Venture to the most acclaimed sights and scenic byways of the West and South of Ireland. Visit beautiful Connemara, stroll Kilkenny’s medieval streets, and drive the Ring of Kerry. All our 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.

2027 Irish Gold Self-Drive - 9 Days/8 Nights

Duration: 9 Days

Price: Starts from $1945 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Dún Laoghaire | Independent Sightseeing
Pick up your Hertz rental car at the airport. Your hotel is in Dún Laoghaire, a charming seaside suburb of Dublin. Your day is free to explore Dublin, 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. Dine independently.

Day 2: Galway
Head to the vibrant, artistic city of Galway. Along the way, you might choose to stop at Sean’s Bar in Athlone. The oldest pub in Europe, Sean’s Bar has been quenching thirsts since 900 AD. Or you might stop at Clonmacnoise, fascinating monastic ruins on the River Shannon. 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: Galway
You might choose to take a drive to explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Perhaps you’ll visit 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: Killarney | Kate Kearney's Cottage
Travel south around Galway Bay and through the stark beauty of the Burren, a distinctive limestone landscape. You might choose to 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 at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Enjoy a lively show of music and dance with dinner.
(B, D)


Day 5: Killarney
You might 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: Waterford
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 might choose to visit the House of Waterford, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, and watch skilled artisans create sparkling masterpieces. Dine in your hotel in Waterford this evening.
(B, D)


Day 7: Dublin
In the morning explore the historic port city of Waterford as you wish. On your way to Dublin, perhaps stop in Kilkenny, where you can stroll the Medieval Mile for a look at the fascinating architectural heritage of this small city. You might choose to visit Kilkenny Castle. Travel on to Dublin for the night.
(B)


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
Your tour ends after breakfast. Return your rental car to the airport. 
(B)


B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Highlights

Authentic Local Experiences:

  • Take in the most acclaimed sights and scenic byways of the West and South of Ireland, including beautiful Connemara.

Trip Highlights:

  • Irish Night in Killarney at Kate Kearney's Cottage
  • 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:

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

Hotels:

  • Royal Marine Hotel | Dun Laoghaire (1)
  • Galmont Hotel & Spa | Galway (2)
  • Great Southern Killarney Hotel | Killarney (2)
  • Granville Hotel | Waterford (1)
  • Clayton Hotel Burlington Road | Dublin (2)

Irish Gold Self-Drive - 9 Days/8 Nights

Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin

Kate Kearney's Cottage

Gothic Chapel, Kylemore Abbey

Master Glass Cutter, Waterford Crystal

Not included

Hotels

Irish Gold Self-Drive - 9 days/8 Nights land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Royal Marine HotelSupplierRating **** Originally built in 1863, this hotel today offers 228 air-conditioned guestrooms, all featuring modern decor in natural shades with burgundy touches and light-wood furnishings. Experience fine dining or casual bar food and enjoy the award-winning Sansana SPA and Pier Health Club. Dun Laoghaire has many shops and restaurants to explore. The property overlooks Dun Laoghaire Harbour and Dublin Bay and is located eight miles from Dublin city center. Dublin International Airport is 16 miles away, and can be reached by car or airport coach in approximately 45 minutes. Hotel parking.
SupplierName The Galmont Hotel & SpaSupplierRating **** Established in 2001 in Galway City Centre, The Galmont is one of Ireland's FINEST 4 star hotels. Just a three-minute walk from the central Eyre Square and overlooking Galway Bay, The Galmont (formerly the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Galway) stands in the heart of the city. With a range of guest rooms to choose from, the hotel is home to the award-winning spirit one spa and the best events facilities in the west of Ireland. Whether you're in Galway for a weekend getaway, a family trip or on business, this hotel's central location, helpful team and excellent facilities will make your stay one to remember.
SupplierName The Galmont Hotel & SpaSupplierRating **** Established in 2001 in Galway City Centre, The Galmont is one of Ireland's FINEST 4 star hotels. Just a three-minute walk from the central Eyre Square and overlooking Galway Bay, The Galmont (formerly the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Galway) stands in the heart of the city. With a range of guest rooms to choose from, the hotel is home to the award-winning spirit one spa and the best events facilities in the west of Ireland. Whether you're in Galway for a weekend getaway, a family trip or on business, this hotel's central location, helpful team and excellent facilities will make your stay one to remember.
SupplierName Great Southern Killarney HotelSupplierRating **** First opened in 1854, this hotel offers old-world charm coupled with up-to-date luxurious facilities and friendly service. Enjoy great food in the elegant dining room and relax in the bar or one of the many sitting areas. Guests will luxuriate in spacious and well-equipped bedrooms, and can take advantage of a full-service leisure center. The hotel is set on 20 acres of secluded, landscaped gardens, yet sits right in the center of Killarney and within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and pubs.
SupplierName Granville HotelSupplierRating **** This family-run hotel is one of Ireland’s oldest, with significant historical connections, old-world charm and unique features. The friendly and professional staff are dedicated to making your stay pleasant and memorable. Enjoy delicious menus in the attractive dining room. The bar is a lively meeting place, often with live music. Comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms make for a great stay. Set on the waterfront, in the heart of Waterford city, this hotel is within easy walking distance of shopping, Reginald’s Tower and the House of Waterford Crystal.
SupplierName Clayton Hotel Burlington RoadSupplierRating **** This lively, modern hotel offers an excellent standard of hospitality, with two bars and two restaurants and 500 fully equipped guest rooms, making it Dublin’s largest hotel. With its many facilities and great location, it makes an ideal base for exploring Dublin. Located on Upper Leeson Street, this hotel is a 20-minute walk to Grafton Street. There is a city bus service right outside the hotel, which is within easy walking distance of Dublin’s “Georgian Mile” and the Grand Canal.
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