This 9 night tour with your private driver takes you through southern Ireland to Iconic locations in style.  If you are looking for even more luxurious stays, ask about our luxury tour.

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Day 1: DUBLIN ARRIVAL

 

Welcome to Ireland! After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. A private transfer will escort you and your luggage to the hotel.  Stay 2 nights at the Merrion Hotel, a stylish hotel located in the heart of Georgian Dublin, within easy reach of all of Dublin's exciting attractions and venues. Enjoy a drink in the Cellar Bar or the cocktail bar and dine in the Cellar Restaurant on Irish cuisine or enjoy formal dining in Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud.

 

Private Historical Walking Tour of Dublin
Join a local guide for a walking tour of historical Dublin. See the Old Irish Parliament, Dublin Castle, City Hall, the Medieval and Viking Quarter, which surrounds Christ Church Cathedral. Also, walk along the pedestrianized Grafton Street, Henry Street and Nassau Street, all with busy shoppers roaming the streets. See the famous Temple Bar and many other key places within the city.  Spend the balance of the day free to sightsee, shop, and dine on your own.

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Day 2: DUBLIN HIGHLIGHTS (on your own)

Trinity College (Book of Kells)
Visit Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Walk along the grounds that notable alumni such as Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and Samuel Beckett had attended. Stop and see the Old Library, which houses the Book of Kells, a 9th century illuminated manuscript of the four gospels.

 

Irish Whiskey Museum
Enjoy this guided tour and interactive experience at the Irish Whiskey Museum. Learn about the origins of Irish whiskey, its rise and fall, and sample several different kinds. 

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Afternoon Tea at the Shelbourne Hotel
Shelbourne Afternoon Tea, has become an iconic tradition in Dublin. Alongside the essential elements of a traditional afternoon tea – the selection of impeccably dainty sandwiches, homemade buttermilk scones with clotted cream and jams, all accompanied by a tea of choice from the range of twenty-one loose leaf teas or one of The Shelbourne speciality coffees – the menu includes a selection of classically delicious sweet treats.

 

Day 3: CLONMACNOISE & ASHFORD
Today your private driver services start. Meet your private driver in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 AM this morning. Enjoy your comfortable ride with your knowledgeable driver who will guide you through the popular and hidden gems of Ireland.

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Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre
Travel to the center of Ireland to visit Clonmacnoise. This monastic settlement was founded in 545 and is delightfully set on the banks of the River Shannon. Learn about the history of the site and take a walk around to see the ancient monuments.

 

You will stay 2 nights in the amazing Ashford Castle in Cong.   This renowned castle, set on the shores of Lough Corrib, is one of Ireland's most luxurious retreats. Accommodations, restaurants and bars are of the highest standards, as would be expected in a world-class hotel. Enjoy golfing, horse riding, spa treatments and many more activities.

Day 4: ASHFORD AT LEISURE OR SIGHTSEEING

Enjoy today completely at leisure for independent activities. Ashford Castle offers guests an abundance of activities to enjoy in the true spirit of a resort property. From pursuits involving physical exercise to the more relaxed beauty treatments, you will surely find a relaxing way to spend your time.  If you don't want to spend the day at Ashford choose one of the options below instead.

Optional: Galway Sightseeing
You may like to take a half-day trip into Galway to see the principal sights of the city. See the Spanish Arch in the Claddagh area, the City Museum and the Cathedral of Our Lady, which is built on the site of the former county jail.

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Optional: Connemara Sightseeing
Travel through Connemara Region to admire the sweeping views of boglands and misty mountains. As you drive along you will see many sheep that graze freely and also tracts of bogland where some people hand-cut peat for home heating. Follow the scenic Sky Road to the attractive village of Clifden.

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Day 5: THE BURREN & CLIFFS OF MOHER

Pass through the Burren, an area of rocky limestone hills where a number of unique flowers thrive. This region also contains many dolmens, prehistoric monuments formed by large limestone slabs.

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Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience
Drive along the scenic coast of County Clare to visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most beloved, natural landmarks. See magical vistas, overlooking the shimmering Atlantic Ocean along with Ireland's Western coastline.

Limerick Panoramic
Drive into Limerick for a panoramic tour of the city, which features the sights made famous in Frank McCourt’s biography, “Angela’s Ashes.” Pass the 13th century King John's Castle in the center of the town. This imposing fortress with its massive walls and towers has guarded the River Shannon crossing for the past 700 years.

 

Overnight: Adare Manor, Limerick
This Neo-Gothic manor hotel is located on 840 acres of property off of the River Maigue. Luxurious rooms are decorated with an updated spin off of the grand 19th century style and features Georgian inspired furniture.  The hotel also offers several on site dining options that offer a variety of delicious foods.

