Discover Ireland Tour

Upon arrival in Dublin, proceed to pick up your rental car and head onwards to Kilkenny.

Your first stop is the National Stud and Japanese Gardens, where a Horse Museum tracing the history of the horse in Ireland using artefacts, illustrations and text is located. In fact, the winner of the 2003 Californian ‘Breeders Cup Mile’ race is a National Stud horse, the 3rd in the last nine years. The Japanese Gardens are situated in the grounds of the Stud Farm and were created between 1906 and 1910. They symbolise the 'Life of Man' from the cradle to the grave. On to Kilkenny -  renowned as Ireland’s Medieval Capital, the city’s origins date back more than 1,500 years. Kilkenny City is small and compact enough to explore on foot, yet full of fascinating, historical buildings. Kilkenny Castle is a 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands. Also in Kilkenny is Saint Canice’s Cathedral, the second longest of Ireland’s medieval cathedrals. Built on the site of an earlier church, the major portion of the work that produced the beautiful Gothic structure was carried out in the middle of the 13th Century.

(Approximately 130 km)

After breakfast, it’s onward to Kinsale.

Your first stop today is the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. Cashel was once the seat of the Kings of Munster and capital of this southern province. Kings of Ireland, as well as Munster, came to this spot and St. Patrick is known to have preached on the rock and converted the local King, Aenghus, here in the 5th Century. Just 10 miles further is Cahir Castle, once an important stronghold of the powerful Butler family. It is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles. Just east of Cork City is the harbour town of Cobh. Cobh, situated on one of the world’s largest natural harbours, was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic in 1912 and was the closest port to the site of the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915. The Cobh Heritage Centre sympathetically recounts these events and tells the story of emigration from Ireland to the United States and Australia, known as the Queenstown Story. Head from Cobh to Kinsale. As well as being a charming coastal fishing harbour, Kinsale's International Museum of Wine tells the romantic story of the Irish emigrants who colonised the wine trade throughout the world, following forced departure from their own shores. Also in Kinsale is the 17th century Desmond Castle that became a prison. The Charles Fort is also nearby.

(Approximately 190 km)

After breakfast, its onwards to Killarney.

Today you have the option of the scenic but longer coastal route or the shorter route via Blarney Castle. The longer route includes visits to Mizen Head, the southernmost point in Ireland, as well as Bantry House and Gardens and the French Armada Centre in Bantry. From Bantry, you will be heading north to Killarney via the Healy Pass. Have your cameras ready for some breathtaking scenery across the Caha Mountains that divide Cork from Kerry. After the mountain pass, you come to the town of Kenmare. The town was founded in 1670 by Sir William Petty and has a history of lace making, demonstrations of which take place at the town’s Heritage Centre.

The alternative route for today’s journey is a shorter one. First stop is the famed Blarney Castle where a climb to the ramparts to kiss the Blarney Stone. From there it is straight to Killarney. With its three famous lakes and majestic mountain ranges and national park, Killarney has been the inspiration of poets and painters over many centuries. There are many walks and trails around Killarney including a 2-hour tourist trail around the town itself. You will also have a chance to visit Ross Castle, the Gap of Dunloe or simply take a stroll through the streets of this quaint town to enjoy the great pubs and enjoy the traditional Irish music on offer.

(Approximately 100 km)

You have a few touring options today. Chief amongst these is the Ring of Kerry driving tour. The Ring of Kerry is a journey through some of the country’s most outstanding scenery around the Iveragh Peninsula. Stunning mountain and coastal scenery combined with colourful towns and villages will make this one of the highlights of your tour. For those who wish to take a break from driving, we can arrange a bus tour through this route. Following the peninsula drive, you then arrive at Muckross House. Muckross House is a magnificent Victorian mansion completed in 1843 for Henry Arthur Herbert. As an alternative to the Ring of Kerry tour you may prefer to take a wonderful tour by pony and trap that takes you through the Black Valley in the Gap of Dunloe. After a snack at Lord Brandon’s Cottage, you will return to Killarney by boat via the beautiful lakes of Killarney.

(Approximately 160 km)

One of your longest but most dramatic days of your tour brings you from Killarney along the west coast to Galway City, Ireland’s festival capital. First stop will be the Village of Adare in County Limerick. Adare is regarded by many a seasoned traveller as Ireland’s prettiest village with its charming, thatched cottages, manicured public park and ancient church. From Adare, continue along the N20 towards Limerick City of Angela’s Ashes fame and home to King John’s Castle. Shortly after this, you arrive at Bunratty Castle. Built in 1425, this majestic castle was restored to its former medieval splendour in 1954. Within the grounds of the Castle is Bunratty Folk Park where you can explore the vivid recreation of 19th century Irish life. Continuing on to one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights: the Cliffs of Moher. You then arrive at the village of Doolin. Doolin is world-famous for its wealth of Irish folk music. Then it is on to Galway via the lunar-like Burren Region and the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen tombs.

(Approximately 215 km)

Today, the hauntingly beautiful Connemara Region awaits you. Just west of Galway, situated on the most western seaboard of Europe, this unspoilt region boasts breathtaking scenery. Visit Kylemore Abbey and the Lough Inagh Valley, as well as the spectacular Sky Road near the town of Clifden. You can also visit the fishing village of Roundstone and see how a ‘Bodhran’ (traditional Irish Drum) is made. Alternatively, you may prefer to take the ferry to the Aran Islands. Aran will take you back to an Ireland of Celts and Early Christians. Take a pony and trap, or a guided tour from the pier up the island to the stone fort of Dún Aengus. Dún Aengus is located on top of a 300-foot-high sea cliff, one of the finest prehistoric monuments in Western Europe. This evening, back to the Quays area of the city for some of the best traditional entertainment in the country.

(Approximately 80 km)

Today’s journey to Dublin takes in some of Ireland’s most historical landmarks. First of these is the ancient monastic settlement at Clonmacnoise. This is an early Christian site founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. From here, we travel either to Dublin or take a slight detour to the megalithic tombs of Newgrange. One of the great wonders of the ancient world, Newgrange is older than Stonehenge, Mycenae or even the Pyramids of Egypt and is foremost among the passage-tombs of Europe. From here, we travel south to Dublin City. Dublin city centre is a compact area, with all points of interest being easily accessible on foot. You will find a large number of walking tours available here, the most popular of which include the “Historical Walking Tour” and the “Literary Pub Crawl”. You can also visit many of these sights with the Hop-On Hop-Off bus service that stops at all of the major attractions including Dublin Castle, Trinity Castle & the Book of Kells, and the National Museum of Ireland.

(Approximately 207 km)

Continue your sightseeing in Dublin today, visiting the many historical and modern attractions including Christ Church Cathedral which was founded in the year 1030 by Sitric, King of the Dublin Norsemen, the James Joyce Centre & the Dublin Writers Museum. Take time out to shop in Grafton Street or any one of of the city’s narrow and quaint streets. This evening, spend some time in the Temple Bar area, which boasts a dazzling choice of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops to suit all tastes and pockets, all within easy walking distance of Temple Bar's many cultural centres and galleries. Its narrow, cobbled streets are ideally suited to a leisurely stroll through the quarter. There is also the opportunity to experience an evening’s entertainment at The Abbey Tavern or the more intimate Irish House Party.

Drop off your car before boarding your flight back home.