Ireland Vacation Package – 6 Day Self Drive
6 Day Self Drive Overview
A week long holiday is exactly what you need to unwind and there is no better place to do that than the south of Ireland. The trip starts in Cork which is easily accessible from several airports in the United States and features some of the most scenic sights in Ireland.
Arrive in Cork and walk into what is possibly the most Irish city Ireland has to offer. Pick up your car on arrival and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. The first stop is into the city’s famous English Market to replenish after your flight. The market has been serving the people of Cork since 1788 and is steeped in history. You’ll get a blast of Irish cuisine and a real taste for what you’ll experience over the coming days. Next is some sightseeing, you’ll make your way out of cork City and towards Blarney to visit the infamous Blarney Stone. It’s a short 20 minute drive and on the way to your hotel for the night. There is plenty to see and do at Blarney with not only the castle to see but many walks through gardens and lakes that will allow you to lose yourself in the magical essence of Ireland. After this you’ll make your way to the hotel which is just over an hours drive away.
The following morning you’ll get up, have breakfast and start making your way towards Galway. The Galway leg of your trip is focused on Connemara, drive time is roughly 3 hours but this will include quiet a few photo stops along the way. Your first stop will be to the world famous Kylemore Abbey right in the heart of Connemara, originally a castle, Kylemore Abbey is now home to a community of nuns who maintain the magnificent estate. Truly breathtaking scenery and tranquility can be found here and for years to come you’ll reminisce about its peacefulness. From here you’ll be ready for some lunch, a local town known as Clifden is an ideal spot for a bite to eat. After a ramble around the town and perhaps a visit to the local museum your next stop will be to soak up some of Ireland’s Celtic history. Connemara heritage and history center features a Crannóg showing you how people would have lived during Celtic Ireland as well as a traditional Irish cottage. Following this you’ll make your way to your accommodation for the night and if you have the energy a gentle stroll along one of the many golden sand beaches Galway has to offer. On day three following your breakfast you can start your day with a short walk through Connemara’s national park where you’ll once again have copious amounts of photo opportunities and stunning views. Following this you’ll make your way back to Galway city but through a different route to make sure you’ve covered every last inch of Connemara. You’ll arrive in Galway City just before lunch with enough time to off load your bags to the hotel and check in. Following this you’ll have plenty of time to wander the streets of Galway, visit museums and experience the local cuisine and bars located on shop street. Galway is known for its great music and friendly people and you’ll have a chance to talk to some of the characters spinning yards in the pub.
Day 4 will see you make your way for the infamous Cliffs of Moher. The estimated drive is 2 hours but you will undoubtedly stop more than once to get pictures of the Burren, a Karst limestone landscape. You’ll make your way to Doolin where you’ll be able to grab a bite to eat before visiting the cliffs. Doolin is a small town and is also home to a busy harbour with lots of tourists visiting the Aran Islands and the cliffs. Following your lunch you’ll make your way to the top of the cliffs where you’ll be able to walk along the edge and peer over the stunning 400 ft high vertical cliff walls. There are many walks here for you to take in the scenery and spend as long as you want here. Following this you’ll make your way to your accommodation for the night.
An early start is needed the next morning as you’ll be getting a ferry to Kerry. The Tarbert to Killimer ferry is a nostalgic part of your journey and often dolphins can be seen playing at the bow of the ferry during a crossing. You’ll make your way on to Killarney where you’ll have something to eat reenergising yourself for Torc waterfall and the lakes of Killarney. Torc waterfall is a spectacular 50 ft high waterfall that takes you into the mystical woodlands of Killarney national park while a boat trip or horse drawn cart to Dinis Cottage will forever stay in your memory. Following this epic day you’ll travel back to your accommodation and get ready for one last day of memory making in Ireland. On your sixth day you’ll make your way around the world renowned Ring of Kerry to take in some final sights. You’ll have an early start to squeeze in as much as possible. First to tick off, Dunquin pier, a frightly steep peer thats world renowned through photos emphasising its steep windy slipway. You’ll make your way down to the pier where you’ll catch a boat to the Blasket islands and get to roam through an abandoned fishing village. The Island is uninhabited today but a colony of seals patrol the water so keep your eyes peeled. From here you’ll make your way back and continue along the road where you’ll have many more photogenic opportunities such as Slea head or the beehive huts. Finally you’ll make your way to Dingle where you’ll grab a late lunch and have some time to ramble the streets of Dingle before going to some of the local breweries. Following this you’ll make you way up the Conor Pass, an unforgettable scenic road taking you through the mountains taking you back to your hotel.
The next morning you’ll wake and travel back to Cork Airport, approxiamately 2 hour drive.