Jan
min : 1°C
max : 8°C
We Love —
- Exploring Ireland at your own pace on this self-drive journey, with the freedom to take spontaneous detours, linger at scenic spots, and discover hidden gems tucked away in charming corners.
- Immersing yourself in Ireland’s richly storied past by visiting iconic landmarks such as Kilkenny Castle, the ancient Newgrange passage tomb in the Boyne Valley, and the natural wonder of the Giant’s Causeway.
- Admiring the breathtaking landscapes, from the vivid green beauty of Killarney National Park and the sweeping Ring of Kerry to the unspoiled, wind-swept wilderness of Connemara and the majestic Slieve League cliffs.
Customer reviews —
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Your itinerary in brief —
Embark on an unforgettable self-drive adventure through the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Ireland with this 12-night itinerary.
Begin your journey in the bustling city of Dublin, where you can delve into history at Trinity College or savour the iconic Guinness Storehouse experience. As you make your way to Cork, discover the medieval charm of Kilkenny, with its historic castle and cathedrals. Explore the vibrant English Market in Kilkenny and the haunting Titanic Experience in Cobh. The Ring of Kerry awaits, offering breathtaking coastal views.
Traverse the Dingle Peninsula, discovering its diverse landscapes and traditions before heading to the cultural hub of Galway, with a pit stop at the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. The wild west of Connemara beckons with its rugged beauty, highlighted by Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park. Your journey continues through Sligo, Donegal, and Derry, where you'll explore megalithic sites, sea cliffs, and the vibrant city centre of Derry.
Finally, visit the legendary Giant's Causeway before returning to Dublin via the historic Boyne Valley. This self-drive tour promises a captivating blend of natural beauty, history and culture, leaving you with cherished memories of the island nation that's affectionately known as the Emerald Isle.
Your itinerary:
- Day 1: Dublin city
- Day 2: Cork
- Day 3: Killarney
- Day 4: Ring of Kerry
- Day 5: Dingle Peninsula & Limerick
- Day 6: Galway
- Day 7: Connemara
- Day 8: Sligo
- Day 9: Donegal
- Day 10: Derry
- Day 11: Belfast
- Day 12: Dublin
- Day 13: Departure
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Please note that your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. You may park your car inside or outside the hotels (subject to availability). Additional charges may apply on-site.
Your itinerary in detail —
Days 1-4
DAY 1: DUBLIN CITY
- After arriving at Dublin Airport (DUB), transfer into the city and check into your hotel.
- Depending on your arrival time, set off without delay, to start exploring this historic capital city.
- Visit Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells, or maybe get to experience the Guinness Storehouse.
Overnight stay in The Plaza Hotel (or similar).
Breakfast included.
DAY 2: CORK
- On your way to Cork, be sure to make a very valid pit-stop in Kilkenny, which is steeped in interesting history.
- Take a tour of Kilkenny Castle (optional, extra charge), St. Canice's Cathedral and round tower, Rothe House, Shee Alms House, Black Abbey and St. Mary's Cathedral.
Overnight stay in a local B&B.
Breakfast included.
DAY 3: CORK - KILLARNEY
- Don't miss visiting Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney Stone, the historic English Market, whichis full of gourmet temptation. Discover the Shandon Bell Tower with its panoramic views, the picturesque Cobh Harbour and the serene Fitzgerald Park and Cork Public Museum.
- The Titanic Experience in Cobh i swell worth a visit. The location marks the departure point for the last 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic on its fateful maiden voyage to America.
- Continue onwards to what locals affectionately call The ‘Kingdom’ of County Kerry.
Overnight stay in The River Island Hotel (or similar).
Breakfast included.
DAY 4: THE RING OF KERRY
- Today depart for the town of Killarney and visit Killarney National Park and onward to the Ring of Kerry.
- The Ring of Kerry brings you along the Atlantic Coast and is one of the highlights of a trip to Ireland.
- The Ring of Kerry is a scenic driving route overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in southwestern Ireland.
