Elegant Ireland

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Ireland

Enjoy a Private Car transfer to your centrally located downtown Dublin hotel. Relax after your journey. Perhaps enjoy a Horse and Carriage ride through some of Dublin’s historic Georgian Squares or Walk through the Temple Bar area, which is fast becoming Dublin’s Left Bank! (Brooks Hotel, 2-Nights)

Day 2: Dublin City, Wicklow

Explore Dublin City. Highlights include Trinity College and Dublin Castle. Stroll down Grafton Street, Dublin’s premier shopping area. Visit St. Stephen’s Green, Europe’s oldest and most beautiful Georgian Square. Later Explore one of the most famous and enchanting places in Ireland, Glendalough (the valley of the two lakes) which is home to some of Ireland’s oldest and most interesting monastic ruins. The spectacular hidden mountains and barren boglands at Sally Gap will leave you breathless.

Day 3: Kilkenny/ Cork

Visit Kilkenny, Ireland’s best example of a medieval town. It is beautifully situated on the river Nore, which forms the moat of its magnificently restored castle. Arrive at Waterford and visit the House of Waterford Crystal, a fascinating visitor centre and opulent retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. Take a guided factory tour, giving you first hand access to all areas of traditional crystal production. Continue on to Hayfield Manor, Co. Cork for a 2-night stay. (Hayfield Manor, 2-Nights)

Day 4: Cork City

Tour Cork City and include a visit to the Shandon Bells, the gothic style University College, St Finbarr’s Cathedral, City Market and the Crawford Art Gallery. Head to Blarney to see the castle and kiss the famous stone. Shop at the Blarney Woolen Mills. Perhaps take in a cookery demonstration in the afternoon.

Day 5: Kinsale & Killarney

Visit the colorful and picturesque fishing town of Kinsale, Ireland’s cuisine capital. Visitors are captivated by the town’s setting, its long waterfront, narrow streets, and slate-clad houses. The bulk of Compass Hill rises sharply behind the town, overlooking a natural harbour of great beauty where the Bandon river turns south towards the sea. This afternoon Drive west to Killarney. (Cahernane House, 3- Nights)

Day 6: Killarney & Gap of Dunloe

Enjoy a tour to the famous Gap of Dunloe, see Kate Kearney’s Cottage and the lakes of Killarney in the National Park. Lough Leane, the largest of the lakes, has approximately 30 islands nestled in its waters. Enjoy spectacular views of the lakes and surrounding countryside from Aghadoe.

Day 7: Killarney & Ring of Kerry

Today tour the world famous Ring of Kerry. For centuries artists and writers have celebrated this kingdom of Kerry, where the contrasting mountain, lake, and coastal scenery is at its most spectacular. This trip promises some of the most celebrated, scenic attractions in Ireland, rugged landscapes, antiquities and attractive villages. From Waterville you can see the Skellig Islands, once raided by the Vikings in 810 AD, this former monastery is now home to one of the biggest gannet colonies in the world.

Day 8: Departure

Transfer to Shannon Airport for your flight back to the U.S.

RECOMMENDED EXTENSION:

Day 8: Dingle Peninsula

Enjoy a tour of the rugged Dingle Peninsula featuring Slea Head, Connor Pass and the colorful fishing town of Dingle. (Dingle Skellig, 1-Night)

Day 9: Burren, Co. Clare

Visit the Cliffs of Moher, which stretch dramatically 700 feet above the Atlantic. We recommend a stop at Ailwee Cave to see the underground river and waterfall. Explore Co. Clare’s lunar-like Burren region, famous for its unique flora and fauna, geology, and archaeology. (Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, 2- Nights)

Day 10: Aran Islands

Explore Connemara, the western region of County Galway, and one of Ireland’s Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) regions. The area around Leenane and Cong is where the movie “The Quiet Man” was made with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. There are a number of charming fishing villages dotted along the coast where you may wish to stop for lunch. Visit Kylemore Abbey and the magical Delphi Valley.

Day 11: Shannon/Departure

Enjoy a Private Transfer to Shannon for your return flight home. Slan abhaile!

Trip Pricing (8-Day)

From: $1895 Per Person Sharing (Self Drive Itinerary). Airline taxes and fees not included.

Ask a Destinations Expert about our fabulous extensions like our 3-night deluxe hotel and castle extension for only $449, including car.

When 4 or more travel why not upgrade to a Private Driver Guide!