2019 Irish Odyssey- Self Drive
Touring Ideas
Day 1: Vacation Starts in Dublin
Arrive at Dublin Airport and continue into the
city. Your day is free to explore independently.
Use your prepaid vouchers for an open-top bus tour of central Dublin or visit one of Dublin's prime attractions such as Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum or General Post Office Museum.
Day 2: Explore Dublin
Today you may choose to see more of Dublin,
either independently or using your open-top
bus tour. Suggested visits include Dublinia, Trinity
College, Dublin Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral
and Kilmainham Gaol.
(B)
Day 3: Dublin to Cork
Pick up your car at Hertz downtown office
and drive south to Cork, a distance of 160 miles.
Suggested visits to Irish National Stud & Gardens,
Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle.
(B)
Day 4: Cork to Killarney
The direct drive is only 50 miles but you might
like to take a scenic route along the shoreline of
West Cork. Suggested visits today are Jameson Experience,
Fota House, Muckross House or Killarney House.
(B)
Day 5: Kerry Touring
You may like to take a full day tour to travel the popular 100-mile Ring of Kerry - it is better to drive in a counter-clockwise direction. Suggested visit to the Skellig Experience. The Dingle Peninsula is also a lovely day tour. Suggested visit to Dingle Brewing Company, Blasket Centre or a Jingle Bay Cruise. Enjoy another evening in Killarney to sample the local pubs and eateries.
(B)
Day 6: Killarney to Galway
Today's journey is about 120 miles - cross the
River Shannon by ferry and travel along the
coast of Clare, stopping at the Cliffs of Moher.
Drive through the Burren and around Galway
Bay. Suggested visits to Burren Centre and
Knappogue Castle.
(B)
Day 7: Connemara Region
Today you may wish to tour Connemara, a region of unspoiled open
scenery. Suggested visits today are Kylemore Abbey
and Gardens, “Connemara Lady”
catamaran cruise on Killary Harbour, or take "The Quiet Man" walking tour of Cong.
(B)
Day 8: Galway to Derry
The distance today is 170 miles and takes you
through Counties Mayo, Sligo and Donegal.
Suggested visits to the Museum of Country Life,
Belleek Pottery and Florence Court.
(B)
Day 9: Donegal or Giant's Causeway
Explore the scenery of Donegal or drive to the
Giant's Causeway, huge basalt columns. In
Derry walk along the medieval city walls, which
are intact and provide great views all around.
(B)
Day 10: Derry to Cabra Castle Hotel
This is a journey of 100 miles by the direct route. You may stop at the Ulster American Folk Park
outside Omagh or travel via Belfast to Kingscourt
to your castle hotel, built in 1760.
(B)
Day 11: Meath Stay
Relax in the lovely setting of your hotel in Knightsbrook, County Meath or use the 18-hole golf course. Suggested visits to the Boyne Valley Visitor Centre, Trim Castle or the Hill of Tara..
(B)
Day 12: Vacation Ends Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport is less than an hour's drive away so drop your rental car in good time for your flight.
(B)
.
Suggested Authentic Local Experiences:
- Discover local lore on a walking tour of Cong (“The Quiet Man” tour) with a local guide.
- Sample local craft beer in a unique setting at a traditional Irish pub.
Hotels:
- Herbert Park Hotel | Dublin (2 nights)
- The River Lee Hotel | Cork (1 night)
- Killarney Plaza Hotel | Killarney (2 nights)
- The Galmont Hotel | Galway (2 nights)
- City Hotel | Derry (2 nights)
- Cabra Castle Hotel | Kingscourt (1 night)
- Knightsbrook Hotel & Golf Resort | Trim, Co. Meath (1 night)
Tour Includes:
- Hertz self-drive car with unlimited mileage based on a minimum of 2 people travelling together. Other cars and minibuses available - see our website or call us for rates
- Standard or automatic transmission
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), theft protection (TP), government tax (VAT) and Location Service Charge (LSC)
- Arrival group airport transfer when you book our flights - $30 per person fee applies to land only bookings
- Taxi transfer from your Dublin Hotel to Hertz downtown office
- Prebooked stays for 11 nights in hotels listed above
- Full breakfast daily except on day 1
- Dublin open-top bus tour and a visit to one of these prime attractions, Guinness Storehouse, General Post Office Museum, Epic Ireland or Teeling Whiskey Distillery
- Ireland Insight Guide – guide with maps and suggested itineraries (one per room)
- Go-To Guide – information book with basic travel facts
- Deluxe carry-on backpack, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
- All local taxes and hotel service charges
- Free Wi-Fi in most hotel lobbies