- THis part of the island is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including rugged coastlines, lush valleys, charming villages, and stunning views of the ocean and Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range.
Overnight stay in The River Island Hotel (or similar).
Breakfast included.
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Days 5-8
DAY 5: THE DINGLE PENINSULA & LIMERICK
- This morning enjoy another breathtakingly beautiful scenic route. The Dingle Peninsula is very special, with its rugged landscapes and cute, colourful villages.
- Among other things: sandy beaches safe for swimming, walking routes for all abilities, a thriving Irish language community, a rich musical tradition, fine dining, sea angling, arts and film festivals, talented craftspersons and some of the best surfing in Ireland.
Overnight stay in a local B&B.
Breakfast included.
DAY 6: GALWAY
- On the way to Galway, you will cross The Burren region, famous for its wonderful otherworldly terrain of exposed rock, tenacious wind-swept flora and ancient Irish archaeology, including stone monuments, called dolmens.
- Visit nearby Cliffs of Moher – majestic cliffs which rise 215 metres out of the Atlantic and stretch for more than 5 miles.
- Continue onwards to Galway City.
- The centre of the city is conveniently compact enough to ramble around comfortably on foot.
- Enjoy its thriving music and pub scene, as well as its restaurants aplenty, some situated by the intriguingly-named Spanish Arch.
Overnight stay in a local B&B.
Breakfast included.
DAY 7: CONNEMARA
- Discover Connemar, whose inhabitants still speak Irish, the national language. Also known as Gaelige, it is still actively spoken and preserved. The language is an integral part of Ireland's identity, with many place names, signs, and traditional songs reflecting its enduring influence.
- This strikingly wild and rugged, yet serene region of Connemara is without doubt the wildest and most romantic part of Ireland.
- It's renowned for its breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, expansive bogs, crystal-clear lakes, and dramatic coastline. enriched with Gaelic culture, traditional villages, and ancient stone ruins.
- Bewitchingly hidden between mountains and lakes and surrounded by rhododendrons, lies the gothic-style Kylemore Abbey.
- Afterwards, visit Connemara National Park. This impressive park is situated at the foot of Diamond Mountain, which is 727 metres high.
Overnight stay in Shearwater Hotel (or similar).
Breakfast included.
DAY 8: SLIGO
- Sligo town is famously associated with the poet W.B. Yeats, who drew inspiration from the surrounding countryside, with his grave located at the nearby Drumcliff Churchyard.
- This town is also home to a variety of art galleries, showcasing both local and international talent, and providing a glimpse into the rich cultural fabric of the surrounding region, making it an ideal destination for art lovers.
- It's also a gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, offering scenic drives and outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and surfing along its pristine beaches.
- On your way through Sligo, you can visit the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery which has over 60 stone circles and passage tombs making it one of the largest Stone Age cemeteries in Europe.
- After your visit continue north, towards Donegal town.
Overnight stay in a local B&B.
Breakfast included.
Days 9-13
DAY 9: DONEGAL
- Donegal, located in the northwestern corner of Ireland, is renowned for its rugged coastline, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
- The region is home to stunning natural landmarks such as the istoric Donegal Castle and the Slieve League Cliffs, Europe's highest sea cliffs.
- You can also visit the beautiful Glenveagh National Park (optional, incurs an extra charge). The Visitor Centre houses exhibitions and an audio-visual show in the area.
Overnight stay in a local B&B.
Breakfast included.
DAY 10: DERRY
- After a tasty full Irish breakfast, travel towards Derry.
- Nestled along the banks of the River Foyle, it's Famous for its well-preserved medieval walls, the city offers visitors a chance to explore its fascinating past, including landmarks like the Guildhall and the Bogside murals.
- Derry enjoys the advantages of the new peaceful atmosphere in Northern Ireland politics and its city centre is lively and pleasant.
- Take a walk in the colourful and well-maintained historical city, which boasts good shopping, pubs and cafes.
Overnight stay in The Waterfoot Hotel (or similar).
Breakfast included.
