A nine day self drive tour of Ireland. Explore the Burren and Kerry regions before crossing the midlands to Dublin. Arrival to Shannon Airport and departure from Dublin Airport.
Explore some highlights of Ireland including the barren Burren plateau, the breathtaking coast road of the Ring of Kerry, Killarney renowned for its beauty and famed for the splendour of its scenery, the thoroughbred County of Kildare and eclectic Capital City of Dublin.
Tour Highlights
- The Burren – nodding blue gentians and purple orchids poking out of the limestone plateau against the Atlantic backdrop.
- The towering majesty of Skellig Michael. Just wait til you see where those 5th century monks lived.
- Geokaun Hill on Valentia Island. Stunning scenery.
- The Japanese Gardens at the National Stud, unlike anything else you will have seen on your tour.
Itinerary
From Shannon, drive through the historic town of Ennis to the Burren Interpretative Centre at Kilfenora, the spa town of Lisdoonvarna and on to the coastal fishing village of Doolin. Enjoy an evening trip to see the world famous Cliffs of Moher and a traditional music session at McGann’s pub in Doolin. Overnight in Doolin.
(Drive Time: 2 Hours)
Day 2 – Explore the Burren
Explore the Burren by car and foot. This truly amazing landscape holds surprises in every nook and cranny; arctic flora, geological and Neolithic wonders and everywhere the moonscape of the limestone plateau. Or for sheer exuberance take the Aran Island cruise to the base of the towering cliffs before stopping on Inis Oirr for lunch in the island pub.
Overnight in Doolin.
Day 3 – Doolin-Waterville
From County Clare cross the Shannon River by car ferry to Kerry. Through the market town of Tralee to the Iveragh Peninsula and the famous Ring of Kerry, with breathtaking views of Dingle Bay. Visit a 5th century ring fort near Caherciveen and experience the crashing Atlantic at Ballinskellings Bay. Overnight in Waterville.
(Drive Time: 4 hours)
Day 4 – Valentia or Skellig Islands
Visit the lovely Valentia Island, site of the first Atlantic Telegraph. A back road tour through the most beautiful scenery. A good walk takes you to top of Geokaun hill on the island, just to see the Atlantic at its best. Or take a boat trip of a lifetime to the World Heritage Site of 5th century monastic remains on the remote Skellig Rock. Nearby Little Skellig is home to 20,000 pairs of breeding gannets, as well as puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and storm petrels. Quite a sight and smell!
Day 5 – Waterville to Killarney
Complete ‘The Ring’ along the spectacular southern section. Visit the market town of Kenmare before ascending to Moll’s Gap and descending to Killarney via Ladies View and Muckross House. Enjoy the view of the world renowned Lakes of Killarney from one of the 365 windows and decide for yourself which you like best! Your town centre accommodation affords ample opportunity to explore – and walking distance from a wonderful world of shopping! Overnight Killarney.
(Drive Time: 2 hours)
Day 6 – Gap of Dunloe Tour
A free day to explore Killarney by foot, by pony & jaunting cart or on your own wheels. One suggestion is a Gap of Dunloe Tour. A coach will take you to Kate Kearney’s Cottage from where the ascent to the Gap is on foot or by traditional jaunting car. Through the Gap descend to Black Valley (the last place in Ireland to be electrified in 1967) and lunch at Lord Brandon’s cottage. A boat trip across the Lakes of Killarney returns you to Ross Castle from where a coach will return you to Killarney.
Day 7 – Killarney to Dublin
Drive to Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, boasting wthin two square kilometers; Lord Dunraven’s thatched terrace of houses, three separate ruins of abbeys, a 12th century church, 15th century Adare Castle and an 18th century Manor House – all set on the lovely Maigue River. With a full heritage centre to explain it all! Visit the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens at Kildare and actually meet the daddy of your next flutter! Fascinating tour of the Stud & gardens are unique and well worth a visit. Dublin is just an hour from here and your central hotel allows plenty of opportunity to explore the city.
Day 8 – Explore Dublin
A free day to explore Dublin. See the Book of Kells at Trinity College before browsing Grafton Street to Stephen’s Green. The National Museum is fascinating and located next door to The Dail, Ireland’s parliament. The Guinness Storehouse is always popular before ending the day at one of the many restaurants or bars in Temple Bar. Don’t miss the Irish entertainment evening at your hotel.
Day 9 – Departure from Dublin Airport
Return hired car at Dublin airport and depart.
Prices & Booking
What’s Included
- 6 nights accommodation in quality B&B/Guesthouse accommodation
- 2 nights accommodation in 3*** Dublin City Centre hotel
- All breakfasts
- Maps
- Day by Day suggestion guide including route notes
- Local maps and guides
What’s not included:
- Meals other than breakfasts
- Entries and excursions
Guest Reviews
August 2019 – Rosalie & Renee, Ohio USA
We had an absolutely wonderful week in Clare and Dublin: great B & B’s, spectacular scenery, wonderful hosts. It was a trip that will make us smile for a long time! Thanks for everything.