2021 Best of Ireland South Self-Drive (Tour A) - 8 Days/7 Nights

Day 1: Dublin Sightseeing
Pick up your Hertz car on arrival at the airport. Head into the city center, where your trip begins with a day of independent touring in Dublin. Take a Hop On Hop Off bus tour, and see all the city's highlights with the freedom to stop off to explore further as you please. Your Hop On Hop Off bus ticket also gives you admission to the Little Museum of Dublin, an old Georgian townhouse with a fantastic collection of 5,000 objects telling the story of the city. Plus, you will have a voucher to one of Dublin's top attractions : The Guinness Storehouse, a seven storey attraction telling the story of Dublin's iconic brew, complete with a pint at the Gravity Bar on the top floor, Teeling Whiskey, the first new whiskey distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, telling the story of the people who left Ireland and how they shaped the world (winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction in 2019), or the GPO Museum innovatively detailing the fascinating story of the 1916 Rising, the pivotal event that led to Ireland's independence. Your evening is free to explore Dublin's many bustling pubs and restaurants as you wish.

Day 2: Dublin Sightseeing
Continue sightseeing in Dublin. If you still have vouchers, you can continue exploring the city. Or visit some of the charming coastal villages and seaside suburbs: Dalkey, Malahide, Dun Laoghaire or Howth are all worth a visit, with plenty of fantastic seafood restaurants, historic castles and amazing vistas awaiting you. Enjoy dinner in your hotel.
(B, D)

Day 3: Blarney Castle | Killarney
Drive through the agricultural midlands to visit Blarney Castle. Climb the winding staircase to kiss the famous 'Stone of Eloquence' or stroll through acres of tranquil gardens. Travel through Macroom and into County Kerry, with its spectacular mountain scenery. Arrive in the friendly town of Killarney, where you will enjoy dinner in your hotel.
(B, D)

Day 4: Dingle Peninsula | Traditional Irish Night in Muckross Schoolhouse
Discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula, made famous in the movies “Ryan's Daughter” and “Far & Away,” which showcased the wonderful scenery found here. Travel to Slea Head at the westernmost tip of the peninsula for awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean, and stop awhile in the charming town of Dingle. Or you may choose to do the Ring of Kerry, perhaps Ireland's best known scenic drive. Either way you will experience spectacular seascapes and charming villages, with plenty of photo stops along the way. Visit Muckross Schoolhouse, a replica schoolhouse from times past, for a fun evening of traditional entertainment over dinner.
(B, D)

Day 5: Jaunting Car Ride | Adare
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through the Killarney National Park to Ross Castle and Kenmare Estate. You may choose to visit Moriarty's at the Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Head to the village of Adare, famous for its main street lined with thatched cottages and colorful gardens. Proceed to County Clare and dinner in your hotel.
(B, D)

Day 6: Cliffs of Moher | Galway
Travel along the coast of County Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher, which soar almost 700 feet above churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs to O'Brien's Tower for great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Drive north to Galway to explore this lively, artistic city. Walk through its medieval streetscapes, listen to the buskers performing, enjoy its many shops and cafes. This evening, go to an authentic castle for a medieval-style feast, where lords and ladies will serenade you with music and songs from days of yore.
(B, D)

Day 7: Irish National Stud | Dublin
Enjoy the scenic Irish countryside on your way to Kildare where you'll visit the home of equine royalty, The Irish National Stud. Here you'll see impeccably bred stallions alongside protective mares, frolicking foals, and athletic yearlings. Stroll around the delightful grounds to explore St. Fiachra's Garden, including its miniature Japanese Gardens. Continue on to Dublin and dine at your choice of one of the many restaurants or pubs scattered throughout the city.
(B)

Day 8: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast today. Drive to the airport and drop off your rental car.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Authentic Local Experiences:

• Step back in time at Muckross Schoolhouse showing the experience of schoolchildren in the past.  Learn your cúpla focal (few words) in a fun Irish language lesson before enjoying dinner with entertainment

Trip Highlights:

• Blarney Castle
• Dingle Peninsula
• Muckross Schoolhouse
• Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney
• Medieval Castle Banquet

Dining Experiences:

• 7 breakfasts (B) and 5 dinners (D)

Hotels - 7 Nights:

• Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, Dublin (2 nights)
  
  

  Talbot Hotel Stillorgan | Dublin | 4*

  This hotel offers 150 air-conditioned, modern guest rooms with all conveniences for a comfortable stay. Enjoy the award-winning restaurant for breakfasts and dinners while the bar provides a place to relax with a drink or casual meal. Keep up your exercise program in the White Pebble Day Spa and gym. Located on Stillorgan Road on the south side of Dublin city, this hotel is 4 miles from the city center. Served by frequent city bus services and taxis.

• Scotts Hotel | Killarney (2 nights)
  
  

  Scotts Hotel | Killarney | 4*

  The hotel offers 105 spacious guest rooms featuring free Wi-Fi, private bathroom, tea/coffee- making facilities and flat-screen TV. Soft and crisp duvets, snug throws, soft natural daylight and rich furnishings combine to create a sense of relaxation. Dine in the elegant Courtyard Restaurant or enjoy a casual snack in the relaxed, spacious Scotts Bar, where live music is performed at weekends. The family-run hotel is located in the center of Killarney town.

• The Inn at Dromoland | Newmarket-on-Fergus (2 nights)
  
  

  The Inn at Dromoland
  Newmarket-on-Fergus | 3*

  Fully refurbished in 2014, the Inn at Dromoland features well-appointed bedrooms, a landmark Gastro Pub called Shannigan's, a fully equipped health and fitness club, indoor swimming pool, tennis courts and complimentary WIFI. The hotel is just 10 minutes' drive from Shannon Airport and situated on the beautiful 450-acre Dromoland Castle Estate, just a short walk to the iconic Dromoland Castle Hotel.

• Grand Canal Hotel or Clayton Dublin Airport  Hotel | Dublin (1 night)
  
  

  Grand Canal Hotel or Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport | Dublin | 3*

  The Grand Canal Hotel offers 142 spacious rooms equipped with plenty of conveniences, including tea/coffee makers. The Epic Restaurant serves international dishes and the Glassworks Bar offers a pleasant atmosphere for a drink with sports programs on plasma TVs. A fitness center and free Wi-Fi add to clients' enjoyment. It is located to the south of the city center near the Grand Canal. It's a 15-minute walk to Grafton Street, Trinity College, National Gallery of Art and many other attractions. DART train service nearby. Hotel parking.