2024 Vacations

BOOK EARLY FOR A FREE UPGRADE AND 15% DISCOUNT

Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 15th of June 2024 to receive a FREE UPGRADE from Economy Manual Car to Compact Manual Car AND 15% discount off your tour price!
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or special event packages.

Tour Overview

‘Excellent’

Overview For the Family Tour of Ireland - Ballycotton Base

We have chosen Ballycotton Bay in East Cork as the base location for your family tour of Ireland. With a rich maritime and historical heritage, East Cork has a unique variety of attractions to offer the discerning family. This corner of Cork really is a sanctuary for Ireland family vacations with a huge range of attractions and activities to keep adults and kids alike entertained.  The beautiful Ballycotton Bay which stretches for about 25 km east to Knockadoon Head will be at your doorstep and family sightseeing in nearby Cobh, Youghal, Midleton and even further afield can be easily accessed.

Your Accommodation For This Tour: The Garryvoe Hotel

We understand that it is often difficult for families to move from location to location so our Ireland with Kids tours are ‘one-centred’ and organised in such a way as you would just collect your car, drive to your hotel and check in for the duration of your stay. When you confirm your tour with us you will receive an inclusive tour pack which will include various day tours that you can chose to take from your base location. You may decide to do all of the tours, a small selection of them or you might simply choose to enjoy the great family facilities of your hotel and its surroundings.

Great Children's Facilities

  • Hotel is directly across from the Ballycotton bay (Blue flag beach)
  • Kiddies splash time every afternoon in the Health Club (Runs all year)
  • Hotel has cinema nights during summer months & holidays on selected evenings
  • Healthy kids menus available
  • Packed lunches for days out available at cost payable to hotel
  • Babysitting services available - at a charge, payable directly to the hotel

Flexible Family Rooming Arrangements

  • Spacious Family Rooms available.
  • The hotel allow children up of all ages and children to age 16 are charged at the child rate.
  • Standard in all family rooms: multichannel television, Fast Free WiFi throughout rooms & hotel, tea/coffee making facilities

Escapes for Mom & Dad

  • Garryvoe Health & Leisure Club facilities include East Cork’s only dedicated two-lane 25m Lap Pool,
  • Extensive Splash Pool area with Water Jet Massage Cannons.
  • Unique to Cork and Ireland - Aqua Jogging Ring, 1200 square feet Gym
  • Sauna Room, Steam Room, Invigorating Outdoor Hot Tub, Aerobics Studio
  • Bar & Restaurant

 

What's included

Accommodation in rooms with private facilities 

Full Irish Breakfast Each Morning

Rental Car (Chauffeur Option Available)

Local Telephone Support During Your Trip

Tour highlights

  • Christ Church Cathedral
  • Cobh Heritage Centre
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Castle
  • Kilmainham Gaol
  • Titanic Walk
  • Trinity College & Book of Kells
  • James Joyce Centre
  • Blarney Castle
  • National Stud & Japanese Gardens

Overnights for this tour

  • The Garryvoe Hotel, Ballycotton for 7 Nights 

Accommodation options

All of the hotels we have chosen for our Family packages have great family facilities, many of them have kids clubs during the summer holidays, playground or playroom, special meals, movie nights, babysitting and great escapes for mom and dad including leisure centres and spas, bars, restaurants and live music.

Day 1 - Welcome to Ireland

Arrive at either Belfast or Dublin and meet with your professional driver/guide who will take you to Belfast city. For passengers arriving at Belfast Airport, enjoy a morning tour of the city which will include the famous murals that visualize the city’s restless past, the Titanic Quarter, Harland & Wolff Shipyard and the newly opened Titanic Belfast exhibition. After lunch (not included) check into your hotel after which the remainder of the day is free to further explore this remarkable city. For those passengers arriving at Dublin Airport, your driver/guide will first take you to the Boyne Valley where you will visit the Neolithic tomb at Newgrange or Knowth before continuing your journey to Belfast. On arrival you will enjoy the half day tour of the city visiting the same sights as those passengers that arrived into Belfast. Overnight Belfast DBB

Day 2 - Giant's Causeway

This morning travel to the World Heritage site of Giant’s Causeway which was formed millions of years ago by a violent volcanic eruption which formed the unique columns of the causeway. Then to the oldest working distillery in Ireland, Bushmills, where for over 400 years this triple distilled drink is made. After sampling the amber nectre travel to the only walled city in Ireland, Derry, where a local guide will take you on a walking tour of the city. See sights from the old Derry Walls to the recently opened Peace Bridge and much more. Finally for today relax as you enjoy the scenery on your return to Belfast. Overnight Belfast DBB

Day 3 - Belfast

Today will be a free day for you to enjoy and explore Belfast at your leisure. Other major areas of interest in Belfast include St Anne's Cathedral, City Hall, The Belfast Wheel and of course in the evening, pay a visit to the Crowne Liquor Saloon. Formerly known as The Liquor Saloon in Great Victoria Street, it was one of the mightiest Victorian gin palaces which once flourished in the industrial cities of the British Isles.  Overnight Belfast DBB

