2024 Vacations

Book early and save 15%

Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 31st of May 2024 to receive a 15% discount off your tour price!
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or special event packages.

Tour Overview

‘Excellent’

Visit counties all around Ireland on this comprehensive 14 night/15 day driving tour

This tour does entail quite a bit of driving but it will leave the traveller with a wonderful array of memories of the diverse scenery and cultural differences that they will encounter from one end of the country to the other. While the accents and dialects of the spoken word will vary greatly while journeying from County Cork on the southern tip of Ireland to the northern counties of Donegal and Antrim, 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.

Some of the major attractions include Guinness Storehouse and Trinity Collegein Dublin, Powerscourt gardens in Wicklow, Waterford Crystal Factory in the south east as well as the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle.

In the Cork/Kerry region, as well as visits to Blarney castle and the Cobh Heritage Centre (The Titanic Trail) you can tour the Ring of Kerry & Dingle Peninsula. In the west there is the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, Galway City and the Aran Islands.

From there travel north to the remote counties of Donegal & Sligo (Yeats county) before travelling into northern Ireland to walk the walls of Derry and the Giant's Causeway in Antrim, not forgetting some time in Belfast to learn more about it’s turbulent history in the words of one of the local impartial & qualified guides. Finally, after Belfast it is time to travel south to the Capital with a stop on route at the Ancient Megalithic Tombs of Newgrange, Ireland’s most visited attraction.

What's included

  • Accommodation in rooms with Private Bathroom Facilities 
  • Full Irish Breakfast Each Morning
  • Rental Car or Chauffeur Driven Car
  • 24/7 Local Telephone Support During Your Trip
  • Our Renowned Customized Sightseeing Guide
  • Unlimited Services of Experienced Ireland Based Travel Planner
  • Map of Ireland

Tour highlights

  • Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
  • Christ Church Cathedral
  • Doolin
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Castle
  • Kilmainham Gaol
  • Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms
  • Titanic Walk
  • Trinity College & Book of Kells
  • James Joyce Tower & Museum
  • Kinsale
  • Blarney Castle
  • Wicklow Mountains National Park

Overnights for this tour

  • County Wicklow for 1 Night
  • Waterford for 1 Night
  • County Kerry for 2 Nights
  • County Clare for 1 Night
  • County Galway for 2 Nights
  • County Donegal for 2 Nights
  • Antrim Coast for 1 Night
  • Belfast for 2 Nights
  • Dublin for the last 2 Nights

Accommodation options

  • Superior & First Class Hotels
  • Luxury Accommodation & Service in our 4-Star Country Manor Houses
  • Deluxe Accommodation in our 4 & 5 Star Irish Castles
  • Our Recommended & Handpicked B&B's, all rooms with private bath facilities
  • Any Combination of the above

Day 1 - Arrive Shannon

Arrive Shannon Airport and meet with your experienced Irish driver/guide. All of the drivers we use are qualified guides and have great personalities that really will make your trip unforgettable. Travel the short distance to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park which is set on 26 Acres. The Folk Park is a stunning recreation of 19th Century Ireland featuring various types of farmhouses, a church, walled garden and village street complete with pub, post office and shops. Travel onwards to what is regarded as Ireland’s prettiest village, Adare, which is lined with stone thatch cottages, some of which are craft & art shops, and contains two Abbeys and a Priory which date back to the 13th century. Overnight Limerick DBB

Day 2 - Limerick to Killarney

Drive west through Ennis and Lahinch to see the Cliffs of Moher. This wall of limestone rises to heights of almost 700 feet above the churning Atlantic swells. Visit the Atlantic Edge Exhibition which brings to life the story of the Cliffs of Moher, presenting geology, wildlife & human aspects of the Cliffs in an entertaining way. Drive through the Burren, an area of limestone rock covering imposing majestic mountains, and tranquil valleys with gently meandering streams. With its innate sense of spiritual peace, extraordinary array of flora and wildlife, and megalithic tombs and monuments older than Egypt's pyramids, the Burren creates a tapestry of colour and a seductively magical aura which few people leave without wanting to experience again. Then southwards to cross the wide River Shannon Estuary on a short ferry ride to Tarbert and travel through Listowel and Tralee to Killarney. This little town is world-famous due to its exquisite location beside lakes and mountains. Overnight Killarney DBB

