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      Island Hopping Tours

      Discover our collection of island-hopping tours that sail to Ireland’s beautiful habited and uninhabited islands such as Skellig Michael, the Aran Islands, Rathlin Island, Inisbofin or even Clare Island. Explore the islands of Ireland by hiking, biking or paddling, visiting ancient forts and castles, enjoying dramatic panoramas and island hospitality.

      Hiking & Island Hopping
      Coastal Wildlife
      Family-friendly
      Self Drive Tours

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      The Islands Are Calling

      Ireland itself may be an island, but its rugged Atlantic coasts are home to many more islands, each more fascinating than the next. Remote and unchanged over the centuries, these islands are often havens for flora and fauna as well as bastions of Irish tradition, culture and language. 

      Explore some of Ireland’s iconic islands like Skellig Michael or the Aran Islands, or get off the beaten path a little to discover other magnificent island havens such as Inisbofin, Cape Clear, Clare Island, the Blaskets, Rathlin Island and more.

      Privy to some of the most stunning and unspoilt views in Ireland, as you look out over the horizon, feel a tingle down your spine as you realise that the next stop… is North America.

      Explore Our Tours Below

      Hiking Tours
      Bike Tours
      Family Adventures
      Self Drive

      Hiking Tours

      Dotting the Irish coast of the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland, find a number of islands ideal for outdoor lovers. Explore Ireland from a new perspective by blending hiking and island hopping.

      The gentle terrain of Ireland’s coasts and islands makes for gentle hikes that are accessible to all outdoor enthusiasts. Explore dramatic cliffs and wild sea stacks home to colonies of puffins, remote lighthouses, abandoned villages, and settlements once home to monks on our hiking trips. Browse trips below for new favourites. 

      Golden sunset overlooking the rock pillars of Skellig Islands rising from the sea

      The Skellig islands at sunset

      Hiking & Island Hopping
      Cork & Kerry

      Easy Difficulty: Green 2

      • Explore southwest Ireland with gentle guided hikes: visit three islands and four peninsulas.
      • Climb the ancient stone steps on Skellig Michael island, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Star Wars filming location.
      • Explore remote islands where the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) culture and tradition are still strong.
      • Visit the eerie abandoned Blasket Islands, once known for its strong literary tradition.
      • Spot puffins and other sea birds along the island shores.

      Explore this Itinerary

      Dun Aonghusa Fort on the Aran Islands

      Hiking & Island Hopping
      Ireland’s West Coast

      Easy Difficulty: Green 2

      • Visit four islands along Ireland’s west coast of Galway and Clare.
      • Discover a dramatic Cromwellian fort on Inisbofin island.
      • Hear tales of the legendary Pirate Queen on Clare Island.
      • Sail under the Cliffs of Moher en route to the Aran Islands, bastions of Irish language.
      • Traverse causeways to tidal islands.
      • Visit other iconic sites like Killary Fjord, the wild Burren National Park, and Croagh Patrick – Ireland’s Holy Mountain.

      Explore this Itinerary

      Atop Rathlin Island

      Hiking the Causeway
      Coast & Donegal

      Easy Difficulty: Green 3

      • Hike iconic Irish landscapes, including UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway.
      • Island hop to Rathlin Island in search of myths and puffins.
      • Walk Ireland’s most northernly peninsula and Star Wars filming location, Malin Head, where mountains meet sea.
      • Hike through rugged Donegal, once voted National Geographic’s Coolest Place on Earth.
      • Follow in the footsteps of Game of Thrones, Narnia, and more.

      Explore this Itinerary

      West coast islands

      Hiking Ireland’s
      Ancient Islands

      Easy Difficulty: Green 1

      • Explore the ancient cultural heritage of the Aran Islands, spending some time in a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) community.
      • Learn about the fascinating human history of Ireland’s west coast.
      • Discover the coasts and islands of the west on gentle walks and cultural experiences.
      • Walk to a tidal island to explore its built heritage.
      • Step back in time at the abandoned boolay villages on Achill Island, representing. long-lost agricultural practice.

      Explore this Itinerary

      Wildlife Adventures: Ireland’s Atlantic Coast

      Easy Difficulty: Green 2

      • Meet Ireland’s wonderful wildlife, from whales to puffins, gannets to red deer, seals to dolphins and more.
      • Visit the rugged historic island of Skellig Michael, a UNESCO site, and enjoy a view of the seabird colonies on Little Skelligs.
      • Enjoy stunning coastal walks with knowledgeable guides to learn about Irish flora and fauna.
      • Try your hand at paddling the sparkling waters of West Cork.
      • Look out for whales, porpoises, seals and other marine creatures on a whale watching boat tour.
      • Visit the exotic gardens of Garinish Island, admiring the vibrant petals and fluttering butterfly wings of the local residents.

