Highlights of Ireland Route

Day 1: Kilkenny, Wicklow and Waterford
Depending on the route that you wish to take to Waterford, there are different sites that you will have a chance to see. Taking the inland route, first stop is the national Stud and Japanese Gardens in Kildare Gardens where you will find a Horse Museum tracing the history of the horse in Ireland using artefacts, illustrations and text. On to Kilkenny - Long renowned as Ireland’s Medieval Capital dating back more than 1500 years. Kilkenny Castle, set in extensive parklands, was built in the 12th century and was remodelled in Victorian times. While in Kilkenny you may wish to take in St Canice Cathedral.
Should you choose to travel the coastal route you will first arrive at Powerscourt House & Gardens. Surrounding this 18th Century Palladian House in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, you will find a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs. Traveling on, you will arrive at the ancient monastic settlement at Glendalough. The monastic settlement has been a centre for pilgrims and visitors since its foundation by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Continue on to Avoca where you will find the Avoca Hand weavers factory, famed worldwide for the quality of its woven fabrics. On to the Dunbrody Famine ship in New Ross before the final leg to Waterford City and the Waterford Crystal Interpretive centre.

Day 2: Cork & Kerry
Travel from Waterford to Kerry on this day. On route you will have to opportunity to see some of Ireland’s best known sites including Cobh & Blarney or take a route around the Beara Peninsula. Cobh, situated on one of the world’s largest natural harbours, was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic in 1912 and was the closest port to the site of the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915. The heritage centre recounts these events and tells the story of emigration from Ireland to the United States and Australia from the time of the famine in 1847 up to the 1950s. A stop to climb to the Blarney Castle ramparts to ‘Kiss the Blarney Stone’, said to bestow the gift of eloquence, and is a must for those who dare.
The alternative route to Kerry takes you via the West Cork coastline. The route includes visits to Mizen Head, the southernmost point in Ireland, as well as Bantry House and Gardens. From Bantry, you will be heading north to Killarney via the Healy Pass. Have your cameras at the ready for some of Ireland’s most breath-taking scenery across the Caha Mountains that divide Cork from Kerry. After the mountain pass, you come to the town of Kenmare. The town was founded in 1670 by Sir William Petty and has a history of lace making, demonstrations of which can be seen at the town’s Heritage Centre. Travel on to Killarney with its three famous lakes and majestic mountain ranges. Killarney has been the inspiration of poets and painters over many centuries & the Killarney National Park is internationally renowned both for its scenic beauty and scientific interest. Other major visitor attractions in Killarney include Muckross House & Gardens & their Traditional Farms, the Torc Waterfall & Ross Castle overlooking the Lakes of Killarney and of course the Gap of Dunloe.

Day 3: The Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula
Take this day to travel the Ring of Kerry. At 112 miles long the journey will take you through some of the country’s most outstanding coastal and mountain scenery. This day trip will take you from Killarney to towns such as Killorglin, home of the “Puck Fair”, Glenbeigh, Cahirciveen, Valentia Island, Waterville and Kenmare. On route there are many side trips and sites to see, Cahirciveen Heritage Centre, Bog Village, Staigue Fort and Killarney’s 3 lakes as well as many more. We do recommend giving a full day to this tour especially in the peak season as it can be busy on the route.

OR

You could travel the Dingle Peninsula. The Dingle Peninsula has more interesting antiquities, historic sites and varied mountain scenery than any other part of Ireland. Parts of the area are Gaeltacht (Irish Speaking districts). The Dingle Peninsula is quieter than the Ring of Kerry but offers equally outstanding scenery. There are many locations to stop and take in on the tour including Slieve Mish Mountains, Inch Beach, the village of Annascaul, Minard Castle, Dingle Town, Dunbeg Fort, The Blasket Islands, and Slea Head as well as many more sites.

Day 4 & 5: Clare, Mayo & Aran Islands
From Killarney take the road to Tarbert in North Co Kerry and take the car ferry across the River Shannon. From here travel the coast road stopping at many of the smaller coastal towns and villages. Take in the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren region before traveling around Galway Bay into Galway city. Galway city is a beautiful small city with great atmosphere and entertainment. If there was an official Cultural or even festival Capital of the country, then it would have to be Galway City. That’s because visitors to the Capital of The West become enchanted by its magnetic combination of youthful energy and enduring charm; they often linger longer than intended. Galway City's main attractions include Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square. A trip to Connemara is highly recommended. The Connemara National Park covers some 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres), consisting of entirely natural and unspoilt terrain. It is an environment which offers the visitor endless sights, experiences, adventure and activity. Lough Corrib and Kylemore Abbey and Gardens in the Connemara area are also worth a visit. You can also take a trip to Westport in Co Mayo or even a day trip to the Aran Islands if the weather and time permit.

Day 6&7: Dublin
Todays journey from Galway to Dublin takes in some of Ireland’s most historical landmarks. First of these is the ancient monastic settlement at Clonmacnoise. This is an early Christian site founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon and includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight, two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs. From here, travel either to Dublin or take a slight detour to the megalithic tombs of Newgrange. One of the great wonders of the ancient world, Newgrange is older than Stonehenge, Mycenae or even the Pyramids of Egypt and is foremost among the passage-tombs of Europe. From here, travel south to Dublin City. Dublin city centre is a compact area, with all points of interest being easily accessible on foot. As a result you will find a large number of walking tours available, the most popular of which include the “Historical Walking Tour” and the “Literary Pub Crawl”. You may of course wish to visit many of the sights in your own time either on foot or with the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus service that stops at all of the major attractions including Dublin Castle, Trinity Castle & the Book of Kells, Kilmainham Gaol, the National Museum of Ireland and The Guinness Storehouse to name just a few. Also whilst in Dublin visit the Jeanie Johnston Tall ship & Famine Museum situated at Custom House Quay in the city centre. The Jeanie Johnston Tall ship is an accurate replica of the original ship which sailed between Tralee, Co. Kerry and North America between 1847 and 1855. A tour of the ship enables visitors to understand what a daunting experience it was for the millions who left for North America during the famine, many never to return to the homeland. Temple Bar is the entertainment centre of the city offering a large range of pubs and restaurants. Around the city there are many shows which take place offering traditional Irish entertainment and cuisine. These tours include the Irish House Party or the evening of Food Folklore and Fairies and are well worth a visit.

For day 8, 10, 12 and 14 night tour itineraries please enquire using the enquiry form or call Toll Free on 1800 963 9260 to speak to one of our Ireland Guides