Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 15th of June 2024 to receive a FREE UPGRADE from Economy to Compact AND 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 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.
Arrive at Dublin or Dun Laoghaire Port and make your way to your hotel located on the outskirts of Dublin. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner where details of the tour will be discussed. Overnight Dublin area DBB Distance approx. 30 km/19 miles; Driving time approx. 35 minutes
This morning drive through the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow, and head for the 6th century monastic site founded by St. Kevin, after visiting and enjoying the scenery, continue to Avoca, famous for handweaving and the TV program Ballykissangel. After lunch return to your hotel via the east coast route. Overnight Dublin area DBB Distance approx. 110 km/68 miles; Driving Time approx. 2 hours
Check out of your hotel after breakfast and start your journey across country. Stop at the Kilbeggan Experience, established in 1757 the oldest distillery in the world, and see how this iconic Irish whiskey is manufactured before continuing to the Hodson Bay Hotel for lunch. After lunch continue through the countryside to the vibrant city of Galway. After checking into your hotel the remainder of the day will be free for independent shopping, sightseeing and dining. Overnight Galway BB Distance approx. 250 km/155 miles; Driving time approx. 2 hours 45 minutes
Check out of your hotel and travel through the lime stone landscape of the Burren to The Cliffs of Moher. Next, it’s on to one of the most complete castles in Ireland, Bunratty Castle. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings. After lunch, leave Bunratty and travel the short distance to Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages. Walk along the main street which is lined with thatched roofed cottages or visit the old priory and monastery before departing to Ireland’s most popular town, Killarney. Overnight Killarney DBB Distance approx. 275 km/170 miles; Driving time approx. 4 hours
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 (one of Charlie Chaplin’s favourite places), pass through the colourful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Continue back to Killarney and park in Muckross Park where you can visit the splendid Muckross House & Gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. Enjoy some free time in Killarney before returning to your hotel. Overnight Killarney BB Distance approx. 170 km/105 miles; Driving time approx. 3 hours
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Following breakfast depart the hotel and travel the Dingle Peninsula. Perhaps not as well-known as the Iveragh Peninsula where the Ring of Kerry is located, the Dingle Peninsula is less busy but every bit as beautiful. The town of Dingle is a small fishing port where you will find plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants to have lunch. Then to the west of the town the scenery is particularly rugged with views out to the formerly inhabited Blasket Islands. Visit the Blasket Center which celebrates the story of the Blasket Islanders, the unique literary achievements of the island writers and their native language, culture and tradition. Sadly An Blascaod Mór was abandoned in 1953 as a result of the decline of its once vibrant population. Return to Killarney where the remainder of the day will be at leisure. Overnight Killarney BB Distance approx. 180 km/112 miles; Driving time approx. 3 hours 30 minutes
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 (one of Charlie Chaplin’s favourite places), pass through the colourful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Continue back to Killarney and park in Muckross Park where you can visit the splendid Muckross House & Gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. Enjoy some free time in Killarney before returning to your hotel. Overnight Killarney BB Distance approx. 170 km/105 miles; Driving time approx. 3 hours
OR
Following breakfast depart the hotel and travel the Dingle Peninsula. Perhaps not as well-known as the Iveragh Peninsula where the Ring of Kerry is located, the Dingle Peninsula is less busy but every bit as beautiful. The town of Dingle is a small fishing port where you will find plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants to have lunch. Then to the west of the town the scenery is particularly rugged with views out to the formerly inhabited Blasket Islands. Visit the Blasket Center which celebrates the story of the Blasket Islanders, the unique literary achievements of the island writers and their native language, culture and tradition. Sadly An Blascaod Mór was abandoned in 1953 as a result of the decline of its once vibrant population. Return to Killarney where the remainder of the day will be at leisure. Overnight Killarney BB Distance approx. 180 km/112 miles; Driving time approx. 3 hours 30 minutes
Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 15th of June 2024 to receive a FREE UPGRADE from Economy to Compact AND 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.
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Notes
Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.
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