This fabulous ten-day tour of Ireland includes the most scenic and interesting parts of this truly beautiful island. Stay in some of Ireland best hotels and guesthouses. Visit Waterford, Cork, the famed Ring Of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, the Burren and captivating west coast and, of course, the wonderful city of Dublin.

The trip will be at a leisurely pace giving you plenty of time to explore and relax.

“The drive of my life!” B.C., Sussex

Ireland is a place to explore slowly, roaming through agricultural landscapes scattered with farmhouses, or along the endlessly indented coastline.

Discover traces of culture established long before Christianity, alongside the cosmopolitan energy of the towns and cities.

Accommodation

All the accommodation is in individual, unique hotels and guest houses that are of a very high standard. Due to the nature and age of these hotels the rooms vary from charmingly comfortable to luxury. We have hand-picked the accommodation for their unique atmosphere and style. All accommodation includes breakfast and dinner, except in Kinsale, Dingle and in Dublin. Suitable parking is available each night.

Itinerary

“Thank you for all the hard work that went into planning the trip – and the lovely hotels.” C.C., East Sussex

Itinerary may be subject to change without notice

Day One

Take the ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare at 16.00. The crossing takes just 99 minutes. A short drive of about 40 miles to our first hotel and stay overnight in a stunning Georgian manor. This country house hotel is also home to one of Ireland’s best chefs. Dinner is a real treat!

Day Two

Head to Waterford, where you can visit the famous glass crystal factory. Then head along the coast towards Cork. Visit the historic harbours of Youghal and Cobh. The Jameson’s Midleton Distillery is also worth a visit. Cork is Ireland’s second largest city and well known for its sailing and harbour. Tonight’s hotel is in Kinsale, a charming fishing village just south of Cork and known as the gourmet capital of Ireland. You swill spend two nights here.

Day Three

Take time to wander around the shops and galleries in Kinsale and maybe explore the surrounding area. Visit the famous Blarney Castle and see if you get the gift of the gab! Try another superb restaurant for dinner.

Day Four

Drive along the coast to see Bantry and the captivating Beara peninsula. Visit the lovely town of Kenmare, a colourful, friendly place and perfect place to while away some time. Take a tour of the splendid Muckross House before spending the night at a beautiful hotel in Killarney and enjoy dinner in the award-winning restaurant.

Day Five

Drive the stunning Ring of Kerry. This is an very scenic route around the Iveragh peninsula with wonderful coastal and mountain scenery, as well as a warm Gulf Stream climate. Then drive down the Dingle Peninsula where we shall stay near the eponymous town in a gracious country house just on the outskirts of town.

Day Six

Dingle is a lovely town and spend a while or take a boat trip to see Fungi the dolphin. Explore the Dingle peninsula and drive back up the circular exceptionally scenic route to Slea Head, and then travel north to Tralee. Drive over the mountains to Co Limerick and stay in a tranquil Georgian country house and dine in the highly acclaimed restaurant.

Day Seven

Visit Ireland’s prettiest village, Adare, and then head onto Limerick, an attractive and lively city, also renowned as a cultural centre. Visit Bunratty Castle, and then drive to the coast to see the Cliffs of Moher, rising 213 metres from the sea below and stretching for five miles along the Clare coast. Further north is the Burren National Park, a vast plateau of limestone, which supports the vast majority of Ireland native flora and fauna. Stay in a beautiful castle hotel overlooking the Bay of Galway.

“Thank you for the most terrific 10 days… enormous fun. Great food, great hotels, great company, and of course great driving.” A.K., London

Day Eight

Leave Galway and head across the centre of Ireland to Dublin where you will spend the next two nights in one of Dublin’s finest guesthouses. Stroll along the banks of the Liffey and indulge in a pint or two of the black stuff.

Day Nine

Spend the day exploring the delights of Dublin – magnificent architecture, excellent shopping, lively entertainment and cultural events, superb museums and galleries and a strong sense of history. There’s much to see, including the castle, National Gallery, Temple Bar and Trinity College. But no visit to Dublin would be complete with a visit to the Guinness Hop Store, birthplace of Dublin’s, and Ireland’s, most famous product.

Day Ten

Leave Dublin and drive south to Powerscourt House and Gardens, one of the most superb gardens in Europe. Drive through the secluded Wicklow Mountains and visit Glendalough, a monastic settlement founded in the 6th century. Spend your last night at a wonderful country house hotel. Enjoy fabulous cuisine to celebrate the last evening of the tour.

Day Eleven

There is time for a quick stop in Wexford, before heading to Rosslare to catch the boat back to Wales at 13.30.

Details

Duration: 11 days

Price:

€1,950 per person, based on two people sharing a twin or double room, and one car for the ferry crossing

What’s included

• Tour participation
• All accommodation for ten nights for two people sharing a twin or double room
• Breakfast every morning & dinner on five evenings. You will be able to dine at restaurants of your choice in Kinsale, Dingle and Dublin.
• Return crossing on the Stena Fast Craft from Fishguard to Rosslare, or Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire for a car & two people
• Tour book – includes a brief history of Ireland, emergency details, maps and directions, accommodation information, and a very detailed account of sights and visits for each day. The book eliminates the need for any guide books
• Arrangement and reservation of optional activities

What’s not included

• Fuel
• Five evening meals
• All lunches
• Entry into attractions and activities
• Personal travel and medical insurance are all extra
• We strongly suggest you have European breakdown cover
• All drinks are extra to accommodate individual preferences

Requirements

Travel to Ireland: Return ferry crossing from Fishguard, Wales to Rosslare, Ireland have been reserved with Stena Line on the Fast Craft, or from Holyhead, Wales to Dun Laoghaire, Ireland.

• Each person must have a passport (and any necessary visas for non-EU passport holders) valid for Ireland. All passports must be valid for six months after the end of the tour.
• You will also need your vehicle registration documents, driving licence (a photo-card licence or international permit is best), and an international insurance green card.
• Please check with your travel and motor insurers that you are covered for travel in Ireland.
• You are also required to carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit, two fluorescent jackets, set of replacement bulbs and a national identification sticker.
• The most important requirement is that you take pleasure in motoring through fabulous scenery, relish individual, character hotels and enjoy the company of like-minded travellers.