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Heather Tracy
Ireland Self-Drive Itinerary
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Heather Tracy

Raleigh, NC Travel Agent
Super Agent

Heather Tracy

Raleigh, NC Travel Agent
Melvin's Travel Adventures, an independent agent with WorldVia, a Travel Leaders Agency
44 reviews
100.00% Recommended
6 Years of Experience
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COUNTRIES VISITED:Ireland
PLACES VISITED:Blarney, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Killarney, Limerick, Wicklow
SUGGESTED DURATION:8 Days
Wanting to visit the Emerald Isle and do your own custom itinerary? I can help you plan a self-drive or custom private driver tour like this one tailored to your desires. This is an actual itinerary I planned for a romantic getaway for a couple who had several must-dos on their list and relied on my recommendations for the rest.
Close All Days
DAY1
Dublin
Close Day
Dublin
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.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Skip the Line Guinness and Jameson Irish Whiskey Experience Tour in Dublin
Best of Dublin Highlights and Hidden Gems With Locals Private Tour
Food on Foot Tour: Dublin Walking Tour
DAY2
Dublin
Close Day
Dublin
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.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Trinity College
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
DAY3
Wicklow
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Blarney
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Cork
Close Day
Wicklow, Blarney & Cork
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.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Powerscourt Waterfall
Glendalough
Rock of Cashel
Blarney Castle
DAY4
Killarney
Close Day
Killarney
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.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Ring of Kerry
Jaunting Car Tour Killarney
Kayaking The Killarney Lakes from Ross Castle
Killarney National Park Horseback Ride
DAY5
Killarney
Close Day
Killarney
Enjoy more time in this beautiful part of the country exploring on your own, or schedule one of the tours previously mentioned.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Ring of Kerry
DAY6
Limerick
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Galway
Close Day
Limerick or Galway
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.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Cliffs of Moher
King John's Castle
DAY7
Limerick
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Galway
Close Day
Limerick or Galway
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!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Horse Riding in County Clare
Galway Cheese Tour and Tasting by an Artisan Cheesemaker
Galway Daytime Food Tour
Private Galway Irish Whiskey Tour
Sea Kayaking Along The Coast Of Mannin Bay
Dunguaire Castle Medieval Banquet
Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
DAY8
Dublin
Close Day
Dublin
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.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Irish National Stud & Gardens
Newgrange
Malahide Castle & Gardens
Howth
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you're ready to take a trip to Ireland and want a custom tour, what are you waiting for? Reach out to me today!