10 DAY SELF - DRIVE - IRELAND TOUR

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUDED SERVICES:

*Explore Galway and Connemara

*Galway Cathedral

*Kylemore Abbey

*The Cliffs Of Moher

*The Burren Region

*The Dingle Peninsula

*Inch Beach

*The Beehive Huts

*The Ring of Kerry

*Muckross House and Gardens

*Molls Gap, Kate Kearney's Cottage and The Black Valley

*Ross Castle

*Blarney Castle

*The Rock Of Cashel

Accommodation

*9 Nights accommodation B&B - 4 star Hotels
 

Hertz Car Rental 

Pick Up: Dublin City – South Circular Road @ 0900

Return: Dublin Airport @ 1200

Duration: 10 days (with times)

Hotels OR Similar:

Galway - Galway Bay Hotel - 4* - 3 Nights Hotel

Dingle - Benners Hotel - 4* - 3 Nights Bed and Breakfast

Killarney - The Lake Hotel - 4* - 2 Nights Bed and Breakfast

Dublin - Portmarnock Resort and Jameson Golf links - 4* - 1 Night Bed and Breakfast

Upon Arrival In Dublin Airport, transfer to your hotel in Galway for overnight. 

Free day to soak up the atmosphere of the beautiful Galway City.

Galway City is a delight with its narrow streets, old stone and wooden shop fronts, good restaurants, and busy pubs. The centre of the city is conveniently compact enough to ramble around comfortably. 

The city has attracted a bohemian crowd of musicians and artists which add so much to its character. 

We recommend to pop by the beautiful Cathedral, built in 1965, the Salmon Weir Bridge and along the trout stream to the Collegiate of St Nicholas of Myra, which was built in 1320. 

The Collegiate is close to Nora Barnacle’s house (Mrs. James Joyce) and to the famous Lynch window from which the English language receive the word to Lynch (hang). 

Continue on along Shop Street to see the splendor of the rich merchants’ houses during the time that they controlled the commercial life of the City, Lynch’s house being an excellent example. 

You will pass by the Eyre Square, the accepted centre of Galway City. 

On the western side of the square is Browne’s doorway which is all that remains of a mid-17th century merchant’s house. 

The square also has a statue to Padraig O’Conaire, a noted Irish writer and a curious rusted metal sculpture representing the  famous Galway Hooker, a boat which is unique to Galway. 

Galway, the largest county in Connaught, is celebrated in song and story throughout the world and takes centre stage on Ireland’s western seaboard. 

A spectacularly beautiful county, it is a medley of contrasts - the wildest and remotest of countryside teamed with one of Europe’s most vibrant and popular cities. 

Drawn as if by a magnet, visitors come again and again, captivated by this most special of Irish counties. Galway City at the mouth of Galway Bay is both a picturesque and lively city with a wonderful avant-garde culture and a fascinating mixture of locally owned specialty shops, often featuring locally made crafts. 

Indeed local handcrafts are a feature of the entire region including hand knits, pottery, glass, jewelry and woodwork. 

The city has many relics of its medieval past and is worth taking time to explore. It has changed considerably over the last number of years and features a fascinating juxtaposition of new and ancient architecture. 

Anyone who knows the song ‘Galway Bay’ will be familiar with the Claddagh, previously a fishing village of thatched cottages, now an area just outside the city centre. Here is the birthplace of the world famous Claddagh ring, a souvenir many bring home, just to keep a little piece of Galway with them always.

Galway Cathedral

The largest catholic church in Galway, the Cathedral is located on Nun’s Island, on the west bank of the River Corrib near Salmon Weir Bridge. It was the last large church in Ireland to be made from stone, and features a huge octagonal dome that complements the skyline of the City of Galway. 

The cathedral combines many features from different styles and periods of architecture. There are many treasures of art inside and outside. Erected on the site of an old jail, the parking lot of the cathedral contains a white cross in the pavement. It marks the site of the prison graveyard.

Overnight - Leonardo's Hotel, Galway City Center

Beautiful Connemara!

Today travel through the beautiful Connemara Region filled with lakes, rivers, bogs & mountains. 

A land of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language, and little has changed since the beginning of time. It is undoubtedly the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland. 

Visit Kylemore Abbey

Built in 1868 by Mitchell Henry, and see its most famous feature the miniature Cathedral. It has been home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns since 1920.

Kylemore Abbey is stunningly located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara. Mitchell Henry built the House after having spent his honeymoon in the area. 

The architecture is best described as neo-gothic and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. One of Kylemore Abbey's most famous features is its miniature cathedral, built in 1870 and known locally as the Gothic church. 