Day 4 - Downpatrick

After breakfast check out of your hotel and travel southwards to Ireland’s capital city, Dublin. En-route stop at Downpatrick where the only permanent exhibition in the world dedicated to Ireland’s Patron Saint, St. Patrick, is situated. Located next to Down Cathedral and St. Patrick’s grave is the Saint Patrick Centre where a guided tour will be arranged. Continue on to Dublin where, after checking into your hotel, the evening will be free for you to explore the many pubs and restaurants in the city, many of which have live entertainment. Overnight Dublin BB

Day 5 - Dublin

After breakfast meet with your city guide for a morning tour which will include visits to Trinity College and Book of Kellsexhibition, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Guinness Storehouse. The afternoon will be free to visit other attractions or the many shops. This evening enjoy a typical Irish dinner followed by show of traditional Irish music, song and dance. Overnight Dublin BB

Day 6 - Dublin - Killarney

Check out of your hotel and start your journey to one of Ireland’s most popular towns, Killarney. On the way stop at the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens which is the only stud open to the public. The Japanese Gardens are considered one of the best of its type in Ireland. Onwards then to what is said to be the prettiest villages in Ireland, Adare. Stroll through the village park and marvel at the main street which is lined with thatched roofed cottages and explore the castle ruins and priory. Finally for today enjoy the views as you journey to Killarney, arriving in time for dinner. Overnight Killarney DBB

Day 7 - Ring of Kerry

After breakfast leave your hotel by jaunting car (horse and carriage) for a magical journey through the Killarney National Parkto Ross Castle where your coach will be waiting. From here travel the 100 mile Ring of Kerry where the views change at each bend. Visit the Skellig Experience and the colourful village of Sneem and marvel at the views from Molls Gap or Ladies View as well as visiting a sheep farm where there will be a demonstration of sheep shearing and herding. Overnight Killarney DBB

Day 8 - Blarney and Cobh

This morning travel to Blarney Castle where you may kiss the stone that is said to grant the gift of eloquence before visiting Cobh, the final port of call of Titanic’s fatal voyage. Here at the Cobh Heritage Centre and the Titanic Experience Cobh, follow the story of that voyage and of the many thousands of emigrants who left Ireland during the famine years for a better life. After the visit join a local historian for a walking tour of Cobh known as the Titanic Walk and receive a signed copy of his book as a momento. Overnight Killarney DBB

Day 9 - Cliffs of Moher

This morning after breakfast check out of your hotel and travel through North Kerry to Clare, crossing the Shannon Estuary by ferry before visiting one of Ireland’s natural wonders, the Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs stretch along 8 kilometers of the Clare/Atlantic coastline and rise to over 700 feet at O’Brien’s Tower. At the visitors centre see the Atlantic Edge Experience which shows life in, around and below the cliffs. Then onwards to one of the most complete castles in Ireland, Bunratty Castle. Take a tour of the castle and its ancient furniture and tapestries before visiting the adjoining Bunratty Folk Park that recreates life in the 19th century. After checking into your nearby hotel, enjoy a farewell Bunratty Medieval Banquet at the castle. Overnight Bunratty BB

Day 10 - Farewell to Ireland

Following you final Irish breakfast, take the short journey to Shannon Airport arriving in good time to complete check in formalities and that last minute duty free shopping.

BB = Bed & Irish Breakfast BB = Dinner, Bed & Irish Breakfast

Route map

Tour attractions

2024 Vacations

BOOK EARLY FOR A FREE UPGRADE AND 15% DISCOUNT

Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 15th of June 2024 to receive a FREE UPGRADE from Economy Manual Car to Compact Manual Car AND 15% discount off your tour price!
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or special event packages.

Tour Prices

Below, you will find a price for Ireland Family Vacation – Ballycotton 7 Nights self drive tour of Ireland including your car rental. We offer you very competitive rates for our car rental inclusive packages. Pricing for other accommodation and transport options is also available upon request. All prices quoted in this section are per family as specified.

FAMILY PRICE INCLUDING 7 DAYS CAR RENTAL

Notes

Prices above include:

  • 7 Nights accommodation in the Garryvoe Hotel including full Irish breakfast and taxes
  • 7 Days Family Car rental: 7 Days Manual Transmission, Ford Mondeo/Opel Insignia or Similar
  • Included with your car is all compulsory insurances - Collision Damage Waiver insurance (CDW with an excess/deductible), theft protection insurance, location fee of €30, Road fund tax, sales tax at 13.5%, unlimited free mileage, third party liability insurance, 24 hour peace of mind break down cover.
  • This hotel accept children to age 16 sharing with two full paying adults

Private Chauffeur Option Available For This Tour

  • Enjoy the services of an experienced and friendly driver guide
  • Luxury vehicles so you get to travel in style and comfort
  • Take the stress out of driving on unfamiliar and sometime narrow roads
  • With our knowledgeable drivers you see more in less time
  • You get to see the scenery instead of worrying about crashing into it!
  • Contact Us for a price quotation today

Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.

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For customers based in North America, please note that as we are based in Ireland, we are 5 hours ahead of EST.

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