2025 Vacations

CONTINUING OUR EARLY 25 IN 25 CELEBRATIONS! 15% Discount on all self drive packages AND only €25pp deposit!

We continue to toast 25 years of creating Ireland vacations by extending our €25pp deposit AND offering you a 15% discount on any of our self-drive vacation packages! Book by 15th November 2024*

*CIE tours and Knitting tours not included

Tour Overview

‘Excellent’

Discover Ireland’s best pub locations on this 8 night Ireland self drive tour.

Irish pubs are known throughout the world for the friendliness and warmth of their hospitality and also for being the meeting place for like minded souls who find themselves in search of quality conversation, humour, music and food. Of course, let’s not forget that your typical Irish publican has also been known to occasionally provide the odd drink or two.

While the Irish pub is indeed a focal point for so much of the Irish social scene, there are a number of locations that simply seem to have more than their fair share of excellent watering holes. To this end, the Irish Pub & Folk Tour takes you to towns that offer numerous great pubs renowned for their atmosphere, food and superb traditional music.

As you travel between these towns in the east, south and west of Ireland, you will also have the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful & picturesque landscapes that Ireland has to offer. Combine that with the history of the regions that you are passing through and you have the makings of an unforgettable vacation.

This tour will provide you with a real insight into both the country of Ireland and its people and their way of life.

What's included

  • Accommodation in rooms with Private Bathroom Facilities 
  • Full Irish Breakfast Each Morning
  • Rental Car or Chauffeur Driven Car
  • 24/7 Local Telephone Support During Your Trip
  • Our Renowned Customized Sightseeing Guide
  • Unlimited Services of Experienced Ireland Based Travel Planner
  • Map of Ireland

Tour highlights

  • Christ Church Cathedral
  • Conor Pass
  • Dingle Peninsula
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Castle
  • Gap of Dunloe
  • Kilmainham Gaol
  • Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms
  • Ring of Kerry
  • Titanic Walk
  • Trinity College & Book of Kells
  • Bantry House & Gardens
  • Blasket Centre
  • Dublin Writers Museum
  • James Joyce Tower & Museum
  • Mizen Head Signal Station
  • Avondale House & Forest Park
  • Boyne Valley
  • Wicklow Mountains National Park
  • Trinity College Dublin & Book of Kells
  • Glendalough
  • Hill of Tara
  • Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms
  • Newgrange
  • Powerscourt House & Gardens
  • Trim Castle

Overnights for this tour

  • Kilkenny for 2 Nights
  • Killarney, County Kerry for 2 Nights
  • County Clare for 2 Nights
  • Dublin/Galway for 2 Nights

Accommodation options

  • Superior & First Class Hotels
  • Luxury Accommodation & Service in our 4-Star Country Manor Houses
  • Deluxe Accommodation in our 4 & 5 Star Irish Castles
  • Our Recommended & Handpicked B&B's, all rooms with private bath facilities
  • Any Combination of the above

Day 1 - Arrive in Dublin

Arrive Dublin 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 into Ireland’s capital city and visit Trinity College which houses the famous Book of Kells, transcribed by 9th century monks. Continue on to a more modern attraction, The Guinness Storehouse, which tells the 250 year story of one of Ireland’s greatest exports. At the end of the tour, sample a pint of “The Black Stuff” whilst enjoying 360 degree panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free for individual sightseeing. In the evening, why not enjoy dinner at one of Dublin’s superb restaurants followed by an evening’s entertainment at one of the lively pubs. Overnight Dublin BB

Day 2 - Dublin to Waterford

Depart Dublin after breakfast heading south into County Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland. Enjoy the stunning scenery on your way to the ancient monastic settlement at Glendalough that was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. The Glendalough Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and is renowned for its Monastic Site with Round Tower and its scenic lakes and valleys. Travel via New Ross visiting the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a full scale replica of the 19th Century historic sailing vessel which carried thousands of emigrants to North America and Canada over a 30 year period. Continue on to Waterford, stopping at the recently opened (June 2010) Waterford Crystal Visitors Centre before checking in to your hotel in the city. Overnight Waterford DBB

