Experience Ireland in a 9 day tour starting in Shannon and take in Galway, Connemara, Dingle, visit the Waterford Crystal workshop, Dublin, the Burren, Cliffs of Moher and Cork.
Book by 30th November 2024*
*CIE tours and Knitting tours not included.
Popular with newly weds as the perfect honeymoon in Ireland, our Experience Ireland vacation is a 10 day tour through the most attractive regions.
Day 1 & 2: After picking up your car at Shannon Airport, drive towards Galway City for your first 2 nights. Once you visit the City of the Tribes, it will be hard to leave...experience the vibrancy of this cosmopolitan city for the day. Take a drive out to Connemara or to the Aran Islands, it will certainly be worth your while to experience this rugged landscape. In the evening, take a trip to the theatre or experience the ambiance of one of Galway's many pubs.
Day 3 & 4: Having had a wonderful time in Galway, you move onto Dublin, a city currently enjoying an international reputation. Take in the sights and enjoy the attractions of this progressive city. Or you could take a drive outside of the city to Wicklow, the garden of Ireland. This is one of Ireland's prettiest spots, characterised by divergent sandy beaches, mountains, rivers.
Day 5: You will leave Dublin, travelling down the East coast towards Wexford known as the "Model County", Wexford offers coastal villages, sunny seashores with numerous beaches, bird watch reserves, an annual Opera Festival and the Strawberry Fair. Upon reaching the old Viking town of Wexford you should try to visit the JFK Arboretum, a 252 hectare arboretum which is dedicated to the memory of the late US President. Wexford is widely acknowledged as being the finest County in Ireland for bird-watching. The county is proud of its 50 listed castles - try not to miss Ballyhack Castle, Duncannon Fort, Enniscorthy Castle, Ferns Castle and Slade Castle to name but a few.
Day 6: Leaving Wexford, you will embark on your journey towards Cork, Ireland's third largest city. Cork is built in a valley and is surrounded by the famous River Lee. You can spend the day in the city, taking in attractions or the many shops, restaurants and bars which the city has to offer. Blarney Castle is about 7 miles from Cork City and you could enjoy lunch there and maybe kiss the famous stone. From Cork City head towards Kinsale for your 6th night also know as the "Gourmet Capital of Ireland". Kinsale is a beautiful quaint town with some wonderful galleries and craft shops and you will find some of the best restaurants with the freshest of seafoods to choose from.
Day 7 & 8: Driving back to Cork and towards Kerry, you will really witness a transformation in the scenery. The green pastures of West Cork and the Lee Valley, as you drive out of Cork, give way to the mountains and valleys of Kerry. Killarney needs no introduction, due to its reputation built up by years of tourism, however a visit to Killarney is incomplete without an exploration of Killarney's National Park. The following morning, take the road to Dingle and experience the beauty and wonder of Slea Head, the Conor Pass and Inch Beach.
Day 9: This morning, you will head to Ennis. You can drive via Limerick City and onwards to the Shannon area and onto Ennis for your last night or you could take the ferry from Tarbert, North Kerry over to Co Clare. Explore the delights of Co Clare, the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna and The Burren. Spend your last night in Ennis.
Day 10: Today you will take your flight back from Shannon Airport with some great experiences and wonderful memories of your independent vacation in Ireland .
We have many self drive vacation ideas however if you would prefer a guided tour - contact us and find out about our group vacations in Ireland, escorted coach tours Ireland or chauffeur vacations in ireland.
To book or customize this tour please call us in Ireland Toll free from the USA on 1 800 963 9260 or complete our short enquiry form
Rental of a economy-size car. Included with your car is all compulsory insurances - Collision Damage Waiver insurance (CDW with an excess/deductible), theft protection insurance, location fee of €30, Road fund tax, sales tax at 13.5%, unlimited free mileage, third party liability insurance, 24 hour peace of mind breakdown cover.
Please note that we charge in Euros (€). Prices in other currencies are for indication only and subject to fluctuation.