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

Discover the best of Ireland on a rewarding circular drive and hike tour from Dublin through the counties of Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, and Galway. See countless castles and historic highlights, unspoilt lakes and mountains, and meet friendly locals. With some great suggested walks, there’s time built-in to stretch your legs and explore on foot. This fast-paced itinerary really does offer the chance to take in some of Ireland’s top highlights. Since there is so much to see and do here you’ll need to pick your choices wisely! As well as Dublin’s extensive delights, you’ll experience iconic Cashel Rock, Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher, with the opportunity to take boat trips out to the magical Skellig and Aran Islands. Plus you’ll be walking along some of the Emerald Isle’s beloved national trails—the Wicklow Way, Kerry Way and Burren Way. Our Best of Ireland drive & hike tour includes 8 nights hand-picked accommodation in high-quality bed and breakfasts and guesthouses whose hosts always go the extra mile to share their top tips and recommendations. We also include a road map, guide book and walking route notes so you’re all set for your Ireland adventure! Car hire is not included as standard, but just let us know if you’d like us to book it for you as an optional extra (pick-up/drop-off Dublin).

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What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

This fast-paced self-drive tour checks off multiple historic, cultural and natural icons that you won’t want to miss, combined with some great walks and suggested excursions —you don’t want to spend all your time behind the wheel after all! Covering the best of Dublin and south west Ireland, you’ve the freedom and flexibility of the open road—a perfect drive-hike combination.

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.

Included

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.

Excluded

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.

Extras

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.

Can I book car hire?

Should I add extra nights to my tour?

How fit do I need to be?

What personal equipment do I need?

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Dublin Day 2 Drive Dublin to Kilkenny. Fairy Castle Walk on the Wicklow Way 6 miles / 10 km

Set out on a lovely, easy drive through the gentle countryside to the charming town of Kilkenny. If you are itching to stretch your legs, then you can opt to walk to the cairn atop Fairy Castle in the Dublin mountains, following the Wicklow Way; a lovely national trail with panoramic views over Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Hills from the Three Stones.

Back behind the wheel, the 6th century Monastic City of Glendalough in the Wicklow mountains is a fascinating stop, and en route to Kilkenny. As well as being Ireland’s smallest, Kilkenny is also known as the ‘Marble City’ thanks to its black polished limestone (‘marble’) that was quarried there. Wander the beautifully-preserved old streets and soak up the mediaeval culture—the city dates back more than 1,500 years.

Overnight Kilkenny

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Rosquil House | Bed and breakfast

Phil & Rhoda Nolan welcome you to Rosquil House, a beautiful B&B accommodation located a short walk from the centre of Medieval Kilkenny City. At their Guesthouse, they offer the ambience of a hotel with the best traditions of Irish hospitality.

Zuni Hotel | Hotel

Zuni Hotel Kilkenny is located in the heart of 400-year-old Kilkennys Medieval City centre. Each boutique room is stylish and elegant with en-suite facilities and all the amenities you require for a comfortable overnight stay. The hotel has award-winning gourmet cuisine, a tapas bar, and a deli-café. Fine dining is offered in the strikingly decorated restaurant, serving modern Irish cuisine made from the finest local ingredients. The chic bar has comfortable leather sofas and provides a tapas menu and a wide range of drinks.

Zuni Townhouse | Bed and breakfast

Bed and Breakfast Zuni Townhouse in Kilkenny is a B&B with 10 Rooms. Rooms have a TV, wardrobe, desk and tea and coffee facilities. An en suite shower has a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Day 3 Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle. Drive to Killarney

After a delicious Irish breakfast courtesy of your friendly B&B hosts, set off to the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. The Rock dominates the surrounding plains, and was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster prior to the Norman invasion. This picturesque complex of mediaeval architecture boasts a remarkable collection of Celtic art, making it well-worth a visit.

Continue your drive south west and enter County Cork. Perhaps divert via Blarney Castle for a popular ‘rite of passage’ and kiss the Blarney Stone—said to bestow the gift of eloquence! Head to County Kerry and the charming small town of Killarney with its excellent bars and restaurants; it’s a great place from which to explore Killarney National Park and you’ll spend the next three nights here.

Overnight Killarney

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Larkinley Lodge | Bed and breakfast

Toni and Danny look forward to welcoming you to Larkinley Lodge situated just a 2 minute walk from the town centre of Killarney in County Kerry. The B&B has elegant ensuite guestrooms furnished with LCD flat screen TV, crisp linen, power showers, and luxury breakfasts. Guests will also be able to make use of complimentary wifi, and free parking. The B&B also run Killarney Private Tours which is a service provided by the accommodation taking guests on very bespoke tours of the region. Please contact the B&B direct if interested.

Abbey Lodge | Guest House

Abbey Lodge is a family run, newly refurbished B&B located just a 3 minute walk from the town centre.

St Anthony’s Lodge | Bed and breakfast

St Anthony's Lodge Killarney B&B is a charming, family run accommodation which offers true Irish Hospitality in Killarney. It is a modern detached house with four en-suite rooms all offering digital TV (with multi tv and radio channels) tea/coffee hospitality tray and hair drying facilities.

