Jan
min : 1°C
max : 8°C
We Love —
- Setting off on a road trip in the Emerald Isle, a country full to the brim with music, folklore, art, mythical must-see places and inimitable landscapes.
- Enjoying warm Irish hospitality and a creamy Guinness in a cosy pub after a day exploring the lush green countryside.
- Staying in beautiful castle and manor house hotels, sleeping in sumptuous guest rooms and awakening each morning to a delicious, hearty Irish Breakfast.
Customer reviews —
8.4/10
21 reviews
Your itinerary in brief —
What better way to enjoy discovering The Emerald Isle, than a road trip. Enjoy an easy pace during this 7-night trip, yet take in many of the mythical must-see places this beguiling country holds in store. Begin your wonderful journey in the land of writers and painters including Joyce, Le Brocquy and Yeats.
Set down in Ireland's capital city, Dublin, before heading west. Discover Galway city and the wide open spaces of Connemara. Absorb the Bohemian spirit in Clifden town, before heading south and taking in the stunning landscapes of County Clare, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher and the city of Limerick en route back to Dublin. Enjoy music, chat and dine on delicious Irish fayre along the way in this ever-so-hospitable country.
Want to make the most of your trip? Opt for the 8-night tour and spend an extra night in Kildare before heading home.
Your itinerary:
- Day 1: Dublin Arrival
- Day 2: Dublin City
- Day 3: Galway & Clifden
- Day 4: Connemara
- Day 5: Connemara & Clare
- Day 6: The Dingle Peninsula
- Day 7: Limerick To Dublin
- Day 8: Departure
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: Dublin, Galway, Clifden & Connemara
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL in DUBLIN
After checking into your hotel, spend the rest of the day exploring. Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is an 18th-century castle, turned 4* luxury hotel situated a short stroll from the quaint, historic village of Dalkey and the coastal town of Dun Laoghaire.
- Pick up your optional hire car at Dublin Airport
- Night in Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel 4* (Distance to the city centre: 8.7 miles / 36 minutes)
Suggested visits:
- Shake off the travel fatigue by taking a walk on Killiney Beach or book a tee time at one of the many golf courses close by, such as Woodbrook in Bray, County Wicklow.
DAY 2 – DUBLIN CITY
- Night in Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel 4*
Suggested visits:
- Set off early in the morning to explore this vibrant and historic capital city. Discover Dublin's many historic buildings, museums, galleries, elegant Georgian streets and colourful city gardens and parks.
- Why not visit Dublinia at Christchurch, which brings the turbulent History of medieval Dublin vividly to life. Also not to be missed is Trinity College, founded by Elizabeth I in the 16th Century and now home to the famous illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells.
- As the evening starts to set in, stop by the Guinness Storehouse for a tasting of the inimitable, world-famous creamy ‘black stuff', before returning to your hotel.
DAY 3 - GALWAY & CLIFDEN
Depart from Dublin and travel across the rich midlands, carpeted with pastures in every shade of green.
- Check-in at the wonderful Abbeyglen Castle
- Admire panoramic views of Clifden
- Night in Abbeyglen Castle (Distance to Clifden: 0.5 miles / 2 minutes)
Suggested visits:
- Visit Belvedere House, Gardens and Park - the magnificent early 18th-century stately home of Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere - and just a short drive from Mullingar.
- Arrive into Galway, a small, beguiling city nestled in a bay overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Having traded with Spain down through the centuries, a myriad of Spanish influences can be spotted in the city, not to mention works of local artists and sculptors.
- Continue onwards to the Connemara region, famous for its savage beauty. Drink in its lake and mountain scenery as you wend your way on country roads to Clifden town.
DAY 4 – CONNEMARA
- Night in Abbeyglen Castle
Suggested visits:
- Visit Connemara National Park, where Connemara ponies and Irish red deer roam freely through 5,000 acres of scenic mountains, bogs and luscious grassland.
