions.

Visit a traditional 19th-century cottage and farm to understand how families survived during Ireland's most challenging times, including the inspiring story of one woman's resourcefulness during the Great Famine.

Witness the remarkable partnership between Irish farmers and their renowned sheepdogs in an entertaining demonstration of skill and teamwork that's sustained Irish agriculture for generations.

Departure options:

• Continue Irish adventures: We’ll take you to Killarney train station for connections to Dublin and beyond

• International flights: We’ll take you to an airport hotel at Shannon Airport for an overnight stay (included) before departure

Safe travels to your next destination.