Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 31st of May 2024 to receive a 15% discount off your tour price!
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or special event packages.
We had a wonderful time! This was the first time I've traveled out of the country and wasn't sure how the trip would go. I was nervous, but everything went as planned. Tina did a terrific job and I ha Read more »
I wrote a review a year ago. Just want to re-emphasize, 15 months later, how grateful I am to Linda Larkin for organizing an absolutely wonderful trip. Our hotel in Port Rush was a bit worn but not a Read more »
I am writing to highly praise Irish Tourism. Our agent, Linda Larkin, provided a high level of customer service as we planned our tour to Ireland. She was very thoughtful and helpful. I also want t Read more »
The staff at Irish Tourism is extraordinary! My friends and I found ourselves in Ireland when the travel ban began. Maria and everyone at Irish Tourism worked hard to ensure we had places to stay, eve Read more »
Kilkenny is located in the Heart of Ireland so is a fantastic location to base your family while on your Vacation in Ireland. This compact city is an easy drive from Dublin; Irelands capital so is a terrific location. Kilkenny is situated on both banks of the River Nore, in the province of Leinster. It is famous for its medieval building and castle. On reserving your vacation with us, you will get a complete tour pack which will include numerous day tours that you can choose to take from your base. This tour is flexible; you can do all of the day trips, some of them or you may choose to simply relax and enjoy the surroundings of your hotel.
While on your Family Vacation Tour, we realise that it can be difficult for families to move from hotel to hotel so these tours are ‘one-centred’ and designed in such a way as you would just pick up your rental car, drive to your hotel location and check in for the duration of your vacation. When you book your tour with us you will get a comprehensive tour pack which will include several day tours that you can chose to take from your base location.
Your hotel for this tour is tried and trusted friend of Irish Tourism: Hotel Kilkenny. This hotel is extremely family friendly and some of its many features are described below.
Hotel Kilkenny for 7 Nights
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.
Arrive Shannon Airport and meet with your experienced Irish driver/guide. All of the drivers we use are qualified guides and have great personalities that really will make your trip unforgettable. Travel the short distance to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park which is set on 26 Acres. The Folk Park is a stunning recreation of 19th Century Ireland featuring various types of farmhouses, a church, walled garden and village street complete with pub, post office and shops. Travel onwards to what is regarded as Ireland’s prettiest village, Adare, which is lined with stone thatch cottages, some of which are craft & art shops, and contains two Abbeys and a Priory which date back to the 13th century. Overnight Limerick DBB
Drive west through Ennis and Lahinch to see the Cliffs of Moher. This wall of limestone rises to heights of almost 700 feet above the churning Atlantic swells. Visit the Atlantic Edge Exhibition which brings to life the story of the Cliffs of Moher, presenting geology, wildlife & human aspects of the Cliffs in an entertaining way. Drive through the Burren, an area of limestone rock covering imposing majestic mountains, and tranquil valleys with gently meandering streams. With its innate sense of spiritual peace, extraordinary array of flora and wildlife, and megalithic tombs and monuments older than Egypt's pyramids, the Burren creates a tapestry of colour and a seductively magical aura which few people leave without wanting to experience again. Then southwards to cross the wide River Shannon Estuary on a short ferry ride to Tarbert and travel through Listowel and Tralee to Killarney. This little town is world-famous due to its exquisite location beside lakes and mountains. Overnight Killarney DBB
Today you will discover the wonderful scenery of Killarney as you drive around the famous Ring of Kerry. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountains, and the varied Atlantic coast. You will be amazed at the breathtaking views and you will stop for photos at the most dramatic scenes. Continue through the remote villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville. On the return, pass through the colorful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Stop for a stroll through the splendid Muckross Gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. Enjoy some free time in Killarney before dinner in your hotel. Overnight Killarney DBB
Depart Killarney and drive through the old market town of Macroom to Blarney. Stop at the Blarney Woollen Mills for quality Irish-made goods and climb the steps of Blarney Castle to kiss the fabled "Stone of Eloquence". Continue to the port town of Cobh, the last port of call on the Titanic’s fatal voyage. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration from Ireland to the United States. Learn about travel conditions for the many Irish emigrants on early sailing ships and steam vessels. Follow the coastal route via the town of Youghal to Waterford for dinner and an overnight stay. Overnight Waterford DBB
Visit Waterford Crystal Visitors Centre to see the cutting and polishing of this fine product and also the excellent display of trophies and stemware in the showrooms. Head north to Kilkenny with its intriguing medieval streets and buildings, including Kilkenny Castle, and enjoy the stunning scenery on your way to the ancient monastic settlement at Glendalough that was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century before traveling onwards to Dublin. The Glendalough Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and is renowned for its Monastic Site with Round Tower to its scenic lakes and valleys. Overnight Dublin DBB
Following breakfast, we shall take a half-day guided tour of Dublin, founded by Vikings over 1,000 years ago. See elegant Georgian squares with townhouses and their famous colorful doors, pass the lush vegetation of St. Stephen's Green, cross the River Liffey to drive along the wide thoroughfare of O'Connell Street and pass the General Post Office where the 1916 Rebellion started. Visit Trinity College's Old Library to view the early illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells and learn about its creation. After lunch (not included), visit the Guinness Storehouse and learn how the 250 year old beverage is made. No visit to the Storehouse would be complete without a sampling of “The Black Stuff” in the Gravity Bar which provides stunning 360 degree views of the city. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner followed by traditional Irish music & dance. Overnight Dublin BB
After a final Irish breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport in time for your return flight.
BB = Bed & Irish Breakfast DBB = Dinner, Bed & Irish Breakfast
Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 31st of May 2024 to receive a 15% discount off your tour price!
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or special event packages.
The 7 Night family tour of Ireland using Kilkenny as a base for your vacation is one of the best ways to see the south of Ireland . This exciting tour stops at some of Irelands top tourist attractions including Rock of Cashel, National Stud and Japanese Gardens, Dublinia, Blarney Castle and an enchanting medieval evening of “ceol agus craic” at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park whilst staying in wonderful child friendly accommodation along the way.
Notes
Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.
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See what people say about the vacations we plan
See what people say about the vacations we plan
See what people say about the vacations we plan