- Be sure to take in the magnificent Kylemore Abbey on your travels. This beautiful Gothic structure built of granite in the 1800's sits on the shores of a bucolic lake, set against a stunning mountain backdrop.
- Take a scenic drive through Leenane where you have an option to board the Sea Cruise through Killary Fjord.
Read more
Days 5 - 8: Clare, Kerry & Limerick
DAY 5 – CONNEMARA & CLARE
- Stop in the heritage town of Kilrush, before boarding a ferry to Tarbert (ferry not included) in north County Kerry.
- Night in Cahemane House, Co. Kerry
Suggested visits:
- Leave Clifden and travel south into Clare, known as the 'land of castles'.
- Travel through the strange lunar landscape of the windswept coastal Burren region or opt to visit the Cliffs of Moher - a spectacular 5-mile-long cliff, which rises almost 200 metres above sea level.
DAY 6 – THE DINGLE PENINSULA
- Night in Cahemane House
Suggested visits:
- Drive around the Dingle Peninsula before arriving in Dunquin, on the westernmost tip of the peninsula. Visit the Blasket Islands Heritage Centre - where you can discover the fascinating lives of the people who once carved out an existence on these beautiful, austere islands.
- Weather permitting, embark on a 2 to 3-hour boat trip around the nine main Basket Islands.
DAY 7 – LIMERICK TO DUBLIN
- Check-in to your accommodation, a 13th-century structure, located in the heart of the horse-breeding county of Kildare
- Night in Barberstown Castle
Suggested visits:
- Drive to the medieval city of Limerick and explore its history and architecture. If you're thinking of purchasing some gifts to take home - Limerick is a fine place to source superior craftwork.
- If time permits, visit the Hunt Museum, an exhibition of one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and antiquities.
- Leave Limerick and visit the imposing, history-steeped Rock of Cashel which rises dramatically from the flat countryside all around. Continue through the rich pastures of Ireland’s midlands before arriving in Kildare.
DAY 8 – DUBLIN DEPARTURE
- Travel to Dublin Airport for your return flight home
- Distance from Barberstown Castle to Dublin Airport: 21.9 miles / 26 minutes
Read more
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 without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
During your stay enjoy accommodation in a comfortable Standard Room in the following establishments:
- Dublin: Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel
- Galway: Abbeyglen Castle
- Kerry: Parknasilla Resort
- Kildare: Barberstown Castle
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Single rooms are available at an extra cost. Maximum room capacity is 2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child.
Your dining choices
Enjoy a bed and breakfast stay in each of your country manor and castle hotels, including the quintessential way to start the day on any visit to this verdant country - a delicious home-cooked, Irish breakfast.
Optional extras & excursions —
Mobile data
Stay connected on your travels with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your complimentary eSIM and stay connected wherever you go. Share your hotspot, keep in touch with home, and explore without worrying about roaming charges. Check that your phone is eSIM compatible here.
Hardback photo album - 21x27 cm (24 pages)
Create a beautiful hardback photo album, personalised and printed on premium paper, to bring your holiday memories to life.
Pack of 50 classic photo prints - 10x15 cm
Preserve your favourite memories with this pack of 50 classic photo prints, easy to print in just a few clicks to display, share and relive every moment.
Canal Boat & Cruise
Enjoy a wonderful cruise through the ages on our replica Guinness Canal Barge. Recreate the history of the world's most famous Stout and its association with Dublin and the Grand Canal. The cruise takes visitors through 225 years of locks and under ancient stone bridges.
Details:
Takes place: Day 1 (depending on arrival time) or Day 2
Includes: 3-course meal (choice of 3 starters, 4 main courses and 3 desserts)
Meeting point: departures at 8pm from Wednesday to Saturday in June, July and August / departures at 8pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in May and September / departures at 8pm on Friday and Saturday in April and October.
