Ireland Experience | 6 Day Self-Drive

Ireland is a place most people want to experience in their lives. Some have family they wish to trace or friends who have convinced them to go, others want to see the beautiful scenery or get a sense of the history. More still want to go for the pubs, castles, or the friendly Irish welcome. This tour combines all of these things into six days exploring the southern part of the country. This gives you a taste of each aspect of the country without the burden on the wallet or vacation time that a longer tour would be. Be warned that most people who take this tour are already planning their return visit before they even even get home.

Day 1 : Arrive Dublin

Arrive at Dublin Airport and make your way to your hotel. We will request an early check in for you but if there is no room available, you can drop your bags and set about exploring the city for a few hours. Dublin may not be the biggest city but that can work to your advantage as there is so much to do in a small area. Walk around the city or use the open top bus tour to make your way around. This hop-on hop-off tour allows you to see all of the main sights in the city in your own time including Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, Glasnevin Cemetery, Phoenix Park, Kilmainham Gaol and much more.

Overnight in Dublin

Day 2 : Glendalough & Dunbrody Famine Ship

This morning leave Dublin to see the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough. Learn about St. Kevin’s 6th century monastery in the Glendalough and walk through the site to see its round tower, church ruins and Celtic crosses. Continue your drive south to New Ross where a walk through the reconstructed 19th century Dunbrody Famine Ship demonstrates the harsh conditions that emigrants endured. Drive to your hotel in Waterford and, after dinner, take a walking tour around the narrow streets of the historic city.

Overnight in 4* B&B

Day 3: Cork City and Killarney

Travel along the south coast to Cobh, the last port of call of the Titanic. Titanic Experience Cobh is located in the original White Star Line Ticket Office in the centre of Cobh town (formally known as Queenstown) the departure point for the final 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic. Cobh is also the point from which millions emigrated toward a brighter future during and after the famine. At Blarney Stone & Castle climb the ramparts to gain the “Gift of Eloquence.” You may visit the Blarney Woollen Mill, which offers excellent Irish-made products. Continue on to Killarney where you will stay tonight.

Overnight in Killarney

Day 4: Ring of Kerry Tour

From Killarney, embark on Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry, for great views of mountains, open Atlantic Ocean, beaches and cliffs. Enjoy plenty of breaks to admire the natural beauty and take photos. Cross to Valentia Island by bridge to visit the Skellig Experience and learn about early Christian monks who lived on the isolated, rocky islands and about the prolific bird life today. Pass through Waterville and the attractive village of Sneem and stop at Moll’s Gap for great mountain vistas. Tour 19th century Muckross House to admire elegant antiques while the guide relates the history of the mansion and stroll through the lovely gardens before returning to Killarney.

Overnight in Killarney

Day 5 : Cliffs of Moher

Transfer from Killarney by road to Limerick where your coach will meet you for a day trip to Ireland’s rugged and unique mid-western coast, through Limerick, the mighty river Shannon, Bunratty Castle, the stunning Cliffs of Moher, Galway City- all along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Overnight in 4* B&B in or near Doolin

Day 6 : Shannon Departure

Leave for Shannon Airport where you will board your flight home. It is always recommended you arrive around 3 hours before your flight.

Flights

We are more than happy to include a flight quote separately to your package so that you can decide if you would like to book with us or on your own.  While booking flights can seem straight-forward, there are often hidden fees or classes of service that do not include seat assignments, meals or checked bags. We have been booking flights since 1985 and know the best routings and have great contracts that mean we often have better prices than what you will see online.

Accommodation

In Ireland, we generally try to book hotels that are at a 4 star level or higher. In some situations, we will book some 3 star or B&B properties but we do require them to be at a certain standard. We try to ensure a member of the team have stayed at each property in recent years or that we have done a site inspection.

Planning Deposits

Your first vacation quote, and up to two revisions, for trips of 9 or fewer days, and 45 days in advance of travel, are complimentary. If an itinerary requires further revisions subsequent to this, we will require a non-refundable deposit of $75 per person in order to continue.

If you are requesting a quote for a vacation that is 10 days in length, or with travel dates within 45 days, or to a non-core destination, a deposit of $75 per person will be required in order for us to begin working on your proposal.

Planning deposits can then be put towards the cost of the trip should you decide to proceed with the booking.

Our Process