Ireland - Selfdrive Tour - 8 days

A small island with a big reputation: breathtaking landscapes and fascinating, friendly people, whose lyrical nature is expressed in the warmth of their welcome. Everything you’ve heard is true: Ireland is a stunner. The locals need little prodding to proclaim theirs the most beautiful land in the world, and can support their claim with many examples. 

Dublin

You have 2 full days in Dublin to see the city's contrasting architecture, from modern glass to grand neoclassical facades, along with lovely views of the River Liffey. Visit the famed Guinness Storehouse, where you might want to try a sampling of the brew. You can pull your own pint here in the Dublin tradition and browse the award-winning multimedia exhibits about Guinness - the city's best known export. At Trinity College, you can view the 8th century Book of Kells, a superb example of early Irish manuscript illumination that is on display in the Old Library. Wander leisurely along Temple Bar with its charming narrow cobbled streets and O'Connell Street, the city's main thoroughfare, home to the "Spire", the world's tallest piece of sculpture. This city is filled with friendly people, wonderful restaurants and cozy pubs on every corner 

Drive to Killarney

This morning, depart Dublin and drive through the scenic south of Ireland. Perhaps travel through County Kildare to Kilkenny, a small city located on the banks of the River Nore. Visit this hist​​oric town, and see the 12th-century Kilkenny Castle. Another suggested stop is the town of Blarney to visit the 15th-century Blarney Castle. Kiss the famous Blarney Stone and enjoy some free time for shopping at the Blarney Woollen Mills where you can buy Irish garments and souvenirs. Continue on to your hotel in Killarney.
Enjoy a full day to explore the town of Killarney. Sightseeing may include a visit to the three lakes, ruined castles, and Torc Waterfall all found within Killarney Nat​​ional Park. Travel through the world-famous "Ring of Kerry" and pass the small villages of Cahirciveen and Sneem, which are full of traditional colorful houses. This evening, take a jaunting car ride and view the sights of downtown Killarney 

Drive to Cliffs of Moher en route to Galway

Depart Killarney and travel north to Galway. Suggested sightseeing includes a visit to Bunratty Folk Park, which offers an insight into Irish life around the turn of th​​e century. Also not to miss are the Cliffs of Moher, an impressive wall of rock that towers some 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Continue north to County Clare and travel through the vast limestone plateau known as the Burren. This unique and rugged environment has been compared to the surface of the moon. Then, on to your hotel in Galway, a bustling university city.

Enjoy 2 full days to explore Galway, a seafaring town steeped in trad​​ition. Take a stroll through the narrow, winding streets downtown and visit the many shops and historic sights. Stop by Eyre Square and the lively Latin Quarter, where you can view Lynch's Castle. Head north to the Cathedral of St Nicholas, built out of Ireland's famous Connemara marble and limestone. Walk to The Quays and pass the Spanish Arch. Then, stroll down toward the river docks and view Galway's traditional wooden sailboats, known as hookers. Spend the evening in one of the many pubs and restaurants in this lovely city.

Hotels