Ireland’s finest attractions in a week-long trip
See many of Ireland’s most amazing landscapes, including the stunningly beautiful Dingle Peninsula. Stay in Dublin, Killarney, and Newmarket-on-Fergus. All our 2024 self-drive Classic Itinerary tours include your hotel stays, a hop-on bus ticket and a voucher for a Dublin attraction, and an entertainment experience; other attractions mentioned are suggestions.

2026 Best of Ireland South Self-Drive (Tour A) - 8 Days/7 Nights

Duration: 8 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Dublin
Pick up your Hertz car upon arrival at the airport. Head into the city center, where your trip begins with a day of touring 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. Plus, 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; or 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. Your evening is free to explore Dublin’s pubs and restaurants as you wish.

Day 2: Dublin
Continue sightseeing in Dublin. If you still have vouchers, you can continue exploring the city. Or visit some of the charming coastal villages and seaside suburbs: Dalkey, Malahide, Dun Laoghaire, and Howth are all worth a visit, with plenty of fantastic seafood restaurants, historic castles, and amazing vistas awaiting you. Dine independently.
(B)


Day 3: Killarney
Drive southwest through the agricultural midlands. You might stop to visit Blarney Castle, climbing the winding staircase to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or strolling through the acres of tranquil gardens. Travel through Macroom and into County Kerry, with its spectacular mountain scenery. Arrive in the friendly town of Killarney, where you will enjoy dinner in your hotel.
(B, D)


Day 4: Killarney | Muckross Schoolhouse Dinner
Discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula, made famous in the movies “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Far & Away,” which showcased the wonderful scenery found here. Travel to Slea Head at the westernmost tip of the peninsula for awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean and stop for a while in charming Dingle town. Or you may choose the Ring of Kerry, perhaps Ireland’s best known scenic drive. Either way, you’ll experience spectacular seascapes and charming villages, with plenty of photo stops along the way.
Visit Muckross Schoolhouse, a replica schoolhouse from times past, for a fun evening of traditional entertainment in Quill’s Farmhouse over dinner. 
(B, D)

Day 5: Newmarket-on-Fergus
Start driving north to County Clare. You might stop in the pretty village of Adare and check out the charm of its thatched cottages and colorful gardens. Proceed to County Clare.
(B)


Day 6: Newmarket-on-Fergus
Travel north. You might choose to go along the coast of County Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher, which soar almost 700 feet above churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs to O’Brien’s Tower for great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Drive north to Galway to explore this lively, artistic city. Walk through its medieval streetscape, listen to the buskers performing, enjoy its many shops and cafes. Return to Clare for dinner in your hotel.
(B, D)


Day 7: Dublin
Drive across the country to Dublin for your final evening.
(B)


Day 8: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast. Drive to the airport and drop off your rental car.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Highlights

Best of Ireland South Self-Drive (Tour A) - 8 Days/7 Nights

Authentic Local Experiences:

  • Step back in time at Muckross Schoolhouse, showing the experience of schoolchildren of the past. Learn your cúpla focal (few words) in a fun Irish-language lesson before enjoying a private dinner with entertainment.

Trip Highlights:

  • Muckross Schoolhouse
  • Hop-On, Hop-Off tour of Dublin
  • Voucher for entry to one of these attractions: Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, GPO Museum, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or Jameson Distillery Bow St.
  • Touring suggestions along the route

Dining Experiences:

  • 7 Breakfasts (B) and 3 Dinners (D)

Hotels:

  • Talbot Hotel Stillorgan | Dublin (2)
  • Scotts Hotel | Killarney (2)
  • The Inn at Dromoland | Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare (2)
  • Grand Canal Hotel | Dublin (1)

Killarney National Park

Adare Cottage

Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour

Cliffs of Moher

Not included

Hotels

Best of Ireland South Self-Drive (Tour A) - 8 days/7 nights Land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Talbot Hotel StillorganSupplierRating **** This hotel offers 150 air-conditioned, modern guest rooms with all conveniences for a comfortable stay. Enjoy the award-winning restaurant for breakfasts and dinners while the bar provides a place to relax with a drink or casual meal. Keep up your exercise program in the White Pebble Day Spa and gym. Located on Stillorgan Road on the south side of Dublin city, this hotel is 4 miles from the city center. Served by frequent city bus services and taxis.
SupplierName Talbot Hotel StillorganSupplierRating **** This hotel offers 150 air-conditioned, modern guest rooms with all conveniences for a comfortable stay. Enjoy the award-winning restaurant for breakfasts and dinners while the bar provides a place to relax with a drink or casual meal. Keep up your exercise program in the White Pebble Day Spa and gym. Located on Stillorgan Road on the south side of Dublin city, this hotel is 4 miles from the city center. Served by frequent city bus services and taxis.
SupplierName Scotts HotelSupplierRating **** The hotel offers 105 spacious guest rooms featuring free Wi-Fi, private bathroom, tea/coffee- making facilities and flat-screen TV. Soft and crisp duvets, snug throws, soft natural daylight and rich furnishings combine to create a sense of relaxation. Dine in the elegant Courtyard Restaurant or enjoy a casual snack in the relaxed, spacious Scotts Bar, where live music is performed at weekends. The family-run hotel is located in the center of Killarney town.
SupplierName Scotts HotelSupplierRating **** The hotel offers 105 spacious guest rooms featuring free Wi-Fi, private bathroom, tea/coffee- making facilities and flat-screen TV. Soft and crisp duvets, snug throws, soft natural daylight and rich furnishings combine to create a sense of relaxation. Dine in the elegant Courtyard Restaurant or enjoy a casual snack in the relaxed, spacious Scotts Bar, where live music is performed at weekends. The family-run hotel is located in the center of Killarney town.
SupplierName The Rine (formally Inn at Dromoland)SupplierRating *** This modern hotel is located on the wooded countryside of the Dromoland Castle Estate. The hotel features spacious rooms that are decorated in a traditional manner. There is a health and fitness club, indoor swimming pool, and multiple restaurants on the premise. Enjoy and elegant meal at Deerfield’s Restaurant, a casual meal in Shannigan’s Gastro Pub, or treat yourself to some afternoon tea.
SupplierName The Rine (formally Inn at Dromoland)SupplierRating *** This modern hotel is located on the wooded countryside of the Dromoland Castle Estate. The hotel features spacious rooms that are decorated in a traditional manner. There is a health and fitness club, indoor swimming pool, and multiple restaurants on the premise. Enjoy and elegant meal at Deerfield’s Restaurant, a casual meal in Shannigan’s Gastro Pub, or treat yourself to some afternoon tea.
SupplierName Grand Canal HotelSupplierRating *** This modern hotel offers comfort, convenience, service and value in 142 tastefully decorated rooms. The Epic Restaurant serves international dishes, and the Gasworks Bar is a great venue for a drink or food service. Located to the south of the city center near the Grand Canal, this property is just a 15-minute walk to Grafton Street, Trinity College, the National Gallery of Art and many other attractions.