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7 days Southern Gems Self-Drive Option



Explore Ireland’s top highlights, and stay in Dublin, Kinsale, Dingle, and Shannon. Explore the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, visit Blarney Castle and the Cliffs of Moher, and dine medieval-style in an authentic castle.

Trip Highlights:

  • Kylemore Abbey
  • Blasket Centre
  • Giant's Causeway
  • Titanic Belfast
  • Belleek Pottery
  • Dingle Peninsula

Hotels:

  • The Gibson Hotel
  • Actons Hotel
  • Dingle Skellig Hotel
  • Oakwood Hotel

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Day Location Description
1 Dublin Independent Sightseeing Begin your trip with a day of sightseeing in Dublin. Take a Hop On Hop Off bus tour, and see all the city's highlights with the freedom to stop off and 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 admit you to one of Dublin's top attractions: Choose from 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. Dine independently this evening.
2 Dublin Independent Sightseeing Taylors Three Rock Continue your adventure on a Hop On Hop Off bus tour - or you might decide to take a train or bus out of the city to see some of Dublin's charming coastal villages and seaside suburbs, like Howth and Dalkey. Splendid ocean views, excellent seafood and lovely streetscapes await you. This evening head out for an evening to dine on Irish specialities and take in a lively show at Taylors Three Rock Pub. (B, D)
3 Blarney Castle | Kinsale Pick up your Hertz renal car and travel to Blarney Castle, climb the winding staircase to kiss the famous stone and see if the legend is true - will it give you the gift of eloquence. Stroll the acres the gardens and parklands. Drive on to Kinsale, a picturesque old fishing town now known for art galleries and gourmet food. Explore its historic streets, once besieged by the Spanish Armada, before dinner in your hotel. (B, D)
4 Killarney | Dingle Savor your morning in Kinsale, strolling along the scenic harbor or shopping in the bookshops and art galleries. Drive on to Killarney, perhaps you will choose to travel via scenic West Cork route and experience the beautiful Healy Pass. Arrive in the bustling and friendly town of Killarney to enjoy and explore. You might choose to visit Moriarty's in the Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Continue on to the charming town of Dingle, where you will dine at your hotel. (B, D)
5 Slea Head | Blasket Centre| Dingle Set out on the Slea Head Loop one of Ireland's most beautiful drives, through scenic ocean and mountain vistas. Visit the Blasket Centre in Dunquin to learn about the Blasket Islands, visible off the coast. Abandoned in 1954, they were once a lively outpost of traditional culture and language. Return to Dingle and take the rest of the day to wander and dine as you wish in this quant harbor village. You might visit Murphy's Ice Cream, known for their distinctive flavors like Orange Marmadade, Brown Bread and Dingle Gin. (B)
6 Foynes Flying Museum | Cliffs of Moher | Medieval Castle Banquet Visit the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum, which reveals the pivotal role a small Irish village played in the early days of transatlantic air travel. Drive to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Walk along the cliff path for wonderous views of the ocean and the miles of cliffs. Enjoy an evening at a medieval-style banquet in an authentic Irish castle. (B, D)
7 Tour Ends in Shannon Your tour ends after breakfast. Drive to Shannon Airport and return your rental car. (B)