The Best of Ireland Tour - 7 Nights

Collect your rental car — the open road calls! 

The first day of your adventure begins in Kildare, otherwise known as the Lilywhite county, and ends in Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval capital. 

• National Stud Museum: Explore Ireland’s horse racing roots by diving into the country’s leading equestrian museum. 
• Japanese Gardens: Wander through majestic gardens designed between 1906 and 1910. 
• County Kilkenny: Visit Kilkenny Castle built in the 12th century, Saint Canice’s Gothic Cathedral and wander the cobbled lanes to soak up the atmosphere of a city dating back 1,500 years.

Start day two of your journey by stepping into ancient history in County Tipperary. 

• Rock of Cashel: Stand where Irish kings once ruled and take in the breathtaking, untouched plains where St. Patrick converted the local king. 
• Cahir Castle: Step inside this massive 12th-century fortress, once home to the powerful Butler family.
• Blarney Castle: Kiss the world-famous Blarney Stone to unlock the legendary gift of eloquence before exploring the surrounding lush gardens. 
• Killarney: Embrace the magic of 15th-century architecture, hike through the Gap of Dunloe or explore the inspired Killarney National Park.

Day three presents you with a number of incredible Irish gems, each one as unmissable, breathtaking and rich in history as the next. 

• Ring of Kerry: Explore the stunning Iveragh Peninsula, where rugged coastlines, soaring mountains, and charming villages await. Prefer to relax? Opt for a guided tour bus.
• Muckross House: After your drive get whisked into Victorian landscape at this mansion completed in 1843, set against the beautiful Muckross Lake and Torc Mountains. 
• Alternative Adventure: Swap the Ring of Kerry for a magical journey through Black Valley—ride by pony and trap through the Gap of Dunloe, then return by boat across the lakes of Killarney.

Day four takes you on a stunning journey through Ireland’s western coastline:

• Adare Village: Stroll through Ireland’s prettiest village, with postcard-perfect thatched cottages and authentic Irish food and drink.
• Bunratty Castle and Folk Park: Step back in time at this 15th-century castle, surrounded by a vibrant living museum.
• Cliffs of Moher: Marvel at Ireland’s most iconic cliffs, towering over the wild Atlantic ocean.
• Doolin: Experience the magic of live Irish folk music in this lively, music-filled village.
• The Burren and Poulnabrone: Explore a mystical limestone landscape and an ancient tomb.

On day five, travel through the untamed beauty of Connemara, right along the most western seaboard of Europe. 

• Kylemore Abbey and Lough Inagh Valley: Explore a stunning lakeside abbey and a serene mountain valley.
• Sky Road, Clifden: Drive one of Ireland’s most scenic routes, with breathtaking Atlantic views.
• Roundstone: Watch local artisans craft the Bodhrán, a traditional Irish drum.
• Aran Islands: Take a ferry back in time to celtic Ireland and enjoy a pony and trap ride or a guided tour from the pier to Dun Aengus, one of the finest prehistoric stone forts in Western Europe. 

Now leave behind the coastal wonders and head into the bustling streets of Ireland's capital city, Dublin. 

• Clonmacnoise: Explore this 6th-century monastic site with cathedral ruins, round towers, and high crosses along the River Shannon.
• Newgrange (optional detour): Step inside one of the world’s greatest wonders, the megalithic tombs of Newgrange. These passage tombs are the island’s most visited ancient treasure, standing over 5,000 years old, surpassing the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge.
• Dublin City: Discover the compact capital with ease—Walk the hallowed campus of Trinity College, visit the Book of Kells, and explore Kilmainham Gaol and the Guinness Storehouse— all available by foot or with a Hop-On-Hop-Off tour.

Spend your last full day of the tour exploring Dublin’s rich past and vibrant present, from medieval cathedrals to cosy pubs filled with live Irish music. 

• Christ Church Cathedral: Explore this striking 11th-century cathedral, a cornerstone of Dublin’s history.
• Literary Landmarks: Visit the James Joyce Centre and Dublin Writers Museum to dive into the city’s literary legacy.
• Temple Bar: Wander the cobbled streets, buzzing with pubs, galleries, and live music.

You’re homeward-bound! 

Check out of your hotel and take one last stroll through the lively, ancient streets of Dublin before bidding them farewell — so you can start planning your next Irish adventure.