      Explore this Itinerary

      Family Adventures

      For adventurous families, take an active trip to Ireland on one of our family adventures. Discover Ireland’s wild corners with activities fun for the whole family, such as biking, hiking, foraging, paddling and other fun workshops. And in the mix, on each trip, you’ll get to visit an island too – from a pirate’s stronghold to a puffin colony or even the unbeatable Skellig Michael, your family will have the adventure of a lifetime.

      Family Adventure
      Legends of the Southwest

      Difficulty: At your own pace

      • Create hand-made toys and learn about the past on a ghost tour.
      • Climb Skellig Michael, ancient home to monks and Star Wars Jedi.
      • Hike and paddle in the shadow of smugglers, explorers, and pirates.

      Explore this Itinerary

      Family Adventure
      Giants, Myths and Legends

      Difficulty: At your own pace

      • Relax on an island retreat that is home to a puffin colony.
      • Enjoy a family canoe expedition, seaweed foraging, and whiskey tasting.
      • Hike along the Causeway Coast rated Lonely Planet’s Top 2018 Destination.

      Explore this Itinerary

      Family Adventure
      Paddling & Pirates

      Difficulty: At your own pace

      • Island hop to the Pirate Queen’s stronghold and try your hand at stand-up-paddling.
      • Learn bushcraft and seashore foraging skills as you explore the wild Irish coastline.
      • Follow a pilgrimage path on horseback in St Patrick’s footsteps.

      Explore this Itinerary

      Self Drive Tours

      For those adventurers looking for a bit more flexibility but without the worry of having to research, plan, and book your trip, perhaps a self drive vacation is more suited to your style. Our expert guides and local experts will meet you at various points to interpret the landscape, teach you new skills and show you the best secret spots – not to mention bring you to some of Ireland’s loveliest islands.

      Connemara, Dingle & the Cliffs of Moher

      Difficulty: At your own pace

      • Walk along the iconic Cliffs of Moher away from the crowds.
      • Explore the alien landscapes of the Burren National Park with a local archeologist.
      • Immerse yourself in Dingle, lauded by National Geographic as the most beautiful place on Earth.
      • Boat trip out to the eerie abandoned Blasket Islands.

      Explore this Itinerary

      Belfast, Giant’s Causeway
      & Donegal

      Difficulty: At your own pace

      • Visit the world-famous Giant’s Causeway and hike along the award-winning Causeway Coast.
      • Take a boat trip to the fascinating Rathlin Island, home to diverse wildlife, including a bird sanctuary, home to puffins in season.
      • Gaze out from some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs at Slieve League.
      • Wander the quiet back trails of the Mourne Mountains with a local guide.

      Explore this Itinerary

      Kerry, West Cork &
      The Haven Coast

      Difficulty: At your own pace

      • Visit the Ring of Kerry and other iconic sites in southwest Ireland.
      • Enjoy the flexibility of a self drive trip with the benefit of guided activities.
      • Visit several tiny islands, such as the paradisal garden Garnish Island, and travel by cable car to Dursey Island.
      • Try your hand at fishing with a local fisherman – afterwards, taste the freshest of ceviche on a remote and empty island.

      Explore this Itinerary

      Connemara Escape
      Short Break

      Difficulty: At your own pace

      • Enjoy a short break in the west of Ireland, perfect for a long weekend getaway, or part of a larger trip.
      • Explore the wilds of Connemara National Park, once pegged as a “savage beauty” by Oscar Wilde
      • Hop out to the Irish-speaking Aran Islands to drink in the views and visit the ancient vestiges of the islands’ long history.

      Explore this Itinerary

      Contact Us

      Tel: +353 (0)71 934 4650

      Enquire Now

      Coasts & Islands: Read More

      Island Tours

      Hiking

      Hiking & Island Hopping – Ireland’s West Coast

      View Trip Details
      Hiking

      Hiking – The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal

      View Trip Details
      Hiking

      Hiking & Island Hopping – Cork & Kerry

      View Trip Details
      Wildlife

      Wildlife Adventures – Ireland’s Atlantic Coast

      View Trip Details
      Culture & Heritage

      Ireland’s Ancient Islands

      View Trip Details
      Self Drive

      Self Drive – Connemara, Dingle & The Cliffs of Moher

      View Trip Details
      Family

      Deluxe Family Adventure – Legends of The Southwest

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      Family

      Deluxe Family Adventure – Giants, Myths & Legends

      View Trip Details

      Our holidays reviewed
      in your own words

      It was a wonderful, fun trip with easy hikes and good accommodation and meals. I would definitely recommend it and will be booking another trip in future.

      Lizette Sutherland
      Hiking - The Wicklow Way
      Reviewed on 12/10/2021

      Rated 4.93 out of 5 based on 2,423 reviews

      Read More Reviews

      As Recommended By...

      You'll be in good company on a Wilderness Ireland Trip. Some of the biggest and best known names in the business have recommended us.

      Los Angeles Times
      National Geographic Adventure
      Vogue
      Men's Health
      USA Today

      Visit Our Press Area

      Explore the Active Travel Club

      Six expert travel companies. One place for all your adventures.

      Become a Member

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