7N/8D Uniquely Irish

07 Nights / 08 Days Uniquely Irish

Destinations Covered

Dublin, Galway, Connemara, Kerry, Kildare

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Dublin

Welcome to Dublin, after you pick up your car at the Car Rental Company desk, transfer to your accommodation booked. Spend the remainder of the day soaking up the atmosphere of this exciting city or visit some of its many attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College or Old Jameson Distillery. Overnight at Dublin.

Day 02: Dublin

Continue your exploration of Dublin city, or perhaps take a short bus tour of the city and its surroundings. Why not visit Malahide Castle or the Newgrange Burial Chambers, which predate the Pyramids in Egypt? You can also travel south from Dublin and visit Wicklow – known as the garden of Ireland. Among the many sights you can see the 6th century monastic settlement of Glendalough and Powerscourt House and Gardens are of note. Overnight at Dublin.

Day 03: Dublin – Galway

Leave Dublin this morning and travel across the rich midland spastures. Why not visit Belvedere House, Gardens and Park? The magnificent early 18th century stately home of Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere, stands in 160 acres of parkland on the shores of Lough Ennell. Belvedere is one of the finest of Ireland’s historic houses, and together with gardens and park has been exquisitely restored. Before you cross the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, you can visit Clonmacnoise a 6th century Christian site. Arrive into Galway, which has long traded with Spain and Spanish influences are many in the city. Of note is Spanish Arch, a gateway in the old city walls and the Spanish parade, where wealthy merchants and their families enjoyed a stroll along the promenade. Overnight in a traditional Bed & Breakfast accommodation from the Georgian or Victorian eras, a thatched cottage or some other unique featured property in Galway County.

Day 04: Connemara

Today travel out into the wild and rugged Connemara region famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery. Why not visit Connemara National Park, where Connemara ponies and Irish red deer roam freely through 5,000 acres of scenic mountains, bogs and grassland. You can also visit the magnificent Kylemore Abbey – a beautiful mansion in a lakeside setting against a mountainous backdrop. Irish Benedictine nuns, with a tradition of over 300 years, run this unique Abbey set in the heart of Connemara, overlooking Pollacapul Lake. Overnight in a traditional Bed & Breakfast accommodation from the Georgian or Victorian eras, a thatched cottage or some other unique featured property in Galway County.

Day 05: Galway – Kerry

Leave Clifden this morning, and travel south through Galway and into Clare, known as the “land of castles”. Why not visit Rathbaun Farm and see the animals being tended, or enjoy a traditional tea and scone break? Travel on through the strange lunar landscape of the Burren region or visit the Cliffs of Moher a spectacular 5-mile long cliff, which rises almost 200m above sea level. Stop in the heritage town of Kilrush, before boarding a ferry to Tarbert in north Co. Kerry. Overnight in a traditional Bed & Breakfast accommodation from the Georgian or Victorian eras or some other unique featured property in Kerry County.

Day 06: Ring of Kerry

Today tour one of Ireland’s loveliest districts, the Ring of Kerry. Poets, painters, writers and musicians have all tried to convey the beauty of this area. Mountains, valleys and lakes blend into a palette of scenic splendour. A delightful day includes a drive along the broad, dramatic coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula and through charming villages and towns of Killorglin, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Irish-speaking Sneem. Why not visit Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland’s leading stately homes? The gardens at Muckross House are renowned world-wide for their beauty; in particular they are noted for their fine collections of azaleas and rhododendrons. Overnight in traditional Bed & Breakfast accommodation from the Georgian or Victorian eras or some other unique featured property in Kerry County.

Day 07: Kerry – Kildare

This morning spend an hour or two in the medieval city of Limerick, either exploring its history and architecture of purchasing some of the splendid crafts on offer. Why not visit the Hunt Museum, an exhibit of one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and antiquities. Leave Limerick and travel eastwards towards Co. Kildare.

En-route a small detour will bring you to the imposing Rock of Cashel which rises dramatically from the flat countryside. This site has the best set of varied monuments in any Irish site. The rock is crowned by a group of buildings, both ecclesiastical and royal, including a round tower, a 13th century Romanesque chapel and the beautifully restored Hall of the Vicar Choral. Continue through rich pastures of Ireland’s midlands before arriving in Maynooth, Co. Kildare. Overnight in Carton House, one of Ireland’s greatest stately homes which is located in the heart of the horse-breeding county of Kildare.

Day 08: Departure

Today travel to Dublin Airport for your return flight home.