Today, the abbey is home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns. They established a private school for young girls, which was the renowned Kylemore Abbey international School. The school eventually closed in 2010.

Facilities at Kylemore include a visitor centre, an exhibition housed in the main reception rooms of the house and a video which takes the visitor through the history of the house and its occupants. The Gothic church is available to visit and as a venue for choir groups to sing in. 

Connemara Heritage & History Centre 

The Centre offers a unique insight into the history and heritage of this most beautiful part of Connemara and the West of Ireland.

Overnight - Leonardo's Hotel, Galway City Center 

Aran Island of Inis Mór

Dún Aonghasa is located on Inis Mór (Inishmore), the largest of the three Aran Islands – the name actually means ‘big island’ in the Irish language. The island's main hub is the village of Kilronan, where ferries from Clare and Galway arrive several times a day.

Dún Aonghasa

Step back in time at this Celtic hill fort and explore the Aran island of Inis Mór.

A prehistoric hill fort, perched precariously on a 100m cliff over the harsh Atlantic Ocean... one of Ireland’s most ancient features, estimated to be more than 3,000 years old.

Standing in Dún Aonghasa (the fort of Aonghas, in Irish), is a little like teetering on the edge of the world. And as the strong sea winds blow around you and the waves crash below, you’ll feel at one with the heartbeat of Celtic Ireland.

Like any good fortress, Dún Aonghasa keeps its secrets. No one knows who Aonghas was – maybe a displaced noble from east of the River Shannon, or a 5th century king of Cashel in County Tipperary. 

And the purpose of the rock platform that sits dramatically at the cliff edge remains a mystery. But that just adds to the appeal of this magical place. As you wander the ruins, it's best to let your imagination soar.

While Dún Aonghasa is its best-known attraction, Inis Mór has more than 50 different monuments from Christian, pre-Christian and Celtic eras. Stretching out terrifyingly over the sea is Dún Dúchatair, also known as the Black Fort. Erosion from the wild ocean has left the fort on a thin platform over the water so peek over the edge at your own risk!

And don’t miss Teaghlach Einne, the house of St Enda, a little church half-buried in sand at Killeany graveyard. The graveyard is at least 1500 years old, and still serves as the main burial ground for the island. St Enda himself, the patron saint of Inis Mór, is believed to be buried there.

Overnight - Leonardo's Hotel, Galway City Center 

The Burren & Cliffs of Moher, The Conor Pass & into Dingle Town

Today, travel Southwards to Tarbert & take a short boat ride across the mouth of the river Shannon to land on Kerry’s shore at Tarbert & continue to Dingle via The Conor Pass.

The Cliffs of Moher

Travel along the coast to visit the Cliffs of Moher, the most majestic cliffs in Ireland which rise from the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, you can admire the Aran Islands & Connemara Mountains.

Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren region, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. 

On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. The cliffs reach their highest point just north of O' Brien's Tower built by Cornelius O’ Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, to entertain his lady friends. A visit of the tower is also possible. 

The sweeping view across the Atlantic has recently been ranked the best 'cliff-view' on the planet by Conde Nast Traveler. The respected travel publication has voted the world-famous landmark at the top of a new chart of ' Nine Gorgeous Cliff Views That Rival The Grand Canyon'. At this spot, we also recommend popping down to see the Atlantic Edge, the exciting new interpretive centre at the Cliffs of Moher, which is built into the natural landscape. 

The centre is a huge domed cave that contains images, exhibits, displays & experiences exploring different elements of the mighty Cliffs of Moher: Ocean, Rock, Nature and Man. The visitor centre has a restaurant, shop facilities and ample coach and car parking. 

A spectacular upgraded 13 km of scenic coastal pathway along the Cliffs of Moher links Doolin to Hags Head.

Tour the Burren Region

The Burren is a high plateau of porous limestone situated in Northern Clare. 

The limestone is bare with no trees growing here or land covering the stone. 

But the Burren is not as deserted as we believe: the cracks allow different types of flowers to grow all year round. 

The rocks hide many caves such as the Ailwee Caves.

The Burren landscape covers over 150 square kilometres and is one of Ireland’s 6 National Parks. 

The region is visually similar to a moonscape, yet shelters a mixture of flora and archaeological sites which have attracted visitors for centuries. 

Man came here over 6000 years ago, cleared the forests and set in motion soil erosion. Centuries of weathering has produced a terrain of fissured limestone pavements, disappearing lakes, terraced mountains, and underground cave systems. For millennia man has left his mark, megalithic tombs and cooking sites litter the pavements, while medieval tower houses and churches guard the valleys. 

