Ireland Self Drive Vacations Customized for You
We offer a great range of vehicles for your Ireland Self Drive Vacation, both manual and automatic. A nine Seater people carrier is the largest vehicle available, although for groups of more than 6 we would suggest you opt for one of our Chauffeur Driven Ireland Vacations.
This sample Ireland Self Drive itinerary includes 4* Hotels but why not upgrade to 5* Hotels or perhaps Castles for even more luxury on your Ireland Self Drive Vacation.
Why not lengthen your enjoyment and the duration by combining your Ireland Self Drive Vacation with other choices such as our Wales Self Drive Vacations, Scotland Self Drive Vacations, or our England Self Drive Vacations .
Day 1: The Alex Hotel, Dublin, Ireland
Arrive at Dublin Airport after your flight. Collect your car and make your way to your centrally located hotel. Take it easy today and get on “Irish time”, stroll around the city and soak up the atmosphere. Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells which is located just a short walk from your hotel.
Day 2: The Alex Hotel, Dublin, Ireland
Spend another day in the capital city. Take a hop-on/hop-off bus tour and explore the city from the top of an open top bus. You may also enjoy a tour of the Guinness Brewery or if you prefer the Jameson Experience will tell you how whiskey is made. In the evening head to Temple Bar – check out Gogarty’s pub where you will find live traditional Irish music from 1.30pm to 1.30am.
Day 3: The Trident Hotel, Kinsale, Ireland
Get an early start this morning and take the M8 motorway to Cork city, stopping off to see the Rock of Cashel on the way. Once in Cork continue on to Blarney where you can visit the Castle and kiss the famous Blarney stone which will give you “the gift of the gab”. In the evening settle into your Hotel in the pretty coastal village of Kinsale.
Day 4: The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, Ireland
Have a leisurely start to the day and take a wander around Kinsale village before departing for Killarney. The National Park here is a beautiful spot to walk, hike, cycle or go horseriding. A ride in a jaunting car is also fun. Stop at Muckross House and Gardens where you can also visit Muckross Farms and nearby Ross Castle. Killarney is a bustling little town and is a popular destination for visitors, from both near and far. Your hotel is located in the heart of the town – perfect for exploring the many pubs and restaurants that Killarney is renowned for.
Day 5: The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, Ireland
The Ring of Kerry is a scenic circular drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. It takes about 3 hours to drive but allow plenty of time for stops along the way. The next Peninsula over is also very popular. This is the Dingle Peninsula and the town of Dingle is a lovely spot also. Whichever route you choose you will be awestruck at the views that await you.
Day 6: Bunratty Castle Hotel, Co. Clare, Ireland
Depart Killarney and travel into Co. Limerick, stopping off to admire Adare which is known as Ireland’s prettiest village. Continue on to the village of Bunratty. Visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park before checking in to your hotel. In the evening return to the Castle to attend a Medieval Banquet and be sure to round off the night with a nightcap at Dirty Nellies pub.
Day 7: Park House Hotel, Galway, Ireland
This morning head for the coast until you come to the Cliffs of Moher. After admiring the spectacular views from the Cliffs continue through the Burren Region stopping at the Aillwee Caves and Birds of Prey Center located there. Arrive in Galway city in the early evening and check into your hotel before exploring the City of the Tribes. Galway has a fantastic arts scene and you will find live music of all types in the many pubs located just a stone’s throw from your hotel.
Day 8: Park House Hotel, Galway, Ireland
Get an early start today and drive out into the Connemara countryside to Rossaveal. From here take the ferry over to the Aran Islands. Arriving on Inishmore you can choose your mode of transport. From walking, cycling to donkey and cart you are sure to find something to suit your needs. Spend the day exploring the island – be sure to visit the incredible Dun Anghus Fort perched on a cliff above the waves below. Don’t forget to buy an Aran Sweater before catching the ferry and returning to Galway.
Day 9: Belleek Castle, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Depart Galway and travel out into the heart of Connemara past Maam Cross and on to Clifden. If the weather is fine take a drive along the Sky Road to see the breathtaking views. Pay a visit to Kylemore Abbey – be sure to visit the walled garden and pick up some produce made by the nuns who still reside on site. Continue on to the pretty village of Westport. If time allows visit Wesport House – alternatively continue on to your unique accommodations at Belleek Castle.
Day 10: Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Before departing Belleek Castle take a tour to see the private collection which includes an impressive armory, the last wolf shot in Ireland and the pirate queen Gráinne Mhaol’s bed! Afterwards travel on to Sligo where you may like to take a walk along the beach at Strandhill – the Voya Seaweed Baths located there are also a real treat. You can also stop at Drumcliff Cemetary to pay your respects to William Butler Yeats. Continue on to Derry/Londonderry and check in to your centrally located hotel before heading out to explore the town.
Day 11: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Take a guided walk along the city walls this morning before departing Derry. Make your way to the Giant’s Causeway where to can take a stroll along the cliffs or get up close and personal with the rock formations. You may like to test your nerve on the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge before continuing on to your accommodations in Belfast.
Day 12: Cabra Castle, Co. Cavan, Ireland
Spend some time this morning exploring Belfast, many of the attractions here relate to the Titanic as the Belfast dockyards are where the ship was built. Outside of town the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is also worth a visit. In the afternoon travel south to your final accommodations – what better way to end your trip than with another castle stay?
Day 13: Depart Ireland for Home
Allow plenty of time to return your car before making your way to the terminal for your flight home.
Our self-drive tours include your luxury accommodations with breakfast and car hire. All Sheenco tours are personalized to suit your specific needs so any additional items can be added to suit your own itinerary. You can also take advantage of our concierge service to help you organize any extras in the run up to your trip as well as 24 hour support during your tour.
