Emerald Elegance

Arrive in Dublin airport where you are met and assisted by one of our friendly drivers to transfer you directly to your pre-booked hotel.

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 – Radisson Blu Royal, 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 – Radisson Blu Royal, Dublin

After picking up your car this morning you can visit the Irish National Stud and Horse Museum in Kildare, or you can stop off in Glendalough for stunning views of the Irish countryside before making your way to Kilkenny. 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 – Mount Juliet Hunters Yard, Kilkenny
 

Today you will travel west to the Kingdom of Kerry. A great route with beautiful scenery is along the south coast via Yougahl, Midleton, Cork City and the village of Blarney where you can gain the ‘gift of eloquence. 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 - The Dunloe Hotel, Killarney

A full 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
 

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. Or, if you want to take a more direct route, head toward Tarbert and take the ferry across the mouth of the River Shannon and then follow the winding coastal roads through the Burren to the Cliffs.

Overnight – Dromoland Castle, Clare

After breakfast today, you can head from the Burren to the bog to the bottle on your way to Dublin. During your journey through the midlands why not stop for a tasting and tour at Kilbeggan Distillery, Ireland’s oldest licensed distillery. Here you will learn everything about making Irish Whiskey, uisce beatha—the water of life. Then continue on to the coastal village of Malahide overlooking the Irish Sea where you will sadly be spending your last evening with us.

Overnight – The Grand Hotel, Malahide

One last full Irish breakfast before dropping off your car to the airport which is only a 20-minute drive away.