13 Day Iconic Roads Of Ireland
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ 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
✓ 13 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
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Ireland! After arriving at the airport, proceed to collect your hire car, drive to your accommodation and enjoy the first day at 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.
After breakfast 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 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 drop off your hire car at the airport.
Vehicle Information
A rental car with manual transmission is included in your reservation for the duration of the trip in a Ford Focus or similar.
Car Rental Upgrade
You may want to upgrade your car hire to an automatic transmission Ford Focus or similar, for an extra $1,324 in total per booking.
Airport Fees
For your convenience, the mandatory airport Location Service Charge (LSC) is included in your reservation.
*Car Rental Insurance
To ensure peace of mind, Inspiring Vacations customers will enjoy the benefits of Hertz’ Damage Excess Reduction (DER) program. Excess is reduced for the included car category from EUR 2,500 to only EUR 250 (excludes tyres, wheels, keys and fuel).
Additional Driver
The first additional driver is included at no extra cost. A charge of EUR 10 per day, per each additional driver will be applied thereafter, including tax.
Minimum & Maximum Ages
Drivers must be at least 25 years old to hire the included rental car. Special conditions apply for drivers aged 75 years or older. Please enquire with our Operations team for details.
Child Seat
Baby and booster seats are available on request for an additional fee.
Cross Border Fee
A mandatory Cross Border fee of EUR 30 is payable directly by the renter.
Theft Protection
Theft Protection (TP) is included in your reservation, subject to the reduced excess charges outlined above under Car Rental Insurance.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,869.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.safetravel.govt.nz for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding international airfares to your booking. Simply click on’ book now’, and under upgrades , you will be asked “Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?”
By selecting this option Inspiring Vacations will contact you to discuss adding flights to your chosen destination. We can assist with flying the airline of your choice to turn your booking into a flight inclusive package.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
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