Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 30th of September 2024 to receive 15% discount off your tour price!
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or special event packages.
Stephanie was an amazing source of help, assistance and knowledge for our first trip to Ireland. She kept us informed of the every changing covid rules as well as adapted to our many - at least three- Read more »
Staff was extremely attentive and very flexible when it came to organizing our trip. All questions were answered quickly and in great detail. When some aspects of our selected trip had to be altered d Read more »
Stephanie at Irish Tourism booked our trip- she was wonderful to work with. I am picky about my rooms - when we booked the trip I requested more spacious accommodations and paid accordingly. We had Read more »
This Best of Ireland Tour, can be accessed using any of the Irish Airports and is a 10 night tour based on Ireland’s most famous sights including Trinity College and Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, Powerscourt House & the Waterford Crystal exhibition in the South East, Blarney Castle and the Cobh Heritage Centre in Cork, Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher and the ‘Burren Landscape’ of County Clare as well as the Aran Islands and Connemara in County Galway and Ireland's most visited attraction, the ancient Megalithic Tombs at Newgrange, just 45 minutes north of Dublin.
Depending on the airports used, the stopovers outlined below may vary in order but the same route will be covered.
This tour will leave the traveller with a wonderful array of memories of the diverse scenery and cultural differences that they will encounter from one side of the country to the other.
While the accents and dialects of the spoken word will vary greatly while journeying from County Dublin in the East of Ireland to the western counties of Cork, Kerry and Clare, the one unchanging constant will be the level of friendliness, humour & welcome that you receive throughout your travels.
While the suggested tour itinerary clearly outlines how you will be able to visit many of Ireland’s most historical locations and attractions, make sure to take time-out to get to know the local people and their culture.
Arrive Shannon Airport and meet with your driver/guide who will transfer you to see one of Ireland’s natural wonders – the Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs rise to over 700 feet along an 8 kilometer stretch of the Clare/Atlantic coastline. Then travel to one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, Adare. Here you can marvel at the thatched roofed cottages which are now mainly craft shops and restaurants and view the priories in this small town. After lunch (not included) travel to Killarney, one of Ireland’s most popular towns, arriving in time to sample the many pubs and restaurants after you have checked into your hotel. Overnight Killarney BB
Today you will discover the wonderful scenery of Killarney as you drive around the famous Ring of Kerry. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountains, and the varied Atlantic coast. You will be amazed at the breathtaking views and you will stop for photos at the most dramatic scenes and the Skellig Experience. Continue through the remote villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville. On the return, pass through the colorful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Stop for a stroll through the splendid Muckross Gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. Overnight Killarney BB
After breakfast visit Blarney Castle where the famous Blarney Stone will be found. For those brave enough climb the ramparts of the castle and kiss the stone which is said to grant the gift of eloquence. Then travel to Cobh Heritage Centre where thousands of emigrants departed for a better life during the famine years and which was the last port of call of the Titanic. After the visit take the short journey to the Old Midleton Distillery and learn how the world famous Jameson's whiskey is distilled and of course sample the golden nectre. Overnight Killarney BB
Check out of your hotel after breakfast and travel northwards stopping first at Foynes Flying Boat Museum, the major European entry point for the transatlantic flights between 1937 & 1945. It was also the place where Irish coffee was invented. Then travel into County Clare and the karst like landscape of the Burren and finally onwards to Galway. Overnight Galway BB
Take a drive around the stunning Connemara region today with its unspoilt scenery. Along the way visit Kylemore Abbey with its lovely walled gardens and Connemara Celtic Crystal. Travel to Cong, where the film The Quiet Man (John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, and Barry Fitzgerald) was filmed. Return to Galway where the remainder of the day is free to explore this vibrant city. The Quays area in the city is home to a number of lively music pubs, including the popular Quays Bar, and great choice of restaurants. Overnight Galway BB
After breakfast travel to Knock, where on the 21st August 1879, Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. The tour will take you through the beautifully landscaped Knock Shrine grounds visiting all places of interest including the Apparition Chapel and original Gable Wall, Papal Cross, Basilica, and Chapel of Reconciliation and the Knock Museum. After the visit, travel to the Museum of Country Life, home to the national collection of objects representing the traditional way of life in Ireland since 1850. Return to Galway where the remainder of the day will be free to explore this vibrant city. Overnight Galway BB
Check out of your hotel and travel the short journey to Rathbaun Farm, a 200 year old working farm owned by the descendants of the original owners. Here you will see a demonstration of sheep herding and sheering and enjoy home baked refreshments. Onwards then to one of Ireland’s most complete castles, Bunratty Castle, resplendent with authentic furnishings. In the grounds of the castle is a recreated 19th century village complete with cottages, shops and the mandatory pub. Check into your hotel and after freshening up, return to for your farewell Bunratty Medieval Banquet. Overnight Bunratty or Limerick BB
After your final Irish breakfast depart the hotel for Shannon airport arriving in time to complete check-in formalities and that last minute duty free shopping.
Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 30th of September 2024 to receive 15% discount off your tour price!
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or special event packages.
Below, you will find a price for this self drive tour including your car rental. Pricing for other accommodation and transport options is also available upon request. Please also note that all of our driving tours itineraries and sightseeing guides are available to those wishing to avail of one of our experienced driver guides.
Accommodation Type | B&B's | 3* Hotels | 4*Hotels & Manor Houses | Combination |
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Notes
Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.
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For customers based in North America, please note that as we are based in Ireland, we are 5 hours ahead of EST.
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