Top South West Ireland Outdoor Activities

Skip a tour by foot, and saddle up for a horseback ride through Killarney National Park, that’s suitable for all abilities. You’ll be at one with nature, as you ride past scenic Lough Lein, along trails that lend themselves to rugged mountain views. Led by a guide, the ride is limited to just 16 people for a small-group experience where assistance is always close by.

Do as the tourists of bygone years did, and explore Killarney by horse and carriage. The equivalent to a modern taxi, the jaunting car was popular in Ireland through the 19th and early 20th centuries. On this tour, you’ll learn about the area’s history, hearing tales of the Gaelic chieftains as you ride around Killarney National Park. Ross Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral, and Killarney House Gadens are a few of the landmarks on the route.

Get a fuller experience of Killarney than would be possible with a single form of transportation on this combination tour by boat and jaunting car. Sail across Lough Lein in a glass-covered boat then hop aboard a jaunting car to travel through Killarney National Park, to places inaccessible by motor vehicle.

Discover the highlights of Ireland's oldest national park—and enjoy a one-of-a-kind way to explore—on this private horse and carriage tour. Pick from multiple departure times throughout the day, meet your guide at St. Mary's Cathedral in Killarney, and hop aboard. During your tour, you'll see lakes and mountains, will explore routes that are closed to cars, and can even go for a tour of the 15th-century Ross Castle (additional expense).

Summit Ireland's highest mountain—and challenge yourself to an active and adventurous day in nature—on this personalized hiking excursion. In the morning, come prepared with outdoorsy gear, make your own way to the start point, and meet your guide. Then, set off on a full-day hike up to Carrauntoohil's summit and back. As you go, soak up the dramatic scenery, and learn all about the region's history from your guide.

Discover the Ring of Kerry on this incredible full-day tour that showcases one of Ireland’s most stunning destinations. Spend time exploring the MacGillycuddy Reeks and the shores of Dingle Bay, and then admire the coastal views of Kenmare Bay on this guided tour of must-see Ireland. You also pass through Ladies View and the Lakes of Killarney on this journey from Killarney to Ring of Kerry.

Get up close and personal with some of the Dingle Peninsula’s most spectacular, dramatic scenery—and enjoy a thrilling way to travel—on this rigid inflatable boat tour. Pick from multiple tour times, meet at the Dingle departure point, slide on your waterproof gear, and set off with just a small group for company. You can admire the rugged coastline; see the Blasket Islands; glimpse wildlife like whales, dolphins, and puffins; and more.

Explore County Kerry beyond the coast with a small-group speed boat tour in Dingle Bay. Board a high-speed boat in Dingle Harbor and set out on a high-adrenaline tour to see the coastline, the Blasket Islands, and local wildlife such as dolphins and sea birds. Land on the remote Great Blasket Island and admire views of cliffs and the rugged scenery this part of Ireland is famous for. Coffee and tea are included.

Beat the crowds and enjoy nature’s tranquility on this private tour of Killarney National Park. The first national park in Ireland, Killarney is famed for its wildly scenic landscapes, its herd of red deer, and its medieval castle; it has also served as a film set and host to famous visitors like Charles de Gaulle. Pick a start time and duration that work for your schedule, and explore at your own pace.

Experience the thrill of observing whales and dolphins on this 4-hour cruise around Dingle Bay. Marvel over the startling coastal scenery as you drive along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, then hop aboard for a memorable cruise around the bay. Glide past Slea Head, the westernmost point of Europe, then cruise out to the Blasket Islands and look out for humpbacks whales, dolphins, seals, basking sharks and puffins.

Experience the rugged beauty of Ireland’s southeast coastline on a coach tour of the Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head. From Killarney, travel through scenic mountain regions and along Ireland’s rocky beaches. Spot ancient huts and historic buildings such as the Gallarus Oratory, visit Dingle Town, and get a splendid view of Slea Head—the most westerly point in Europe.

The Ring of Kerry and the Killarney National Park take pride of place on the Iveragh Peninsula, with some of Ireland’s finest coastal scenery — but the 177-kilometer (110-mile) journey makes sightseeing a challenge. This convenient 6-hour coach tour from Killarney makes it possible to complete the route in a day, plus take in traditional coastal villages such as Cahersiveen, Derrynane, and Glenbeigh. Visit the historic Bog Village with a guide, and discover top natural attractions including the Killarney Lakes, Rossbeigh Beach, and Macgillycuddy's Reeks.