Today man is absent from most of the upland, leaving behind ancient field systems, routeways and placenames. Today’s visitors to the Burren will find Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean plants growing together.

Overnight - Dingle Benners Hotel - Bed & Breakfast

The Dingle Peninsula

Some of the finest coastal scenery to be seen in Ireland can be found in West Kerry, on the Dingle Peninsula, the most northern of the Kerry Peninsulas. 

This peninsula is famous for its Celtic, pre-Christian monuments and Christian churches.

It is also a ‘Gaeltacht’ (Irish speaking) area, where the Irish language and traditional ways of life are preserved.

Slea Head & Views of The Blasket Islands

Starting with Slea Head– From Dingle, drive around the coast to Slea Head. Here the blue of the marine landscape surrounds the Blaskets Islands, deserted since 1953.

In the distance are the two rocky Skellig islands, where the ruins of an early Christian Monastery can be found. The Dingle Peninsula will charm you with its villages painted in bright colors and will bewitch you with the dramatic beauty of its landscapes.

Beehive Huts, Prehistoric Forts & Church Sites

The road between Dunquin and Slea Head is dotted with beehive huts, forts and church sites. Prehistoric Dunbeg Fort is on a cliff top promontory with a sheer drop to the Atlantic and has four outer walls of stone. Inside are the remains of a house and a beehive hut as well as an underground passage.

Beehive huts are circular stone buildings shaped like a beehive which was lived in by the Kerry monks. 

Continue around the peninsula exploring some of Ireland’s nicest & picturesque local shops, pubs, cafes etc. 

Return to your hotel in Dingle. 

Overnight - Dingle Benners Hotel (or similar) - Bed & Breakfast 

Inch Beach, a long beach bordered by dunes and made famous by David Lean’s movie “Ryan’s daughter” & spend the remainder of the afternoon around Dingle Town.

Dingle (Irish: An Daingean or Daingean Uí Chúis, meaning "Ó Cúis' fort") is a town in County Kerry, Ireland and is situated in a Gaeltacht region.

The only "town" on the Dingle Peninsula, it sits on the Atlantic coast, about 50 kilometres (30 mi) southwest of Tralee and 71 kilometres (40 mi) northwest of Killarney. 

The principal industries in the town are tourism, fishing and agriculture: Dingle Mart (livestock market) serves the surrounding countryside. 

Since the 1960s, Dingle has drawn people from all over the world: adventurers, artists, musicians, drop-outs and curious travellers. Some stay and make their homes here. Some leave but feel compelled to return. 

But this mix of global influences, Irish language speaking traditions, farmers, fishermen and locals make Dingle feel simultaneously up-to-the-minute and gloriously down-to-earth.

There are hip coffeeshops, local brewhouses, artisan ice cream emporiums and even a surf store, but they meld perfectly with a raft of jolly-coloured houses, old-style hardware store pubs, fishing boats, music shops, knitwear stores and Irish craft galleries.

Dingle offers plenty of opportunity for shopping or simply savouring the atmosphere of a typical country Irish town with its plentiful pubs, narrow streets and busy harbour.

Overnight - Dingle Benners Hotel (or similar) - Bed & Breakfast 

Depart Dingle and tour the Ring of Kerry on your way to Killarney for overnight.

As you reach the town of Killorglin, your Ring Of Kerry Begins.

Leaving Killorglin, the scenery ramps up as you head towards Glenbeigh, a peaceful village that basks in beauty thanks to the vast sands of Rossbeigh Strand, as well as the surrounding hills and mountains.

Known as the gateway to the Skellig Ring, Cahersiveen is one of the westernmost towns in Europe. Sitting at the foot of Bentee Mountain, the town has a fascinating history that can be traced through its 7th century stone fort and the beautiful 15th century Ballycarbery Castle. But it's the Old Stone Barracks that gives Cahersiveen an unusual edge.

This heritage centre was built as a police station for the Royal Irish Constabulary in the 1870s, but local rumour suggests that the turreted "scholss-style" pile was actually built in error. According to some accounts, the British authorities were in such a race to have the station built that they mixed things up resulting in the plans for a building in India being used. Fact or fiction? We couldn’t say, but it’s a great story either way.

Heading towards Waterville, the roads twist and turns through craggy landscapes bounded on one side by the Skellig Peninsula, with glimpses of the ocean adding blue to the vast stretches of green. This is pure escape in a part of Ireland that is legendary for its wild beauty. Heading into the village, it's easy to see the appeal of this pleasant seaside spot, which was a favourite holiday destination of Charlie Chaplin. 

