Southern Highlights Chauffeur Drive

Arrive in Dublin airport where you are met and assisted to the awaiting car by your friendly Irish driver and guide.  Transfer direct to your pre-booked hotel.

THE CHARM OF DUBLIN
Intimate as a village, sophisticated as a metropolis and friendly as a pub, the capital of Ireland is a centre of infinite interest and variety. Monuments in literature and stone mark the history, writers, poets and people of Dublin. Mediaeval, Georgian and modern architecture provide a backdrop to a friendly, bustling port which can boast literary giants such as Shaw, Joyce, Yeats, Beckett and O’Casey as native sons. Spawned by the need to ford the River Liffey, fortified by the Danes, developed by the Normans, adorned with fine buildings by the Anglo—Irish, the city has grown in stature and elegance over the centuries.

Overnight - The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

A hearty Irish breakfast in your hotel and then you are free to explore Dublin’s ‘Fair City’ on your own.  A Dublin Bus Hop on / Hop off ticket is an easy way to do this.  Fine museums and galleries chronicle the long and colorful heritage of this city. Fashion shops and boutiques rival the best in Europe. The theatres and concert halls attract prestigious national and international artists, while the pubs buzz with traditional entertainment, cabaret, jazz sessions and, of course, friendly and exuberant Dubliners.

Overnight - The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

Leaving Dublin, visit the Irish National Stud and Horse Museum in Kildare or the Rock of Cashel or visit Kilkenny town before arriving in Cork.

THE SUNNY SOUTH EAST
This region is well known for its sunny climate and its seaside resorts. There are many fine sandy beaches and coves to be sampled along the coastline from Wexford to Waterford.
Wicklow, the “Garden of Ireland”, lies to the south of Dublin. Its hills, valleys, mansions and gardens make it a county of fascinating variety and beauty. The 6th century early Christian settlement at Glendalough is of outstanding historical interest and great beauty.
Kilkenny’s mediaeval heritage gives this beautiful city, dominated by the 17th century former Butler Castle, a unique atmosphere. Conducted walking tours will take you to many finely preserved buildings and Kilkenny Design Workshops. The 12th century Cistercian Abbey at Jerpoint, near Thomastown is a must for visitors as is the picturesque village of Inistioge and the beautiful Nore valley.

Overnight - Castlemartyr Resort, Cork

Cork is Ireland’s ‘capital’ of the south. Founded by St. Finbarr in the late 6th century, it was later settled by the Vikings and became a thriving port at the mouth of The River Lee. Cork is a hilly city, watched over on the north side by St. Ann’s Church, Shandon, with its magnificent chime of bells. The River Lee adds its own special enchantment, creating two islands in the centre of the city, many quaint backwaters and the excuse for lots of bridges.
The coastal and Blackwater Valley routes from Cork westward offers some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in Europe. Imposing green—clad hills and mountains in haphazard perfection flank the sheltered harbours and villages. Along the route are colourful villages with lyrical names like Ballydehob, Skibbereen and Glengarriff.

Overnight - Castlemartyr Resort, Cork

Today you travel west to the Kingdom of Kerry along the south coast via the village of Blarney where you can gain the ‘gift of eloquence.

A day to explore the magnificent scenery of Kerry including the Lakes of Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, or Dingle. 

The Ring of Kerry, a 160 km route around the Iveragh Peninsula, is one the great scenic drives. This route, an amazing mixture of rugged mountains, winding valleys and dramatic seascapes, begins and ends in Killarney. Famed in song and story, the Lakes of Killarney live up to expectations.

Overnight - The Dunloe Hotel, Killarney

A full day to explore the Dingle Peninsula, another natural wonder of this part of the world. The dramatic mountains sweep down to golden beaches and stark rocks. The green of the hills in contrast with the wildness of the scenes make Dingle an enchanted place. Dingle is a native Gaelic speaking area and the lilt of this ancient tongue adds an extra element of mystery to this hauntingly beautiful place.

Overnight - The Dunloe Hotel, Killarney

Today you journey north to the Shannon region. Take a tour of Limerick with its turbulent past and the evidence of this is seen in King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone. Bunratty Castle and Folk park are also worth a visit.

HISTORIC SHANNONSIDE
Kerry’s dramatic scenery gives way to the rich pastoral lands of the Golden Vale and the Shannon Estuary. Ireland’s prettiest village, Adare, is on the road to Limerick. Here thatched cottages line the main Street and a wayside inn offers comfort to the passer—by. Limerick has had a turbulent past and the evidence of this is seen in King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone.
In stark contrast to the lush pasturelands of the Golden Vale is the county of Clare to the south of Galway Bay. Here the flat landscape extends west where it forms a natural wonder at the Cliffs of Moher. They stand on the edge of Ireland with the Atlantic crashing on the rocks 700 feet below. A few miles from the coast is one of the strangest landscapes in Ireland, the Burren. This windswept and stark plateau holds many secrets. There are fascinating Neolithic tombs called dolmens. Concealed in the figures of the rocks are some of the most exotic flora and fauna that lure botanists from around the world. The great entertainment centre of the area is at Bunratty. Here mediaeval banquets are held in the Castle and traditional evenings of food, singing and dancing are held in a thatched cottage in the Bunratty Folk Park.

Lough Derg is Ireland’s pleasure lake. It is the largest of the Shannon’s lakes and is almost an inland sea. It is renowned for game and course fishing, boating, sailing, windsurfing and skiing.

Overnight - Dromoland Castle, Clare

Sadly all good things must come to an end.

NOTE: -  This itinerary is a suggestion only.  It may not be possible to include all areas / places mentioned.