The Grand Tour of Ireland Self-Drive

Pick up your rental car at Dublin Airport and drive into the city centre and check into your hotel. Depending on your arrival time spend some time exploring this historic capital city. Perhaps visit Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells or maybe get to know the Guinness Storehouse. Spend the night in Dublin

On your way to Cork visit Kilkenny. Kilkenny is home to one of the most instantly recognised buildings in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle which was built by the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century. Continue to Cork for an overnight stay

Before you leave Cork explore the English Market, a roofed food market that has been trading since 1788. Alternatively visit the Titanic Experience in Cobh. Head to County Kerry where you will stay for two nights

Today head to the town of Killarney and visit Killarney National Park and onward to the Ring of Kerry. Travelling the Ring of Kerry takes you along the Atlantic≈Coast and is one of the highlights of any trip to Ireland. Return to your County Kerry hotel

Today, enjoy another beautiful scenic route. The Dingle Peninsula has something to offer everyone – sandy beaches safe for swimming, a thriving Irish language community, a rich musical tradition, fine dining, talented artisans and some of the best surfing in Ireland. Before you arrive in Limerick, pass by Adare and visit Desmond Castle. Spend the night in the Limerick or Clare

On the way to Galway, you will cross the Burren region, which is often likened to a moonscape because of the lack of vegetation. Soon after that you will arrive at the Cliffs of Moher which rise 215 metres out of the Atlantic and stretch for more than seven kilometres. Continue to Galway, a lively city with a wonderful avant-garde culture. Stay in Galway for two nights

Discover the wilderness of Connemara. Connemara is without doubt the wildest and most romantic part of Ireland. Be sure to visit Kylemore Abbey, which is bewitchingly hidden between mountains and lakes and surrounded by rhododendrons. Later, visit Connemara National Park before returning to Galway

On your way through Sligo you can visit the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery. The cemetery has over 60 stone circle and passage tombs making it one of the largest Stone Age cemeteries in Europe. After your visit continue to Donegal where you will spend two nights

Consider visiting the Slieve League Cliffs. Europe’s highest sea cliffs, although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Slieve League Cliffs reach almost three times higher. You could visit spectacular Glenveagh National Park, 40,000 acres of scenic mountains, lakes, glens and woods, with a herd of red deer. Travel to Donegal for an overnight stay

Travel to Londonderry, the colourful and well-preserved historical city, which boasts good shopping, pubs and cafes. Stay in Londonderry overnight.

On the way to Belfast be sure to visit the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Old Bushmills Distillery is also another great option to visit, its guided tour finishes in the distillery pub with a tasting. Overnight in Belfast.

Visit the historical Boyne Valley on your way back to Dublin and your final night.
 

Your adventure concludes when you return your car after breakfast.