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

You’re spoilt for choice today with two suggested walks or the option to take a boat trip to the Skellig Islands.

The jewel in the crown of Killarney National Park is Muckross House and Gardens, a magnificent Victorian mansion with a serene lake and nearby pretty Torc waterfall. Perhaps take an optional 6-mile walk around this delightful area. ‘Jaunting cars’ (horse-drawn carriages) also run here from Killarney.

If you’d prefer to stretch your legs somewhere a little more remote, then opt to walk a section of the Kerry Way on the ‘Windy Gap’ hike, starting and ending at pretty Glenbeigh. The path offers wonderful views over Dingle Bay and the Caragh Valley and Lough, framed by Ireland’s highest peak; 3406ft Carantoohil.

Alternatively, depart early and drive 75km/1h15 to Portmagee, from where you can take an optional boat trip to the Skellig Islands (payable locally, seasonal and weather-dependent). Established in the 6th century, the monastery on Skellig Michael was inhabited for around 600 years, and you’ll climb the 600 steep steps to reach it! The Skelligs and surrounding waters are home to Europe’s largest gannet colony, puffins, seals and whales - this is a remarkable place.

Overnight Killarney

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Larkinley Lodge | Bed and breakfast

Abbey Lodge | Guest House

Abbey Lodge is a family run, newly refurbished B&B located just a 3 minute walk from the town centre.

St Anthony’s Lodge | Bed and breakfast

Day 6 Cliffs of Moher and the Burren Walk. Drive to Galway 6 miles / 10 km

You’ve a long and rewarding day ahead as you bid a fond farewell to County Kerry and make your way towards Limerick and then the coast of County Clare. Reaching the famed Cliffs of Moher you’ll enjoy views across the wild Atlantic Ocean to O’Brien’s Tower. Take time to explore and revel in the superb views along the cliffs to the distant Moher Tower on Hag’s Head. You can now check the Burren Way off your list of national Irish trails to have followed (albeit in part!) as the path by the cliffs follows the original route.

Overnight Galway

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The House Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

Following a full refurbishment in June 2014 they have now have 40 beautifully decorated rooms. All rooms are uniquely designed in a contemporary style with bespoke furnishings and bright palates. Each room also has comfortable beds with crisp white sheets, sound proof windows and complimentary WIFI.

Ardilaun Hotel | Hotel

Ideally located amongst spacious private grounds, this luxury 4-star hotel boasts a superb location in the leafy suburb of Taylors Hill, 0.6 miles from Galway city centre. A haven of peace and tranquillity, Ardilaun Hotel features a superb leisure club with a 20-yard pool, spa bath, sauna, steam room and high-tech gym. Furthermore, the Avalon Health and Beauty Salon offers a range of beauty treatments, including relaxing hot stone massages. The bedrooms are all luxuriously furnished and offer a homely atmosphere. Their superb beds and tranquil setting ensure that you have a good night’s sleep and awake refreshed.

Harbour Hotel | Hotel

A warm welcome awaits you at this modern, comfortable, family owned hotel. With a fantastic waterfront location in the heart of Galway, where just a 3-minute stroll from the hotel will take you to Eyre Square and the city centre. With secure parking and easy to find from the city centre this is the ideal stopover in Galway.

Day 7 Connemara: Máméan walk OR Aran Boat Trip 6 miles / 10 km Day 8 Drive via Clonmacnoise and Newgrange to Dublin

Cross the width of the country as you set off towards Dublin; this is a day filled with historic landmarks.

Your first highlight is the enchanting ancient monastic settlement of Clonmacnoise. Founded on the banks of the River Shannon in the 6th century by St Ciaran, this early Christian site comprises of multiple ruined towers and a cathedral.

A slight detour to Newgrange is certainly worthwhile; incredibly, these megalithic tombs predate Stonehenge, Mycenae and the Pyramids! It’s not long before you’re then back in the modern world and the bustling city of Dublin.

Overnight Dublin

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Temple Bar Inn | Hotel

The Temple Bar Inn is located in the heart of Dublin City, in the busting Temple Bar district. Located a stone’s throw away from all major attractions such as Trinity College, the National Museum of Ireland, Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle. Making this the ideal location for exploring Dublin.

Sandymount Hotel | Hotel

This family-run hotel is located next to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Each stylish room features an en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, modern artwork and designer bed throws. The property has been awarded Eco-Label certification by the Green Hospitality Programme.

Full Irish breakfasts are served at Whitty's Restaurant. For dinner you can enjoy the delicious food at Line Out Bar with a stunning terrace overlooking private gardens.

You can enjoy free access to the hotel's business centre, which includes Wi-Fi and printing facilities.

Harding Hotel | Hotel

The Harding Hotel is ideally located in a central and convenient part of historic Old Dublin. The Harding Hotel boasts 52 well appointed bedrooms. All rooms are equipped with TV, Fridge, Iron & Board, Tea/Coffee making facilities, Telephone, Free Wi-Fi, In-room Safe, and AC Unit.

Day 9 Onward Travel