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.
- Sampling warm Irish hospitality and sipping delicious creamy Guinness in a local pub, after a day spent wending your way through the vivid green Irish countryside.
- Staying in beautiful castle and manor house hotels, sleeping in sumptuous guest rooms and awakening each morning to a delicious, hearty Irish Breakfast.
- The possibility of choosing car hire, available at an additional cost - with three categories available to suit all preferences and requirements.
Customer 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.
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
Your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. Please note that you can 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.
Shake off the air 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.
- Pick up your hire car at Dublin Airport.
- Night in Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel 4* (Distance to the city centre: 8.7 miles / 36 minutes)
DAY 2 – DUBLIN CITY
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.
- Night in Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel 4*
DAY 3 - GALWAY & CLIFDEN
Depart from Dublin and travel across the rich midlands, carpeted with pastures in every shade of green.
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.
- Check-in at the wonderful Abbeyglen Castle
- Admire panoramic views of Clifden
- Night in Abbeyglen Castle (Distance to Clifden: 0.5 miles / 2 minutes)
DAY 4 – CONNEMARA
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.
- Night in Abbeyglen Castle
Days 5 - 8: Clare, Kerry & Limerick
DAY 5 – CONNEMARA & CLARE
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.
- 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
DAY 6 – THE DINGLE PENINSULA
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.
- Night in Cahemane House
DAY 7 – LIMERICK TO DUBLIN
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.
- Check-in to your accommodation, a 13th-century structure, located in the heart of the horse-breeding county of Kildare
- Night in Barberstown Castle
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
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
Maximum room capacity
During your stay enjoy accommodation in a comfortable Standard Room in the following establishments:
- Dublin: Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel
- Galway: Abbeyglen Castle
- Kerry: Cahemane House
- 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.
Your optional excursions —
Depart from Dublin: day trip to Connemara with fjord cruise included (summer only)
Departing from Dublin on a day trip by bus, you'll reach Connemara Nature Park and admire its breathtaking scenery of lakes, mountains and fjord. For even more escapism, take a cruise to Killary Fjord (April to October only) or visit a local farm (November to March). You'll then discover the beautiful valleys Valley of Inagh, Kylemore Abbey and the city of Galway.
Excursion to the Boyne Valley: Celtic vestiges and legends
With this excursion to a verdant paradise in the heart of Ireland's ancestral lands, discover the historic remains and county of Méath, once home to Ireland's high kings. Explore the archaeological complex of the lush Boyne Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dublin by Night: Irish show and Dance!
Take in a show of Irish dances that will immerse you in the folklore of the country of the shamrock! You will be immersed in the dynamic and bewitching universe of the "Brush Dance" or the "Sean Nos" performances of old Irish songs. It is a moment of life, culture and sharing that we offer you with this lively show.
Included Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Dublin
Depart Dublin by bus and discover the majestic Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's must-see sights. Enjoy an interactive presentation to learn more about the cliffs and then take a walk on this impressive rock formation. Afterwards, take a walk in the Burren region, ideal for nature watching, before visiting the historic city of Galway.
Your journey to Ireland —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking. This flight may include one or more stopovers. The stopover may be technical (without a change of aircraft) or transit (with a change of aircraft).
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
In Ireland you'll discover a treasure chest of Celtic Culture, cloaked in the most vivid shades of green.
A land of folklore, myths and mysteries - on your visit to Ireland you'll discover an absolutely unique Celtic culture where history reigns supreme. Numerous monuments and historical remains bear witness to this country's rich past.
Surprisingly unspoilt landscapes complement these architectural treasures. Vivid rolling green hills stretch as far as the eye can see, revealing typical flora and fauna.
A thriving, innovative restaurant scene, museums, music and of course the warmest of hospitality awaits you for an extraordinary getaway on The Emerald Isle.
Dublin
Take a stroll through Dublin’s elegant Georgian streets and squares, making your way to Trinity College at the heart of the city.
Visit the beautiful Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the four Christian gospels dating to the 9th century, and one of the country’s finest national treasures.
Wander up Grafton Street for the best that the city has to offer in shopping, exploring the wonderfully atmospheric side streets that are full of cosmopolitan coffee shops, restaurants and boutiques.
Enjoy lunch in one of the many fantastic restaurants. Afterwards, explore the troubled story of Ireland’s struggle for freedom and independence by visiting the atmospheric and moving Kilmainham Gaol.
If you prefer something at a gentler pace, stroll through the grounds of the nearby Royal Hospital Kilmainham, which is home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA).
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.
