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Classic Ireland Self-Drive: Dublin, Galway, Kerry & More

Duration
8 Days
Prices From:
US$ 1,479

MODERATE | SELF-DRIVE: On this eight day adventure, discover Ireland at your own pace by way of a leisurely self-drive program that will take you through the beautiful and rugged west coast of the country, including Galway, Connemara, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. With plenty of time in Dublin, it is an excellent way to acquaint yourself with the Emerald Isle.


This super idea features 3 and 4 star accommodations. Car rental is not included but we can arrange it for you.

Pick up your self drive car at Dublin airport and then check into your hotel for overnight accommodation. While in Dublin, consider getting to know some of the highlights of this fair city.

The North Side offers striking monuments such as the GPO (General Post Office) on O'Connell Street & Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe. The South Side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian squares and is home to Trinity College, Dublin Castle and two Anglican Cathedrals. You can visit Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university and home to the Book of Kells. Later, consider an optional evening’s entertainment at Taylor's Three Rock (or similar), a lively pub in Rathfarnham for an excellent night of traditional music and dance.
The next day at your leisure depart from Dublin and drive to Galway, a 200 kilometre/125 mile drive. Spend 2 nights in Galway.

The next morning drive to Connemara, the land of mountains, rivers, lakes and small villages where the Gaelic language is still widely spoken. This area is the wildest and most remote part of the country. Travel through granite mountains and see stone walls and thatched roof cottages. Return via Clifden, Connemara’s largest town on the coast. before returning to Galway

Drive south to Killarney, 200 kilometres/125 miles from Galway. Visit the Burren Region, a high plateau of porous limestone, a karsts landscape with some interesting plant life. Then travel to the Atlantic Coast to view the immense and awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher which rise sheer out of the sea to a great height and are 8 kilometres/5 miles in length. Spend 2 nights in Killarney.

Enjoy here a drive around the exceptional Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula with its mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent coastal scenery with views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay to the north. Have stops in Waterville and the village of Sneem famous for its coloured houses. Later return to Killarney.

The next day, drive back up north to Limerick deviating for a tour of the Dingle Peninsula. This area was made famous by the scenery from films like 'Ryan's Daughter'. There are a number of ring forts and interesting ancient monuments in the region. The area just west is historically rich with the highest concentration of ancient sites and a genuine Irish-speaking community. Overnight in Limerick.

The following day, drive back to Dublin through the lush and green countryside of Ireland. On arrival, stay in Dublin overnight.

The next day, return your self drive car back to Dublin airport.

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Duration
8 Days
Prices From:
US$ 1,479

Itinerary View Trip Map

Day 1

Arrive in Dublin

Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, you will pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel. If you have time, enjoy the highlights of Dublin. Some suggested sites are Trinity College and the National Museum of Ireland.

Overnight at the hotel listed or a similar quality property.

Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross

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Location View map
  • starstarstar

    Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross



    Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross is located on the N7 Naas Road and beside the M50 junction 9. Situated on the main route in and out of Dublin for those travelling to and from the south and west of Ireland making it an ideal base for …

    Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross is located on the N7 Naas Road and beside the M50 junction 9. Situated on the main route in and out of Dublin for those travelling to and from the south and west of Ireland making it an ideal base for business and leisure guests alike.

    Facilities

    • Family Room
    • Fitness Centre
    • Free Parking
    • Free WiFi
    • Meeting Facilities
    • Reception

    More Details

Day 2

Dublin to Galway

After breakfast, it is time to explore Dublin. This could include visits to St-Patrick's Cathedral, Ireland's largest church. The Old Jameson Distillery offers an audio-visual tour and a whisky tasting. Your day continues with a drive to Galway (approximately 200km), where you have the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel listed or a similar quality property.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Lady Gregory Hotel

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Location View map
  • starstarstar

    Lady Gregory Hotel



    This Galway hotel is fortunate with its choice of location, perfectly positioned for easy access to Galway and Connemara to the north and Clare - with the Burren and Cliffs of Moher - to the south. The hotel caters to conferences, and is one of …

    This Galway hotel is fortunate with its choice of location, perfectly positioned for easy access to Galway and Connemara to the north and Clare - with the Burren and Cliffs of Moher - to the south.
    The hotel caters to conferences, and is one of the very best wedding venues in Galway. Guests can also avail themselves of the 18 Metre Deck Level Pool, Herb Sauna & Floral Steam Room.

    Facilities

    • Conference Facilities
    • Fitness Centre
    • Leisure
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Spa

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 3

Connemara

Today, you have time for exploring the country side of the 'Quiet Man' and 'The Purple Taxi' in Connemara. Here, Granite Mountains and small lakes are plentiful. The stone walls and thatched cottages are picturesque. Enjoy a drive from Galway to the center of Connemara, then through Clifden and back to your Galway hotel.

Overnight at the hotel listed or a similar quality property.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Day 4

Galway to Kerry

After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for your drive Kerry (approximately 200km), and travel through the heart of County Clare - the Burren Region. This geological paradise boasts over 2,000 plants and many rare flowers.

