Grand Tour of Ireland

Pick up your car at the airport and make your way to your hotel in the city center. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own leisure.

On your way to Cork, experience Kilkenny’s heritage with historic buildings such as Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower, Rothe House, Shee Alms House, the Black Abbey and St. Mary's Cathedral. On arrival in Cork, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your evening.

(Approximately 260 km)

Before leaving Cork, explore the English Market in the heart of Cork City’s commercial centre, known to have all kinds of imported food and delicacies. Alternatively, visit the Titanic Experience in Cobh to learn more about the last 123 passengers who boarded the ship before continuing on to County Kerry.

(Approximately 90 km)

Depart for the town of Killarney for a walk through Killarney National Park and onward to the Ring of Kerry Tour. The Ring of Kerry brings you along the Atlantic coast filled with quiet valleys and idyllic spots. Above all, the tour gives insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland—see the Iron Age forts and ogham stones, old monasteries, and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age.

The Dingle Peninsula offers sandy beaches safe for swimming, walking routes for all abilities, a thriving Gaelic community, talented craftspeople, and some of the best surfing in Ireland. Before you arrive in Limerick, pass by the village of Adare and visit Desmond Castle.

(Approximately 150 km)

On the way to Galway, cross the Burren region and the Cliffs of Moher. At the mouth of Galway Bay, see a picturesque and lively city with a wonderful avant-garde culture featuring a fascinating juxtaposition of new and ancient architecture. Galway is compact enough for you to roam at your leisure.

(Approximately 110 km)

Discover the wild and romantic side of Ireland in Connemara. Bewitchingly hidden between mountains and lakes and surrounded by rhododendron lies the gothic Kylemore Abbey. Afterwards, visit Connemara National Park at the foot of Diamond Hill.

On your way to Sligo, visit the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, one of the largest Stone Age cemeteries in Europe. Each tomb is numbered to facilitate the visitor and the central tomb has been restored, so visitors can see inside the 5,000 year old chamber. From there, continue onto Donegal.

(Approximately 140 km)

Take on the Slieve League Cliffs, Europe's highest sea cliffs that delivers a spectacular view of the coast or opt for the rugged terrain of Glenveagh National Park known for its scenic mountains, lakes, glens, and woods. The visitor centre offers exhibitions and an audio-visual show.

Travel towards Derry and roam within its historic walls for a chance to take in this lively, colourful and preserved city, which boasts shopping, pubs and cafes.

(Approximately 80 km)

En route to Belfast, visit the Giant’s Causeway and its new visitor centre, both of which explore the mythology, landscape, and history of the region. Another option is the Old Bushmills Distillery, which features a short film on the history and production of Irish whiskey, followed by a 20-minute tour and whiskey tasting.

(Approximately 75 km)

Depart for Dublin and visit the Boyne Valley, arguably the most historic region of the whole island. Check out important Irish monuments like Newgrange, Knowth or Loughcrew Cairns, Neolithic tombs, dating back to nearly 2500 B.C.

(Approximately 110 km)

After breakfast, return your rental car at the airport and board your flight back to Canada.