The Best of Ireland
9 Days & 8 Nights 4.8 Read 12 reviews- The freedom of the open road combined with stops to enjoy great suggested walks
- Driving the famed Ring of Kerry and exploring Killarney National Park
- Following Ireland’s classic national trails—the Wicklow, Kerry and Burren Ways
- Listening to live music and chatting with the locals in traditional Irish pubs
- The opportunity to take optional boat trips to Skellig Michael and the Aran Islands
- Visiting cultural and historic gems—Glendalough, Newgrange, Blarney Castle, Clonmacnoise
Tour Style:
Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent tour.
Activity:
Drive & Hike | Enjoy the best of a large region by car and on foot. Day hikes in the best places. Itinerary usually inn to inn, with mapping provided. No bag transfer. Car hire offered as an option or included.
This trip is suitable for:
Families, Multi-Generational, First Timers
Ideal if you have an interest in:
- Historical Journeys
- Coastal & Island
- National Parks & Trails
Activity Level & Terrain
This tour is graded easy to moderate and is suitable for fit travellers. The walks are all optional, therefore you can choose how much or little you wish to do each day.
Navigation
Most of the route and walks are not way marked however we will provide you with detailled maps and route notes meaning you should have no problem following the route each day.
Accommodations
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. We specifically choose the B&B’s and guesthouses to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food.
Accommodation Location
We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in your itinerary. Occasionally, because of limited availability, we may have to accommodate you at an alternative location. In the unlikely event that we have to accommodate you elsewhere we will advise you of this before confirming your booking.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
We will be happy to accommodate your party with single rooms if requested, and a single supplement applies. This trip is also available to solo walkers, and a supplement is again payable (as some costs are not shared). Please note that singles may not be of the same standard as twins/doubles.
Meals
A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Alternatively you can buy lunch at local shops or stop in a café. Dinner is available in pubs or restaurants close to your accommodation.
- 8 Nights bed and breakfast accommodation in en suite rooms wherever possible.
- A detailed info pack, guide book, road atlas and route notes.
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of any issues.
- Travel to/from Dublin.
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks.
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal Equipment.
- Taxi transfers or public transport.
- Car hire (available as optional extra).
- Entry fees/boat trips/optional excursions.
- Additional nights
- Car Hire
When To Go
This trip is available from Mid-March to Mid-October.
Ireland's weather may be changeable but it's not extreme. Summer is sunniest and July and August (high season) are the warmest months. Early in the season (March, April) or late in the season (October) the conditions will be colder and a bit wetter. Some may prefer early or late in the season as the roads and attractions will be quieter and less crowded.
For a nice compromise between weather and crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons of either spring or fall.
Getting to the Start
Dublin Airport is easily accessible from the UK with several low-cost airlines covering the route as well as scheduled international carriers. Irish Ferries also operate from Holyhead to Dublin.
There are multiple carriers that fly between North America and Dublin, including: American Airlines—Chicago, San Diego, Dallas, New York, Austin; Aer Lingus—Orlando, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston; Delta—Atlanta; United Airlines- Dallas; Delta—Atlanta, US Airways—Philadelphia, Charlotte,; Air Canada—Toronto.
From the airport there is a good bus service into Dublin city centre.
Getting from the End
You will also need to return from Dublin and you can simply use the same information as Getting to the Start but in reverse.
General Information
The distances and descents / ascents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necesssary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking/ cycling gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance to cover cancellation or curtailment of your trip.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Dublin Day 2 Drive Dublin to Kilkenny. Fairy Castle Walk on the Wicklow Way 6 miles / 10 km Day 3 Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle. Drive to Killarney Day 4 Drive the Ring of Kerry Day 5 Muckross House and Torc Waterfall Walk OR Windy Gap Walk OR Optional Skelligs Boat Trip 7 miles / 11 km Day 6 Cliffs of Moher and the Burren Walk. Drive to Galway 6 miles / 10 km Day 7 Connemara: Máméan walk OR Aran Boat Trip 6 miles / 10 km Day 8 Drive via Clonmacnoise and Newgrange to Dublin Day 9 Onward TravelThe Macs Way
-
Tried & Tested Adventures
-
Freedom
-
Book with Confidence
-
Expertise
-
Positive Impact
- Knowledgeable and helpful specialist trip planners
- Wide variety of tours to suit all interests and experience levels
- Start on any date that suits you
- Choose your ideal trip length and difficulty
- Range of accommodation comfort levels
- Choice of trip styles
- Choose your own travel companions
- Walk, cycle and explore at your own pace
- Make your own decisions
- Choose your own path
- Indulge your passions
- 15,000+ unbiased trip & service reviews
- Feefo Platinum Award 2022
- 25,000+ travelers trust us each year
- As featured in the Guardian, Times, Nat Geo Traveler
- Founder owned & operated since 2003
- 100+ passionate team members across the US, UK & Europe
- Carefully planned adventures
- Quality, hand-picked accommodations
- Seamless and reliable arrangements
- Comprehensive trip information & insider tips
- Detailed maps, route notes and mobile GPS app
- Helpful 24/7 support should you need it
- Travel responsibly
- Explore off the beaten track
- Support locally owned businesses
- Engage with local communities
- Minimize your impact
- Maximize the benefit of your travel
- Challenge yourself & grow