2022 Southern Gems Self-Drive - 7 Days/6 Nights

Duration: 7 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Independent Sightseeing in Dublin
Begin your trip with a day of sightseeing in Dublin. Take a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour, and see all the city’s highlights with the freedom to stop off to explore further as you please. Your Hop-On, Hop-Off bus ticket also gives you admission to the Little Museum of Dublin, an old Georgian townhouse with a fantastic collection of 5,000 objects telling the story of the city. Plus, you will have a voucher to admit you to one of Dublin’s top attractions: Choose from the Guinness Storehouse, a seven-story attraction telling the story of Dublin's iconic beverage, complete with a pint at the Gravity Bar on the top floor; Teeling Distillery, the first new whiskey distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years; EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, telling the story of the people who left Ireland and how they shaped the world (and winner of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2019); or the GPO Museum, innovatively detailing the fascinating story of the 1916 Rising, the pivotal event that led to Ireland’s independence. Dine independently this evening.

Day 2: Dublin Independent Sightseeing | Taylors Three Rock Pub
Continue your adventure on the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour – or you might decide to take a train or bus out of the city to see some of Dublin’s charming coastal villages and seaside suburbs, like Howth and Dalkey. Splendid ocean views, excellent seafood, and lovely streetscapes await you. Head out for an evening to dine on Irish specialties and take in a lively show at Taylors Three Rock Pub.
(B, D)


Day 3: Blarney Castle | Kinsale
Pick up your Hertz rental car and travel to Blarney Castle; climb the winding staircase to kiss its famous stone and see if the legend is true: will it give you the gift of eloquence? Stroll the acres of gardens and parklands. Drive on to Kinsale, a picturesque old fishing town now known for art galleries and gourmet food. Explore its historic streets, once besieged by the Spanish Armada, before dinner in your hotel.
(B, D)


Day 4: Killarney | Dingle
Savor some time in Kinsale, strolling along the scenic harbor or shopping in the bookshops and art galleries. Drive toward the bustling and friendly town of Killarney to explore; perhaps you’ll choose to travel via the scenic West Cork route and experience the beautiful Healy Pass. You might visit Moriarty’s in the Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Continue to the charming town of Dingle, where you will dine in your hotel.
(B, D)


Day 5: Slea Head Loop | Blasket Centre | Dingle
Set out on the Slea Head Loop, one of Ireland’s most beautiful drives, through scenic ocean and mountain vistas. Visit the Blasket Centre in Dunquin to learn about the Blasket Islands, visible off the coast. Abandoned in 1954, they were once a lively outpost of traditional culture and language. Return to Dingle and take the rest of the day to wander and dine as you wish in this quaint seaside village. You might visit Murphy’s Ice Cream, known for their distinctive flavors like Irish Orange Marmalade, Brown Bread, and Dingle Gin.
(B)


Day 6: Foynes Flying Boat Museum | Cliffs of Moher | Medieval Castle Banquet
Visit the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, which reveals the pivotal role a small Irish village played in the early days of transatlantic air travel. Drive to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Walk along the cliff path for wondrous views of the ocean and the miles of cliffs. Enjoy an evening at a medieval-style banquet in an authentic Irish castle.
(B, D)


Day 7: Tour ends in Shannon
Your tour ends after breakfast. Drive to Shannon Airport and return your rental car.
(B)


B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Highlights

Southern Gems Self-Drive - 7 Days/6 Nights

Authentic Local Experiences:

  • Visit Belleek Pottery and discover how the distinctive fine china, beloved by collectors worldwide, has been made since 1857.
  • Stroll the streets of historic Kinsale. This picturesque harbor town is a haven for foodies and art lovers.

Trip Highlights:

  • Irish Night in Dublin
  • Blasket Centre
  • Blarney Castle
  • Dingle Peninsula Drive/Slea Head Loop
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Medieval Castle Banquet

Dining Experiences:

  • 6 Breakfasts (B) and 4 Dinners (D)

Hotels:

  • The Gibson Hotel | Dublin (2)
  • Kinsale Hotel & Spa | Kinsale (1)
  • Dingle Skellig Hotel | Dingle (2)
  • Oakwood Hotel | Shannon (1)

Not included

Hotels

Southern Gems Self-Drive - 7 Days/6 Nights land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName The Gibson HotelSupplierRating **** The Gibson is a highly stylish, contemporary hotel in the heart of Dublin`s new cultural hub. Calming, comfy and tranquil, our hotel rooms are the ultimate escape from all the hustle and bustle outside. With carefully chosen soothing colors and textures, plus a host of little luxurious extras you can chill out. Located near the River Liffey, a brisk 15-minute walk will bring you to O’Connell Street or you can take a short tram ride on Luas.
SupplierName Kinsale Hotel & SpaSupplierRating **** The modern property offers luxurious details in all bedrooms and delightful public spaces while staff are committed to providing the highest standards. All 70 guest rooms at this luxurious Kinsale hotel are large and airy with warm and vibrant designs and offer unique views of Oysterhaven Bay and our wonderful gardens. The C Spa and pool offer a relaxing break.

LOCATION: 3 miles from Kinsale town and 20 miles from Cork city center. Set on 90 acres of mature wooded parkland with panoramic views overlooking Oysterhaven Bay. Hotel parking.
SupplierName Dingle Skellig HotelSupplierRating **** This modern hotel offers guest rooms in elegant color combinations with all facilities. Dine in the Coastguard Restaurant with panoramic views of Dingle Bay. Enjoy shoreline walks as well as extensive leisure facilities, including the award-winning spa. Located on the outskirts of the compact town of Dingle and on the shores of Dingle Bay, this property is within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and bars. Serves as a great base for touring the Dingle Peninsula.
SupplierName Dingle Skellig HotelSupplierRating **** This modern hotel offers guest rooms in elegant color combinations with all facilities. Dine in the Coastguard Restaurant with panoramic views of Dingle Bay. Enjoy shoreline walks as well as extensive leisure facilities, including the award-winning spa. Located on the outskirts of the compact town of Dingle and on the shores of Dingle Bay, this property is within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and bars. Serves as a great base for touring the Dingle Peninsula.
SupplierName Treacys Oakwood HotelSupplierRating *** This traditional hotel features dark wood and classical furnishings throughout. 101 spacious bedrooms provide everything for a relaxed and comfortable stay. Dine in the Pier 17 Restaurant or enjoy a beverage and more casual menu and carvery in Sophies Bar.

LOCATION: In Shannon town, just 3 miles from Shannon Airport, and a perfect location for the first or last night of any trip. Also a good base to explore County Clare including the Burren and Cliffs of Moher. Hotel parking.