Self-drive Of Ireland - The Ultimate Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Dublin - Belfast

Stop At: Newgrange, Donore Ireland
This ultimate self-drive tour of Ireland begins with an adventure to  the magical stone age passage tomb at Newgrange, richly decorated by megalithic art.

Newgrange is a Stone Age (Neolithic) monument in the Boyne Valley, County Meath, it is the jewel in the crown of Ireland's Ancient East. Newgrange was constructed about 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C.) which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Newgrange is a large circular mound 85m (279ft) in diameter and 13m (43ft) high with a 19m (63ft) stone passageway and chambers inside. The mound is ringed by 97 large kerbstones, some of which are engraved with symbols called megalithic art.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Titanic Belfast, Queen's Road 1 Olympic Way, Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9EP Northern Ireland
Continue your journey into Northern Ireland with Belfast as your destination.

Enjoy the full  Titanic experience at the interactive visitor centre of Titanic Belfast. Prepare to be moved by the wonderful stories told about the world’s most famous ship and its doomed fate.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Get picked up from your hotel and finish the day with an enthralling Black Cab Tour of Belfast City. This is simply the best way to learn the troubled history of the capital of Northern Ireland.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Jonesborough, Jonesborough, County Armagh, Northern Ireland
Your hidden gem today will be revealed in the Jonesborough region.
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: Giants Causeway - Derry

Stop At: Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, 119A Whitepark Road, Ballintoy BT54 6LS Northern Ireland
Begin your day with a scenic drive. The  Causeway Coastal Route  is a breath-taking journey along the north coast. Before taking the Causeway Coastal Route, you will visit Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

While crossing  Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge  you will feel the exhilaration of the air beneath your feet while the anticipation builds.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Giant's Causeway, Causeway Road, Bushmills BT57 8SU Northern Ireland
The  Giant’s Causeway is one of the most anticipated stops and will not disappoint. The short drive from Carrick-a-Rede will bring you to one of the most celebrated, natural sites on the island of Ireland. Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour and explore the path to the ancient rock formations.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Ballintoy, Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Your hidden gem today will delight Game of Thrones fans!
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: Derry - Hills of Donegal

Stop At: Derry Guided Tours, Union Hall Pl, Londonderry BT48 6LU, UK
Before leaving Derry, let our local guides take you on a walking tour of the city. Understand the struggles of our past and the long road to current peaceful times in the North.  
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Glengesh Pass, Glengesh, Ardara Ireland
Discover the Hills of Donegal. You will continue  your exploration of Northern Ireland and embark on a magnificent drive over the  Glengesh  Pass, Maghera Beach and the  Assarranca  Waterfall. 

This drive takes you through the hills and mountain bogs of County Done

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Inishowen Peninsula, Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal
Your hidden gem today will be revealed in the Inishowen region.
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: Donegal - Connemara

Stop At: Westport, Westport, County Mayo, Western Ireland
Journey south through Sligo to Ireland's favourite town of Westport.

Your time in Westport begins with a wonderful  walking tour of the town  and a fabulous lunch to set yourself up for an unforgettable journey through  Connemara National Park and the famous  Famine Trail.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, Connemara On the N59 between Clifden and Westport, Kylemore Ireland
Drive to  Kylemore Abbey  in the heart of Connemara in the afternoon. You will have  ample  time to roam the abbey and Victorian Walled Garden on this 1000-acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic Connemara National Park.  
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Sligo, Sligo, County Sligo, Western Ireland
Your hidden gem today will be revealed along your route to Westport. There are a couple of gems today to whet your appetite.
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 Aran Islands

Stop At: Aran Islands, Aran Islands, County Galway, Western Ireland
Take a short drive cross country to Rossaveal Pier on Galway bay, board the ferry to the  Aran Islands. You’ll land on rugged  Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands.
After crossing Galway Bay by ferry it is time to explore the island by bicycle, or by special request jaunting cart  (horse and carriage).  The  route will take in the stone fort of  Dún  Aonghasa, which lies 100m over the ocean before making  your way back to the mainland. 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: 6 hours

Stop At: Dun Aonghasa, Cill Mhuirbhigh, Province of Connacht Ireland
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dún Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. The fort consists of three massive dry-stone walls and a chevaux-de-frise, a dense band of jagged, upright stones, surrounding the fort from cliff to cliff. Take the short hike to the fort and enjoy some amazing views.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Inishmore, Inishmore, Aran Islands, County Galway, Western Ireland
Your hidden gem today will be revealed as you cycle around Inishmore.
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: Galway - 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 on a historical walking tour 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.  Learn all about the much celebrated Bohemian Galway.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Cliffs of Moher, Lislorkan North, Liscannor Ireland
This day just keeps on giving. You will now travel south west towards The Burren National Park  and the jaw dropping  Cliffs of Moher. Along the way you will pass the 16th century Dunguaire Castle  in Kinvara.

The  Cliffs of Moher 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: Kinvara, Kinvara, County Galway, Western Ireland
Your hidden gem today will be revealed in the quaint fishing village of Kinvara.
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: 20 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: Doolin - Dingle

Stop At: Poulnabrone Dolmen, R480, The Burren, County Clare Ireland
A trip to Ireland is not complete without seeing all the ancient structures. Drive to the most famous  Dolmen at Poulnabrone. These Neolithic monuments are scattered throughout the country marking burial sites and passageways 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.
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

Stop At: Dingle, Dingle, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
This evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in  Dingle’s famous quirky pubs and fantastic restaurants. Why not sit in Foxy John’s hardware store, order yourself a drink and strike up a conversation with a friendly local!
Duration: 12 hours

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

Day 8: The Dingle Peninsula

Stop At: Dingle, Dingle, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
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 is not 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. Perhaps you just want to stroll around this colourful village teeming with original local craft shops and cafes. Take it at your own pace. It’s your holiday – Do it your way.
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. We have put together a treasure trove list of hidden gems for you to discover. There will be a spectacular surprise at every corner! Take your time and stop often for some breathtaking photos!
Duration: 3 hours

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

Day 9: Ring of Kerry - Kinsale

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.
Ross Castle is a 15th-century tower house and keep on the edge of Lough Leane, in Killarney National Park.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ring of Kerry, Ireland
After the tour of Ross Castle, take a drive to Torc Waterfall, a loved destination by tourists and locals alike.
Onwards to Kenmare taking in views from Ladies View and  Moll’s Gap. Explore the stunning Kenmare town. It will feel like you have just stepped into an Irish movie set.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Kenmare, Kenmare, County Kerry
Your hidden gem today will be revealed in Kenmare town.
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

Stop At: Kinsale, Kinsale, County Cork
For your last night on tour we are excited to send you to coastal  Kinsale  which is famed for its culinary culture, delivered by its many award-winning restaurants. The town also has a great tradition of poetry, silver, gold and glassware manufacturing which can be seen throughout its local shops and galleries – boasting local talented artists.
Duration: 12 hours

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

Day 10: 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, Blarney, Cork, County Cork
Take yourself in the direction of 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. A fantastic end to your trip.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Tipperary, Tipperary, County Tipperary
Your hidden gem today will be revealed a stones throw away from the Rock of Cashel.
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

Stop At: Dublin, Dublin, County Dublin
It is now time to turn off your engine, dry your tears and to sit back and soak up all that you have experienced over the last 10 days. If you have any time left before leaving the Emerald Isle we will give you plenty of amazing recommendations for things to do, eat and entertain you in Dublin’s fair city.
Duration: 12 hours

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