 

DAY 6: ADARE MANOR & KILLARNEY

 

After breakfast, the morning is at leisure to enjoy the many amenities that Adare Manor has to offer. There is an indoor pool that overlooks River Maigue, a superb championship golf course, and even an onsite spa that will pamper you. You might also enjoy watching a film in the state-of-the-art movie theater or stroll along one of the many walking trails on Adare Manor's property.

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Muckross House and Gardens
Visit Muckross House, an elegant 19th century mansion set beside the tranquil Muckross Lake. A guided tour will fill you in on some local history and the family ties to the United States. Enjoy the elegant rooms and rich furnishings before strolling through the gardens.

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Muckross Farm
Step back into the past on Muckross Traditional Farms and visit a very different Ireland – the Ireland of the 1930s. Learn of farming practices at one of the three separate working farms, each complete with animals, poultry and machinery. There are also farm dwellings furnished in traditional style and a model school house to tour.

 

2 Night Stay: The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens, Killarney
As one of the leading luxury hotels in Ireland, The Dunloe rests on an estate with manicured pathways leading to the ruins of an old castle which lies hidden within the grounds. Guests can enjoy a range of complimentary onsite leisure activities including swimming, sauna, steam room, techno-gym, fishing, horse riding, and tennis. A kids club and movie night programme runs for children throughout the summer months. Golf, tours and walks can also be arranged locally.

 

DAY 7: DINGLE PENINSULA DAY TRIP

Today, discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula on this circular route that forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way. It was once described by the National Geographic Traveler as "the most beautiful place on earth." Drive along the south shore of the peninsula for plenty of vistas of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, stunning green landscapes and rocky headlands. Pause at strategic locations to admire the views and take photos.

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Dingle Sea Safari Rib Experience (Not to be missed)
This unique tour takes in the breath-taking majestic coastline of Dingle Bay - the caves and the cliffs all the way to the Great Blasket Islands. Soak in the delights that await you and keep an eye out for the many marine mammals and birds that may greet you as you go. You will even get to see where Star Wars was filmed on the Dingle Peninsula.

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Killarney Dining Recommendations
The picturesque town of Killarney offers flavorful food, remarkable service, and many singing pubs. You might like to sample one of the below dinner venues.

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Day 8: JAUNTING CAR RIDE & CORK SIGHTSEEING
Travel by horse drawn jaunting car through the beautiful grounds of Killarney National Park to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane.

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Cork Panoramic
Take a panoramic tour of the main areas of Cork, Ireland's second largest city. Cork is built on many hills with many steeply sloping streets. See Shandon Church, which dates back to 1722. Also view the Gothic-revival St. Finbarr's Cathedral, named for the patron saint of the city.

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English Market
Visit the English Market, which first opened in 1788. The market allows consumers to explore and sample a variety of produce from all corners of the globe.

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Overnight: Hayfield Manor, Cork
This upscale manor house style hotel is located in the heart of Cork. The rooms are individually decorated with warm tones in a luxurious manner with opulent furnishings. Enjoy at meal at one of the two restaurants, Orchids and Perrotts Garden Bistro, for fine dining and international dishes respectively. The hotel also offers a spa, fitness studio, and pool.

Cork has often been dubbed the "Rebel City," and the city's lively food scene is no exception as it is known for being on the cutting edge.

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DAY 9: BLARNEY CASTLE & KILDARE
Drive to Blarney, where you can visit Blarney Castle, built almost 600 years ago by Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy. Climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence”. Legend says that anyone who kisses the Blarney Stone will receive the gift of gab, or the ability to speak with fluency and persuasiveness. If time permits, you could also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills, which has an excellent range of Irish products.

Rock of Cashel (Photo Stop)
Stop at a viewing point close to the Rock of Cashel for photos of these majestic church ruins, which are clustered high on a limestone outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside. It is allegedly the location of the conversion of Aenghus the King of Munster by St. Patrick, and was also the seat of the High Kings of Munster before the Norman invasion.

 

Overnight: The K Club, Kildare
The K Club Hotel is a luxury resort hotel, located 30 minutes from Dublin in the beautiful County of Kildare where the River Liffey meanders through the soft green countryside. Steeped in history, the resort combines old world elegance with indulgent luxury, so guests are treated to luxurious rooms and incredible dining experiences. You may also opt to unwind in the oasis of calm at the internationally acclaimed K Spa or experience playing golf on a Ryder Cup course. 

DAY 10: DEPART DUBLIN
Private Transfer to Dublin Airport
Your vacation ends after breakfast with a private transfer to Dublin Airport. We hope you had a wonderful vacation, and wish you a safe flight on your journey home. We can’t wait to hear all about your trip! Check in with us on any of our below social media and website to share your pictures and stories.

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* This is a sample itinerary  and is not intended as a final or current itinerary .  All options are subject to change without notice.  Call for a quote and current itinerary.  Special offers are available while inventory lasts and only on select dates. Travel protection recommended.  Additional options may be available.  Other restrictions may apply.  Must be booked no later than 30 days prior to trip.

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