2024 Vacations

Book early and save 15%

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.

Tour Overview

‘Excellent’

Stay in some of our finest Irish Castles and Manor Hotels on this 9 day vacation to Ireland complete with ferry trip to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands and home to the spectacular pre-Christian Dun Aonghus Fort. While this tour includes many of Ireland’s most iconic locations, because all of our travel consultants live in Ireland, they also have an intimate knowledge of Ireland’s hidden gems. All of our tours are designed in-house and as well having your own dedicated travel consultant, you will also receive a comprehensive daily sightseeing guide that is unmatched in the industry. 

Another highlight of your vacation will be the complimentary guided tour of the 15th Century Castle ruins beside Ballinalacken House by its owner. A head for heights is most definitely required for this experience as you peer out from the top of the castle ruins over the west coast of County Clare with views of the lunar like landscape of the Burren region and Aran Islands. 

Don't forget! All elements of this vacation package can be customized to suit your needs.

What's included

  • Car rental (manual) for 8 days 
    - including our special comfort pack complete with GPS, additional driver and super cover for peace of mind driving.
  • 8 nights luxury accommodation with private bath and full Irish Breakfast daily
  • Complimentary Tour of a private 15th Century Castle ruins by its owner
  • Tickets for the Smithwick’s Brewery Tour Experience in Kilkenny
  • Ferry tickets to the Aran Islands.
  • Our renowned customized sightseeing guide
  • Services of experienced Irish based travel planner
  • 24/7 support while on tour

Tour highlights

  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Dublin
  • Ring of Kerry
  • Trinity College & Book of Kells
  • Connemara National Park
  • Galway
  • Kylemore Abbey
  • Killarney National Park
  • Connemara History and Heritage Centre

Overnights for this tour

  • Tinakilly House or Brooklodge at Macreddin, Wicklow (1 night)
  • Bailey's Hotel, Cashel, Tipperary (1 night)
  • Ballyseede Castle, Kerry (2 nights)
  • Ballinalacken House, West Clare (2 nights)
  • Bellingham or Cabra Castle, North of Dublin (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 - Dublin Arrival

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

Day 2 - Wicklow Mountains

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

Day 3 - Dublin to Galway

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

Day 4 - Cliffs of Moher and Killarney

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

Day 5 - 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 (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

Day 6 - Homeward Bound

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

Route map

Tour attractions

2024 Vacations

Book early and save 15%

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.

Tour Prices

Don't Forget!

  • All elements of this vacation package can be customized to suit your needs 
  • Chauffeured option also available - Just Ask 
  • Please note we charge in Euros. Prices in other currencies are for indication only and subject to fluctuation

 

Notes


 Notes

  • Single supplement available on request.
  • Please note prices are per person based on 2 persons in each room with full Irish breakfast and taxes included.
  • Children Sharing with 2 adults (aged 2-11) pay 50% of the Adult option.
  • Children under the age of 2 are free when sharing with 2 Adults.
  • Listed hotels subject to availability at time of booking

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.

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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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