The Irish Loop is the coastal route south of St. John's through old fishing communities with Irish roots, and this seven-hour guided day trip drives it up the Southern Shore as far as Ferryland. The highlight is the Colony of Avalon, an archaeological site where excavations have uncovered a 17th-century settlement founded in the 1620s, and the tour page describes the luxury items found there. Along the way you pass small outports, rugged shoreline and wide ocean views, with stops chosen by the operator. The Colony of Avalon runs a summer season, roughly June to October, so outside that window the dig site is closed and the tour is best planned for a summer trip. The drive itself is scenic in any season, but the site and the visitor services are the real draw. The tour is rated well by past guests and is flagged as likely to sell out.
What to do
Ride along the Southern Shore with a guide who explains the history of the Irish settlement, the fishery and the communities you pass. Stops include villages along the loop and the Colony of Avalon at Ferryland, where archaeologists have exposed the foundations of the early English colony and thousands of artifacts. The site offers guided tours during its season, and its team often shows work in progress, which makes the visit feel alive.
Practical planning
The trip lasts about seven hours, so allow a full day. The Colony of Avalon keeps a summer season, roughly June to October, and its tour times run through the day, so a summer date will give you the full experience. Outside the season the site is closed to visitors, although the drive still gives coastal scenery and fishing communities. Wear layers, since the shore is windy, and bring lunch money, because food stops are limited in the smaller villages. Free cancellation is offered within the stated window.
Fitting it in
Choose a clear day in July, August or early September and combine it with the puffin and whale boat tour on a different day, since both cover the same peninsula. If you have a rental car you can do the loop at your own pace, but a guided day removes the driving and adds context. It is a good alternative if you want history and scenery rather than a boat.
What to expect
The experience
A guided seven-hour coach or van day trip along the Southern Shore to Ferryland and the Colony of Avalon.
Best time
July to early September, when the Colony of Avalon is open; the site keeps a summer season, roughly June to October.
How long
About seven hours, so plan a full day.
Tips
Dress in layers, bring a little extra for food stops and check that the Colony of Avalon is open on your date.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers who want outport scenery and an archaeological site in one day.
- Families
- Older children who like history will enjoy it, but it is a long day with a lot of sitting.
- Couples
- A scenic, unhurried day away from the city on a clear summer date.
- Pair with
- The puffin and whale cruise on a separate day, since it covers the same peninsula.
- Time needed
- A full day, about seven hours.
Good questions
When is the Colony of Avalon open?+
The site keeps a summer season, roughly June to October, with its core tour window from mid-June to mid-September. Check with the Colony of Avalon before you plan around a specific date.
Is this trip worth doing in winter?+
The Southern Shore drive is scenic all year, but the Colony of Avalon is closed to visitors in winter. It is better suited to a summer visit.
How long is the trip?+
It lasts about seven hours, so it is a full day out from St. John's. The tour details show departure times and availability.
What will I see?+
You will see small outport communities, coastal scenery and the Colony of Avalon archaeological site at Ferryland. The tour page also describes the luxury items found at the site.
Can I cancel?+
The booking offers free cancellation within the stated window, and the page notes the tour is likely to sell out. Check the terms and book early for summer dates.
