Classic Ireland – Your First Journey

Arrive at Dublin Airport and collect your rental car before making your way into the heart of the capital. Settle into your hotel and enjoy some time discovering Dublin at your own pace. Stroll along the famous Grafton Street, explore the elegant surroundings of St Stephen’s Green or soak up the atmosphere of the city’s traditional pubs and lively streets. For a memorable introduction to Ireland, why not visit the iconic Guinness Storehouse? Discover the story behind Ireland’s most famous stout before enjoying a perfectly poured pint with panoramic views across the city from the Gravity Bar.

Suggested Experience:

• Guinness Storehouse

Overnight Gresham Hotel, Dublin or similar View All

Leave Dublin behind and travel west towards the vibrant city of Galway, passing through the beautiful landscapes of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. En route, consider a visit to Clonmacnoise, one of Ireland’s most important early Christian monastic sites, beautifully situated on the banks of the River Shannon. Explore its ancient round towers, high crosses and atmospheric ruins before continuing west. On arrival in Galway, check into your hotel and enjoy some time exploring this colourful city, famous for its traditional music, independent shops and welcoming atmosphere. In the evening, why not join a guided food tour or enjoy a local stout experience to discover some of Galway’s culinary delights.

Suggested Experiences:

• Clonmacnoise Monastic Site

• Galway Food Tour or Stroll to the Stout Experience

Included Meals Breakfast

Overnight Twelve Hotel, Galway or similar View All

Today is dedicated to exploring the spectacular region of Connemara, an area renowned for its untamed beauty, traditional heritage and ever-changing landscapes. Travel through picturesque villages, alongside peaceful lakes and beneath the rugged peaks of the Twelve Bens. A highlight of the day is a visit to Kylemore Abbey, a magnificent Victorian castle set against a backdrop of mountains and woodland, with beautiful gardens to explore. Continue your journey with an opportunity to experience the traditional craft of sheepdog herding, watching skilled local handlers and their dogs demonstrate the remarkable partnership between farmer and animal. Return to Galway in the evening, with time to enjoy another taste of the city’s lively atmosphere.

Suggested Experiences:

• Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens

• Joyce Country Sheepdogs Experience

Included Meals Breakfast

Overnight Twelve Hotel, Galway or similar View All

Depart Galway and journey south through the rugged landscapes of County Clare towards the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Rising dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean, these magnificent cliffs offer some of Ireland’s most breathtaking coastal scenery. Continue to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, where you can explore a beautifully preserved medieval castle and experience what life was like in traditional rural Ireland. Afterwards, travel onwards through County Limerick and into County Kerry, arriving in the charming town of Killarney. Check into your townhouse accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening in one of Ireland’s most welcoming destinations.

Suggested Experiences:

• Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience

• Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Included Meals Breakfast

Overnight Killarney Royal Townhouse or similar View All

Enjoy a full day discovering the natural beauty of County Kerry, with the choice of two iconic touring routes.

Option 1 – The Ring of Kerry

One of Ireland’s most famous touring routes, the Ring of Kerry is a spectacular circular journey through dramatic mountain scenery, picturesque villages and sweeping Atlantic coastlines. Discover charming towns such as Kenmare and Sneem, admire breathtaking views across the Iveragh Peninsula and enjoy the ever-changing scenery of one of Ireland’s most beautiful regions.

Option 2 – The Dingle Peninsula

For a journey rich in traditional Irish culture and spectacular coastal scenery, head towards the Dingle Peninsula. Explore the colourful harbour town of Dingle, discover ancient archaeological sites and follow the magnificent Slea Head Drive, where rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and panoramic Atlantic views provide a truly memorable experience. This region is also part of Ireland’s Gaeltacht, where the Irish language and traditional culture remain an important part of everyday life.

Return to Killarney for another relaxing evening, perhaps enjoying some traditional Irish music in one of the town’s many welcoming pubs.

Included Meals Breakfast

Overnight Killarney Royal Townhouse or similar View All

Leave Killarney behind and travel east towards Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city, known affectionately as the Rebel City. En route, consider a stop at Blarney Castle, where you can explore the historic grounds and gardens and, for the adventurous, climb to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Continue to Cork City, where a visit to Cork City Gaol offers a fascinating insight into 19th-century Irish life and the stories of those once imprisoned within its walls. Check into the elegant Imperial Hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city, and enjoy some free time exploring the famous English Market, historic streets and lively waterfront.

Suggested Experiences:

• Blarney Castle & Gardens

• Cork City Gaol

Included Meals Breakfast

Overnight Imperial Hotel, Cork or similar View All

Today, begin your journey back towards Dublin, with opportunities to discover two of Ireland’s most fascinating attractions along the way. Stop at the magnificent Rock of Cashel, dramatically perched on a limestone outcrop overlooking the Tipperary countryside. This remarkable collection of medieval buildings is one of Ireland’s most recognisable historic landmarks and offers a wonderful glimpse into the country’s ecclesiastical past. Continue east towards the Irish National Stud & Gardens in County Kildare, where you can discover Ireland’s celebrated thoroughbred horse-breeding heritage and explore the beautiful Japanese Gardens. Later, arrive in Dublin and check into the historic Clontarf Castle, a unique setting for your final evening in Ireland.

Suggested Experiences:

• Rock of Cashel

• Irish National Stud & Gardens

Included Meals Breakfast

Overnight Clontarf Castle or similar View All

After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in Ireland before travelling to Dublin Airport for your onward journey. Return your rental car and depart with wonderful memories of your Irish adventure, from vibrant cities and ancient castles to dramatic coastlines and the warmth of a traditional Irish welcome.

Included Meals Breakfast