Heritage Ireland

2024 Vacations

Book early and save 15%

* This special offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or special event tours.

Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 30th of April 2024 to receive a 15% discount off your tour price!
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or special event packages.

Visit many of Ireland's Heritage Towns on this 13 day tour. Specially designated for their unique character and historic features these towns allow you to savour some of the history, architecture and customs of Ireland.

Day 1

Head to Ennis, just north of Limerick City. See Craggaunowen, the reconstructed village of lake dwellings and ring forts. From here, you may explore the twin heritage towns of Killaloe and Ballina on the shores of Lough Derg. Linked by the beautiful arched bridge over the shannon, these towns offer an ideal introduction to the history of Ireland. Visit the cathedral and church, as well as the heritage centre. Next your heritage destination is Kilrush, near the mouth of the Shannon estuary. This is a market town with a strong maritime tradition. Continue along the coast and enjoy views of the Loop Head Lighthouse and the cliffs near Kilkee before heading back to Ennis for your first night.

Days 2 & 3

There are many interesting coastal towns on your routs towards Galway City. Make sure to see the Cliffs of Moher on the Atlantic coast. Gort is another heritage town on your itinerary. This former garrison town has a rich history - nearby sights include Coole Park and Kilmacduagh Monastery. From Gort, head into the Burren, the extraordinary limestone landscape this is home to some of Ireland's most exotic flora. This is the ideal place for a walk and you will find many way-marked paths. Continue towards Kinvara and Dungaire Castle. Before you get to Galway, make a small detour to visit Athenry, a heritage town with Norman connections. See the Castle, friary and remaining parts of the medieval town walls. Stay in Galway tonight & experience the hustle and bustle of 'the city of Tribes'.

Day 4

From Galway, the drama of Connemara beckons. En route to Clifden (where the first transatlantic flight landed), you will pass through Oughterard, Leenan & Maams Cross. Take a break for a walk and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. Meander on to Kylemore Abbey and Killary Harbour. Detour via Delphi and Doo Lough and see the mystical Mweelrea Mountains. The road from Louisburgh to Westport gives views over Clew Bay with its hundred islands and Croagh Patrick, the pilgrimage mountain.

Day 5

Spend the morning exploring Westport. Nearby is Westport house, home to the desendants of Grace O'malley, 16th centure Queen of Connacht. Your next heritage destination is Strokestown, Co Roscommon, taking in Castlebar, Foxford Woollen Mills and clonalis House in Castlerea enroute. With the wildest main street in Ireland and an octagonal church, Strokestown is an impressive village. Strokestown Park House, a beautifully restored Palladian mansion, has an impressive Famine Museum. From here head south to Roscommon, the county town and home to the historic Abbey, Old Jail, castle and museum. Spend the night in the Abbey Hotel.

Day 6 & 7

From Roscommon, set off for Longford and Ardagh, the 18th centure heritage town in the heart of Goldsmith's country. Continue on to Belvedere house in Mullingar with its' jealous Wall and Castletown House near Maynooth, the largest and finest Palladian style house in Ireland. Stay in Dublin tonight and spend the next day exploring the capital city. Enjoy thes famous nightlife and maybe take in a show.

Day 8

Kilkenny is a small city, with a population of less than 25,000. As such the best way to see it all is to get lost. Wander off and see where your ambles take you. Kilkenny City takes its name not from the Irish Ale now so popular around the world but from a humble monk named Canice who founded a religious settlement here on the banks of the River Nore in the 6th century. Once the medieval capital of Ireland, Kilkenny has today firmly establised itself as the nations liveliest inland city, with non-stop entertainment throughout the sunny season and plenty enough craic on the other 365 day too.

Days 9 & 10

On leaving Kilkenny you will embark on your journey towards Cork, Ireland's third largest city. Cork is built in a valley on the famous River Lee. You can spend part of the day in the city, taking in the attractions or the many shops, restaurants and bars which the city has to offer. From Cork City drive onto Kinsale which is a beautiful quaint town also known as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland with excellent bars & restaurants serving delicious fresh food.

Day 11

From Kinsale drive to Dingle for your next nights stay. Dingle is a charming little fishing town that offer quite a lot for visitors to see and do. Dingle was the setting for movies such as 'Ryan's Daughter' and 'Far and Away'. Journey west of Dingle through Ventry, Dunquin, Ballyferriter and back over the Connor Pass is a trip difficult to match for its scenic beauty.

Day 12

From Dingle drive through the town of Tralee on your way to Adare village. Adare is often described as the prettiest village in Ireland. The third Earl of Dunraven built a street with thatched cottages and well trimmed hedges at the gates of his early victorian Manor in the 1820's. There are some wonderful medieval friaries to visit in the area such as a 13th century Trinitarian Monastery, a 15th century Franciscan Monastery and a 14th century Augustinian Monastery. Adare also has an informative heritage centre which uses models and audiovisual displays to explain the history of the area.

Day 13

Return Home from your Heritage Ireland Fly Drive vacation.

Booking

To book or customize this tour please call us in Ireland Toll free from the USA and Canada on 1 800 963 9260 or complete our short enquiry form.