13 Nights, 3* Adventurous Ireland, Ireland

SELF-DRIVE - Valid for travel until 30 September 2025.

This one is for the adventurer!  Famous cities, sights, historical locations, varying accents and dialects, stunning scenery, cosy pubs, haunting music, humorous and friendly locals - all accompanied by Ireland's gloriously unpredictable weather!  This Adventurous Ireland self-drive itinerary is the perfect way to experience the beautiful Emerald Isles.

ITINERARY:

2 Nights in the Dublin area - Wicklow

• Day 1:  Wicklow, Bray
  • Arrive Dublin airport.  Pick up your rental car and drive towards Wicklow where you will check into your hotel for the next two nights.  Depending on time and energy level, you may stop for your first short walk.  We recommend the Bray Head Cliff Walk.
• Day 2:   Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough
  • Discover the diversity of the Wicklow Moutains today.  The landscapes are best enjoyed on a walk.  For experienced walkers we recommend the Glendalough, Spinc and Glenealo Valley Walk.  Here, you will be rewarded with spectacular views over the Glendalough Valley.

2 Nights in the Waterford area - Wexford

• Day 3:  Waterford, Wexford, Hook Lighthouse
  • Drive towards Wexford today.  We recommend parking your car at Slade Harbour and take the walking route to visit Hook Lighthouse.  Experience the oldest operational lighthouse in the World.
• Day 4:  Guided Kayaking Trip
  • Today you take part in a guided kayak tour in Wexford.  The three hour tour takes you through caves and surf gates.  You will learn about the history of the peninsula and the influence of the Normans in a unique way.  After the tour, relax in Wexford.  We recommend dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants.

2 Nights in the Cork area

• Day 5:  Mahon Falls, Cork
  • Your journey continues west to Cork.  Stop at the Mahon Falls Car Park.  From here an easy hike leads to the 80 m high Mahon Falls.
• Day 6:  Guided bicyle tour in Cork, Shandon Bells
  • Enjoy a guided bike tour of Cork today and discover Shakey Bridge, Shandon, University College Campus, Elizabeth Fort and over 30 bridges.  On this tour you will learn more about Corks history from the Viking era to the present day.  The calories burned can be balanced out right after the bike tour.

3 Nights Kerry area, Killarney

• Day 7:  Wild Atlantic Way, Mizen Head, Kerry
  • Set off on the road to Kerry.  Follow the signs of the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the longest coastal routes in the world.  Take a break on Mizen Head, the southernmost point of Ireland.  Mizen Head stretches dramatically into the wild Atlantic with its sea cliffs.  Take a hike to the signal station.
• Day 8: Ring of Kerry - Kerry Cliffs, Muckross National Park
  • Use today to get to know beautiful Kerry and discover the Ring of Kerry.  The Ring Road boasts unique landscapes, so plan several photostops and visit Kerry Cliffs.  The driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.  Alternatively, we recommend the Muckross Lake Loop hike.
• Day 9:  Guided horse riding trip Dingle Pensinsula
  • Explore the Dingle Peninsula.  Look forward to a one-hour guided riding trip as you discover the peninsula on the back of Irish Cobs.  Use the rest of the day to visit and walk the beautiful beaches of Dingle.

2 Nights in the Galway area

• Day 10:  Cliffs of Moher, Burren National Park, Galway
  • Your journey continues to the Galway area.  On the way, you should stop at the Cliffs of Moher and marvel at the impressive cliffs.  There are also some hiking trails just waiting to be explored.  Take care however, as some trails are closed due to safety concerns.  In the Burren National Park, stop for a short hike.
• Day 11:  Connemara National Park, Galway Bay, Salthill
  • Visit Connemara National Park and embrace county Galway's inspiring mountain scenery.  Climb Diamond Hill by following gravel routes and wooden boardwalks and step to the summit.  Spend the evening in Salthill, an energetic and vibrant seaside resort overlooking Galway Bay.

2 Nights in Dublin's Temple Bar area

• Day 12:  Journey back to Dublin
  • Your last stage of your journey.  Depending on your arrival time, we recommend that you explore the Irish capital.  Don't miss a visit to St. Patricks Cathedral, the Book of Kells in Trinity College or the Temple Bar area.
• Day 13:  Gaelic Games
  • A very special activity is planned for today.  Learn more about Irish culture by taking part in Gaelic Games.  For half a day you can prove your skills in Gaelic football, hurling and Gaelic handball.  The rest of the day is at your leisure.