13 Day Iconic Roads Of Ireland
Deposit
$99 pp available
✓ Incredible sightseeing! Tour Ireland by private hire car, drive along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way, marvel at 12th-century Kilkenny Castle, visit the original pier of the ill-fated Titanic, enjoy incredible views across the Cliffs of Moher, gaze upon 40,000 basalt columns at the Giant’s Causeway, and uncover megalithic tombs
✓ Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel with all arrangements made for you
✓ 11 days medium-size car rental
✓ 12 nights’ charming B&B accommodation with private facilities
✓ Delicious Irish breakfast daily
✓ Heritage Island Guide detailing Ireland’s premier visitor attractions
✓ Entry to Kilkenny Castle, Kylemore Abbey and Newgrange megalithic tomb
✓ Access to visitor centres at Titanic Experience Cobh, Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway and Bru Na Boinne
Travelling with Inspiring Vacations allows you to explore the wonders of the world in a variety of different ways. We have partnered with a worldwide network of local travel experts to bring you culturally unique and delightfully unforgettable travel experiences. Whether it is meandering through narrow canyons by rail, cruising the idyllic waters of the Mediterranean or touring through the backroads of provincial towns, Inspiring Vacations trips offer amazing value and will leave you inspired.
Welcome to Ireland! After your arrival at the airport, make your own way to the hotel and enjoy your first day at your own leisure. Perhaps visit Trinity College to see the famous book of Kells, or maybe get to know the Guinness Storehouse.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Pick up your hire car this morning, then depart for Cork and visit Kilkenny along the way. Kilkenny's heritage is evident in the city and surroundings including the historic buildings such as Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice's Cathedral and round tower, Rothe House, Shee Alms House, Black Abbey and St. Mary's Cathedral. One of the most instantly recognised buildings in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since it was built by the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century. Entry to this inspiring sight is included in your package.
Approximate driving distance: 290km
Before you leave Cork explore the English Market. Situated in the heart of Cork City, the English Market is a roofed food market and has been trading since 1788. From there, visit the Titanic Experience in Cobh (entry included). The location marks the departure point for the last 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic on its fateful maiden voyage to America. Continue onwards to The ‘Kingdom’ of County Kerry.
Approximate driving distance: 100km
Today depart for the town of Killarney and visit Killarney National Park and onward to the Ring of Kerry Tour. The Ring of Kerry brings you along the Atlantic Coast and is one of the highlights of a trip to Ireland. Quiet valleys and idyllic spots await along the way. The breath-taking beauty of the landscape on the peninsula will delight you. Above all, the Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland - see the Iron Age Forts & Ogham Stones, Old Monasteries and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago.
Approximate driving distance: 200km
This morning, enjoy another beautiful scenic route. The Dingle Peninsula has something to offer to everyone. Among other things: sandy beaches safe for swimming, walking routes for all abilities, a thriving Irish language community, a rich musical tradition, fine dining, sea angling, arts and film festivals, talented craftspersons and some of the best surfing in Ireland. Before you arrive in Limerick pass by Adare and visit Desmond Castle.
Approximate driving distance: 210km
On the way to Galway you will cross the Burren region, which is often likened to a moonscape because of the lack of vegetation. Soon after that you will arrive at the Cliffs of Moher – majestic cliffs which rise 215 metres out of the
Atlantic and stretch for more than 7 kilometres. Entry is included to the Cliffs Visitor Centre, a huge domed cave that contains images, exhibits, displays and experiences exploring different elements of the mighty Cliffs of Moher.
Continue on to Galway City. At the mouth of Galway Bay it is both a picturesque and lively city with a wonderful avant-garde culture. It has changed considerably over the last number of years and features a fascinating juxtaposition of new and ancient architecture. The centre of the city is conveniently compact enough to ramble around comfortably.
Approximate driving distance: 155km
Discover the wilderness of Connemara today. Connemara, whose inhabitants still speak Irish, is without doubt the wildest and most romantic part of Ireland. Bewitchingly hidden between mountains and lakes and surrounded by
Rhododendrons, lies the gothic style Kylemore Abbey. Your trip includes entry to the visitor centre, comprising an exhibition housed in the main reception rooms, and a video, which takes you through the history of the house and its occupants.
Afterwards visit Connemara National Park. This impressive park is situated at the foot of the Diamond Mountain, which is 727 metres high. The park includes 1,500 hectares of forest, swamp, highland moors and heaths.
Approximate driving distance: 155km
On your way through Sligo you can visit the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery. Carrowmore Cemetery has over 60 stone circle and passage tombs making it one of the largest Stone Age cemeteries in Europe. Each tomb is numbered
to facilitate the visitor, and the central tomb has been restored and enables visitors to visit the interior of a court tomb and see how it was when it was built over 5,000 years ago. A must for visitors interested in Archeology.
Approximate driving distance: 220km
Today why not visit the Slieve League Cliffs. Europe's highest sea cliffs reach almost three times higher than Cliffs of Moher. As with most parts of Co. Donegal, this site is largely untouched by tourism and walks through a largely unspoilt landscape gives you a spectacular view of the coast and the cliff face. Also you can visit the Glenveagh National Park. A spectacular 16,500 hectares (40,000 acres) of scenic mountains, lakes, glens and woods. With a herd of red deer, Glenveagh is one of Ireland's protected natural parks managed by the State. The Visitor Centre houses exhibitions and an audio-visual show in the area.
Approximate driving distance: 100km
Travel towards Derry. Derry has a heavy historical past and has suffered a lot through violence. Today Derry enjoys the advantages of the new peaceful atmosphere in Northern Ireland politics and its city centre is again lively and pleasant. You will appreciate a walk in the colourful and well looked after historical city, which boasts good shopping, pubs and cafes.
Approximate driving distance: 70
En route to Belfast visit the Giant’s Causeway. The new Visitor centre explores the major themes of mythology, geology, landscape, ecology, culture and social history based on the UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of 40,000 basalt polygonal columns formed 60 million years ago after a volcanic eruption. In 2015, Conde Nast Traveler magazine included hopping the stones of the Giant's Causeway as one of the '50 things to do in Europe before you die'. Also you can visit the Old Bushmills Distillery. A guided visit commences with an excellent short film on the history and distillation of Irish whiskey, followed by a 20-minute tour of the distillery. The visit finishes in the distillery pub with a tasting.
Approximate driving distance: 150km
Depart for Dublin and visit the Boyne Valley. The Boyne valley is without a doubt the most historical region of the whole island, therefore it is not surprising to find here the most important Irish monuments such as Newgrange, Knowth or Loughcrew Cairns. These are megalithic tombs, dating from 2500 B.C, located along the valley of the river Boyne. Your package includes entry to Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre at Newgrange. The kidney-shaped mound is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. It is estimated that the construction of the Passage Tomb at Newgrange would have taken a work force of 300 at least 20 years.
On arrival in Dublin, return your vehicle and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Approximate driving distance: 170km
Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through Ireland. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring drive. At the appropriate time please make your way to the airport for your onward journey.
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