Continue along the coast of Clare to view the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, from which you can see from Galway Bay, to continue through the farming countryside of Limerick to Kerry.

Overnight at the hotel listed or a similar quality property.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Ballyroe Heights Hotel

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Location View map
  • starstarstar

    Ballyroe Heights Hotel



    The award-winning Ballyroe Heights Hotel is set in six and a half acres of sloping gardens with spectacular views of the Sliabh Mish Mountains and Tralee Bay. They are delighted to have been awarded a "Loved by Guests" award for delivering exceptional customer service in …

    The award-winning Ballyroe Heights Hotel is set in six and a half acres of sloping gardens with spectacular views of the Sliabh Mish Mountains and Tralee Bay. They are delighted to have been awarded a "Loved by Guests" award for delivering exceptional customer service in 2018, from Hotels.com.

    From its elevated location, the hotels' floor to ceiling windows capture uninterrupted panoramic views and make it one of the most sought-after hotels in Tralee.

    The coastal route for the Wild Atlantic Way is on their doorstep, while Tralee town centre is located a mere four kilometres away. This scenic hotel at the Gateway to the Dingle Peninsula is the perfect escape in Kerry.

    Facilities

    • Free Parking
    • Free WiFi
    • Laundry Service
    • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
    • Restaurant
    • Room Service
    • Wedding venue

    More Details

Day 5

Ring of Kerry

Complete a 170km round trip driving tour of the Iveragh Peninsula, making stops to take in the scenery. Mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean are visible as one travel along the coast road. The loop takes you from Killarney through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair.

Then to Glenbeigh which overlooks Dingle peninsula and Dingle Bay. In Cahersiveen, the birth place of National hero, Daniel O'Connell, drive through the peat bogs. Visit the sea town of Waterville and to the brightly coloured houses of Sneem Village. Heading back to the hotel, you will pass through the beautiful Lakes of Killarney.

Overnight at the hotel listed or a similar quality property.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Day 6

Dingle Peninsula and Limerick

Today, you will depart for a tour of the Dingle Peninsula after breakfast. This area has famous sceneries from films like 'Ryan's Daughter'. There are a number of ring forts and interesting ancient monuments in the region. The area just west is historically rich, with the highest concentration of ancient sites and a genuine Irish-speaking community.

Overnight at the hotel listed or a similar quality property.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Limerick City Hotel

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Location View map
  • starstarstar

    Limerick City Hotel



    Located on the banks of the River Shannon, The Limerick City Hotel (formerly Jury's Inn) encompasses breathtaking views of the Shannon and Limerick City.Limerick City Hotel is walking distance from Limerick Colbert Train & Bus Station. Close to the home of Munster Rugby, Thomond Park …

    Located on the banks of the River Shannon, The Limerick City Hotel (formerly Jury's Inn) encompasses breathtaking views of the Shannon and Limerick City.Limerick City Hotel is walking distance from Limerick Colbert Train & Bus Station. Close to the home of Munster Rugby, Thomond Park Stadium and the Gaelic Grounds, we are located just 25 minutes drive from Shannon Airport, and 20 minutes from Bunratty Castle and a host of Irish heritage sites including the picturesque towns of Adare, Foynes, Lough Gur and Grange. Explore Clare's Burren district, Cliffs Of Moher and Ailwee Caves, all just a short 40 minute drive from the Hotel.

    Facilities

    • Bar
    • Disabled Facilities
    • Laundry Service
    • Luggage Room
    • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
    • Parking facilities

    More Details

Day 7

Limerick to Dublin

After breakfast, you will depart from Limerick and drive back to Dublin (approximately 200km). Explore the sites you missed at the beginning of the trip.

Overnight at the hotel listed or a similar quality property.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstar

    Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross



    Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross is located on the N7 Naas Road and beside the M50 junction 9. Situated on the main route in and out of Dublin for those travelling to and from the south and west of Ireland making it an ideal base for …

    Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross is located on the N7 Naas Road and beside the M50 junction 9. Situated on the main route in and out of Dublin for those travelling to and from the south and west of Ireland making it an ideal base for business and leisure guests alike.

    Facilities

    • Family Room
    • Fitness Centre
    • Free Parking
    • Free WiFi
    • Meeting Facilities
    • Reception

    More Details

Day 8

Depart from Dublin

Today marks the end of this journey. Enjoy your last full Irish breakfast, then head to the airport and return your rental car.

Meal Plan Breakfast

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

Daily

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • 7 nights in moderate accommodations
  • 8 day vehicle rental with CDW, mileage, VAT, GPS system with one driver (F Category - Mazda 3 Automatic or similar)
  • Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned
  • Gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees if applicable

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Hotels are not guaranteed and are subject to change until 3 weeks prior to departure. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Vehicle and program upgrades are available - please inquire. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.

TB ABBEYTODUB0123SD: ICSD H
11 Dec 2023
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