Day 3 - Ring of Kerry

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. 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. Enjoy some free time in Killarney before dinner in your hotel. Overnight Killarney DBB

Day 4 - Killarney to Waterford

Depart Killarney and drive through the old market town of Macroom to Blarney. Stop at the Blarney Woollen Mills for quality Irish-made goods and climb the steps of Blarney Castle to kiss the fabled "Stone of Eloquence". Continue to the port town of Cobh, the last port of call on the Titanic’s fatal voyage. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration from Ireland to the United States. Learn about travel conditions for the many Irish emigrants on early sailing ships and steam vessels. Follow the coastal route via the town of Youghal to Waterford for dinner and an overnight stay. Overnight Waterford DBB

Day 5 - Waterford to Dublin

Visit Waterford Crystal Visitors Centre to see the cutting and polishing of this fine product and also the excellent display of trophies and stemware in the showrooms. Head north to Kilkenny with its intriguing medieval streets and buildings, including Kilkenny Castle, and enjoy the stunning scenery on your way to the ancient monastic settlement at Glendalough that was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century before traveling onwards to Dublin. The Glendalough Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and is renowned for its Monastic Site with Round Tower to its scenic lakes and valleys. Overnight Dublin DBB

Day 6 - Dublin

Following breakfast, we shall take a half-day guided tour of Dublin, founded by Vikings over 1,000 years ago. See elegant Georgian squares with townhouses and their famous colorful doors, pass the lush vegetation of St. Stephen's Green, cross the River Liffey to drive along the wide thoroughfare of O'Connell Street and pass the General Post Office where the 1916 Rebellion started. Visit Trinity College's Old Library to view the early illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells and learn about its creation. After lunch (not included), visit the Guinness Storehouse and learn how the 250 year old beverage is made. No visit to the Storehouse would be complete without a sampling of “The Black Stuff” in the Gravity Bar which provides stunning 360 degree views of the city. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner followed by traditional Irish music & dance. Overnight Dublin BB

Day 7 - Depart Dublin

After a final Irish breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport in time for your return flight.

BB = Bed & Irish Breakfast DBB = Dinner, Bed & Irish Breakfast

Route map

Tour attractions

2024 Vacations

Book early and save 15%

Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 31st of May 2024 to receive a 15% discount off your tour price!
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or special event packages.

Tour Prices

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 WITH CAR RENTAL PRICING

Accommodation Type

Notes

  • Please note prices are per person based on 2 persons in each room with full Irish breakfast and taxes included.
  • The Combination package includes 6 Nights in 3*** Hotels, 4 nights in Luxury Manor House Hotels & 4 Nights in our hand-picked B&B's.
  • Children Sharing with 2 adults (aged 2-11) pay 40% of the Adult option.
  • Children under the age of 2 are free when sharing with 2 Adults.
  • Your Accommodation & Car Rental Package rate includes an Economy class car eg., Opel Corsa or Fiat Punto.
  • Included with your car is all compulsory insurances - Collision Damage Waiver insurance (CDW with an excess/deductible), theft protection insurance, location fee of €30, Road fund tax, sales tax at 13.5%, unlimited free mileage, third party liability insurance, 24 hour peace of mind break down cover.

Private Chauffeur Option Available For This Tour

  • Enjoy the services of an experienced and friendly driver guide
  • Luxury vehicles so you get to travel in style and comfort
  • Take the stress out of driving on unfamiliar and sometime narrow roads
  • With our knowledgeable drivers you see more in less time
  • You get to see the scenery instead of worrying about crashing into it!
  • Contact Us for a price quotation today

Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.

Detailed Enquiry Form

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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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