8day Small Group Tour - Dublin & The South West Of Ireland

Itinerary

Day 1: As your plane touches down at Dublin airport, your driver-guide is waiting to welcome you to Ireland.

Pass By: Dublin, Dublin, County Dublin
Step into another world and relax. When you’re ready, we’ll accompany you from here, your every need attended. You won’t worry about a thing.

Dublin centre is just 10km from the airport and if you wish, you’ll enjoy a short orientation tour of the centre, en route to your hotel.

Subject to traffic and times, your driver-guide may show you O’Connell Street and the General Post Office; the Proclamation was read here for the first time on Easter Sunday 1916.

Your short tour might also include the Garden of Remembrance and The Custom House. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to see more tomorrow, once you’re rested.

Arriving at your central Dublin 4-star hotel, you’ll stay here for two nights. Our preferred choices are: The Green The Davenport, Brooks Hotel or the Ashling.

Your driver-guide will help you check in to your room, then leave you to settle in, rest and relax.

Should you need recommendations for dinner, you only have to ask. With local knowledge and a love of the city, we’re armed with delicious ideas.

More about your driver-guide: From a team of employed professionals, your driver-guide will soon become a firm friend. Relaxed and flexible, their job is to ensure you have a memorable experience and a very enjoyable time. Some have likened it to winning the lottery or feeling like royalty.
They’ll accompany you for eight hours a day, taking an hour for lunch. They’ll safely transport you in your luxury vehicle and manage the daily detail. Most importantly, you’ll find our driver-guides offer a wealth of knowledge about Ireland, new and old. Listen to their stories, experience Irish character first-hand, and see hidden sights only the locals know. Our driver-guides are what makes your trip so very special.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight is included at a city centre 4 star hotel. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore the city.

Day 2: A Walking Tour of Dublin City including entrances to Trinity College for the Book of Kells and the Guinness Storehouse

Stop At: The Book of Kells and the Old Library Exhibition, College Green Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2 Ireland
After your first Irish breakfast, you’ll meet our friendly local guide in your hotel lobby. They’ll take you on an informative, private three-hour walking tour of Dublin city. Offering a fascinating insight into Ireland’s capital, you’ll learn more about life in Dublin.
Rest assured, we can tailor our tour to meet any mobility needs or specific interests.
Key highlights include Dublin Castle – an impressive 13th century building, now a major government complex since independence in 1922. You’ll also see The Custom House near Dublin Port. Opened in 1791, it’s awash with neoclassical splendour. And no visit would be complete without experiencing the Georgian doors of Dublin first-hand. Colourful and decorative, they’re now part of Dublin’s DNA.
Your walking tour will end at Trinity College Library: home to the Book of Kells. Nestled in the heart of Dublin along ancient cobbled stone lanes, we’ve included your entrance fee to admire this lavishly decorated and most historical book. Crafted from vellum, it contains the four Gospels in Latin, dating back to 384AD. The book is famous throughout the world.
With the afternoon and evening free to explore further, we’ll happily make your arrangements. You might favour The Irish Emigration Museum, The Guinness Storehouse or The National Gallery. Even a spot of Irish shopping? Try the public transport or keep your driver for the afternoon, we’ll plan it all for you if you want. You’re never left not knowing what to see or do next.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight is included at a city centre 4 star hotel

Day 3: Dublin to Cork: the land of saints and scholars

Stop At: Rock of Cashel, Rock Vista Moor Lane, Cashel Ireland
Today, your Irish adventure leaves Dublin behind. There’s so much more to discover!

In the safety of your luxury vehicle and with the company of your trusted driver-guide, you’ll travel south-west towards Cork. There’s 265km of scenery to soak in and many sites to stop at along the way.

We include entrance fees to two sites

The Rock of Cashel – a historically significant group of medieval fortifications on prominent limestone outcrops in the Golden Vale. This is the site where St Patrick chose to make the head of his church in Ireland.

The Jameson Experience at the Midleton Distillery – enjoy a spot of Irish whiskey tasting whilst learning about the heritage of the Jameson brand. See the maturation process for yourself and walk among thousands of wooden whiskey casks, all housing the world-famous Jameson Whiskey.

At the end of an incredible day, you’ll check in to your room at Actons Hotel (or similar). Your stay included full Irish breakfast
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight is included at a 4 star hotel located in the heart of the fishing village

Day 4: Cork to Killarney: The Wild Atlantic Way

Stop At: Blarney Castle & Gardens, Monacnapa, Blarney, Cork T23 Y598 Ireland
Following breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to Kinsale town and continue along your route.

There are many ways to reach Killarney – some coastal, others inland. With the help of your trusted driver-guide, you’ll make the best decision on the day, taking the weather into account.

Heading to Old Head of Kinsale before you leave is a scenic “must”. That’s the first stop, Then its onto Blarney Castle.
Blarney Castle – one of Ireland’s greatest treasures and now a world landmark, the castle was built more than 600 years ago. You’ll find the legendary Stone of Eloquence at the top of the tower; its home since 1446. Kiss it, and you’ll never be lost for words again

Alternatively, travel through many old towns and villages further inland. There’s so much to see as you soak up the true character of Ireland.

Whichever route you choose, there’ll be no-end of photo opportunities; your driver-guide knowing the best ones to point out.

You’ll arrive in Killarney during the afternoon (a little earlier if you chose a shorter route). It’s a pretty town boasting many 18th century buildings of interest. Situated on the shores of Lough Leane, it’s flanked by Killarney National Park. This is your Irish home for the next three nights.

