2022 Irish Gold Self-Drive - 9 Days/8 Nights
Duration: 9 Days
Price: Starts from $0 USD
Itineraries
Day 1: Dún Laoghaire | Independent Sightseeing
Pick up your Hertz rental car at the airport upon your arrival. Your hotel is in Dún Laoghaire, a charming seaside suburb of Dublin. Your day is free to explore Dublin with your included vouchers (or you may choose to use your vouchers on Day 8). 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. 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 in your choice of Dublin’s restaurants or pubs.
Day 2: Sean's Bar | Galway
Head to the vibrant, artistic city of Galway. Along the way, enjoy an Irish coffee or a soft drink at Sean’s Bar in Athlone. The oldest pub in Europe, Sean’s Bar has been quenching thirsts since 900 AD. Drive to Galway and discover this thriving city of medieval winding lanes and buzzing street life. Dine at your hotel this evening.
(B, D)
Day 3: Connemara | Catamaran Cruise | Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
Explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly-changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Head to Kylemore Abbey, set beside a tranquil lake, and see its elegant rooms, the charming church, and the Victorian Walled Gardens. Return to Galway where the evening is free to explore the city.
(B)
Day 4: Cliffs of Moher | Killarney
Travel south around Galway Bay and through the stark beauty of the Burren, a distinctive limestone landscape. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Head to Killarney, where you will end the day with a traditional Irish night. Enjoy a lively show of music and dance with dinner.
(B, D)
Day 5: Jaunting Car Ride | Ring of Kerry Highlights | Kenmare
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through Killarney National Park to scenic Ross Castle, set on the shores of Lough Leane. Take Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry. The stunning coastal and mountain landscapes will provide plenty of photo opportunities. Visit the colorful village of Kenmare, which might be a good place to stop for lunch. You may wish to stop in the Gap of Dunloe to visit Moriarty’s, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. When you return to Killarney your evening is free to explore as you wish.
(B)
Day 6: Blarney Castle | House of Waterford Crystal
Drive through the mountains into rich farming country on the way to Blarney Castle. Climb the winding stairs to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Continue to Waterford, where you’ll watch skilled artisans create sparkling masterpieces during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)
Day 7: Kilkenny | Dinner in Dublin
In the morning explore the historic port city of Waterford as you wish. Drive to Kilkenny, where you may wish to stroll the Medieval Mile for a look at the fascinating architectural heritage of this small city. Travel on to Dublin and head to Cleaver East, a popular local restaurant for a glass of wine and dinner.
(B, D)
Day 8: Independent Sightseeing in Dublin
Head out to sightsee in Dublin, with its historic O’Connell Street, Georgian buildings and squares, and St Stephen’s Green. If you didn’t use your Hop-On, Hop-Off and visit vouchers on day one, you may use them today. Or take a drive 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. Dine independently this evening.
(B)
Day 9: Tour Ends in Dublin
9-day tour ends after breakfast. Return your rental car at the airport.
(B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Highlights
Authentic Local Experiences:
- Join generations of pub-goers in raising a glass at Sean’s Bar in Athlone. Featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest bar in Europe, it’s been serving thirsty customers since 900 AD.
Trip Highlights:
- Sean’s Bar in Athlone
- Blarney Castle
- Jaunting Car Ride
- Irish Night in Killarney
- Cliffs of Moher
- Ring of Kerry Highlights
- Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
- House of Waterford Crystal
- Dublin Restaurant Dinner
Dining Experiences:
- 8 Breakfasts (B) and 4 Dinners (D)
Hotels:
- Royal Marine Hotel | Dun Laoghaire (1)
- Galmont Hotel | Galway (2)
- Great Southern Killarney | Killarney (2)
- Granville Hotel | Waterford (1)
- Clayton Hotel Burlington | Dublin (2)

Irish Gold Self-Drive - 9 Days/8 Nights








