Ireland’s coastline boasts limitless wonder to explore, and this trip ensures you won’t miss a thing. From bustling Dublin to historic Cork to scenic Killarney to medieval Galway to pedestrian-friendly Derry, and beyond, your journey includes the chance to a well-rounded mix of the country’s cities, sights, signature sceneries–and even a stay in a majestic castle hotel.

2025 Irish Odyssey Self-Drive - 12 Days/11 Nights

Duration: 12 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Dublin
Welcome to Dublin. Today, you’ll use your vouchers to tour Dublin on a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour. See all the sights of this vibrant city, including its Georgian squares, Christchurch cathedral, Grafton Street shops, the River Liffey, stopping off when and as often as you wish.

Day 2: Dublin
Today you can explore the city as you wish, continuing to use your Hop-On, Hop-Off bus ticket. You will have a voucher to admit you to one of Dublin’s top attractions: 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; the GPO Museum, innovatively detailing the fascinating story of the 1916 Rising, the pivotal event that led to Ireland’s independence; or Jameson Distillery Bow St., the original home of Jameson Irish Whiskey since 1780.
(B)

Day 3: Cork
Pick up your Hertz rental car, and begin your driving adventure by heading south. Your destination is Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city. Along the way, you might choose to stop off in Kilkenny or Waterford, or visit the picturesque Rock of Cashel. You’ll dine tonight in your riverside hotel.
(B, D)


Day 4: Killarney
Perhaps stroll through Cork’s English Market, where vendors have been selling local and artisanal foods since 1788. You might take a short drive to visit Blarney Castle, where you can climb the winding stairs to kiss its famed stone, or stroll the gardens. Head to Kenmare, a tranquil country town of art galleries, craft shops, and gourmet eateries. Continue on your way to Killarney, stopping at Moll’s gap to enjoy the splendid views. Dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)


Day 5: Killarney
You might choose to visit Moriarty’s family-owned gift store, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe. Travel to the scenic Dingle Peninsula for views of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, and rocky headlands. You might choose to drive the Slea Head loop to enjoy more spectacular scenery, or spend some time in charming Dingle Town. Alternatively, you could do the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most famous scenic drive. Dine independently today.
(B)


Day 6: Drive to Galway
Today you’ll drive to Galway, a thriving city with a great arts scene. You may choose to go via the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic. You could check out the visitor center and then walk along the top of the cliffs, enjoying the dramatic views across to Connemara and the Aran Islands. Drive through the austere limestone beauty of the Burren, continuing on to the vibrant city of Galway. Browse the shops along the pedestrianized High Street, visit the City Museum or the Galway Arts Centre, or people-watch as you sip coffee on Quay Street. Dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)


Day 7: Galway
Take a drive through Connemara for sweeping views of misty mountains and shimmering lakes. Perhaps you’ll top at Kylemore Abbey for a stroll through the gardens or a walk through this elegant mansion, set beside a tranquil lake. Return to Galway for the evening; the city is known for its many great restaurants and pubs, and if you’re interested in traditional music you’re sure to find some.
(B)


Day 8: Derry
Drive north on your way to Derry today. You might choose to follow the Atlantic Shore to Donegal town, where perhaps you’ll visit CIE Tours preferred shopping partner Triona Design. Continue on through the majestic Barnesmore Gap to Derry, a city known for its turbulent history but now home to a thriving arts scene. You might stop into the Derry Visitor Information Centre to discover their resources; perhaps consider the Visit Derry Pass, which covers 10 city center attractions. Dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)


Day 9: Derry | Walled City Brewery
You might choose to explore the Giant’s Causeway, huge hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago. Local lore says legendary giant Finn McCool built the causeway as his path to battle a Scottish enemy. Back in Derry, take a walk across the Peace Bridge, which unites two areas historically divided by identity. Dine at the Walled City Brewery Restaurant, a family-owned gastropub in a historic former army barracks; enjoy a drink with your dinner and a flight of 4 of the brewery’s beers to taste.
(B, D)


Day 10: Belfast
Head to Belfast to explore and dine as you please in this exciting, historic city.
(B)


Day 11: Cabra Castle Hotel
Travel to Kingscourt and your castle hotel, built in 1760 and situated on 100 acres of gardens and parklands. You might want to arrive in the afternoon to have time to enjoy this luxurious property. Dine in the Court restaurant this evening.
(B, D)


Day 12: Tour Ends in Kingscourt
After breakfast, depart for the airport to drop off your rental car.
(B)



B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner

Highlights

Authentic Local Experiences:

  • Enjoy a flight of locally-brewed craft beers with your dinner at the Walled City Brewery, a family-owned establishment located in a former army barracks in the heart of Derry city.

