Island Hopping Adventure in Ireland

The Island Hopping Adventure in Ireland is a 9-day small-group tour along Ireland's rugged West and Northwest coastline, running August 19–28, 2026. Led by Secret Ireland Tours LLC — a 100% Irish-owned company — the trip takes guests to four distinct islands: Inis Mór (the largest of the Aran Islands), Inisbofin, Achill Island, and Coney Island, each reached by boat and offering its own character, scenery, and culture. Along the way, the group also travels through Connemara, County Mayo, and Sligo, with stops at ancient Neolithic sites, coastal villages, and historic landmarks.

What sets this tour apart is its emphasis on authentic, unhurried Irish culture. Guests have the freedom to explore islands at their own pace — by bike, horse and buggy, or on foot — while the itinerary weaves in everything from ancient ruins and craft workshops to traditional pub music and a farewell dinner together. Several of the islands are Irish-speaking communities, adding a rare linguistic and cultural dimension to the experience. Group sizes are intentionally kept small, which past travelers consistently highlight as a key reason the trips feel personal, relaxed, and genuinely memorable.

Included in the price are airport transfers to and from Shannon Airport, 8 full breakfasts, one farewell dinner, all boat and venue entry fees, a dedicated tour guide and driver, and all accommodation and transport taxes. Lunches and most evening meals are not covered, nor are tips or travel insurance. International flights are not arranged through the operator — guests should not book flights until given the go-ahead by Secret Ireland Tours.

Location: Western and Northwestern Ireland, covering Galway, the Aran Islands (Inis Mór), Connemara, Inisbofin Island, Achill Island, County Mayo (Downpatrick Head, Céide Fields), Coney Island (Sligo coast), Rosses Point, Knock, Kinvara, Limerick, and Shannon Airport.

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights, August 19–28, 2026.

Activity Type: This is an outdoor-focused, sightseeing and cultural immersion tour with moderate activity levels. Island exploration is self-guided and flexible — guests can walk, cycle, hire a buggy, or join local drivers at their own discretion. Some days involve boat rides and coastal walks. No specific fitness level is stated as required, but a comfort with varied terrain and boat travel is recommended. Optional golf can be arranged in Rosses Point for interested guests.

Accommodation: Hotels are used throughout the mainland legs of the tour, and guests stay overnight on Inis Mór (Aran Islands). All rooms are en-suite. Specific hotel names are not listed in the source material. The tour concludes with a final night near Shannon Airport.

• Twin Occupancy (two beds, shared room) — $2,755 per person | Deposit: $400 | Deadline: November 19, 2026
• Double Occupancy (one double bed, shared room for couples) — $2,755 per person | Deposit: $400 | Deadline: passed (November 19, 2025)
• Single Occupancy (private room, bed type not guaranteed) — $3,255 per person | Deposit: $400 | Deadline: passed (November 19, 2025)

A $400 deposit is required to secure a spot. Guests should confirm payment deadlines and availability directly with Secret Ireland Tours LLC, as some package deadlines have passed.

Day 1 — Arrival & Cranógs at Quin

Guests are picked up from Shannon Airport at 9am and taken to Quin, where they visit a reconstructed Cranóg — a traditional Irish lake dwelling — and learn how early Irish people lived, worked, and protected themselves. The group then continues to Galway, with the evening free to explore or rest at the hotel.

Day 2 — Inis Mór, Aran Islands

The group travels from Galway to Rossaveal Harbour and takes a boat to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, where they spend the night. The day is entirely free for self-guided exploration — options include horse and buggy rides, cycling, ancient sites, craft shops, beaches, and local workshops.

Day 3 — Connemara & Kylemore Abbey

A morning boat back from the islands is followed by a scenic drive through Connemara, with stops in quaint coastal villages and a visit to the iconic Kylemore Abbey before continuing to Clifden.

Day 4 — Inisbofin Island

The group takes a boat to Inisbofin, a scenic and welcoming island ideal for hiking, beach walks, photography, and exploring local restaurants. Traditional music in the pubs makes for a lively evening.

Day 5 — Achill Island

The tour heads to Achill Island, accessible by bridge. Highlights include beautiful beaches and the haunting Deserted Village — abandoned during the Great Famine when its inhabitants perished or emigrated to America. A visit to local craft makers rounds out the day.

Day 6 — Downpatrick Head & Céide Fields

A day trip into County Mayo takes guests to the dramatic sea stacks at Downpatrick Head, followed by the Céide Fields — the most extensive Neolithic site in Europe — where guides bring ancient history to life. The group returns to Achill for the night.

Day 7 — Coney Island & Rosses Point

The tour departs Achill and heads to Sligo, where a short boat ride brings guests to the small island of Coney Island for a BBQ (weather permitting). The overnight stop is Rosses Point, a five-minute walk from the beach and adjacent to a golf course — optional golf can be arranged on request.

Day 8 — Knock, Kinvara & Limerick

En route to the final hotel near Shannon Airport, the group visits Knock Shrine and Kinvara Castle, then spends time in Limerick city for shopping. The day closes with a shared farewell dinner to reflect on the journey.

Day 9 — Departure from Shannon Airport

Guests are transferred to Shannon Airport. Return flights should be booked to depart no earlier than 1pm to allow for the required three-hour check-in for transatlantic flights.

• Airport Transfers

We pick you up from the airport the morning of the first day at 9am and bring you back to catch your arternoon or evening flight the last day. Do not book flights until we give the go ahead.

• Food

8 Hearty breakfasts that will keep you going all day.

• Transport

We have a very comfortable motor coach to transport you while on the mainland.

• Driver

We have an expert Driver who knows the highways and byways like the back of his hand and he is great fun too!

• Tour Guide

We have a expert Secret Ireland Tour guide to look after you while you are in Ireland.

• Entry fees

All venue entry fees on the itinerary are covered

• Boat fees

All boat fees are covered

• Taxes

All taxes and charges for Accommodation, bus are covered

• Meal

1 Fair well evening meal.

• Flights

We do not deal with flights, please do not book your flight until we give you the go ahead.

• Travel insurance

We suggest you purchase travel insurance to protect your travel investment.

• Meals

Lunches or most evening meals are not covered

• Tips

If you feel inclined please tip your driver and tour guide.