DAY 1 : DUBLIN ARRIVAL
Arrive at Dublin Airport today, pick up your car rental & transfer to your hotel.
Depending on the time of arrival, enjoy a tour of the highlights of Dublin, which could include a visit to Trinity College to view the beautifully illuminated Book of Kells and the National Museum of Ireland (entry free of charge).
Overnight: Dublin area
DAY 2 : DUBLIN TO GALWAY
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dublin today. You could visit St-Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church, where Jonathan Swift, author of “Gulliver’s Travels” was once Dean.
Stop off at the Old Jameson Distillery (option), situated in the old markets area of the city, Smithfield. An audio-visual tour explains the process by which whisky is made and this is followed by a whisky tasting by all in the "Ball o' Malt Bar".
A special tasting is organised to compare the most popular Irish whiskies with bourbon and scotch whisky. This afternoon depart Dublin for your next stop, County Galway.
Overnight: Galway area
DAY 3 : CONNEMARA
Spend today exploring the country of the “Quiet Man” and “The Purple Taxi”-Connemara, an area full of contrast, Granite Mountains populated only by sheep with hundreds of lakes forming a fisherman’s paradise. Its stone walls, small farms, thatched cottages in isolated splendour with its heather covered hills create an unforgettable scene for all its visitors.
The route takes us from Galway to the lake dotted centre of Connemara at Maam Cross. The road continues through the colourful town of Clifden and on through the Irish speaking lowlying part of Southern Connemara with its countless beautiful lakes.
Overnight: Galway area
DAY 4 : GALWAY TO KERRY
Depart for Kerry this morning, and travel through the heart of County Clare - the Burren Region. The Burren is a geological paradise boasting over 2,000 plants and many rare flowers.
Continue along the coast of Clare to view the spectacular Cliffs of Moher (option) which form a 200m wall that plunges into the Atlantic Ocean, from which you can see from Galway Bay. Continue through the farming countryside of Limerick to Kerry.
Overnight: Kerry area
DAY 5 : RING OF KERRY
A superb tour of the Iveragh Peninsula (170 kms), taking its spectacular scenery - mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean as one travels along the coast road. Leaving Killarney you travel through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay.
Continue to Cahersiveen, the birth place of National hero, Daniel O’Connell, drive through the peat bogs to the sea town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous because of its brightly coloured houses. The road continues with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney.
Overnight: Kerry area
DAY 6 : DINGLE PENINSULA & LIMERICK
Depart for a tour of the Dingle Peninsula, where movies such as “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Far and Away” were filmed. The Peninsula has an extraordinary number of ring forts, high crosses and other ancient monuments.
The area west of Dingle has the greatest concentration of ancient sites in Kerry. This area is also a genuine Irishspeaking region. The landscape here is dramatic and there are striking views of the Blasket Islands from Slea Head.
Overnight: Limerick area
DAY 7 : LIMERICK TO DUBLIN
Return to Dublin with a free afternoon to explore the city or to do your last minute shopping.
Overnight: Dublin area
DAY 8 : DUBLIN DEPARTURE
Travel to Dublin Airport for return flight home.
End of our services.
Our services include :
- 7 nights accommodation with daily breakfast
Our services do not include :
- International flights
- Rental Car
- Visa
- Insurance
Accommodation:
- Dublin :Maldron Newlands Cross or similar
- Galway : Lady Gregory Hotel or similar
- Kerry : Ballyroe Heights Hotel or similar
- Limerick : Limerick City Hotel or similar
Ireland, often referred to as the "Emerald Isle," is a country known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Located in the North Atlantic, it is part of the British Isles and is divided into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. This guide will focus on the Republic of Ireland, offering insights into its major cities, attractions, cultural experiences, and practical travel tips.
Getting There:
Ireland is accessible via several international airports, the main ones being Dublin Airport (DUB), Shannon Airport (SNN), and Cork Airport (ORK). Direct flights are available from many major cities in Europe, North America, and beyond.
Where to Stay:
Ireland offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and quaint bed-and-breakfasts to budget hostels and self-catering cottages. Popular areas to stay include:
Dublin: The capital city offers a range of accommodations from luxury hotels like The Shelbourne to budget-friendly options such as Generator Hostel.
Galway: Known for its lively arts scene, Galway offers charming guesthouses and hotels, including The Galmont Hotel & Spa.
Cork: The second-largest city in Ireland has a variety of accommodations, such as The River Lee Hotel and Kinlay House Cork.
Killarney: A gateway to the Ring of Kerry, it offers a mix of upscale and budget accommodations like The Killarney Park Hotel and Neptune’s Hostel.
Top Cities and Attractions:
Dublin:
Trinity College and the Book of Kells: Home to Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure, the Book of Kells.
Guinness Storehouse: Learn about the history of Ireland's famous beer and enjoy a pint with panoramic views of the city.
Temple Bar: A cultural quarter with cobbled streets, lively pubs, and street performers.
Dublin Castle: A historic site with gardens, museums, and guided tours.
Galway:
Eyre Square: A bustling public park in the heart of the city.
Galway Cathedral: A stunning example of modern architecture.
Salthill Promenade: A beautiful coastal walk offering scenic views of Galway Bay.
Galway Arts Festival: An annual event showcasing local and international artists.
Cork:
Blarney Castle: Home to the famous Blarney Stone, which is said to bestow the gift of eloquence.
English Market: A historic indoor market offering local produce, meats, and cheeses.
Fitzgerald Park: A picturesque park with a museum, sculptures, and playgrounds.
Killarney:
Killarney National Park: Explore the stunning landscapes, lakes, and waterfalls.
Muckross House and Gardens: A 19th-century mansion with beautiful gardens.
Ring of Kerry: A scenic drive offering breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and coastal landscapes.
Limerick:
King John’s Castle: A medieval castle with interactive exhibitions.
The Hunt Museum: A collection of artifacts and artworks spanning several millennia.
St. Mary’s Cathedral: A beautiful and historic church in the city center.
Cultural Experiences:
Traditional Music and Dance:
Experience traditional Irish music and dance in pubs and cultural centers. The city of Galway is particularly renowned for its vibrant music scene.
Festivals:
St. Patrick’s Day: Celebrated on March 17th with parades, music, and festivities across the country.
Galway International Arts Festival: A major event featuring theater, music, visual arts, and street performances.
Literary Heritage:
Visit the homes and museums dedicated to Ireland’s famous writers, such as James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and Oscar Wilde.
Irish Cuisine:
Sample traditional Irish dishes like Irish stew, soda bread, and seafood chowder. Don’t miss trying local specialties such as black pudding and boxty.
Practical Tips:
Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency in the Republic of Ireland. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s useful to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
Language: English is the main language, although Irish (Gaelic) is also spoken, particularly in rural areas.
Transportation: Ireland has a well-developed public transportation system, including trains, buses, and ferries. Renting a car is also a popular option for exploring the countryside.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from April to September when the weather is milder and many festivals take place. However, Ireland’s scenery is beautiful year-round, and off-season travel can offer fewer crowds and lower prices.
Health and Safety: Ireland is a safe destination with good healthcare facilities. It’s advisable to have travel insurance for any unexpected medical expenses.
Ireland offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from its vibrant cities and cultural heritage to its stunning natural landscapes and welcoming people. Whether you’re exploring historic castles, enjoying traditional music in a cozy pub, or hiking through lush green valleys, Ireland promises a memorable and enchanting travel experience. Embrace the warmth of the Irish spirit and the beauty of the Emerald Isle on your next adventure.