Trip Highlights:

  • Walled City Brewery

Dining Experiences:

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

Hotels:

  • Herbert Park Hotel | Dublin (2)
  • The River Lee Hotel | Cork (1)
  • Killarney Plaza Hotel | Killarney (2)
  • Radisson Red Galway Hotel | Galway (2)
  • City Hotel | Derry (2)
  • Grand Central Hotel | Belfast (1)
  • Cabra Castle Hotel | Kingscourt (1)

Ballintubber Abbey

Irish Odyssey Self-Drive - 12 Days/11 Nights

pending replacement image

Kilmainham Gaol

Giant's Causeway

Not included

Hotels

Irish Odyssey Self-Drive -12 Days/11 Nights land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Herbert Park HotelSupplierRating **** This modern, bright property offers guests style and comfort with modern amenities. The bright, contemporary guest rooms feature king or twin beds, air conditioning and high-speed internet. The Pavilion Restaurant serves a superior quality breakfast buffet, with traditional full Irish breakfast as well as other choices. Located in the upmarket suburb of Ballsbridge, the Herbert Park is a 30-minute walk to the city center and is adjacent to the peaceful Herbert Park, U.S. Embassy and RDS Showgrounds.
SupplierName Clayton Hotel CorkSupplierRating **** A modern, 4-star city center hotel overlooking the picturesque River Lee, in the heart of Cork City Quarter - Cork's newest business redevelopment. This hotel is within easy reach of all of Cork's tourist attractions, shopping areas, bus and rail connections.

HOTEL LOCATION: Superbly located overlooking Cork's River Lee and facing the splendid architecture of City Hall, the new Clarion Hotel is only two minutes' walk to the shopping and entertainment center of Cork City.
SupplierName The River Lee HotelSupplierRating **** This hotel offers modern design combined with warmth, charm and great facilities. The spacious lobby, bar and dining areas are enhanced by river views. Guest bedrooms soothe the senses with muted colors, simple lines and superb amenities. Dine in the chic Bistro, pamper yourself in the luxurious day spa or work out at the leisure center. Located on the banks of the River Lee near the city center. 10 minutes’ walk to the historic English Market and Patrick Street with its shops, restaurants and pubs. Hotel parking.
SupplierName Killarney Plaza HotelSupplierRating **** Overlooking Killarney National Park, this classic hotel is within 5 minute walk from the town center. Along with 3 restaurants, this hotel has a full-service spa and an indoor pool. Stylish, spacious and fully air conditioned, each room offers an unique style with comfortable accommodations.
SupplierName Killarney Plaza HotelSupplierRating **** Overlooking Killarney National Park, this classic hotel is within 5 minute walk from the town center. Along with 3 restaurants, this hotel has a full-service spa and an indoor pool. Stylish, spacious and fully air conditioned, each room offers an unique style with comfortable accommodations.
SupplierName Radisson Red Galway HotelSupplierRating ****
SupplierName Radisson Red Galway HotelSupplierRating ****
SupplierName City Hotel, DerrySupplierRating **** This modern hotel features an open-plan lobby opening out to Thompson’s Restaurant and Coppins Bar. All 146 guest rooms have been designed to the most exacting standards of contemporary styling. The health and fitness club features a swimming pool and gym. Located in downtown Derry, within easy walking distance of Derry's famous medieval walls and the city's shops and pubs.
SupplierName City Hotel, DerrySupplierRating **** This modern hotel features an open-plan lobby opening out to Thompson’s Restaurant and Coppins Bar. All 146 guest rooms have been designed to the most exacting standards of contemporary styling. The health and fitness club features a swimming pool and gym. Located in downtown Derry, within easy walking distance of Derry's famous medieval walls and the city's shops and pubs.
SupplierName Grand Central Hotel BelfastSupplierRating **** Grand Central Hotel is a modern upscale hotel that is the tallest building in Belfast. The 300 contemporary guest rooms are all equipped with a flat-screen TV and all rooms include a private bathroom, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, a full-sized work desk, free Wi-Fi and spectacular city views. Restaurant options include the vibrant Grand Café and the elegant art deco Seahorse Restaurant. The chic 23rd story Observatory is Ireland’s tallest cocktail lounge with sweeping views of Belfast and beyond. Centrally located in the City Centre, the hotel is a short walk to Belfast City Hall, the Grand Opera House and St. George’s Market. Also nearby and walkable are Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Jail, and the Belfast Botanical Gardens.
SupplierName Cabra Castle HotelSupplierRating **** Located in Kingscourt outside of Dublin, the Cabra Castle Hotel was built in 1760 and has high ceilings, grand staircases and historic hallways. Some of its 105 rooms are in Cabra Castle and some are in the converted 17th-century courtyard buildings, but each one has a unique individual style that mixes original period features and furnishings with modern comforts. All rooms have private bathrooms, telephones, tea/coffee-making facilities, satellite TV and complimentary Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms add fireplaces, private balconies and 4-poster or canopy beds. Onsite there is an elegant restaurant serving fresh local food and also a traditional bar. The hotel's patios and terraces have expansive views of the surrounding 100 acres of gardens and countryside.