Day 1 – Welcome to Ireland

On arrival, you’ll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel in beautiful County Clare. The balance of the day is at leisure to unwind and explore.

Day 2 – Shannon

Meet your driver and journey to the towering Cliffs of Moher, which are over 600 feet tall! You’ll venture through The Burren for what promises to be a very dramatic drive, with the lunar-like backdrop displaying unusual rock formations. The coast road then takes you around Galway Bay for a stop in Galway, a lively and picturesque city with an avant-garde culture.

Day 3 – Travel to Killarney

Today head south through the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Town, a long-established fishing community. Here you’ll take the Slea Head drive that leads you to the westernmost tip of mainland Ireland for excellent views of the Blasket Islands. Learn about the culture and heritage of this charming Gaelic-speaking region at the Blasket Islands Heritage Centre. Continue past Mount Brandon, the second highest peak in Ireland, and arrive at your hotel in Killarney, overlooking the lakes.

Day 4 – Explore Killarney

After breakfast, it’s off to explore the Ring of Kerry today, one of the best-loved coastal drives in Europe, passing some of the most beautiful mountain and moorland scenery in the whole of Ireland. You’ll experience the postcard perfect views, and we’ll leave time to visit the family-run Skelligs Chocolate Factory where you may wish to enjoy a sample or two and watch the chocolates being made in their ‘open plan’ production area. Your tour will take in the charming town of Kenmare, famous for its lace making, before you travel through the beautiful Molls Gap and Ladies View that offers breathtaking scenery all the way to Killarney’s National Park. Return to your hotel from here.

Day 5 – Travel to Dublin

This morning you leave County Kerry and travel northeast to Dublin. The journey starts off by taking you over the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains with its stunning vistas. Then drive through Cork City, continuing to nearby Blarney Castle for a visit. In the parapet of this ruined tower house is the world famous Blarney Stone, said to bestow the ‘gift of the gab’ on all who kiss it. (Please note: the castle is not recommended for anybody who has difficulty climbing stairs).

You’ll then travel on into County Tipperary, to visit the Rock of Cashel. The ruined cathedral and the round tower of the early archbishops of Munster perches dramatically on top of this outcrop. Finally drive through the Leinster countryside to your hotel in Dublin.

Day 6 – Explore Dublin

Dublin is one of the most charming of all European cities and your tour will take you among the Georgian terrace houses and along Merrion Square, accompanied by your expert guide. Take in the famous sculpture of Oscar Wilde before visiting the impressive Trinity College; Ireland’s oldest university. Here you see the world-famous Book of Kells; a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination. You’ll explore the Old Library, which houses 200,000 antiquarian texts and the oldest surviving harp in Ireland. Continue your journey to Christ Church Cathedral with its fascinating Medieval crypt. The splendid State Apartments at Dublin Castle were built as the residential quarters of the Viceregal court and are now used for Presidential Inaugurations and various State Functions. Finally, admire the stunning architecture of Powerscourt Townhouse and perhaps stop in one of its boutiques, during your walk back to the Hotel.

The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 7 – Travel to Belfast

This morning, head to Northern Ireland with your driver-guide. En-route to Belfast stop at Strangford Lough, a spectacular sea lough studded with islands and boasting mile upon mile of hidden coves. This afternoon enjoy a panoramic tour of the city center with your local-guide.  While touring, you see City Hall, St Anne’s Cathedral and Queen’s University.  You’ll also visit the Titanic Quarter, named after the most famous ship that was built here in the city dockyards and visit its museum. 

Day 8 – Explore Belfast

Enjoy today at your leisure to explore Belfast.

Day 9 – Departure

Transfer back to Dublin Airport today and board your flight back home.