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Self Drive Tour Favorites
Suggested self drive Ireland itinerary Ireland Luxury Self Drive Two Week Vacation When only the best in Irish manors and Irish castles will do. Featuring outstanding, luxurious hotels, castles and manors at special prices. All of our hand-picked accommodations are selected for their warm and friendly staff, wonderful locations and superb cuisine. Day 1 – CLIFFS OF MOHER/BURREN Arrive in Shannon and travel along the Cliffs of Moher to the Burren. The Burren is a special area with treasures to uncover for both the botanist and the explorer of historic ruins. With breathtaking views across Galway Bay, Gregans Castle Hotel is the ultimate hideaway. This is an oasis of comfort with Irish hospitality, good food, and peace and quiet. Day 2 – GALWAY AND CONNEMARA Picture a deep quiet valley. A lake at your feet, a mountain behind you, a welcome ahead of you. The Lough Inagh Lodge is set snugly in the aptly named Recess of Connemara. If you would like to relax, in addition to fishing, activities include pony trekking, hill climbing and walking. Day 3 – CONNEMARA/MAYO A visit to the west of Ireland is not complete without experiencing the beauty and tranquillity that is Kylemore Abbey and Garden, home of the Irish Benedictine Nuns. Enjoy a stroll to the restored Gothic Church; view Kylemore Abbey pottery. Continue through County Mayo to visit Ballintubber Abbey – called “the Abbey that refused to die” as it was used continuously for worship since its foundation in 1216. The Stella Maris Hotel has been both a coast guard station and a convent. Antiques are interspersed with comfortable leather furniture to create a tranquil setting with views of one of the most picturesque sea stacks in Europe. Day 4 – SLIGO/DONEGAL The Céide Fields are over five and a half millennia old. The remains of stone field walls, houses, and megalithic tombs are preserved beneath a blanket of peat over several square miles. Then you are off to Sligo where Yeats, the prize-winning poet, based many poems on the delightful countryside. Drive along the picturesque shores of Lower Lough Erne to Belleek Pottery Factory to see how the craftspeople create the world-famous fine china. Perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean overlooking miles of secluded coves and sandy beaches is the Sandhouse Hotel. Day 5 – DONEGAL The rugged frontier of Donegal is yours to explore. You travel along the coast to Killybegs, a Victorian fishing port, and on to Glencolumbkille folk village, with cottages dating from 1700. Visit Ardara, renowned for its Triona designed Irish tweeds. See demonstrations of spinning, weaving and knitting and enjoy tea with scones. Feast your eyes on more scenery as you drive to Ballybofey and Barnesmore Gap to Donegal town. Day 6 – DUBLIN Travel the midlands today to Dublin’s fair city. Located in the fashionable heart of Dublin City, three minutes stroll from Grafton St., Dublin Castle and Trinity College, Brooks is a designer/boutique hotel with high standards throughout, appealing to the discerning international traveler. Day 7 – DUBLIN One of Europe’s busiest capital cities, Dublin dates back 1,000 years. Learn its “colorful” history by visiting Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. Then through Temple Bar, Dublin’s arty leftbank district to visit Dublin’s City Hall, now beautifully restored, which houses many of the city’s treasures including the Great Civic Sword and Mace. Last but not least, visit nearby Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in the 12th century and perhaps best known for its association with Jonathan Swift, Dean of the Cathedral between 1713 and 1745. Day 8 – KILDARE The world famous Japanese Gardens are situated south of Dublin, in the 1,000 acre Irish National Stud, which is also home to some of Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds. Dating from 1180, Kilkea Castle is the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland. A swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room are available on the grounds as is an 18-hole golf course. Kilkea Castle is one of Ireland’s best kept secrets. Day 9 – WHISKEY/BLARNEY/KILLARNEY A tour of the Old Middleton Distillery is a journey through the story of Irish whiskey – some of these buildings date back to 1795. Blarney Castle’s stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it, one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing). The grounds of the castle are a curious place of ancient trees and stones, by legend a garden of druidic origin. The place has an aura of magic and mystique with Wishing Steps, Witch’s Kitchen, Druid’s Cave and many other delights, telling a story of centuries past. Overnight in Killarney, where the Great Southern Hotel Killarney has been welcoming visitors since 1854. Day 10 – RING OF KERRY The highest concentration of ancient sites are in County Kerry. From Killarney you can travel on the Ring of Kerry and see some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. See the Lissyviggeen Stone Circle, Ross Castle, Muckross House, the 15th-century Muckross Abbey and Crag Caves. Optional activity: 3-hour horseback riding.  Day 11 – DINGLE PENINSULA/LIMERICK The Dingle Peninsula
has been inhabited for almost 6,000 years and has more than 2,000
archaeological remains. Your destination is in Limerick where Dan
Mullane’s famous restaurant, The Mustard Seed, continues to garner rave
reviews. Stay overnight in one of the delightful bedrooms and enjoy the
world-renowned cuisine of the restaurant. Wander through the flower garden in
the afternoon sunshine to research your dinner in the organic kitchen garden
with its unusual collection of herbs. Day 12 – KILLALOE/BALLINA EXCURSION The majestically-arched bridge allows the River Shannon to pass gently seaward from the beautiful Lower Lough Derg, where Ireland’s most famous king, Brian Ború, held court just one millennium ago. Killaloe, on the left bank in County Clare, is a network of charming narrow streets, flanked by old shops and houses, that climb up the steep hillside and look down over the 13th-century cathedral. Just upstream, a new marina makes Killaloe/ Ballina one of the best centers for water activities. The old canal banks, disused railway line, and narrow streets and footpaths of the old town make the twin towns a most delightful place to wander through. Day 13 – HOME FROM SHANNON prices Welcome to www.irelandtravelexpert.com |
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