Exploring Ireland Self Drive Tours :)

Trip Highlights

Day 1 Dublin

Suggested Highlights

While Ireland’s capital city certainly dominates the county, Dublin has much more to offer than busy city streets, boutique hotels and buzzing nightlife—not that there’s anything wrong with any of those things! If you step away from the metropolitan area, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can find a beautiful stretch of beach or quiet woodlands with peaceful walkways. Places like Dalkey, Killiney, Howth, Sutton and Enniskerry have very much been absorbed into the Greater Dublin Metropolitan Area, yet they retain a charm and indeed a personality that is totally unique and separate to that of the big city. Each offers something different, something worlds apart in its nature, yet within minutes of the vibrant city centre. Whether you’re looking for gourmet restaurants or quiet pubs; bustling department stores or chic boutiques; world class golf courses or a night at the theatre, Dublin can fit the bill in some style.

Stay at a specially selected Bed & Breakfast or the Ashling Hotel, Dublin or similar:


Day 2 Cork

Cork is the largest county in Ireland, geographically speaking, and the inhabitants of “The Rebel County” would insist that as such, it has more to offer than any other county. It could be hard to argue the point, because for breathtaking scenery, endless outdoor activities, charming outdoor markets, abundant historical sites and picturesque villages, and anything else you could wish to find when you’re on vacation, Cork has them all, and then some. In addition, few would argue that the locals are the wittiest and most charming inhabitants of the Emerald Isle. The question is, “Where to start?” Do you make your way to kiss the Blarney Stone, or do you take a drive along the West Cork coastline to soak in the jaw-dropping views? What about taking in a concert in the spectacular Cork Opera House, or a visit to the Old Jameson Distillery to see how some of Ireland’s best-loved export is produced? Maybe you could visit Kinsale, one of the most picturesque seaside towns in the world and also known as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland. So many choices and so little time...why did they have to make the county so big?


Day 3 & 4 Kerry

For a taste of old, magical, mystical Ireland, you simply can’t go wrong with Kerry. Where else will you find a wild mountain goat named King of the Fair for three days every summer? In Killorglin, they’ve been doing it for 400 years now! Everyone has heard of the Ring of Kerry, the stunningly beautiful drive along Kerry’s Atlantic coast. The Dingle Peninsula, however, is less well known to visitors and offers equally breathtaking views. Inch Strand is a wide beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. People drive their cars, vans and campers right out onto the beach, which attracts tens of thousands of surfers each year, as well as swimmers, sailors or just families looking for a fun day out while they soak up the sun and breathe the fresh sea air. Visitors to Dingle can take a charter out into the harbour to meet Fungi, the local dolphin who has been charming visitors for years. To the north, Tralee hosts the annual Rose Festival every year. Killarney is another must-see stop for visitors to the county, with Muckross House and its spectacular gardens, and jarveys offering horse-drawn cart rides into the Killarney National Park. In Sneem, locals still chat to each other in the ancient Irish language, Gaelic. If you want to laugh, if you want to be amazed, if you want a real, honest taste of Ireland, go take a bite out of Kerry.

Day 5 Clare

Most of us will probably never get to see in person the barren landscape of the moon’s surface. However, another landscape that is equally unique and almost bizarre in nature can be found in the famous Burren of County Clare, a geological wonder unlike any other place in Ireland. Driving through the Burren, you can’t help but wonder where all the rocks could possibly have come from. Of course, Clare contains countless other attractions, some natural and some with a more human touch. The world-renowned Cliffs of Moher stand proudly against the onslaught of the Atlantic Ocean, while the fully restored Bunratty Castle holds a medieval banquet every evening that leaves its guests—literally—singing with joy. The longest river in the British Isles, the Shannon, ends its journey to the sea in County Clare. This mighty river is a virtual paradise for boaters and anglers, and charming towns like Killaloe and Ennis offer visitors delightful opportunities to discover their new favourite restaurant or pub. If “unique” is what you seek, then Clare is the place to go.


Day 6 Galway

What’s not to love about County Galway? If a holiday maker can’t find what they’re looking for in this county, it probably can’t be found anywhere on the planet. From the beautiful and rugged Aran Islands located just off the mainland, to the vibrant nightlife and bustling streets of “The City of Tribes,” there’s somewhere to be and something to do from dawn to dusk, and then right through the night time. Shimmering Galway Bay, the awe inspiring Kylemore Abbey, the pulsating night life of Eyre Square and Salthill, and the talented buskers who sing for your entertainment (and your change!) are just some of the delightful attractions of this proud and legendary corner of Ireland. Tidy villages are full of delightful shops, selling Aran sweaters, handmade candles and delicious cakes, scones and tarts. Whether you want a nice peaceful drive through a winding valley, or a wild day of activities in the city, you can have it all in Galway.


Day 7 Meath

Some people are fascinated by history dating back hundreds of years, while others want to look further, a millenium or more. Meath seems to have grabbed many of Ireland’s historical highlights and now guards them jealously, while at the same time being quite content to show off its treasures to wondering visitors eager for a glimpse. The visitors centre at Brú na Bóinne has a charming water feature near the entrance. The oval rocks within the water are 330 million years old—so much for going back a few hundred years! The mysteries of the neolithic monuments of Newgrange and Knowth are part of Meath’s heritage. If you’re looking for a peaceful drive with beautiful scenery, take a spin through picturesque Boyne Valley and admire the hills of Slane and Tara, and then, if you’re still hungry for history, you could visit Trim Castle, standing on the majestic River Boyne. If you really like history, go to Meath, and make some of your own.


Day 8 Departure