Elegant Ireland Self Drive: Dublin to Galway
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 2,669
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Explore the Emerald Isle in style and at your own pace. This self-drive Ireland tour takes you from Dublin to Waterford, Limerick, the Cliffs of Moher, and many more picturesque parts of the country.
This great idea features 4 and 5 star accommodations. Car rental is not inculded but we can advise and arrange.
Your 9-day Ireland self-drive from Dublin to Galway lets you explore one of Europe’s most photogenic countries at a comfortable pace without missing the best sights.
More than just an entry point into Ireland, Dublin is still the country’s beating cultural heart. Take in a wine and cheese tasting at Trinity College, staying on for a tour of this historic campus. Most of your time is at leisure, including the evenings, during which you can roam real Irish pubs or explore the city’s thriving music scene. After one last morning in the capital, drive on to Waterford, home to the lovely namesake crystal. Along the way, you might want to call in at Glendalough, Valley of the Two Lakes, Wicklow’s Monastic Site, and Dunbrody Famine Ship.
Continue on to Cork, where Titanic enthusiasts can explore the history of the ill-fated voyage in detail, following the guided Titanic Trail walking tour. You can also visit the Desmond Wine Museum in Desmond Castle. Then embark on a tour of the Gap of Dunloe, admiring the lakes of Killarney and the Kerry Mountains. Onward to Adare, the birthplace of Irish Coffee, where you’ll visit the Foynes Flying Boat Museum. Famously friendly Adare dates back to the 13th century, and keeps its history alive and well today. Beautifully maintained cottages mix in with medieval monasteries and old ruins to create one of the most unique towns in Ireland.
Turn toward the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most striking sights, towering 230 metres above the water. Take a walking tour of the Burren and admire the limestone dotted landscape. Your evening is spent in famously hospitable Galway. The following day, see more of the surrounding countryside on a guided tour of Connemara. Gaelic is the dominant language here, so it’s a superb spot to experience ‘the real’ Ireland as you uncover the stories of Kylemore Abbey and gardens, and Killary Harbour. Return to Galway for a farewell dinner.
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 2,669
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrive Dublin
Welcome to Dublin Airport, where after picking up your car, you will travel into the city centre and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent exploring Dublin.
Accommodation: The Davenport Hotel
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|
Galway City and Cong
Leave Dublin this morning and travel across the rich midland pastures. Before you cross the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, you can visit Clonmacnoise, a 6th-century Christian site. Arrive into Galway, which has 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.
Continue on from Galway to nearby Cong to your overnight hotel.
Accommodation: Ashford Castle
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
Connemara Tour
Today, embark on a tour of the wild & rugged Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery. Irish is still widely spoken here. Why not visit the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful mansion in a lakeside setting against a mountainous backdrop? You can also visit Connemara National Park at Letterfrack, where the indigenous wild Connemara ponies roam freely through the rugged landscape.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
County Clare
Today, you leave Ashford Castle & travel through Galway City and into County Clare. Travel through the strange lunar landscape of the Burren region or visit the Cliffs of Moher a spectacular 5-mile long cliff, which rises almost 700 feet above sea level. You can also visit the 15th-century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Stop at some of the many small towns and villages that Ireland is famous for.
Accommodation: Armada Hotel
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Kerry
Today, travel south and pass through the medieval city of Limerick. Stop in the pretty village of Adare, whose Heritage Centre allows you to experience the area’s unique history, spanning from 1233.
Continue on to Kenmare, voted Ireland’s tidiest town.
Accommodation: Cahernane House
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Night |
Kenmare or West Cork
Today, why not relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities or visit Kenmare with its many craft and antique shops. Alternatively, tour the West Cork region travelling over the spectacular Healy Pass before arriving in Glengariff where you can take a short boat trip to Garnish Island to see the “sub-tropical” gardens. Because of a unique Gulf Stream influence, you can see many plants you would normally expect to see in much warmer climates.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
The Midlands
Leave Kenmare and travel through the rich rolling pastures of Ireland’s Golden Vale region. Why not stop in Cork, Ireland’s second largest city or perhaps visit the world famous Blarney Castle and nearby Blarney Woollen Mills? Continue on to the medieval city of Kilkenny where you can stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways or visit Kilkenny Castle or some of the other heritage sites.
Accommoation: Lyrath Estate Hotel
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Dublin Departure
Travel to Dublin Airport for your onward flight.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 7 nights accommodation in 4-5 star hotels
- 7 Irish breakfasts
- Service charges and taxes at existing rates
- Heritage Island Touring Guide & Explorer Coupon
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Car rental
- All other meals and beverages
- Guided day tours
- Excursions
- Entry fees to attractions
- Gratuities
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from", per person, based on twin/double share and include taxes. Subject to availability at the time of booking.
12 Nov 2024