Read more
Jameson Distillery Bow Street
Founded by John Jameson in 1780, the Jameson distillery stands as a true monument to Irish whisky. Step inside the historic Smithfield and discover why Jameson Dow St Dublin is one of the best distillery tours in the world. Enjoy the signature Bow St Experience tour, where a Jameson ambassador will escort you back in time and offer a tasting session. You'll learn everything there is to know about the ingredients, the distillation process, the passion and craftsmanship behind every bottle - enough to raise a toast to the world's most popular whisky. A must-see on any trip to Dublin!
Details:
Takes place: Day 1 (depending on arrival time) or Day 2
Includes: 45 minutes, comparative tasting of three whiskeys + Jameson Signature drink in the bar.
Meeting point: Guests can join the first available tour on the day, no need to book in advance.
Opening days: March - Oct opening times : Mon-Sat 10.30am Sunday 11am and last visit Sunday-Thurs 6pm and Friday/Sat 7pm.
Read more
Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
Kylemore Abbey, located on the Kylemore Pass in Connemara, was built by Mitchell Henry in 1868 after his honeymoon there. The Gothic Revival house features a miniature cathedral, the Gothic Church, built in 1870 and used for choir performances. Visitors can enjoy a visitor centre, exhibitions, a video on the Abbey's history, and the Victorian walled garden, completed in 1870. Access to the garden is via an official bus from the Abbey.
Details:
Takes place: Day 4 according to itinerary or day 5
Read more
Cliffs of Moher
Located in the Burren region, the Cliffs of Moher rise 230 metres and stretch 8 km along the Atlantic coast. They offer stunning views, including the Aran Islands and Connemara on clear days. The highest point is near O'Brien Tower, built by Cornelius O'Brien to impress visitors. Conde Nast Traveler recently named the cliffs the best “cliff top view” in the world.
Details:
Takes place: Day 6, according to itinerary.
Read more
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.
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.
Dublin
Welcome to Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, known for its rich history, friendly locals, and lively culture. The city blends its storied past with a contemporary spirit, making it a must-visit destination. From iconic landmarks to riverside views, Dublin showcases its literary heritage through figures like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde.
Don’t miss:
- Trinity College: Home to the historic Book of Kells, a stunning illuminated manuscript.
- Dublin Castle: A symbol of the city’s rich historical significance.
- A stroll along the River Liffey for scenic views, and the vibrant Temple Bar area, known for nightlife, art galleries, and markets.
- The Guinness Storehouse: Learn about Ireland’s famous stout, with panoramic views from the Gravity Bar.
Culinary culture:
Dublin’s culinary scene blends traditional Irish fare with international influences. Enjoy hearty dishes like Irish stew and soda bread in cosy pubs, alongside modern interpretations of local ingredients. Coastal areas are known for fresh seafood like oysters and mussels, while gastropubs offer quality dining in relaxed settings.
Dive deeper:
For a richer cultural experience, visit the Little Museum of Dublin, featuring engaging exhibits on the city’s history. Unwind with a peaceful stroll through St. Stephen’s Green, a serene park perfect for relaxation. Independent cafés scattered throughout the city provide a cosy retreat for coffee and conversation.
Good to know:
Dublin uses the Euro (€) and boasts an extensive public transport system, including buses and trains. While renting a car is common for exploring beyond the city, remember that driving is on the left side of the road.
Galway
In the heart of western Ireland, Galway is the halfway point and the only city along the entire 2500 km route known as the Wild Atlantic Way.
Arty and bohemian, the city is best loved for its offbeat cafe-bar culture, where the sound of live music follows around every street corner. Remnants of the medieval town walls lie between trendy boutiques, and a long promenade gives way to sandy beaches.
Kerry
Discover the Ring of Kerry. This is one of the most stunning spots to visit in Ireland. It runs from Killarney around the Iveragh Peninsula in the south-west of the country. From the mountains to the Irish coast to the Kerry Cliffs, this famous route invites you to wend your way through a variety of landscapes on beautiful country roads. This unique location is a must for your trip to Ireland.
