Itinerary
Day 1 Dublin
Welcome to Dublin!
Upon arrival at Dublin airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Dublin, where you will be assisted with check-in.
Overnight stay in Dublin at the Merrion Hotel in a Deluxe Room.
Day 2 Dublin
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your local guide and driver to embark on a city adventure.
Visit the impressive Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university. Here you witness the Book of Kells, a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination that is on display in the Old Library. Continue exploring Dublin by visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland. After lunch at leisure drive to the north of Dublin to Malahide Castle, one of the oldest and most historic castles in Ireland. From 1185 until 1975 it was the home of the Talbot family. This was a remarkable tenure by a single family and is one of the longest in Ireland. In 1169, at the time of the Anglo-Norman invasion, Malahide was under the control of Hammund Mac Turkill, the last Viking King of Dublin. The estate began in 1185, when Richard Talbot, a knight who accompanied England’s king, Henry II to Ireland in 1174, was granted the "lands and harbour of Malahide".
Overnight stay in Dublin at the Merrion Hotel in a Deluxe Room.
Day 3 Dublin Cork Killarney
After breakfast, check out of your Dublin hotel for a full-day trip to the southwest of Ireland. Travel with an experienced driver-guide who will share insights during the journey, although guiding inside museums and certain historic sites may not be allowed.
First, visit the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. This dramatic site features a ruined cathedral and round tower, once home to the archbishops of Munster, with an interpretative centre providing its rich history.
Next, head through Cork City to Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone, said to give the "gift of the gab" (Note: the ascent may be difficult for those with mobility issues). Cork, considered Ireland’s “real capital” by locals, offers a mix of trendy cafés, chic bars, and traditional pubs.
Continue along the scenic Lee Valley and cross the Derrynasaggart Mountains to your hotel in Killarney. This 10-hour journey takes you through Ireland’s rural southwest, known for its stunning coastline and mountain landscapes, dotted with vibrant towns and villages.The Ring of Kerry is a famous scenic drive, offering breathtaking coastal and mountain views. The nearby Skellig Islands add to the rugged beauty. Explore quieter towns like Kenmare, Killarney, and Dingle, where old-world Irish charm thrives, and don’t miss Killarney National Park, one of Europe’s finest.
Overnight stay in Killarney at the Europe Hotel & Resort in a Superior Lake View King.
Day 4 Killarney
After breakfast, embark on an adventure through the Gap of Dunloe, a stunning glacial valley in the Macgillycuddy Reeks, which dominate Killarney’s skyline. The scenery around the famous Lakes of Killarney is breathtaking, with many viewing points to enjoy. At Kate Kearney’s Cottage, board a jaunting cart (pony and trap) for a six-mile journey along the mountain pass between Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain to Brandon Cottage. Enjoy lunch at your leisure before taking a boat downriver and across the lake to Ross Castle, soaking in Killarney’s magnificent scenery.
The Old Weir Bridge connects Killarney’s Upper Lake, Lough Leane, and Muckross Lake at the Meeting of the Waters. The trip concludes at Ross Castle, dating back to the fifteenth century and once a stronghold of the O’Donoghue chieftains. It was the last castle to surrender to the Roundheads during the Cromwellian wars. Return to Ross Castle, where your driver-guide will transfer you back to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Killarney at the Europe Hotel & Resort in a Superior Lake View King.
Day 5 Killarney
After a lovely breakfast, set off to explore the Ring of Kerry, one of Europe's most popular coastal drives on an 8-hour guided tour.
This scenic route follows the shoreline of the Iveragh Peninsula, offering some of Ireland's most stunning mountain and moorland views. South of Portmagee lies the Ring of Skellig, a peaceful and often steep route around the peninsula’s westernmost point, passing through the wild, rugged St Finian's Bay. Along the way, you can visit the family-run Skelligs Chocolate Factory, where you might enjoy a few samples and watch chocolates being made in their open-plan production area.
Your tour will take in the charming town of Kenmare, famous for its lace making, before you travel through the beautiful Molls Gap and Ladies View that offers breath-taking scenery all the way to Killarney's National Park. Return to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Killarney at the Europe Hotel & Resort in a Superior Lake View King.
Day 6 Killarney Newmarket on Fergus
After breakfast, enjoy a full day in the Shannon region.
Stop in the charming village of Adare, known for its thatched cottages and quaint shops, before heading to Bunratty Castle, Ireland's largest fifteenth-century tower house. Explore its medieval tapestries and furniture, along with nearby thatched cottages that bring history to life.
A short drive leads to Dromoland Castle, a historic deluxe hotel dating back to the 1700s. Enjoy elegant dining at the Earl of Thormond or casual options at the Fig Tree restaurant. Don’t miss the luxurious spa, 18-hole golf course, and various country activities. Dromoland Castle is a fantastic retreat in Ireland.
Overnight stay in Shannon at the Dromoland Castle Estate in a Deluxe King.
Day 7 Shannon
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your dedicated driver-guide, who will be at your service for up to 8 hours today.
Conclude your day with a drop-off in Dublin, ready for the next journey.
