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Deluxe Tour of Ireland
7 night Pre Booked Driving Holiday

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Dublin Airport – Waterford (198km)

Welcome to Dublin, after you meet up with arranged transportation, you commence your journey to Waterford. Passing through the Curragh Region which is the centre of the horse breeding industry in Ireland, you can visit the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens just outside the town of Kildare. Continuing further south you can visit the medieval city of Kilkenny. A visit to the 16th century Rothe House, now the town's museum situated opposite the former County Jail, housed in Grace's Castle is also worthwhile. Before leaving Kilkenny you must visit Kilkenny Castle, which is situated in the heart of this historic and picturesque city, Kilkenny Castle stands on a majestic site beside the river Nore. This magnificent castle, dating from 1172, lies in a beautiful 50-acre park. The Gobelin tapestries and Great Hall have been restored to reveal their former splendour. Continue on to Waterford city, the capital of the “sunny south east” of Ireland for overnight.
Overnight in Waterford Castle

Day 2: Waterford City, Cork & Kenmare (218 km)

This morning, why not take a scheduled walking tour of Waterford city, where the guide brings the fascinating history of the city alive. Waterford City was established in Viking times and it has an exciting medieval flavour and riverside bustle. Time permitting you could visit the world famous House of Waterford Crystal comprising an actual living and breathing crystal factory tour, visitor centre and opulent retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. Travelling from Waterford and passing through the seaside towns of Dungarvan and Youghal you arrive at Midleton where you can visit the Old Midleton Distillery where following a video presentation on the story of Irish whisky in Spanish, you will follow the old distillery trail through mills, malting, corn stores, still houses, warehouses and kilns. You will also get an opportunity to view the largest pot still in the world. Time permitting a short stop in Cork City, which is Ireland’s second largest city and is located in the south west of the country, is recommended. Continue on to the market town of Kenmare, which is located among some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery.
Overnight in Sheen Falls Lodge

Day 3: Ring of Kerry (160km)

Today tour one of Ireland’s loveliest districts, the Ring of Kerry. Poets, painters, writers and musicians have all tried to convey the beauty of this area. Mountains, valleys and lakes blend into a palette of scenic splendour. A delightful day includes a drive along the broad, dramatic coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula and through the charming villages and towns of Killorglin, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Irish-speaking Sneem. Why not visit Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland’s leading stately homes? The gardens at Muckross House are renowned world-wide for their beauty; in particular they are noted for their fine collections of azaleas and rhododendrons. Return to Kenmare for overnight.
Overnight in Sheen Falls Lodge

Day 4: Bunratty Folk Park, Cliffs of Moher, Galway & Connemara ( 385 km)

This morning you commence your journey towards Galway. Passing through the pretty village of Adare and the Medieval City of  Limerick you arrive in Bunratty where you can visit the 15th century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Travelling northwards through Ennis you arrive at the Cliffs of Moher. These impressive cliffs rise to a height of 700 feet above the sea and stretch for a distance of about 5 miles along the coast – time permitting you can visit the new Visitor Centre. Then on to Galway, for a short sightseeing tour of the city called the “City of the Tribes” after the fourteen most prominent families in this area. Galway long traded with Spain and the Spanish influences are many in the city. Of note is Spanish Arch, a gateway in the old city walls and the Spanish Parade, where wealthy merchants and their families enjoyed a stroll along the promenade. Continue into the wild and rugged Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery and on to Ballynahinch Castle.
Overnight in Ballynahinch Castle

Day 5 – Sligo/Donegal Region (235 km)

Today you travel northwards through Mayo and into Sligo, known as Yeats Country after William Butler Yeats, the poet. Why not visit the Ceide Fields where beneath the bog-covered hill lays the most extensive stone-age monument in the world; the stone walled fields, the dwellings and the megalithic tombs of ancestors 5000 years ago? In addition the wild flora located in the region are of international importance and are bounded by some of the most spectacular rock formations and cliffs in Ireland. Travel into Sligo and see the many areas featured by Yeats in his poems. Continue on to Donegal Town for overnight.
Overnight in Solis Lough Eske Castle

Day 6 – Donegal (225km)

Today, why not travel through the rugged landscapes of County Donegal? Travel to Ardara where hand weavers demonstrate their craft and provide an opportunity to purchase excellent hand-woven goods from source. The Ardara Heritage Centre tells the story of tweed, for which Donegal is famous, from the sheep to the wool and eventually into woven cloth. Continue on along the spectacular Atlantic coastline and visit Glenveagh National Park and Glenveagh Castle, 10,000 hectares of mountains, lakes, glens and woods with a red deer herd. Visit Glenveagh Castle, a wonderful Scottish Baronial style Castle, which was inhabited until the mid '80's and has welcomed many famous guests such as Greta Garbo and Marilyn Monroe. The fact that the castle was inhabited until so recently makes it wonderfully alive and the peace and tranquillity of the setting are really quite breathtaking. Return to Donegal for overnight.
Overnight in Solis Lough Eske Castle

Day 7: Dublin’s Fair City (308 km)

This morning you travel from Donegal to Dublin city centre where you will have plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere of this exciting city which includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, with the additional attraction of the “Spire” at its centre and the General Post Office, scene of the 1916 Easter uprising and many elegant Georgian squares. Why not visit some of its many attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse, Book of Kells at Trinity College or Old Jameson Distillery.
Overnight at the Merrion Hotel, Dublin

Day 8: Dublin Airport & Home

Travel to Dublin Airport for return flight home.

***based on 1 child under 12y/o, sharing with 2 adult

Note: Car not included. Click Here for your car rates, or contact us for chauffeur drive rates.