Day 3 - Waterford to Killarney

Travel via Youghal, one of the Irish Riviera resorts, to the Heritage town of Cobh. Between 1848 and 1950, over six million adults & children emigrated from Ireland – over 2.6 million from Cobh. Cobh was the last port of call for the ill fated Titanic and the final resting place of many of the victims of the Lusitania sinking in 1915.The Cobh Heritage Centre tells all these stories in an imaginative way. Continue on to the Old Midleton Distillery where you can see the largest pot still in the world, prior to sampling the world renowned Jameson Irish Whiskey. Onwards to Blarney Castle famous for its “stone of eloquence”, which legend says will bestow the “gift of the gab” on all who kiss it. There will be time to visit Blarney Woolen Mills which displays & sells quality Irish made goods. Onwards to Killarney via the old market town of Macroom. Overnight Killarney DBB

Day 4 - Ring of Kerry

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 colourful 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

Day 5 - Killarney to Limerick

After breakfast, travel to the Dingle Peninsula and see some of the glorious scenery for which this region is renowned and made famous by such movies as "Ryan's Daughter" and "Far & Away." See the long, sandy stretches of Inch Strand and admire views across the bay to the Iveragh Peninsula. Make a brief stop in the charming town of Dingle before continuing to the westernmost tip of the peninsula and visit the Blasket Centre which tells the story of the Blasket Islands, whose last inhabitants left in 1953. See beehive huts where early Christian monks lived and visit Gallarus Oratory, dating from the 8th century.

It was built without mortar using vaulting techniques developed by Neolithic tomb-makers. Head to Limerick via one of Ireland’s prettiest villages Adare, with its thatch roofed cottages and ancient church, abbey & priory. After checking in to your hotel, take the short journey to Bunratty Castle and enjoy the Bunratty Medieval Banquet. Overnight Limerick. BB

Day 6 - Limerick to Dublin

Today, we start our journey back to Dublin, stopping at the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens. Established in 1946, the Irish National Stud combines an active role in the development and promotion of Irish bloodstock with its role as one of the country's major tourist attractions and it is the only Stud farm in Ireland open to the public. Having celebrated its centenary year in 2010, The Japanese Gardens are recognised as the finest of its kind in Europe and along with Saint Fiachra's Garden, also here, are not to be missed. Onwards to your hotel in Dublin and after checking in, the afternoon is free to explore the sights and shops of this vibrant city. In the evening, you may wish to take in one of the many shows on at the time or just enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of Dublin’s superb restaurants. Overnight Dublin. BB

Day 7 - Boyne Valley

Today, discover the historic and archeological treasures of the Boyne Valley, first visiting the ancient Celtic site of the Hill of Tara, then Trim and Kells Heritage Towns. Trim’s 12th Century Castle featured in the film Braveheart and Kells is famous for its 8th Century monastic settlement, Book of Kells and Celtic High Crosses. The 5000 years old Megalithic tombs at Newgrange will also be visited. Return to Dublin via Beaulieu House, Garden and Car Museum arriving at your hotel in time to freshen up before your farewell dinner at the Abbey Tavern. Enjoy a typical Irish 4 course meal, including an Irish coffee, followed by traditional Irish music & dance. Overnight Dublin BB

Day 8 - Depart Dublin

After a hearty Irish breakfast, depart your Hotel for Dublin Airport to arrive in plenty of time for your return flight home.

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

Route map

Tour attractions

2025 Vacations

CONTINUING OUR EARLY 25 IN 25 CELEBRATIONS! 15% Discount on all self drive packages AND only €25pp deposit!

We continue to toast 25 years of creating Ireland vacations by extending our €25pp deposit AND offering you a 15% discount on any of our self-drive vacation packages! Book by 15th November 2024*

*CIE tours and Knitting tours not included

Tour Prices

Below, you will find a price for this self drive tour including your car rental. Pricing for other accommodation and transport options is also available upon request. Please also note that all of our driving tours itineraries and sightseeing guides are available to those wishing to avail of one of our experienced driver guides.

ACCOMMODATION WITH CAR RENTAL PRICING

Notes

  • Please note prices are per person based on 2 persons in each room with full Irish breakfast and taxes included.
  • The Combination package includes 4 Nights in 3*** Hotels, 2 nights in Luxury Manor House Hotels & 2 Nights in our hand-picked B&B's.
  • Children Sharing with 2 adults (aged 2-11) pay 40% of the Adult option.
  • Children under the age of 2 are free when sharing with 2 Adults.
  • Your Accommodation & Car Rental Package rate includes an Economy class car eg., Opel Corsa or Fiat Punto.
  • 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.

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.

Detailed Enquiry Form

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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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