2024 Vacations

Book early and save 15%

Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 15th 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.

Tour Overview

‘Excellent’

This 8 night/9 day self drive tour of Ireland will help you get away from it all to the unspoilt West of Ireland.

There is no question that the imagery of the West of Ireland will forever be imprinted on your mind after your visit to this dramatic landscape, with its rugged mountains, freshwater lakes and unspoilt miles of coastline and pristine sandy beaches.When you picture yourself crossing bogs where ponies roam and rare heathers bloom; when you picture yourself conquering the summit of Errisbeg Hill; or when you picture yourself strolling along a 5 mile stretch of beach and all the while, be it bogland, mountain, hill or shore, the only footprints that you see are your own.

What is hard to imagine is not that these places exist, but that they exist in the midst of warm and friendly communities. In the West of Ireland where the Gaelic culture thrives and half the population still speaks Irish as its first language, it is the people that might distract you from the wonderful sights to be seen. By day enjoy the magnificent scenery including, The Cliffs of Moher, The Aran Islands, Killary Harbour and the stark Burren Landscape of County Clare. By night rest your weary bones by a roaring turf fire, accompanied by superb traditional Irish music in one of a myriad of welcoming pubs. Galway City, the festival capital of the country awaits with its famous Horse Racing, Art and Oyster festivals to name but a few. Experience the true essence of Ireland - Way out West.

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
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Castle
  • Dublinia
  • Kilmainham Gaol
  • Trinity College & Book of Kells
  • Aras an Uachtarain
  • Chester Beatty Library
  • Dublin Writers Museum
  • James Joyce Centre
  • James Joyce Tower & Museum
  • National Gallery
  • National Museum of Ireland - Collins Barracks
  • Shaw Birthplace Museum
  • Avondale House & Forest Park
  • Avoca Handweavers
  • Wicklow Mountains National Park
  • Trinity College Dublin & Book of Kells
  • Glendalough
  • Powerscourt House & Gardens

Overnights for this tour

  • County Clare for 1 Night
  • Galway City for 1 Night
  • Westport County Mayo for 2 Nights
  • Connemara/Galway for 2 Nights
  • Bunratty, County Clare for last 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

Tour itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive 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 Cookery School

Housed in dazzling purpose-built premises, the bright, spacious kitchens of the Dublin Cookery School are the perfect setting for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. With 12 fully-equipped workstations, complete with hobs and ovens, students learn tricks of the trade in a supportive and challenging environment. As they say themselves, ‘serious food in a relaxed atmosphere’. The course list is extensive, including fish and bread courses, barbecue, entertaining, Californian cuisine, teen friendly courses and many more. This, combined with Lynda Booth's exuberant style and the fabulous space, makes for a seriously fun learning experience. Overnight Dublin DBB

Day 3 - Ballyknocken Cookery School

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, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, before traveling to Ballyknocken Cookery School near Ashford. Under the guidance of TV chef Catherine Fulvio, many courses are available including Easy Entertaining, BBQ and Outdoor Dining and Cheating with Vegetables to mention but a few. Return to Dublin for a farewell Irish House Party dinner & traditional show of Irish music, dance & humour. Overnight Dublin BB

Day 4 - Depart Dublin

After breakfast, visit The Old Jameson Distillery. Explore the distillery’s history and find out about the legend that is John Jameson. You'll be able to impress your friends with the fascinating facts behind the smooth Irish Whiskey’s journey from barley to bottle. Most of all you'll surprise your friends with your discerning palate and boundless, newfound knowledge. Following the visit, transfer back to Dublin airport for your return mid-afternoon flight home.

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

Route map

Tour attractions

2024 Vacations

Book early and save 15%

Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 15th 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.

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

Accommodation Type

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

Please enter your vacation requirements in the form below. If your enquiry requires a more immediate response, please use the Tollfree & International numbers as listed down the page.

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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