DublinBelfast Ring of Kerry Dingle Peninsula Cliffs of Moher Strangford Lough

This Itinerary will take you to the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the rugged beauty of Dingle Peninsula, the enchanting Ring of Kerry, the magical Blarney Castle, the ancient Book of Kells, the majestic Dublin Castle, the picturesque Strangford Lough, and the vibrant city of Belfast.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Explore Irish Cities
  • Learn about the Titanic
  • Drive stunning coastal roads on the Dingle Peninsula
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Local food tours

What’s included

  • Private tours for most included activities
  • Meet & greet airport service
  • Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
  • Expert guides in each destination

flexibility

This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.

08

Nights

Price Guide

$POA

Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more

Day 1

Fly to Shannon

plan line
Day 2

Lower Shannon

Journey to the towering Cliffs of Moher; at over 600 feet tall, these sandstone cliffs are exposed to the fiercest of Atlantic storms and large colonies of birds can be spotted here. Venture through The Burren, the largest karst landscape in Europe and what promises to be a very dramatic drive, with the lunar-like backdrop displaying unusual rock formations. The coast road then takes you around Galway Bay, famed for its oysters. Time permitting, you may wish to stop in Galway, a lively and picturesque city with an avant-garde culture.

The Green Glory of the Emerald Isle
The Green Glory of the Emerald Isle
Day 3

Lower Shannon – Killarney

Take a scenic drive south through the Dingle Peninsula until you reach Dingle Town, a long-established fishing community. You then take the Slea Head drive that leads you to the westernmost tip of mainland Ireland, to gain excellent views of the Blasket Islands from the road that hugs the cliff tops. Learn about the culture and heritage of this charming Gaelic-speaking region at the Blasket Islands Heritage Centre. Continue past Mount Brandon, the second highest peak in Ireland, and arrive at your hotel in Killarney, overlooking the lakes.

Day 4

Killarney

Explore the Ring of Kerry today, one of the best-loved coastal drives in Europe. The road follows the shoreline of the Iveragh Peninsula, passing some of the most beautiful mountain and moorland scenery in the whole of Ireland. To the south of Portmagee runs the Ring of Skellig, a quiet, scenic, though often steep, route around the most westerly point of the Iveragh Peninsula, via wild and exposed St Finian’s Bay. This is the unlikely home of the small but high-quality, family run Skelligs Chocolate Factory where you may wish to enjoy a sample or two and watch the chocolates being made in their ‘open plan’ production area. Your tour will take in the charming town of Kenmare, famous for its lace making, before you travel through the beautiful Molls Gap and Ladies View that offers breath-taking scenery all the way to Killarney’s National Park. Return to your hotel from here.

The Green Glory of the Emerald Isle
The Green Glory of the Emerald Isle
Day 5

Killarney – Dublin

This morning you leave County Kerry and travel northeast to Dublin. The journey starts off by taking you over the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains with its stunning vistas. You then drive through Cork City, continuing to nearby Blarney Castle for a visit. In the parapet of this ruined tower house lies the Blarney Stone, said to bestow the ‘gift of the gab’ on all who kiss it. (Please note: the ascent to the castle is not recommended for anybody who has difficulty climbing stairs).
Travel on into County Tipperary, where you can visit the Rock of Cashel. The ruined cathedral and the round tower of the early archbishops of Munster perches dramatically on top of this outcrop, and you can learn about its history in the interpretative centre. Finally drive through the Leinster countryside to your hotel in Dublin.

Day 6

Dublin

Wander among the Georgian terrace houses and along Merrion Square, accompanied by your expert guide. Take in the famous sculpture of Oscar Wilde before visiting the impressive Trinity College; Ireland’s oldest university. Here you see the world-famous Book of Kells; a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination. Explore the Old Library, which houses 200,000 antiquarian texts and the oldest surviving harp in Ireland. Continue your journey to Christ Church Cathedral with its fascinating Medieval crypt, home to a mummified cat and rat, which are known locally as ‘Tom and Jerry’! The splendid State Apartments at Dublin Castle were built as the residential quarters of the Viceregal court and are now used for Presidential  Inaugurations and various State Functions. Finally, admire the stunning architecture of Powerscourt Townhouse and perhaps stop in one of its boutiques, during your walk back to your hotel.

The Green Glory of the Emerald Isle
The Green Glory of the Emerald Isle
Day 7

Dublin – Belfast

This morning, head to Northern Ireland with your driver-guide. En-route to Belfast you may wish to stop at Strangford Lough, a spectacular sea lough studded with islands and boasting mile upon mile of hidden coves, sandy beaches and rocky outcrops. With its picturesque villages, rare wildlife and stunning views of the Mourne Mountains, the lough is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This afternoon enjoy a panoramic tour of the city centre with your local-guide. While touring, you see City Hall, St Anne’s Cathedral and Queen’s University. Your guide takes you to the Titanic Quarter, named after the most famous ship that was built here in the city dockyards. Throughout the afternoon your guide outlines the political and sectarian divides that have shaped the society of this city in recent decades.

Day 8

Belfast

Enjoy today at your leisure

The Green Glory of the Emerald Isle
dot joiner for itins
Day 9

Fly home

A note on price

The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.

Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).

Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.

Price Guide $POA

When to travel

jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec

The weather in Ireland is generally mild and rainy throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C. The best time to travel to Ireland is during the summer months of June to August when temperatures are warmer, and the days are longer. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. If you prefer a quieter and more affordable trip, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to October when the weather is still pleasant, and there are fewer crowds.

Add on’s

 
After enjoying the enchanting beauty of Ireland, why not consider exploring the picturesque landscapes of Scotland, the rich history of England, or the vibrant culture of Spain? Each of these countries offers a unique and memorable experience, making them the perfect destinations to continue your European adventure

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