Gently lapped by aquamarine seas and backed by rolling green hills, the butter-smooth sands of Derrynane Beach are made for walking, relaxing and thinking... with beautiful sea views and quaint little coves.

Close to the beach sits Derrynane House, which feels like it’s been lifted from the pages of a 19th century novel. This was the home of political leader Daniel O'Connell, one of the most important figures in Irish history.

Sneem has a charm all of its own. The neat colourful houses lined around the village square give this delightful little spot a real picture-postcard feel. Divided into a small north and south village by a gentle river, this place is almost dwarfed by the majestic scenery that surrounds it. Park up, walk around and enjoy the special atmosphere of this quiet coastal gem.

Just west of Sneem, Staigue Fort and the surrounding area are believed to have been used for both defence and worship. One of the largest ring forts in Ireland, the stone walls reach some 5.5 metres with some sections measuring almost a metre thick. Experts believe the fort predates St Patrick’s arrival in Ireland.

The landscape changes dramatically as you leave Sneem with pretty woodland framing the road as it winds and weaves towards the town of Kenmare. Along the way, drop in for a bowl of seafood chowder in the Boathouse at Dromquinna Manor, with stunning views over Kenmare Bay. Winding into Kenmare you'll find a never-ending stream of knitwear stores, great restaurants and lively seafood spots.

In Kerry’s first Heritage Town, traditional charm mixes with contemporary cool with smart galleries sitting alongside old-world pubs, antiques shops, bookshops and delis. Buy an Aran sweater, feast on Kerry's finest seafood at Tom Crean Fish & Wine and soak up the atmosphere of this enjoyable little town.

The next stretch of road will bring you through beautiful mountain passes as you head towards the incredible Moll's Gap. Named after Moll Kissane who set up a síbín (illicit bar) here in the 19th century, the "gap" is an outstanding stretch of curving road enhanced by a scattering of lakes and the hulking presence of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range.

Stop at the Avoca Handweavers store, set on a rocky ridge. It's a fitting place to enjoy the sweep of mountain, river and lakes that serenely stretch out below you.

The Ring of Kerry’s most spectacular beauty spots are Molls Gap and Ladies’ View. Molls’ Gap is a spectacular photographic viewing point on the famous Ring of Kerry Tour. The visitor is presented with a magnificent view of Death Valley.

Close by is the famous Ladies View viewing point with gives a different perspective of this magnificent countryside, with the 3 Lakes of Killarney all surrounded by the Kerry Mountains.

Ladies View received its name from Queen Victoria, who was so impressed with the view that she insisted that her ladies-in-waiting should also visit here.

Continue to Killarney via Tork Waterfall & Muckross House.

Overnight - The Lake Hotel (or similar), Killarney - Bed & Breakfast 

Killarney, Moll's Gap and The Black Valley

Today you will see another side of the spectacular Killarney Region.

You begin your day and travel to the Moll's Gap, before entering the Black Valley.

The Black Valley is a remote valley in County Kerry, Ireland, that's known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for hiking and cycling. 

It is located in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, south of the Gap of Dunloe and north of Moll's Gap. 

It is also known as Cummeenduff, which comes from the Irish Com Uí Dhuibh, meaning "Black Glen". 

The Black Valley was one of the last places in Ireland to be connected to the national electric grid, in 1976. 

Gap Of Dunloe

The mountain pass was formed by glaciers between MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain. This extraordinary part of the island of Ireland is known as the Gap of Dunloe. 

Stop into Kate Kearney's for lunch. The location is stunning!

Finally, return to Killarney via Ross Castle.

Overnight - The Lake Hotel (or similar), Killarney - Bed & Breakfast  

Depart Killarney for Dublin via Co. Tipperary. En route visit Rock of Cashel. 

The Rock of Cashel

Possibly the most photographed site in Ireland, the Rock of Cashel towers over the town of Cashel from its perch on a 200-foot high outcrop of limestone. Once the seat of the Kings of Munster.

St. Patrick visited the rock in 450, while Brian Boru was crowned the first high King of Ireland here in the tenth century. Granted to the church in the twelfth century, by the O’Brien clan, today the impressive stone walls enclose a round tower, a cathedral, a twelfth century Romanesque chapel and high crosses.

The Vicars Choral has been recently restored and its basement houses a small museum of artefacts found on the site. One of the leading visitor attractions in Ireland, in 2011 it was visited by Queen Elizabeth II on her historic first visit to the Republic of Ireland.

Continue to Dublin for your final evening in the very scenic Portmarnock.

Overnight - Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf links (or similar)  - Bed & Breakfast  

After a final full Irish Breakfast, transfer via Taxi to Dublin Airport for your Flight home.