Irish Travel Company Launches Women-Only Emerald Isle Journey

Ireland’s ancient queens, pirate legends and rebel stories are stepping into the spotlight with the launch of a women-only experience described as the first of its kind offered by an Irish tour company.

The six-day Wild Women of Ireland tour recently welcomed its first group of travellers and is returning for a second tour on September 14. This locally curated experience aims to build connections to Ireland, its powerful female ancestors and to the women travelling through it together today.

The journey follows the stories of women who shaped Ireland’s history while also creating space for new friendships and shared experiences along the way, from Queen Meabh and Grace O’Malley to Countess Markievicz and Princess Derbforgaill.

Offered by Irish Experience Tours at $2,898 CAD per person, the tour takes travellers across the northwest and west coast of Ireland over six days, blending cultural experiences, local encounters, storytelling and optional adventures.

“We wanted to create something truly special and distinctive. This tour was carefully designed as a soulful, women-only journey, focusing on connection, storytelling and the raw beauty of the Irish landscape,” said Sean Power, Managing Director of Irish Experience Tours.

“The response to our inaugural departure has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants describing it as both empowering and deeply enriching. It’s clear there is a real appetite for this kind of thoughtful, immersive travel experience.” 

The itinerary begins in County Sligo, where travellers leave Dublin behind and head towards the legendary landscape surrounding Knocknarea. Here, guests climb the mountain associated with Queen Meabh and visit her ancient cairn before learning more about Countess Markievicz on a walking tour through Sligo town.

The first evening ends with a fireside storytelling circle centred around Ireland’s warrior queens and heroines.

The route then moves west towards Achill Island, with dramatic coastal scenery, along the way. For those wanting something more active, there’s also the option to cycle part of the Great Western Greenway between Achill and Westport.

Day three shifts from history to something more hands-on. Travellers follow the story of Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s famous Pirate Queen, with visits to Rockfleet Castle and the National Famine Memorial before heading to a baking workshop with local women Mary and Carmel.

The women will make soda bread and scones, hear local stories and traditions and finish with an Irish coffee.

The journey then moves into Connemara and Galway. Travellers pass through the Inagh Valley before stopping at Kylemore Abbey, a place closely linked to stories of resilience and devotion. In Galway, the focus turns to influential Irish women, including Lady Gregory and Nora Barnacle before ending the day with music and dance at Trad on the Prom.

Over the course of day five, travellers visit the Burren Perfumery to learn more about native plants and traditional herbal healing before hearing stories of women such as Biddy Early and Red Mary O’Brien.

The day closes at the Cliffs of Moher, with time to take in one of Ireland’s best-known landscapes.

The final day brings the group to Clonmacnoise, where ancient crosses and round towers provide the backdrop for stories of Princess Derbforgaill. Before returning to Dublin, there is one final stop at Sean’s Bar in Athlone to raise a glass to the week and the friendships made along the way.

The recent May departure generating strong feedback from travellers, including the following from a Canadian participant:

“What doesn’t matter is your age, where you live, gay or not, single or not, children or not, what you do for work and politics. What does matter: an affinity for the company of women, a keen interest in Ireland for any reason, an appreciation for strong women past and present, Guinness at lunch, sturdy walking shoes, camera for taking pictures of all the astounding, important and beautiful things they are going to show you. Just do it, you’ll understand.”

The Wild Women of Ireland tour includes five nights in handpicked 3- and 4-star accommodation across Sligo, Westport and Galway, a dedicated female Irish guide, transport, breakfast each morning, cultural experiences, storytelling events and selected attractions.