Discover Killarney National Park at your leisure with a half-day self-guided bike tour. Pick-up your bike rental and a map guiding the way to popular park landmarks including Muckross House and Gardens, Muckross Abbey, Torc Waterfall, and Muckross Traditional Farms. Enjoy maximum flexibility to explore the countryside at your pace with this self-guided bike tour.

Go kayaking on the River Shannon and experience a fresh perspective on Limerick City. Meet your guide at the launch point for a safety tutorial and then set out on the river for a scenic paddle. Learn about the history, heritage, and folklore of Limerick during the tour, including details about the city’s Viking past. No prior kayaking experience is necessary.

Spend the day exploring Ireland’s most stunning natural landscapes on this full-day tour of the Gap of Dunloe from Killarney. Follow your guide on a seven-mile (11 kilometer) adventure that covers some of the nation’s vast emerald scenery. Enjoy ample time for hiking, take an optional Jaunting Cart ride, and kick back and relax during a boat ride on the Gearhameen River. This tour also includes a stop at the Ross Castle.

Embark on an incredible Irish adventure on a unique tour through County Kerry. Set out by open boat from Killarney National Park's 15th-century Ross Castle, passing islands and beneath old stone bridges along the Lakes of Killarney. Then continue via pony-drawn carriage through the remote Black Valley and the narrow and winding Gap of Dunloe. Meander through this stunning mountain pass, marveling at a handful of scenic lakes and crossing the Old Weird Bridge before catching a bus back to Killarney.

See the Dingle Peninsula from a fresh perspective with a private sea safari tour. Meet your private guide for a boating excursion to see local wildlife, coastal cliffs, and Great Blasket Island. Keep an eye out for dolphins during this boat tour. The itinerary can be customized according to your individual interests.

Cork ranks among the most attractive cities in Ireland, with beautiful architecture and fine Lee River views—but seeing the best of the city on foot takes time and effort. On this tour, spin along Cork’s cycle lanes and riverside pathways by bike, and hit top attractions including Fitzgerald’s Park and St. Finbarr’s Cathedral with ease. With bike and helmet hire included, listen as your guide brings Cork’s history to life.

Nestled in the West Kerry Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area) and with a spectacular landscape the tour explores, the rich and diverse mixture of its archaeological sites and history, it’s flora and fauna, music and culture and a myriad of other attractions. This is a tour not to be missed and will always be remembered.

Experience the thrill of a 2.5 hour sea safari around the Blasket islands Explore hidden coves and sea caves as you travel through the domain of the seals, dolphins, whales and puffins. The RIB “M/V Freedom” is the largest open passenger RIB in Ireland and the only one with an onboard toilet. It is designed for passenger comfort and safety with individual jockey seats for 12 passengers. So pack your sense of adventure and get ready to have the fresh sea air blowing through your hair. Get that feeling that comes with close encounters with seals and dolphins in the wild as you travel through some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Ireland. Tours depart from Dingle Yacht Marina (weather permitting) minimum age 10 years).

Maximize time on the west coast of Ireland with a full-day tour from Limerick. Board an air-conditioned coach and set out on an excursion to several top landmarks, including the Cliffs of Moher. See Bunratty Castle and the village of Doolin before climbing aboard a ferry for a journey to the Aran Islands. Explore the island of Inisheer at your leisure.

Take in some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery and save up to 10% on two top tours with this 2-day Killarney Super Saver. Combine day trips to Dingle and Slea Head with the Ring of Kerry and the Killarney Lakes, and travel with ease through coastal Ireland. Take in traditional villages such as Cahersiveen, Derrynane, and Glenbeigh, and discover a relaxed pace of life away from the cities. Visit the historic Bog Village with a guide, and discover top natural attractions including Rossbeigh Beach and Macgillycuddy's Reeks.

Maximize time in Ireland with a comprehensive 8-day tour of the Wild Atlantic Way. Set out from Cork City on an outdoor adventure that includes landmarks like Blarney Castle, Killarney National Park, and the Cliffs of Moher. Go cycling in the countryside, climb aboard a boat on the lakes of Killarney, and explore the Aran Islands during this tour.

Get an in-depth introduction to one of Ireland’s most stunning estates on a prearranged tour of Fota House, designed by 19th-century architects Richard and William Morris. Discover the daily lives of servants in the well-preserved kitchen and service wing, and see the original Victorian-era nursery. Tours also include visits to the Arboretum and rose garden.