Self-drive Of Ireland - The Emerald Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Clonmacnoise - Connemara

Stop At: Clonmacnoise, Shannonbridge Ireland
Journey towards the beauty and surroundings of the  6th century monastery at Clonmacnoise, located on the banks of the  River Shannon. The monastery was a centre of excellence for learning and scholars created the finest of Celtic art and illuminated manuscripts over 600 years.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, Connemara On the N59 between Clifden and Westport, Kylemore Ireland
Your next stop is  Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara. The rugged landscape of Connemara come hail rain or shine is guaranteed to take your breath away. Spend time roaming the abbey and Victorian walled garden on this 1000 acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic  Connemara National Park.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Glennagloghaun North, Monivea, Co. Galway, Ireland
Your hidden gem today will be revealed in the Galway region on your way to the wonderful west of Ireland.
Each day your very own customised app and new best friend – Paddy the Pocket Pilot will direct you to some of the most amazing secret locations and hidden gems in Ireland. These are all close to your route but off the beaten track!

Duration: 30 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: We guarantee a 'Céad Míle Fáilte' - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes at our tried and loved locally sourced accommodation.

Day 2: The Aran Islands

Stop At: Aran Islands, Aran Islands, County Galway, Western Ireland
After an hour drive from Clifden to Rossaveal Pier climb aboard the ferry to the  Aran Islands.
You’ll land on rugged  Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. Explore the Island by bicycle or by special request jaunting cart.
The route will take in the stone fort of  Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over the ocean. While you are there you might  pick up a few words of ‘Gaelic’ from the locals and maybe  treat yourself to an original Aran Sweater!
Duration: 5 hours

Stop At: Inishmore, Inishmore, Aran Islands, County Galway, Western Ireland
Your hidden gem today will be revealed during your adventure around the Inishmore Island.
Each day your very own customised app and new best friend – Paddy the Pocket Pilot will direct you to some of the most amazing secret locations and hidden gems in Ireland. These are all close to your route but off the beaten track!

Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: We guarantee a 'Céad Míle Fáilte' - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes at our tried and loved locally sourced accommodation.

Day 3: Galway - The Cliffs of Moher

Stop At: Galway, Galway, County Galway, Western Ireland
Galway is a city that has its Medieval history at its very heart.
Our local guide will take you down the narrow streets where you can duck in and out of brightly coloured shops.
Try on  Claddagh Rings, Galway shawls and pass through  The Spanish Arch  to take in the famous Claddagh fishing village.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Cliffs of Moher, Lislorkan North, Liscannor Ireland
The cliffs experience will take you by foot across its stunning natural features with the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves crashing in below. The cliffs are one of the most spectacular natural features in Ireland and are sure to leave you lost for words.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: The Burren National Park, Clare Heritage Centre, Corofin Ireland
Your hidden gem today will be revealed while driving through the Burren National Park.
Each day your very own customised app and new best friend – Paddy the Pocket Pilot will direct you to some of the most amazing secret locations and hidden gems in Ireland. These are all close to your route but off the beaten track!

Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: We guarantee a 'Céad Míle Fáilte' - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes at our tried and loved locally sourced accommodation.

Day 4: Doolin - Dingle

Stop At: Poulnabrone Dolmen, R480, The Burren, County Clare Ireland
Drive to Ireland's most famous  Dolmen at Poulnabrone. These Neolithic monuments are scattered throughout the country marking burial sites and passage ways dating back to 3000BC.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations, R480 Road, Caherconnell V95 YK31 Ireland
A short journey from the Dolmen, the farmers at Caherconnell will treat you to a spectacular sheep dog trial. Prepared to be awestruck by the skill of the farmer and his furry friend as they gather up their flock of sheep. A true Irish experience.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Tralee, Tralee, County Kerry
Your hidden gem today will be revealed in the hometown of the International Rose of Tralee Festival.
Each day your very own customised app and new best friend – Paddy the Pocket Pilot will direct you to some of the most amazing secret locations and hidden gems in Ireland. These are all close to your route but off the beaten track!

Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: We guarantee a 'Céad Míle Fáilte' - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes at our tried and loved locally sourced accommodation.

Day 5: The Dingle Peninsula

Stop At: Mount Brandon, An Daingean Co. Kerry Ireland
Today your morning begins exploring caves and inlets on  Dingle Bay by kayak and meet county Kerry’s biggest celebrity – Fungie the Dolphin.
If kayaking isn’t your thing you can take a moderate paced hike up Mount Brandon  where you will be rewarded with  360-degree panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Castlegregory.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Slea Head Drive, Ireland
This afternoon jump in the car and take  an impressive trip along one of Ireland’s most scenic roads – The Slea Head Drive . Highlights on the drive include: Dunquin Pier, Clogher Beach, Gallarus Oratory and Comenoole.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Dingle Distillery, R559 Milltown Roundabout, Dingle V92 E7YD Ireland
Take a tour at the famous  Dingle Whiskey Distillery to sample their  award-winning whiskey and gi n and get an education on the history of whiskey production around the world.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Dingle Peninsula, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
Your hidden gems today will be revealed all along the Slea Head Drive. There are so many treats in store for you.
Each day your very own customised app and new best friend – Paddy the Pocket Pilot will direct you to some of the most amazing secret locations and hidden gems in Ireland. These are all close to your route but off the beaten track!

Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: We guarantee a 'Céad Míle Fáilte' - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes at our tried and loved locally sourced accommodation.

Day 6: Sites on the Ring of Kerry

Stop At: Ross Castle Ross Road, Killarney Ireland
The Ring of Kerry is the very definition of the word scenic and you will discover many hidden gems. We will arrange a guided tour of Ross Castle where you will learn what life was really like behind the stone walls.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kenmare, Kenmare, County Kerry
Your drive to Kenmare will take in views from Ladies View and  Moll’s Gap. Stop for some  shopping and lunch in the beautiful heritage town of Kenmare. You will feel like you have just stepped into a movie set!
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Old Kenmare Road, N71, Kenmare Ireland
Your hidden gem today will be revealed during your stop in picturesque Kenmare.
Each day your very own customised app and new best friend – Paddy the Pocket Pilot will direct you to some of the most amazing secret locations and hidden gems in Ireland. These are all close to your route but off the beaten track!

Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: We guarantee a 'Céad Míle Fáilte' - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes at our tried and loved locally sourced accommodation.

Day 7: Kinsale - Kiss the Blarney Stone

Stop At: Kinsale, Kinsale, County Cork
Wake up refreshed and ready to be taken on a guided walking tour through the narrow streets of Kinsale with one of our favourite guides, Barry.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Blarney Castle & Gardens, Monacnapa, Blarney, Cork T23 Y598 Ireland
Paddy the Pocket Pilot app will direct you towards Blarney because you MUST not leave Cork without visiting Blarney Castle and Gardens and giving the Blarney Stone a big fat kiss!
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Rock of Cashel, Rock Vista Moor Lane, Cashel Ireland
Your final stop before driving back to Dublin is the  Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is over 1000 years old and you will get to see its medieval round tower, chapel, cathedral and castle.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Dublin, Dublin, County Dublin
If you have a little time left in Dublin before you fly home we will arm you with fantastic things to see and do in the Capital city and surroundings. Let Paddy the Pocket Pilot guide you back to Dublin and make some reservations for you.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Old Head Golf Links, Kinsale Ireland
Your hidden gem today will be revealed during your stay in Kinsale.
Each day your very own customised app and new best friend – Paddy the Pocket Pilot will direct you to some of the most amazing secret locations and hidden gems in Ireland. These are all close to your route but off the beaten track!

Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: We guarantee a 'Céad Míle Fáilte' - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes at our tried and loved locally sourced accommodation.