DAY 11: BELFAST
- En route to Belfast, visit the Giant’s Causeway.
- Also, you can visit the Old Bushmills Distillery. and enjoy a sampling of some of its fines whiskeys.
- A guided visit commences with an excellent short film on the history and distillation of Irish whiskey, followed by a 20-minute tour of the distillery. The visit finishes in the distillery pub with a tasting.
- Belfast, the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland, is a city renowned for its maritime history and cultural revival. Visitors can explore iconic sites such as the Titanic Quarter, where the legendary ship was built, as well as the buzzing Cathedral Quarter, brimming with art galleries, pubs, and theatres.
Overnight stay in Adair Arms Hotel, Antrim (or similar).
Breakfast included.
DAY 12: DUBLIN
- Depart for Dublin, visiting The Boyne Valley en route, the most historical region of the whole island with the most important Irish monuments such as Newgrange, Knowth or Loughcrew Cairns.
Overnight stay in The Plaza Hotel (or similar).
Breakfast included.
DAY 13: DEPARTURE
- Transfer to Dublin Airport (DUB) in time to board your flight, homeward-bound.
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Important information about your tour and visits The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
During your trip, you will stay in the following carefully selected hotels (or equivalent accommodation), which will provide you with a comfortable night's sleep.
- Dublin: The Plaza Hotel (or similar)
- Cork: Local B&B
- Kerry: The River Island Hotel (or similar)
- Clare: Local B&B
- Limerick: Local B&B
- Galway: Shearwater Hotel (or similar)
- Sligo: Local B&B
- Donegal: Local B&B
- Derry: The Waterfoot Hotel (or similar)
- Antrim: Adair Arms Hotel (or similar)
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
The maximum room capacity is two adults or one adult and one child. Single rooms are available at extra cost.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Your optional extras & excursions —
eSIM with 1GB - 5GB internet
Enjoy easy access to the internet with a handy 1GB - 5GB eSIM, bookable at the next stage of the booking process. Install your eSIM before departure in just a few taps.
Note: please check that your phone is eSIM-compatible before departure.
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Your journey to Ireland —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Transfers:
Return transfers between the airport and the hotel are not included in this package.
Car hire:
This package includes car hire, granting you autonomy to explore new horizons at your own pace! Embrace spontaneity as you journey through diverse landscapes, whether it's a scenic coastal drive, an adventure through rugged mountains, or a leisurely tour of charming towns. Renting a car empowers you to tailor your road trip experience to your preferences, turning each twist and turn of the road into a thrilling adventure. Important information if you are planning to book your own flights: In order to organise the pick-up of your vehicle at the airport, please inform us of your flight times within 48 hours of your booking by filling in the dedicated form in your member account. Without this information, you will not be able to collect your vehicle.
Your destinations —
Ireland
Welcome to Ireland, the Emerald Isle, known for its lush green landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. From the dramatic Cliffs of Moher to the vibrant streets of Dublin, Ireland offers stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences.
Don’t miss:
- Exploring the rugged Connemara region on the west coast, with breathtaking Atlantic views.
- Driving through the eerie Burren and along the Ring of Kerry for scenic coastal landscapes and historic villages.
- In Dublin, visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a medieval manuscript.
- Head north to the Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder with striking hexagonal rock formations.
- Experience Irish pub culture with a pint at The Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub.
Culinary culture:
Ireland’s food scene blends traditional dishes like Irish stew and seafood chowder with modern influences. Along the coast, enjoy fresh seafood such as mussels and salmon, while inland, high-quality lamb and beef are staples. Dublin leads with innovative cuisine, mixing global flavours with local ingredients
Dive deeper:
For a deeper cultural experience, visit towns like Galway and Cork, where traditional music comes alive in cosy pubs. Explore lesser-known historical sites like ancient ring forts and monastic ruins scattered across the countryside
Good to know:
The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (€), while Northern Ireland uses the British Pound (£). Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash is useful. Transport is easy with rental cars and public buses, perfect for exploring scenic routes.
