Ireland Self-Drive Itinerary

Arrive in Dublin and pick up your rental car (optionally, you can pick up your rental car on the day you depart Dublin). Stop by your hotel to drop off your luggage (and check-in, if your room is available). Begin exploring and perhaps pre-book some activities, like walking tours or whiskey experiences. Maybe check out the Leprechaun Museum for a bit of whimsy, or the GPO Museum for a bit of history. Or, you could tour St. Patrick's Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral if you're into architecture and religion. Hotel can be tailored to your specifications. For this itinerary, my clients stayed at the Camden Court Hotel, a four-star hotel a short and pleasant walk from St Stephens Green, Grafton Street, the focus of Dublin's premier shopping district, and historic Trinity College.

Enjoy another day at your leisure in Dublin. Maybe explore the Temple bar area and meet some new friends. Or, visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. If you're a fan of books, you could visit Trinity College and see The Book of Kells. There are so many things to see and do in Dublin that you won't be bored for a moment.

Depart Dublin today and head south to County Wicklow where you can visit the Powerscourt Waterfall (Ireland's highest waterfall) at Powerscourt Estate. Continue on your way, and possibly stop at Glendalough to visit the glacial valley and Early Medieval monastic settlement. Stop for a photo op at the Rock of Cashel, the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Make your way to Blarney Village for a visit to Blarney Castle and gardens. Will you kiss the Stone of Eloquence? Overnight in Cork. For this itinerary, my clients chose to stay at the Clayton Hotel Cork City, a four-star hotel which provides the perfect base to explore all Cork has to offer. The guestrooms are airy, light, and modern, with chic furnishings and comfortable beds.

Depart Cork this morning and drive to the charming town of Killarney, your home base for the next two nights. There's so much to explore, including the famous Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney National Park. You can even go kayaking or horseback riding. Or, you can do as my clients did an take a Jaunting Car tour of Killarney National Park. Overnight in Killarney. My clients stayed at the four-star Arbutus Hotel, which is a historic townhouse hotel and is best described as a Country House Manor in the town centre of Killarney.

Enjoy more time in this beautiful part of the country exploring on your own, or schedule one of the tours previously mentioned.

Depart Killarney today and head north. You have a couple of options today for where to stay - Limerick or Galway. If you're staying in Limerick, head straight to the Cliffs of Moher to take in the spectacular views. Then come back to Limerick and visit King John's Castle. If you choose to stay in Galway, stop in Limerick on your way to the Cliffs to visit King John's Castle. Continue on to Galway. In either case, you have the option to dine in a castle tonight (or tomorrow) for a Medieval banquet. My clients opted to stay in Galway for two nights at the five-star G Hotel and Spa, which was designed by world-famous and Galway native, Philip Treacy. It is ideal for a romantic escape, family get-together or summer break in Ireland.

Explore more on your own in the city you selected, or perhaps schedule a fun tour. My clients opted to schedule a Sea Kayaking Along The Coast Of Mannin Bay tour. There are also walking tours, foodie tours, whiskey tours, horseback riding, etc. And, there are the Medieval Banquets convenient to both cities where you can live like a king or queen for the evening and enjoy some great food and lively entertainment in a castle!

Depart western Ireland and head back to Dublin. Perhaps stop at the Irish National Stud & Gardens. Visit Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at Bru na Boinne. A Neolithic monument that is older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Maybe stop off for a tour of Malahide Castle & Gardens. Or, take in a scenic stroll along the coast in Howth. Overnight in Dublin. My clients opted to stay in a castle hotel for their last night. The Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel Dublin is the epitome of elegance on the South Dublin Coast. From the moment you embark on the picturesque Killiney Hills overlooking the majestic views of Dublin Bay, you are captivated by grandeur and beauty of this 18th Century Castle.