Ireland Travel Expert Self Drive Tour Recommendations

Ireland has a good network of both bus and rail services. Bus Eireann and Irish Rail service the Republic, while Ulster Bus and Northern Ireland Railways service Northern Ireland. The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) serves the Dublin area from Howth and Malahide in North County Dublin via Dun Laoghaire in South County Dublin to Greystones in County Wicklow. In Belfast, you'll find Belfast City Bus and Northern Ireland Railways ensure that you can make your way around the city with ease. Special deals! Visitors travelling around Ireland by public transport should always enquire about special discounted fares or Emerald Card/Irish Rover tickets, which offer unlimited bus/rail travel for three, five or 15 days. Related websites Trips Ireland

Car Rental Most of the major car rental companies have desks at airports, ferry terminals and cities across Ireland. Car rental companies, in general, don’t rent to those under 21 or over 70 years. All drivers must hold valid licences. For terms and conditions, always check with the car rental company before you travel. Car rental tends to be more financially favorable if you make your reservations prior to arriving in Ireland. Make sure to book in advance if you’re traveling during the high season. The majority of rental cars are standard shift, ie not automatic. If ordered in time, automatic cars are available for an additional charge. A child's car seat should also be ordered in advance to ensure availability. For insurance reasons, advise the car rental company if you’re planning to travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Driving laws Driving in Ireland is on the left side of the road and seat belts must be worn at all times in the front and the back of the vehicle. Motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets. There are very strict laws on drinking and driving and those found to be contravening these laws will be heavily penalized. The best advise is don’t drink and drive. Ireland vacations.

Speed Limits (Republic of Ireland) The maximum speed limits: Towns and cities 50kph Regional areas and local roads (speeds displayed by white signs) 80kph National roads (displayed by green signs) 100kph Speed Limits (Northern Ireland) The maximum speed limits: Towns and cities 30mph Regional/country roads 60mph Motorway 70mph. Signposts In the Republic, all signposts denoting distance and speed limits are now in kilometers per hour. In the Gaeltacht (Gaelic-speaking) areas of the Republic of Ireland, only the Irish/Gaelic versions of place names will be used on road signs and large-scale maps. Smaller scale ordnance survey maps, such as those used by tourists and currently distributed by Tourism Ireland can carry both Irish and English versions of names. The areas in question are relatively small and with the aid of a good tourist map and the help of friendly locals, visitors should be able to navigate their way around all parts of the country without too much difficulty. In Northern Ireland, all signposts and speeds are in miles and place names are displayed in English. Gas There is a good network of gas stations throughout Ireland selling unleaded gas and diesel. Prices may vary, but for more information regarding prices in both the North and the Republic visit AA Road Watch. Related websites Ireland trip

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.

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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

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Dublin & Irish Countryside	7-day city & self-drive Be as adventurous as you wish—or not at all! You’ll divide your time between the Irish countryside and Dublin, regions that boast some of Ireland’s most amazing scenery as well as an array of activities from horse riding, golfing, and walking to fishing and sea kayaking. Ask about a castle-stay extension. Price From: $893
Ireland BB vacation 6 nights	8-day self-drive Ireland Travel Tours. Wander at will through the Emerald Isle on this independent vacation. With airfare, car rental, and B&B accommodations taken care of, you can focus on what’s really important—the great scenery and intriguing sights you most want to see and the wonderful people you meet along the way. Price From: $783
Aer Lingus Ireland BB vacation 6 nights Go-As-You-Please	You choose where to pick up your Avis rental car—Dublin or Shannon— as well as where to go and how long to stay. Ireland traveling. Relax and get to know the Irish people, sampling welcoming hospitality at any of 1,200 B&Bs each night. Ask about hotel upgrades. Price From: $783
Taste of Ireland	6 or 7 Day Budget Tour Ireland plus self-drive Have the best of both worlds: Sample some of Ireland’s exciting attractions while touring between Dublin and Killarney on a deluxe motorcoach for half your trip, staying in first-class hotels. Then get a close-up view by setting off in your own vehicle to explore at your own pace, getting to know your hosts at the B&Bs of your choice. Ireland Travels. Price From: $588
Self-Drive in Ireland	7-day self-drive Travel at your own pace, following your personal itinerary—but with the assurance that we are only a phone call away if you need us. Customized self-drive, chauffeured, and family tours, we can make your dream of visiting Ireland a reality. Ireland Trip. From: $57 per day
Irish Castles & Country Houses	2 week self-drive or chauffeur-drive Enjoy the royal treatment at Glin or Dromoland Castle; savor the sumptuous country-house cuisine of Dunbrody Country House. Pampering yourself in the splendor of some of Ireland’s finest castles, country houses, and hotels is what this customized luxury tour is all about. Ireland Luxury Self Drive Two Week Vacation Irish TravelPrice From: Self-Drive $3649
Genealogy	Genealogy What better reason to visit Ireland than to trace your family history? Tell us where you would like to go and what sights you’d like to see, and we’ll help you create just the right itinerary to discover your ancestral home. Travel Agents Ireland Price From: $80
Irish Manors and Castles vacation 6 nights	7-day luxury self-drive With this package, going your own way is definitely going in style. You’ll retire each night to luxurious rooms in deluxe four-star properties . Meanwhile, our Irish specialists will help you plan an itinerary that is just as rewarding. Price From: $1627
CRITIC'S CHOICE I Self drive luxury tour itinerary	12-day self-drive Fall in love with Ireland Hotels! Whichever of the five itineraries you choose, you can look forward to fine accommodations at premier properties each night, ideally located throughout the country. Even more tempting is the deluxe chauffeur-drive option. Travel and IrelandPrice From: $2369
Ireland Castle Package	Pick up your rental car and you’re on your way, touring Ireland in style. The ultimate experience: all nightd are spent in luxury at a 5-star castle—Ashford Castle, Dromoland Castle, or Adare Manor Price From: $1600
Chauffeur-Drive Vacations	Chauffeur-Drive Vacations 8-day chauffeur-drive vacation How about a private tour of Ireland customized to your specifications? Sit back in a luxury car and immerse yourself in majestic vistas and amazing sights; your personal driver/guide will make the experience even more meaningful with a wealth of information about Irish history, culture, and folklore. Price From: $4110
Ireland B&B/Castle Vacation	Ireland B&B/Castle Vacation 7-day fly/drive Spend 5 nights in your choice of more than 1200 cozy town or country B&Bs or farmhouses, making up your itinerary as you go; then check in for the crowning touch, an ultra-romantic final night at Dromoland or Ashford Castle or Adare Manor.Price From: $897

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