Jan
min : 1°C
max : 8°C
We Love —
- Lose yourself in some of Ireland's most inspiring countryside and vibrant cities on this self drive tour
- Choose from a 7 or 10 night itinerary, taking in the sights of Cork, Kerry and Limerick and more.
- Stop off at local bed and breakfasts along the tour - each offer a unique and welcoming stay.
Your Destination —
Beginning in cosmopolitan Dublin, you will have the chance to visit some of the Emeraldd Isle's most famous sights - kiss the Blarney stone, visit a whiskey distillery and marvel at the beautiful Killarney Lakes.
You are free to choose your own route on this self-drive tour, but we have put together some suggested itineraries below.
Your Itinerary —
Day 1 – Arrive in Dublin & Wicklow
Arrive at Dublin Airport and drive to the Wicklow area. According to arrival time , you can begin the tour of the region. Maybe take the time to go through Glendalough, a monastic site dating back from the sixth century, or even to visit the magnificent Powerscourt Gardens . Overnight in the region of Wicklow.
Day 2 –Dublin’s Fair City
Travel to Dublin city where you can trace the history of this colourful city from early Viking origins, through the mediaeval magnificence of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. You could also visit Dublinia, Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Irish Whisky Distillery or maybe Trinity College where you will find the Book of Kells. Overnight: Wicklow area
Day 3 –Medieval Kilkenny
Travel to Kilkenny today. En-route you can visit the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens in Kildare before you continue on to the medieval city of Kilkenny. Perhaps you could enjoy a walking tour of the city, which commences at Shee Alms House, now the tourist
office, but formerly offering shelter for the poor of Kilkenny during the Middle Ages and continue through the narrow streets and slip ways where you can see many of the historic sites Kilkenny is famous for.
You can also visit Kilkenny Castle which stands on a majestic site beside the River Nore. This magnificent castle, dating from 1172, lies in a beautiful 50-acre park. The Gobelin tapestries and Great Hall have been restored to reveal their former splendour.
Overnight: Kilkenny area
Day 4 – Cork & Kerry
This morning depart Kilkenny and travel south towards Cork, Ireland’s second largest city. En-route, why not visit the Old Midleton Distillery and learn how Irish whisky is made or kiss the world famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle and acquire the “gift of eloquence”? Continue on into the spectacular west Cork region where many fishing towns and villages dot the southwest coastline. Overnight: West Cork / Kerry area
Day 5 –Ring of Kerry
Today tour one of Ireland’s loveliest districts, the Ring of Kerry. Poets, painters, writers and musicians have all tried to convey the beauty of this area. Mountains, valleys and lakes blend into a palette of scenic splendour.
A delightful day includes a drive along the broad, dramatic coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula and through the charming villages and towns of Killorglin, Cahersiveen, Waterville and Irish speaking Sneem. Why not visit Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland’s leading stately homes.The gardens at Muckross House are renowned world-wide for their beauty; in particular they are noted for their fine collections of azaleas and rhododendrons.
Overnight: West Cork / Kerry area
Day 6 –Limerick & Tipperary
Today travel towards the Limerick/Tipperary area; perhaps visiting Tralee and the Dingle Peninsula en-route. In Tralee why not visit the Kerry Museum, which traces the history of Kerry from 5,000BC to the present day. Continue on to Limerick and the Shannon Region.
In Limerick why not visit King John’s Castle or the Hunt Museum or continue to the nearby village of Bunratty and visit Bunratty Castle & Folk Park where you can see Irish village life circa the 1900’s recreated in the Folk Park.
Overnight: Limerick / Tipperary area
Day 7 – Kildare & Meath
This day is dedicated to returning to Dublin . On the way why not visit Birr Castle , or you can visit the gardens and admire the largest telescope in the world! Overnight in the region of Kildare / Meath
Day 8 – Depart Dublin
Take the road to Dublin Airport . Formalities and departure.
Days 1 - 6: As above
Day 7 – Galway
On the way to Galway you will cross the Burren region, which is often likened to a moonscape because of the lack of vegetation. Soon after that you will arrive at the Cliffs of Moher –majestic cliffs which rise 215 metres out of the Atlantic and stretch for more than 7 kilometres. From this vantage point you can see the Aran Islands and the mountains of Connemara.If you are looking for entertainment near Galway City, Trad on the Prom show runs three times weekly during the summer months, one of Ireland's best known music, song and dance experiences celebrating the passion of Ireland's past with a contemporary production. Overnight:Galway/Connemara.
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Your Accommodation —
This offer includes accommodation in 3/4* B&Bs for 7 or 10 nights.
2 Adults
Wicklow: Coolakay House
Kilkenny: Springview House (4*)
West Cork/Kerry: Druid Cottage
Limerick/Clare: Bunratty Heaven B&B (4*)
Galway/Connemara: Woodlands Galway (4*) 10 night stays only
Kildare/Meath: Moate Lodge (4*)
Your Journey —
Flights: The flights included are with either a scheduled or no frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers: Transfers are not included.
Car Hire: Car hire is included for 8 or 11 days. Pick up and drop off at Dublin Airport.
Includes:
Category C for 8 or 11 days
Pick up and drop off from Dublin airport
25 years and over
Third party insurance
CDW and theft insurance for 8 or 11 days car rental
For further details regarding local fees and the car hire terms and conditions, please click here.
Please note you cannot be guaranteed a specific make of car within a certain group.
The minimum age for driving a hire car in Ireland is 25 and drivers must have held a full driving licence for a least 1 year.
The lead name on the booking will be confirmed as the named driver. The named driver must present a credit card in their name when collecting the car (credit cards in other names will not be accepted).
The named driver must also present a full valid driving licence on collection of the vehicle and in some cases a credit card or cash deposit will be required.
Please ensure that you check your car hire documents carefully once received as this will advise if there are any taxes/charges to be paid locally as well as potential mileage restrictions.