We offer many hand-picked 4-star hotel options in Killarney. Including the Great Southern, The Royal and The International
Relax and have fun in Killarney this evening. The town has plenty to offer and as ever, your devoted driver-guide will be on-hand with recommendations to help you make the most of it.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight is included at a town 4 star hotel, ideal for exploring the great pubs and restaurants of Killarney

Day 5: The Ring of Kerry

Pass By: Ring of Kerry, Ireland
It’s another fine day for stunning scenery as your attentive driver-guide tours you round the Ring of Kerry. A circular coastal route forming part of The Wild Atlantic Way, it unveils many hidden gems, tucked away in this stunning westerly landscape.

You’ll first travel to Killorglin, via the pretty coastal village of Glenbeigh. It hosts one of the finest Atlantic sandy beaches in Ireland. You can also choose to stop and experience a sheepdog demonstration with Brendan Farris, an Irish border collie trainer.

Your journey continues around the Ring of Kerry. Dingle Bay is worth a stop. You’ll be drawn to the miles of sandy beaches, crashing waves and soaring cliffs. It’s a photographer’s paradise. And your driver-guide takes the guesswork out of searching for the best viewpoints.

Cahirciveen is on your route – the birthplace of Ireland’s Great Liberator: Daniel O’Connell. And if time permits, you might take the short detour around Skellig Ring (some say it’s even more serene than the Ring of Kerry) and cross the little road bridge to Valentia Island. Talk about hidden gems! You’ll spot Skellig Island from here – a location for the latest Star Wars films.

And the coastal beauty continues to unfold as you drive through Sneem village and Molls Gap – a climbing mountain pass that affords yet more awe-inspiring views of Ireland at its very best.
Back towards Killarney National Park, you’ll arrive in Killarney during the afternoon (a little later if you took the detour). Muckross House & Gardens or Torc Waterfall are two additional sights, should you wish.

Tonight we include the Celtic Steps show in Killarney, magnificent Irish music and dancing.


Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight is included at a town centre 4 star hotel

Day 6: The Dingle Peninsula

Stop At: Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
You’ll be glad of your driver-guide today as they take you to marvel at the very best views on the Dingle Peninsula. It’s Ireland’s most westerly point and rich in wild and rugged beauty.

Slea Head Drive will be the highlight: once cited as “the most beautiful place on earth” by National Geographic. And one of the top 100 destinations in the world by TripAdvisor. Tucked away in gorgeous Ireland.

The drive is a circular route that starts and finishes at the pretty harbour town of Dingle. You’ll see fascinating archaeological remains intertwined with secluded sandy beaches and wild open countryside. If you want to escape from it all, there’s no better place. The air is clear, the natural light is captivating. You’ll feel a sense of peace and calm from beginning to end.

Walk on the beach and squelch the sand in your toes if you fancy. Imagine how those Neolithic settlers felt in 4,000BC. This was home to them.

We also include a delightful 2-hour Food tasting tour of Dingle, visiting some wonderful artisan food shops. With Irish as its first language, this ancient town sits within one of the Gaeltacht regions. Be assured that your driver-guide will escort you through and ensure you enjoy your experience of traditional Irish life.

On your return to Killarney, you’ll travel over the Conor Pass to Tralee. It’s a dramatic journey of peaks and winding climbs. With views to match. Just sit back and take it all in.

Your final evening in Killarney. Let us recommend somewhere to dine. Our local knowledge is always to-hand when you need it.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight is included at a town 4 star hotel ideal to explore the pubs and restaurants or Killarney

Day 7: The Cliffs of Moher and your final night in a luxury 4 star hotel

Stop At: Cliffs of Moher, Lislorkan North, Liscannor Ireland
This morning you’ll say goodbye to Killarney and travel north to the coastal town of Tarbet. Here, you’ll take a short ferry journey across the Shannon estuary and join another section of The Wild Atlantic Way.

Your first destination? The Cliffs of Moher.
It’s easy to see why The Cliffs of Moher are a UNESCO Global Geopark. You’ll be struck by their staggering height (up to 668 feet) and endless stretch (5 miles). Such a natural landmark makes you feel humble in the world we live.

Enjoy the far-reaching views across the Atlantic Ocean, take a wind-swept stroll along the cliff tops, spot basking sharks and dolphins in the waters below (on a calm day). Your driver-guide will advise you on the most memorable beauty spots and particular things to look out for. Like Kittiwakes and Razorbills. Coastal sea pinks and pretty wildflowers.

Entrance to the visitor centre is included, enabling you to learn more about this natural Irish wonder. Alternatively, you might opt for a coastal cruise to take in the mighty cliffs from the sea.

Your journey continues north through the Burren Region; a Geosite that’s home to Burren National Park. With curious limestone landscape formed 300 million years ago, you’ll spot intriguing mushroom-like stone formations and structures – all naturally formed by the wild, Irish environment. Rich in archaeological history, you’ll see many ancient monuments and Neolithic sites.
Your driver-guide will fill in the detail as you go.

Your final overnight is at either The Old Ground or the Woodstock Hotel, both are great 4 star hotels within easy reach of Shannon Airport for your departure.

We will also give the option to ugrade your stay to a 5 star luxury castle or manor house after we receive your booking
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight is included at a 4 star hotel close to Shannon Airport

Day 8: Farewell for now: your adventure is complete

Pass By: Shannon, Shannon, County Clare
Has the time flown by? What an incredible journey. What an experience of Ireland’s best and finest. And yet, today, it comes to a close. Treasure those memories and special times. You’ll be sad to leave our gregarious and charming land, but you can always return. There’s more to discover and we’d love to see you again!
As ever, your dear driver-guide is on-hand to drive you to Shannon airport for your return flight. They’ll drop you just where you need to be, ensuring your departure is stress-free and easy. After some fond farewells, you’ll be safely on your way.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.